Very intriguing

Rating: 10/10 (29 September 2011)

The key to this movie's success is on the proverbial simplicity. More than a terror film, it is more of a drama, a sad and devastating story that can impress. The terror is masterfully used here, not only because it really frightens when it's meant to but also because the terror is genuine, avoiding the use of cheap terror and sophisticated digital tricks.
There have been comparisons with "The Changeling" (1980) and "Poltergeist" (1982). This and "The Changeling" have slight similarities in details, but nothing major. As for "Poltergeist", frankly I don't see much where to compare them. Yes, they are both about ghosts, but I can't say they are similar just because they have ghosts.
"El Orfanato" is a great movie on its own. It is clearly one of the best movies of the year 2007 and one of the best from the 2000-2009 decade. Considering that this generation brought some but very few really good movies, I highly doubt the current decade will bring many worthy films, although we can always give the benefit of doubt.
I got to know that Hollywood plans to remake this valuable Spanish piece of cinema. Can't say that I'm surprised. Hollywood stubbornly insists on remaking films. Stealing the others's works must give them pleasure, so that they can claim it as their own when we who know the truth know what the truth is.
This should definitely be on Top 250.