Like "The Others", but better

Rating: 7/10 (6 May 2012)

I don't make a habit of learning too much about a movie before I watch it, so I really wasn't sure what kind of movie to expect of The Orphanage. My best guess would probably have been your average creepy child movie, akin to Orphan or The Children. What I got was one of the most bittersweet movies I've ever seen.
Yes, it has its creepy elements, and a few jump scenes to keep the mood intact. However, if you're not a fan of scary movies, sit tight anyways. The movie does drag a little during the middle (as most movies do), but it never becomes truly uninteresting. The plot shares many common elements with The Others, but The Orphanage not only presents a much better cast of characters, but also includes, in my opinion, a far more satisfying and unpredictable result. I rarely cry during movies, but in the last ten or so minutes of this one, I was near sobbing. I usually like to think I'm good at guessing twist endings before they're revealed, but I didn't see this one coming. And I certainly didn't expect such an emotional, heartwarming, and heartbreaking ending to what, at first glance, seemed like a Poltergeist-like ghost story.
So, in summary, if you're looking for a horror movie, look elsewhere (may I suggest Shutter Island for a fairly similar, but more horrifying film?). If you're looking for a ghost story, go ahead, but prepare some tissues. If you're looking for an emotional masterpiece, watch it, but bring a few blankets to hide under. Overall, don't miss this movie. Just don't.