Excellent for the genera, Truly the best Ghost Story of 2007

Rating: 8/10 (2 March 2008)

This is the best Horror film of the year. I use the term Horror to encompass a broad range of films including supernatural to gore. The reality is that this film is a ghost story. Possibly the best ghost story I have ever seen. I feel this way because the lead characters makes real choices. They are very well developed people and you can understand their motivations, their desires, their fears, and their purpose; and this is rare in any genera nd almost unheard of in horror; in my opinion.
The depth of development for the character of Laura is phenomenal. Her emotions can truly be felt by the viewer and her obsessions, which to the casual observer might seem mad, are understood in a way that only great film makers and actors, can achieve. The viewer is made to want what she wants. You do not become a casual observer to her plight as much as you become a willing participant. And it breaks you apart, not with terror, but sadness;unavoidable anguish and hurt.
The cinematography is excellent. The scope of the shots, the color saturation, the picturesque landscape of the villa, really gives the eyes a feast. There are no weak performances from any cast member, everyone is exactly whom you believe them to be.
My only problems with the film have to do with the lack of decent back story. There is no explanation of how Laura was brought up, very little explanation of why she has had this desire to reopen the Orphanage, and very little to say of why she and her husband decided to adopt. I would like to have seen more explanation for the events that led then back to the orphanage. That and the creepy social worker woman who seems almost creepy for creepys sake. And she was creepy.
Enjoy the film.