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The Orphanage [2007] | ![The Orphanage [2007]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fu7lvsG4L._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Actors: Belen Rueda, Geraldine Chaplin, Fernando Cayo
Studio: Optimum Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: £19.99
Buy New: £7.99
You Save: £12.00 (60%)
New (23) Used (4) Collectible (1) from £7.99
Rating:  37 reviews
Sales Rank: 377
Format: Pal
Languages: English (Subtitled), Spanish (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region: 2
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 102 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5055201803207
ASIN: B0019GJ3WU
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: July 21, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Backed by Guillermo del Toro and yet made by a surprisingly inexperienced group of film makers (especially considering the end result), The Orphanage is a chilling, tense supernatural thriller that could certainly teach more established directors a thing or two about how to send shivers down the spine. It tells the story of a woman, Laura, returning to the orphanage where she was raised as a child. Her plans are to look after sick children there, but it doesn't take long for things to go awry. Without giving too much away, visions from her past and a threat to her own family are the starting points for a complex and quite haunting thriller, that stays in the mind long after the credits have rolled. A film that works on more than one level, The Orphanage really is some piece of work. Juan Antonia Bayona, behind the camera, generates an incredibly atmospheric mood that underpins the film, and wisely takes time to put pieces in place. He's aided by a terrific cast, and an unsettling screenplay that layers in an uneasy horror that's as anti-Hollywood as it comes. The result of all of this is one of the scariest films of recent times, and yet something that still manages to be that little bit more, that sticks in your mind for some time afterwards. Make no mistake, The Orphanage really is something different, and all the better for it. --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews: Read 32 more reviews...
 Excellent Thriller from the Spanish Team October 8, 2008
Jenny J.J.I. (That Lives in Northern Nevada)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Orphanage, does bring sophistication in ghost stories which is rarely heard of, but Guillermo Del Toro manages to pull it off time and time again, and somehow he even managed to inject his magic into this one, which he only produced - as this very much plays out like one of his own films. Not to discredit Mr. Bayona, though, for he has done a fine job. This is a dark, powerful, and moving masterpiece that both adheres to convention and brings some new, more artistic elements to the table in the direction and storytelling.
There was nothing about this film I didn't like. The acting, the thrills, the cinematography, the story, and the atmosphere. Everything was not short of sheer brilliance. The chilling moments freaked me out a couple of times, which I'm glad they did. That was what I wanted out of this film, but I was offered so much in return. Since I knew Guillermo Del Toro was involved with this project, I had a feeling it would be good. I just didn't think it would be THIS good. It was also very heart-warming, which was something I did not expect.
The acting is great, Belen Rueda as Laura is magnificent. Fernando Cayo as the husband Carlos is also good; he looks like a Spanish version of Josh Lucas. The kids do a decent job. And seeing Geraldine Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin's daughter) was a surprise, and she delivered an excellent performance as the 'seeing' medium. The bond that Laura, Simon, and Carlos shared is very sensitive and is carried out well throughout the movie.
This is definitely one of those horror films you should see more than once. The horror films you see nowadays are weak, not scary, and most of all; not worth your time. This one is WORTH the time. Believe me, his film has absolutely everything you need to know on how to make a well-executed ghost story and more.
the twist is worth the watch September 12, 2008
Ms. A. L. Campbell (Hampshire)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'd heard the name going round at work, but when i woke up one morning & heard the local dj on the radio discussing this film, i knew it was time to give it a go. I read reviews which laid it out to be terrifying, so i approached it with an open mind. It is chilling, & there's a few clues early on that make you think you've guessed the twist. You haven't. And when it's revealed it makes your jaw drop to the floor. And then you'll sit there thinking about it. This film is brilliant, the subtitles are not a hindrance. Watch it!!
 Not "this years Pan's Labyrinth" September 5, 2008
Markus Gossas (Stockholm, Sweden)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This movie is unfortunately not "this years Pan's Labyrinth", as it says on the cover of the DVD (R1). Pan's Labyrinth is superior in every way. In fact, talking about horror films by spanish directors, I also think The Others is a better movie. But The Orphanage is not a bad move. It is skillfully filmed and easily evokes horror by small means (there is very little blood and gore in this film). It contains suspense, horror and some tragedy. But I also find it flawed. The characters are one-dimensional and the use of music is too much. This is a suspenseful entertainment, but not a film I will have to re-watch. 3.5 stars.
Another masterpeice September 5, 2008
Mr. A. Joul (bradford uk)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Only a few scarey moments in this film but Guillermo del toro films tend to be more about story telling for me. If you like fables/great stories told by a master of film making then look no further! buy this (his films the way they are shot and told seem to get better and better), if your looking for true horror then look elsewhere.
 brilliant story September 5, 2008
Ms. J. Lee (London)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I saw this last night and I was very impressed it. I think it uses the idea of 'unreliable narrator' very well as, right up until the final climax, you are left wondering if this is a story about ghosts or a delusional breakdown and simple case of children's games. In this way, it reminded me of Pan's Labyrinth.
I thought the acting was good, especially 'Laura.' I particularly enjoyed the fact that, unlike Hollywood schlock, the child actor was believable and, well, childlike. I would have to say, as other reviewers have said, that it doesn't fit neatly into the 'horror' genre in the way that 'Turn of the Screw' by Henry James doesn't fit neatly into literary 'horror.' It simply works on more levels than straight horror.
I would recommend this film highly.
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