Amazing

Rating: 7/10 (27 July 2007)

I was very involved in this movie. It has a dark enchantment about it.
Excellent acting all around, and the atmosphere of the movie really works. The effects were good, not distracting as they sometimes can be.
I think it conveys a sense of the difficulty of being in Spain in that period without being didactic about a complicated history.
The housekeeper, beautifully played by the actress from "Y Tu Mama Tambien" is just great. She is an excellent counterpoint to the character of the girl's mother, who is desperate to be pliant to retain the protection of her new husband, the sadistic captain. They are an interesting look at different ways for the "powerless" to respond to a terrible situation.