Movie Reviews for The Orphanage

The Orphanage

The Orphanage List Price: $5.97
Our Price: $2.81
You Save: $3.16 (53%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $1.21 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases


(Click here)
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada

Movie Reviews of The Orphanage

Movie Review: Amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars

Why is it that Spanish people make the best horror films? They just do! This, THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE, and THE OTHERS are some of my favorite horror films. They have the knack for tapping into my deepest paranoias and fears, and I love them for that. I've always enjoyed a good ghost story - "good" being the operative word. You don't find many good ghost stories lately. There is most definitely a drought, and so finding a film like THE ORPHANAGE is like finding a needle in a haystack - forgive the cliche. It is terrifying, it is beautiful, and it is heartbreaking. The performances, the direction, the writing, the score, and the SOUND MIX are all top notch and totally effective. I do not wish to go into the story or plot for fear that I may give something away, all that I know is that you should stop what you are doing and rent this, if you are in the mood for a chill. You will not be let down, trust me. You may even get emotional by the end of this film. It's rare to find a film that can scare the piss out of you and make you cry at the same time.

RENT IT, BUY IT, whatever, just as long as you SEE IT!

Movie Review: Subtle, well-made horror
Summary: 5 Stars

It's hard to combine beauty and horror into one of a kind breathtaking result. M. Night does it. Del Toro does it (who produced The Orphanage). This film does it. It starts formulaic enough - an old house, a child who seems to be seeing dead people, and no doubt a secret underneath it all that needs unraveling in order for the good to prevail and the evil to be defeated. But don't let the beginning fool you. It isn't long before the movie takes an unexpected turn, and continues to twist and turn and surprise you all the way till the end. The ending will likely both horrify and sadden you, while at the same time warming your heart in a strange and subtle way. Not a single wasted frame here, which is rare for a movie this genre. There are few true scares here; the horror is subtle and atmospheric. Even if you don't like horror, you should give this a chance. I can't see how anyone would give this movie less than 3 stars ( and all those ignorant people rating it one star just because it's subtitled don't really count).

Movie Review: WOW , GOT CHILLS IN MY BONES WATCHING THIS FLICK TILL END!!
Summary: 5 Stars

This movie is a must see and one of the best. The film had a lot of twists toward the end but kept me interested. The film uses an unfolding mystery and atmosphere to create fear. The feel of this movie is dark and foreboding throughout the film. Simple things made this movie: the desolate seaside location...the cliffs...a burlap mask... The house itself is creepy with dark corners. Dripping water, creaking floorboards added to the ominous feel of the movie. Only one scene involved gore - and the entire theater gasped when it happened. Rueda is wonderful as the tormented mother Laura. She carries this film to the end with palpable desperation. She appeared thin, and was not made up with hair and makeup which created more belief in her character. Hollywood actresses could take notes on her believability and strong performance.TOP NOTCH scrip/chills & acting MUST SEE!!! This movie has the feel the "The Others" and has an "M. Night" twist towards the end.

Movie Review: A gorgeous film
Summary: 5 Stars

I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but it's true. I love and miss the way M. Night Shyamalan used to make movies. His recent outings haven't been as terrible as their reviews might lead one to expect, but it is obvious that they lack the intelligence and emotional resonance of works like Unbreakable, The 6th Sense, and Signs. The reason I mention this is that The Orphanage reminded me powerfully of what I used to love so much in his films. It is an incredible blend of intensely terrifying moments (it's not a very scary film overall, but it does have some of the very most suspenseful scenes I've ever seen) and intensely emotional scenes. It is exceptionally well written and acted, with an especially standout performance from Belén Rueda. It is beautifully filmed, and has Guillermo Del Toro's wonderfully creative fingerprints all over it. And above all, it is an amazing story, and a must-see ESPECIALLY for people who don't like horror films.

Movie Review: An Excellent Movie - One of My Favorites
Summary: 5 Stars

I've seen several movies Guillermo Del Toro was involved in (Pan's Labyrinth, Devil's Backbone, Hell Boy) but this is my favorite. This is also one of my favorite all-time movies. Although it is marketed as a horror movie it is not. I would even hesitate to call it a ghost story, but there are ghosts in it. It definately fits into a particular standard genre of movie however if I were to tell you which one it might spoil the tale! (I'm so torn - I want to share but the movie is too excellent to risk the hint!)

This movie has alot of great features - a great plot, good acting, a spooky setting, interesting characters, strange occurances, and a powerful conclusion. This movie will linger long in your soul. And again, don't be misled by the marketing - I would not call this a frightening movie. It may make you jump a couple times, but it is best described simply as a top-notch suspense film or "xxxxxx-xxxxxxx".
More Movie Reviews:
First Review 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Compare prices and read customer reviews for more than one million DVD titles.
Oscar 2005 Winners