The Orphanage

Wow. That is all I can say. This is the best scary movie since 2001's THE OTHERS. The wave of foreign film seems to still be pouring in and thanks to Guillermo Del Toro's success with Pan's Labyrinth last year (Who also presents and produces this film) , this movie may just have the chance to cross-over as well. I truly was touched by this film and terrified at the same time and I just cannot remember the last time that happend. I'm not afraid to admit that I shed one big tear at the end.
Belen Rueda gives a spectacular performance as Laura, a 37 yr. old woman who returns to the home of her childhood that was actually an orphanage. Herself, with her son and husband, decide to re-open the orphanage as a special home for handicapped children. But on the day of the arrival, intense drama erupts when her son finds out a dark secret and goes missing. From then on and without giving too much away, a game of cat and mouse between Laura and the ghosts explode into a race against time for Laura to find her son.
At times you may find trouble with a plot hole or something not matching up chronologically but by the end you realize that it actually IS working and the director is giving enough to tie it all together but still leave so much open to your interpretation.
I know so many people my age are still so hesitant to see foreign film. HOW DARE YOU READ FOR TWO HOURS? Lol...well believe it or not they are some of the best and most original and beautiful movies! After fifteen minutes you can't even tell your reading. This movie haunted me, truly I had nightmares and I'm still thinking about it. The ending will leave you breathless, the scares will make you leap 5 ft. out of your seat. SEE.IT.NOW. Because after a pretty blah year, this just might be the one to make it to the top of my Top 10.