Check Out the Trailer
Set in Spain during the revolution, the story takes place at an orphanage in a desert area whether leftists bring their children to keep them save. However, some of the children have lost their parents yet do not know. Carlos (Fernando Tielve, THE SHANGHAI SPELL) is brought to orphanage and does not know that his father is dead.
The orphanage is run by the passive doctor Casares (Federico Luppi, MEN WITH GUNS) and the crippled teacher Carmen (Marisa Paredes, TALK TO HER). Carlos quickly learns the ropes of the place from the students, especially Jamie (Inigo Garces, MY FIRST NIGHT), who we know is involved in the death of Santi (Junio Valverde, HIDDEN HANDS), who is now a ghost who haunts the school. But more frightening than the ghost is Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega, OPEN YOUR EYES), a former student at the orphanage who has become the janitor. He is set to marry the beautiful maid Conchita (Irene Visedo, APRIL AND JULES), but sleeps with Carmen in an effort to steal the gold that is hidden in the school for the rebels.
For history buffs, the characters will take on extra meaning as metaphors. The impotent doctor of the older generation, Jacinto – seduces the young, but takes the gold of the old, and Carlos represents the future. However, the film makes the right choice of fleshing out these characters and making than real, not just place holders for a message.
For a ghost story, the film isn't scary in the "Hollywood" sense of the word. What I mean is that nothing jumps out at ya. Director Guillermo del Toro (HELLBOY) creates a moody atmosphere and understands what makes ghosts interesting. They are souls trapped on Earth because of unfinished business. The film is engaging and well told.
My only complaint is that the end seemed obvious and didn't find a way to surprise me. But that is a minor complaint. By the time you realize what is going to happen, you're rooting for it. That was enough to keep me interested. This is a haunting film that is smart and entertaining.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
