The orphanage movie review
The orphanage movie credits:
Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Written by: Sergio G. Sanchez
Cast:
Belen Rueda (Laura)
Fernando Cayo (Carlos)
Roger Princep (Simon)
Release date: 2007
Spoiler alert: some crucial elements of the movie are commented in the following review. Be warned!
My bloody rating:
The orphanage movie review:
Back in the former orphanage where she was raised, Laura is now living with her husband and her adopted son called Simon. Her goal is simple: reopen this orphanage once again in order to help handicapped children.
Being a lonely child, Simon is a creative and imaginative little kid who claims to have the ability to see (and play with) mysterious friends. Laura even suspect her son to be able to see the kids she went to the orphanage with when she was a kid herself.
During the opening party, Simon disappears and the poor mother doesn't have any clue where this one went for several months. However, this mother will go beyond her own sanity in order to find the mystery behind her son's disappearance.
"The Orphanage" is without a doubt a very beautiful and strong story about a vibrant mother/son relationship. Belen Rueda is giving a very touching performance as Laura, a mother ready to do anything (really anything!) to find the answers to her questions.
The script is simple, brilliant and well-balanced. Don't expect a movie with plenty of chills or gore scenes. "The Orphanage" is a slow pace movie with a good plot and a powerful ending.
It's one of the most plausible and disturbing ending a movie involving ghosts and spirits could have. No supernatural excuses nor a ridiculous open ending. It feels genuine and true! The photography is also very beautiful to look at. The movie is warm and well-rendered.
Of course, the movie isn't perfect! It takes a little time to get there and some scenes could've been a little bit more frightening, but overall, the goal is still achieved pretty well!
Guillermo del Toro is behind this great film (as a producer), but full credit should also go to the director Juan Antonio Bayona for bringing this great script to the big screen so effectively!
The perfect thriller movie that handles cinematic language beautifully backed by a script that is genuine and engaging.
The orphanage movie review written by: Martin Berube
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