Del Toro's best film and a wonderful companion piece to Pan's Labyrinth, both in terms of motifs and themes and a rather depressing narrative connection concerning the fates of two central characters from this film. As a film in it's own right, this combines elements of a Gothic ghost story and coming of age drama set during the Spanish Civil War. The opening prologue questioning what a ghost is indicates from the beginning that this is not simply out to scare people and del Toro subverts expectations from the initial setup as the story takes unexpected turns, pulls no punches in showing where the true horror lies and develops each character in interesting ways during the story. The film is beautifully shot and designed with the cool atmospheric and creepy night time scenes contrasting with the warm yet harsh arid daytime moments. All the performances are great, but in particular the young Fernando Tielve as the central protagonist portraying a quiet resolve and bravery despite his fears.

A really atmospheric fantasy horror. It's not a typical ghost story. Guillermo del Toro does a good job with the story and pacing.

Image 3.75 / 4.25 5 Sound / 5 very stylish Guillermo del Toro, Eduardo Noriega restless than the bomb

Carlos has to go to the orphanage because his dad dies in war. Soon after his arrival he meets the ghost of another orphan who died recently. More drama than horror but some nice pictures, decent acting and interesting way to tackle at the subject "ghost story".

Not scary in the traditional sense, but the themes and deeper layers are chilling. It’s very unconventional and unpredictable, there isn’t a moment where I knew where it was going. I also have to give major props to the young cast, these are some of the best child performances I’ve ever seen. All the characters are very well fleshed out, cinematography is amazing, the practical effects look great. My only problem is that the janitor character can feel a little cartoony and probably needed a stronger motivation, especially when you consider how much nuance is given to all the other characters.

8/10

Guillermo del Toro is right when it came to Hollywood's portrayal of kids in movies with "children as happy, brainless creatures that spout one-liners." The same goes to the tired praise of "the accurate portrayal" of kids who swear and make crude banter, because "omg that's what kids totally do and say".

However, what I feel is missing from a lot of these movies is just how vulnerable and how unsafe it is to be a child. Where the chances of experiencing trauma and being ignored lies in certainty.

And I think del Toro captured that effectively.

The original title of the film is El espinazo del diablo.