Mimic- A 1997 Film Directed by Guillermo del Toro- Starring Maria Sorvino, Jeremy Northam, Josh Brolin, and F. Murray Abraham

 Films Directed by Guillermo del Toro I have seen so far 

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Shape of Water (2017) - This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pinnochio (2022)

Hellboy (2004)

Hellboy Two (2008)

"Mimic'' is a loyal occupant of its genre. But Del Toro is a director with a genuine visual sense, with a way of drawing us into his story and evoking the mood with the very look and texture of his shots. He takes the standard ingredients and presents them so effectively that "Mimic'' makes the old seem new" Roger Ebert 

In a decaying New York City plagued by a deadly disease spread by cockroaches, Dr. Susan Tyler and Dr. Peter Mann create a genetically engineered insect to eliminate the roaches. Their solution, however, has unforeseen consequences. Three years later, the engineered creatures, now sentient and monstrous, have evolved and lurk in the abandoned underground tunnels, mimicking human form to survive. Dr. Tyler, now a single mother, must face the horrifying consequences of her creation as she fights to protect her child and stop the creatures.

The film received mixed reviews upon release but has gained a cult following over the years.

It showcases del Toro's signature blend of gothic imagery, biological horror, and social commentary.

While the film features creatures inspired by insects, they are not simply giant cockroaches but rather grotesque hybrids designed to be terrifying and thought-provoking.

Pacific Rim is a 2013 American science fiction monster film directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, and Ron Perlman.

 

Pacific Rim is a 2013 American science fiction monster film directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, and Ron Perlman.

Films Directed by Guillermo del Toro I have seen

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Shape of Water (2017) - This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pinnochio (2022) 

Hellboy (2004)

Hellboy II - The Golden Army- 2008

Cronus -1993

Pacific Rim is set in a future where Earth is at war with monstrous creatures called Kaiju, which emerge from an interdimensional portal at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. To combat the Kaiju, humanity has developed giant robots called Jaegers, which are controlled by two pilots who are linked together mentally. However, even the Jaegers are not enough to stop the Kaiju, and humanity is on the verge of defeat. Mankind's last hope lies with a washed-up ex-pilot named Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee named Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), who must team up to pilot an old, obsolete Jaeger called Gipsy Danger. 

Pacific Rim received positive reviews from critics, who praised its visuals, action sequences, and performances. The film was nominated for three Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film.

 Pacific Rim was a box office success, grossing over $411 million worldwide.

 Pacific Rim has become a cult classic, and is considered one of the best science fiction films of the 2010s. The film has spawned a sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018), and an animated television series, Pacific Rim: The Black (2021).

I hope to watch two more films by Guillermo del Toro in February, Mimic and Nightmare Alley

Cronus -Directed by Guillermo del Toro- 1993 - His First Feature Film - 1 Hour 29 minutes

 Cronus -Directed by Guillermo del Toro- 1993 - His First Feature Film - 1 Hour 29 minutes 

The story revolves around Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi), an aging antiques dealer who stumbles upon a curious golden artifact shaped like a scarab. Unwittingly, he awakens an ancient invention promising immortality, but at a horrifying cost. As Jesús regains his youth through a grotesque metamorphosis, he grapples with the device's addictive power and becomes entangled with a mysterious American named Angel (Ron Perlman), who seeks to claim the artifact for himself.

Cronos delves into profound themes, weaving a tapestry of immortality, obsession, and the corruptive nature of power. It compels us to ponder the consequences of defying the natural order and the seductive allure of eternal life, even amidst its monstrous sacrifices.

The film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its masterful storytelling, unsettling atmosphere, and groundbreaking special effects by Rick Baker. It established del Toro as a rising auteur and earned him international recognition

Crimson Peak - Directed by Guillermo del Toro- 2015- Starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, - 1 Hour 59 Minutes

 

Crimson Peak - Directed by Guillermo del Toro- 2015- Starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, - 1 Hour 59 Minutes 

Available on Dailymotion 

Films Directed by Guillermo del Toro I have seen

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Shape of Water (2017) - This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pinnochio (2022) 

Hellboy (2004)

Hellboy II - The Golden Army- 2008

Crimson Peak is a gothic romance film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins. The film stars Mia Wasikowska as Edith Cushing, an aspiring author who is swept off her feet by the charming and mysterious Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). Edith marries Thomas and moves into his crumbling mansion in the English hills, only to discover that the house is haunted by the ghosts of his past wives. As Edith delves deeper into the mystery, she learns that the true monsters in Crimson Peak are not the ghosts, but the living. 

Crimson Peak is a visually stunning film, with rich colors, detailed costumes, and stunning sets. The film has been praised for its atmosphere, performances, and direction. 

Hell Boy II: The Golden Army Directed by Guillermo del Toro. - 2008 - Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair

Hell Boy II: The Golden Army Directed by Guillermo del Toro. - 2008 - Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair 

 Available on Dailymotion and HBO Go 

Films Directed by Guillermo del Toro I have seen

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Shape of Water (2017) - This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pinnochio (2022)

Hellboy (2004)

The plot follows Hellboy as he faces off against Prince Nuada, an elf who wants to reawaken an ancient army of mechanical soldiers called the Golden Army and wipe out humanity. Hellboy, along with his  team of Liz Sherman (his pyrokinetic girlfriend) and Abe Sapien (the fish-man with water manipulation powers), has to stop Nuada before it's too late.

The film is packed with action, stunning visuals, and del Toro's signature dark humor. Perlman is perfect as the gruff yet lovable Hellboy, and the rest of the cast, including Selma Blair, Doug Jones, and John Hurt, is equally fantastic.

 Del Toro creates a rich and believable world where humans and mythical creatures coexist. It's full of fascinating lore and hidden corners, and it's just a joy to explore.

Each character is well-developed and complex, even the villains. You can understand their motivations, even if you don't agree with them.  

The action sequences are very thrilling.The film is full of epic battles, from fistfights to giant monster clashes. They're all well-choreographed and exciting to watch.

 Del Toro's dark humor is perfectly balanced with the film's action and drama. It keeps things light and prevents it from taking itself too seriously.

I will next watch Crimson Peaks

Hellboy- Directed by Guillermo del Toro - 2004- Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair - 2 Hours 1 Minute

 

Hellboy- Directed by Guillermo del Toro - 2004- Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair - 2 Hours 1 Minute 

Available on Dailymotion and HBO Go

Films Directed by Guillermo del Toro I have seen

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Shape of Water (2017) - This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Pinnochio (2022)

Hellboy (2004)

Hellboy is based on the Dark Horse Comics character of the same name. It's a film that blends action, fantasy, and dark humor in a way that's both thrilling and visually stunning. 

Set in the present day, the film follows Hellboy (played by Ron Perlman), a red-skinned demon raised by humans and working for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD).

As Hellboy investigates the reappearance of Rasputin, the mystic who summoned him, he uncovers a plot to bring about the end of the world.

He must team up with his allies, the amphibious Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) and the pyrokinetic Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), to stop the forces of darkness.

Hellboy was the first live-action film based on the Hellboy Comics

Del Toro  is a longtime fan of the comics and had been wanting to make a Hellboy movie for years.

The film is full of Easter eggs and references for fans of the comics, including appearances of familiar characters like Lobster Johnson and Sammael 

The Shape of Water -A 2017 Movie Directed by Guillermo del Toro- Academy Award for Best Picture Two Hours Three Minutes

 Available- with ads - on Amazon Freeve - or for Purchase 

The Shape of Water is the third film directed by Guillermo del Toro I have been privileged to experience. My first was Pan's Labyrinth followed by The Devil’s Backbone.

The Shape of Water is a 2017 romantic fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. It stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Octavia Spencer. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows a mute custodian at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid amphibian creature, and decides to help him escape from death at the hands of an evil colonel.

Elisa Esposito is a mute woman who works as a cleaning lady at a high-security government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. One day, she encounters a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that has been captured by the government. Elisa develops a unique bond with the creature, despite his physical differences from humans. She learns that he is being held captive and scheduled for dissection, and she decides to help him escape.

Elisa enlists the help of her friend Zelda Fuller, a fellow cleaning lady, and her neighbor's friend, Giles, a closeted gay artist. Together, they devise a plan to free the creature and take him to a safe place where he can live in peace.  Elisa lives above a movie theater and their are numerous movie references.  The theater is The Orpheus.  The color green in numerous variations permeates everything.

Meanwhile, Colonel Richard Strickland, a cruel and ambitious government agent, is determined to capture the creature and exploit its unique abilities for his own purposes. He orders Elisa to be transferred to another department, but she refuses to leave the creature alone. Russian agents are after the creature also.

On the night of the creature's escape, Elisa and Zelda break into the laboratory and rescue him. They take him to Giles' apartment, where he is able to recuperate and learn about human culture. Elisa and the creature develop a deep and passionate relationship, despite the challenges they face due to their different backgrounds and species.

Strickland discovers that the creature is missing and orders a manhunt for Elisa and her accomplices. He captures Elisa and threatens to kill her unless she tells him where the creature is hiding. Elisa refuses to betray her friend, and Strickland is forced to release her.

 The film explores the themes of otherness and belonging. Elisa is an outsider in her own world, both because of her muteness and her outsider status. The creature is also an outsider, a being from another world who is captured and held captive by humans. The film suggests that true connection and love can transcend these differences. Zelda is an African American woman in a very racist environment. People assume Elisa is mute because she is stupid.

 At the heart of the film is a story of love and acceptance. Elisa's love for the creature is unconditional, despite his physical differences from humans. The film suggests that love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that it can bring people together despite their differences. The real passion between Elisa and the creature is in stark contrast to the sex between the colonel and his wife.

The film also celebrates resilience and the power of the human spirit. Elisa and her friends face numerous challenges throughout the film, but they never give up hope and they always find a way to overcome their obstacles. The film suggests that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and courage to pursue our 

The Shape of Water was widely praised by critics, who lauded its acting, screenplay, direction, visuals, production design, cinematography, and musical score. The American Film Institute selected it as one of the top ten films of 2017. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. It was also nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

I totally enjoyed The Shape of Water. Sally Hawkins is marvelous.  

The film is rated R 

Mel u

The Devil’s Backbone- A 2001 Movie Directed by Guillermo del Toro

 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.

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 Spanish-Mexican dark fantasy horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Guillermo del Toro.

 

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 Spanish-Mexican dark fantasy horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Guillermo del Toro. The film stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, and Ariadna Gil.

The story takes place in Spain in the summer of 1944, during the early Francoist period, five years after the Spanish Civil War. The narrative intertwines this real world with a mythical world centered on an overgrown, abandoned labyrinth and a mysterious faun creature, with whom the main character, Ofelia, interacts.

Ofelia is a young girl who has been sent to live with her new stepfather, Captain Vidal, a sadistic army officer. Vidal is stationed in a remote area of Spain, where he is tasked with hunting down and killing rebels. Ofelia is fascinated by fairy tales, and she soon discovers a labyrinth in the woods near her new home.

In the labyrinth, Ofelia meets a faun creature who tells her that she is a princess and must complete three tasks in order to return to her true home. The tasks are dangerous and challenging, but Ofelia is determined to succeed.

Meanwhile, Ofelia's mother, Carmen, is pregnant and struggling to cope with Vidal's brutality. Carmen has a secret relationship with one of Vidal's soldiers, and she is planning to escape with Ofelia.

As the film progresses, the two worlds of Ofelia's reality and fantasy become increasingly intertwined. Ofelia must use her courage and determination to survive in both worlds and to find her own way.

Pan's Labyrinth is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of childhood, loss, and resistance. It is a complex and challenging film that has been praised for its originality, its artistry, and its powerful message.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form. It is considered to be one of the greatest fantasy films ever made and one of the best films of the 21st century.

Why is Pan's Labyrinth so popular?

There are many reasons why Pan's Labyrinth is so popular. The film is visually stunning, with its dark and atmospheric cinematography and its intricate and imaginative creature design. The film is also emotionally resonant, with its complex characters and its exploration of difficult themes such as childhood, loss, and resistance.

In addition, Pan's Labyrinth is a truly unique film. It combines elements of fantasy, horror, and drama in a way that has never been done before. The film is also very well-made, with its intelligent script, its strong performances, and its masterful direction.

Overall, Pan's Labyrinth is a masterpiece of cinema. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

I found the ending of stunning beauty.  

It is available on Billbill.com