Review of The Orphanage (2007) by Peter J — 26 Sep 2010
My second viewing, originally having seen it in the theatre during its US run some years back. Hauntingly beautiful, incredibly tense, scary, touching, and ultimately a tragedy of the highest caliber. I've oft told friends that my leg was shaking for the entire length of the film during my first viewing, and this time, despite knowing exactly what happens, I still got chills that made me tremble (in 100+ degree weather nonetheless).
El Orfanto's greatest asset (besides, perhaps the masterful direction and pace) is the incredible cast. Real, visceral performances that elevate the story beyond what could have been disregarded as horror tropes. The script is fantastic, setting up a very real world before veering into the supernatural (and even then the lines are blurred nicely). The locations, the sets, the eerie yet not overdone music, the effects, the scares, the tender moments. Fuck. I CANNOT say enough good things about this film.
My europhilic tendencies might make me biased, and I know there's gotta be something wrong with this film, but y'know what? I ain't gonna waste my time trying to find it. And if you know me at all, you know that's very, very unlike me. Pick this one up tonight!
This review of The Orphanage (2007) was written by Peter J on 26 Sep 2010.
The Orphanage has generally received very positive reviews.
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