The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Orphaned and alone, Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is abandoned by his tutor at a grim gray orphanage, circa 1949. He does not know that his father, a casualty of the Spanish Civil War, is dead, nor does he know the secrets the orphanage holds. Meanwhile, bitter young bully Jaime (Íñigo Garcés) torments him and the spirit of a unforgotten student tries desperately to make contact with him.

   "The Devil's Backbone" is an earlier film by Oscar-winning "Pan's Labyrinth" directer Guillermo del Toro, and is said to be his most personal. The film is bleak and intense and keeps you interested throughout, as well as having strong performances from the cast. That said, it didn't really scare me, but I'm not easily scared.

   Another strength is the development of the characters. Carlos seems initially to be a quiet, sensitive-slash-wimpy youngster, but he is soon revealed to have a big heart and a strong backbone.

Film Review: Pan's Labyrinth

Writer/Director: Guillermo del Toro

Year Released: 2006

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is a bookish, imaginative little girl trapped in a harsh world. She and her pregnant mother have come to live with her new stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López), an officer in Franco's army. The Spanish Civil War recently ended, and Franco's fascist regime is battling tenacious groups of resistants taking refuge in the forest.

You might suspect that being one of Franco's generals is a role that would require a special penchant for brutality. But Captain Vidal goes above and beyond the call of duty.