Available on YouTube
"What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself time and time again? An instance of pain, perhaps. Something dead which still seems to be alive. An emotion suspended in time. Like a blurred photograph. Like an insect trapped in amber." From The Devil 's Backbone
Earlier this month I watched my first film directed by Guillermo del Toro, the amazing Pan's Labyrinth. I was delighted to find on YouTube another one of his films, also set in Spain in the closing days
of the Spanish Civil War, The Devil’s Backbone.
The Devil's Backbone (2001) is a gothic horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set in Spain during the final days of the Spanish Civil War, the film follows Carlos, a young boy who is sent to an orphanage for Republican orphans. Soon after his arrival, Carlos begins to see the ghost of another boy named Santi, who died under mysterious circumstances.
As Carlos investigates Santi's death, he uncovers a number of dark secrets about the orphanage and its staff. He learns that the caretaker, Jacinto, is a brutal man who has been abusing the orphans. He also discovers that the headmistress, Carmen, is hiding a cache of gold that belongs to the Republican government.
As the war draws closer, the orphanage becomes increasingly dangerous. Jacinto becomes more and more unhinged, and the orphans are forced to rely on each other to survive. Carlos also learns that Santi's ghost is not just a figment of his imagination, but a real presence that is trying to communicate with him.
Devil's Backbone is a beautifully made film with a haunting atmosphere. Del Toro's direction is superb, and the performances from the cast are excellent. The film is both a thrilling ghost story and a moving meditation on loss, innocence, and the power of friendship.
The film has been praised for its atmosphere, its characters, and its themes. It was i hopnominated for numerous awards, including three Academy Awards. It is considered to be one of del Toro's best films, and it is a must-see for fans of horror and gothic cinema.
In addition to its horror elements, The Devil's Backbone is also a powerful allegory for the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. The orphanage can be seen as a microcosm of the country at war, with its violence, corruption, and loss of innocence. The film also explores the idea of ghosts as symbols of the past that refuse to be forgotten
I hope to soon watch his Academy Award winning The Shape of Water.
2 comments:
Wow, I was going to mention this one when I spoke of Shape of Water, but I feared this one might be a little too heavy on the horror for your taste, but I'm pleased to know you've enjoyed it. I really loved it and it was the film that set me to watching everything he does because there were so many (unexpectedly) touching aspects to it.
Buried in Print- I did some research on Guillermo del Toro- at age 23 he wrote a 526 page book on Alfred Hitchcock- he is very much into the traditions of Mexican cinema. As in the Philippines, his beliefs blend Catholic ideas with pre-Columbian traditions.
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