The Devil's Backbone on Blu-ray & DVD (2001)

The Devil's Backbone details

Formats:	15 DVD, 18 Blu-ray
Starring:	Marisa Paredes, Eduardo Noriega, Frederico Luppi, Inigo Garces
Director:	Guillermo del Toro
Genres:	Horror, Thriller, World Cinema - Korean
Studio:	ELEVATION
Collections:	FILMCLUB Recommends...

Name	Discs
The Devil's Backbone	15 Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 43 minutes
Rental release:	25 Mar 2002
Main languages:	Spanish
Subtitles:	English

Name	Discs
The Devil's Backbone	18 Feature

Blu-ray Information

Run time:	1 hour 43 minutes
Rental release:	25 Oct 2010
Main languages:	Spanish
Subtitles:	English

Write your own review

Most helpful review The Devil's Backbone

Gorgeous and memorable

By Grimmy (31 reviews) from Up North , 11 Jul 2007

[Highly rated reviewer]

Beautifuly shot and composed, with many filmic references (from The Searchers to The Shining), a very talented cast, unobtrusive but effective special effects; this is a ghost story, not a 'horror-flick'. There is minimal gore, though the finale is explosive and graphically violent. Suspense, unease and tension build slowly but surely and there are a number of scary encounters or near encounters along the way. The real 'horror' is in the actions, motivation and choices of the living. The sense of place and time is palpable (Spain, summer, the Civil War, the impovrished and isolated orphanage, the cool of the night and the dank creepy shadows of the cellar). This is simply a top-quality film that transcends genres.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (59) Yes |
- No (5)
Report this review

All reviews

(217)

Sort by:

No tension, nor a compelling story

By MrBuffy (3 reviews) , 05 May 2013

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide

In recent years there have been a slew of ghost/supernatural films in which the ghost is in some way 'good', or there is redemption at the end (think The Awakening, The Orphanage, The Others, the new Woman in Black). This completely takes the bite out of the supernatural, and deflates the tension required to make a ghost story exciting. In this film, the ghost and its backstory are revealed almost immediately, leaving no mystery or interest. The rest of the story and characters are overly familiar. I found myself quite bored. Yes, its filmed nicely, as Spanish films always are these days, but I'd prefer a decent plot and some excitement filmed on a mobile phone. And most importantly of all: Ghosts Should Be Scary!!!
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review
Deep and meaningful

By SussexWelsh (1 review) , 03 Feb 2013

Absolutely incredible film. Atmospheric photography, wonderful setting. Far more going on than meets the eye. One of the best we've seen. Watch and appreciate.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review
One of the best thriller/horror films ever

By paddyh (20 reviews) , 19 Jan 2013

fantastic psycological thriller/horror film set during the spanish cvil war. We forgot it was in spanish! Keep you cusion handy.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review
Another brilliant one from Del Toro

By cheesekake (1312 reviews) from uk , 08 Oct 2012

if you like this one you'll love Pan's Labyrinth too.

This film has Del Toro's supreme quality in directing, with brilliant story and just all round enthralling film.

defo worth watching
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (0) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review
great story

By a customer , 02 Jun 2012

i thought this film was very good for little kids the acting was really good for them, maybe they could teach the adults in this film how to act.
- Was this review helpful to you?
- (1) Yes |
- No (0)
Report this review