Sep
15
Back of fag box film review – The Orphanage
By
Saw this over the weekend.
Story of a family starting a new life in a house that was once an orphanage. Laura and Fernando are loving parents whose young Simon goes missing during a party. Previous to his disappearance, Simon was a worry to his parents due to his imaginary friends. This led Laura to believe he had been kidnapped but maybe supernatural forces are to blame? The film tagline is – “A tale of love, a story of horror”. Its not a bad description for a truly spine tingling and tense Spanish language chiller which is ultimately more about grief and love than horror. The final scenes were heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.
My film of the year. 6 out of 5….
5 Comments
September 15th, 2008 at 11:11 am
It’s a really good film, but I felt that the final scenes were a total cop out. To go into it would be to spoil the film, so I’ll just say this: it’s denouement is so ethically skewed and uncharacteristic of the story that it actually offends deeply and gives the wrong message. Which is a pity, because it’s a cracking film up to that point.
September 15th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I got the feeling that’s where it was heading in the end so I didn’t think the same. Still definitely my pick of the year (note, still haven’t seen the dark knight !)
September 15th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
AJ! Shame on you for not seeing it.
I was about to comment on your review (tis a film I haven’t seen) but I shall refuse to until you get thee to a cinema!
September 15th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
It’s one of the few films that spooked me; i spent most of the film digging my nails into my armrest! Not as scary as the Devils Backbone but close!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I know Darragh, worst cinema goer ever
GOE – will check out devils backbone