Review of Cronos (1993) by Al M — 12 Dec 2010
Guillermo del Toro's feature debut is an extraordinarily imaginative horror film which dares to put issues of family before scares, yet still boasts truly scary moments and some very creative gore effects.
Besides being about an ancient bloodthirsty mechanism, the story is about the bonds between young and old and the importance of living one human life and enjoying its limited timespan. Federico Luppi delivers a warm performance as the tortured Jesus Gris, an old man caught between his granddaughter and a ravenous addiction to blood; its a delicate performance and ultimately transcends the usual "troubled new vampire" cliches of similar films.
Also wonderful are the villainous duo of Ron Perlman and Mexican acting legend Claudio Brook, both of whom play their parts with a clever and darkly funny malice. The result is a unique and unusual vampire film which is memorable both as enormous entertainment and as the first in a series of touching horror tales from a great modern visionary.
This review of Cronos (1993) was written by Al M on 12 Dec 2010.
Cronos has generally received positive reviews.
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