Cronos (1993)

"Cronos" is a film that starts out promising, then kills itself dead much to the horror of the viewer. Director Guillermo Del Toro is one of today's most impressive filmmakers, but even he couldn't resuscitate this dud after a certain point.

   Initially, we are given an interesting premise: pleasant, aging antiques dealer Jesus (Frederico Luppi, who would later go on to play in Del Toro's great "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Devil's Backbone") comes upon a a strange discovery hidden within a statue of an angel in his shop.

   This discovery, as it so happens, is a golden scarab tucked away with the hopes, presumably, of never, ever, being found. Meanwhile, loutish thug Angel (Ron Perlman) is looking for the scarab, which in turn, is doing strange things to Jesus. 

   The scarab contains the secret to eternal life, wherein lies the big question: would you like to live forever, regardless of the consequences? To watch history unfold, but to see your children, your grandchildren age and die before your very eyes?

Cronos by Guillermo del Toro

Cronos (1993)  

Written and Directed By: Guillermo del Toro  

Why I Saw It: My daughter bought a Criterion Collection copy, and I am a big fan of del Toro's work (e.g. Pan's Labyrinth, The Devil's Backbone)





Antique store owner Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) and his beloved granddaughter Aurora (Tamara Shanath) make a startling find, a gold insect-like device created in the 16th century. Enclosed inside it is an extraordinary clockwork mechanism and a living creature. He has stumbled upon the chronos device, crafted to give its owner eternal life. But like the monkey's paw, it will inevitably bring unexpected -- even tragic -- results.

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.