The Devil's Backbone

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  • Opened November 21, 2001 
  • 1 hr 46 min
  • R | Language, Violence and Some Sexuality

  • After losing his father, 10-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve) arrives at the Santa Lucia School, which shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians, and is taken in by the steely headmistress, Carmen (Marisa Paredes), and the kindly professor, Casares (Federico Luppi). Soon after his arrival, Carlos has a run-in with the violent caretaker, Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega). Gradually, Carlos uncovers the secrets of the school, including the youthful ghost that wanders the grounds. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Fernando Tielve, Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Federico Luppi
  • Director: Guillermo del Toro
  • Genres: Suspense/Thriller

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Critics say Go
77 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

So-so
Boring ghost story

by richardharper

Watch if you need a nap...

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Critic Reviews

91
Entertainment Weekly
| Lisa Schwarzbaum

del Toro builds excitement, dread, and melodrama in equal layers. Read full review

80
Wall Street Journal
| Joe Morgenstern

It's a horror flick, and a creepily good one, that also functions as an allegory of the war that still haunts Spain seven decades later. Read full review

75
Miami Herald
| Rene Rodriguez

After a leisurely first half, The Devil's Backbone becomes utterly spellbinding, its tension mounting in steady increments, its story taking one dark turn after another, and its bittersweet resolution destined to haunt you long after you've left the theater. Read full review

75
Christian Science Monitor
| David Sterritt

It's imaginatively filmed and builds a sense of brooding emotional power. Read full review

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