The Devil's Backbone (2001)

"The Devil's Backbone" is an earlier film made by Guillermo del Toro, who's fast becoming one of my favorite directors after "Pan's Labyrinth" and the kick-butt "Hellboy" films. In this 2001 release, he tells the story of an orphanage in 1930s Spain, ripped apart by civil war. Children, magic and war -- it's a theme.

The orphanage is stuck in the middle of the carnage, and in the middle of the orphanage is a vertical unexploded bomb -- smashed into the ground years before. The bomb is dormant, and the orphanage itself seems to be barely functioning. Into this world, young Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is dropped. His father is dead, and no mention is made of his mother. He' an average child -- he likes toys, comic books and marbles -- but here, there's little room for childish play. He's bullied by Jaime (Inigo Garces), an older boy, and then visited by a mysterious, creepy-as-hell child ghost that seems to be falling apart.

There's much more in this ghost/war story, but to reveal too much would spoil surprises. What can be said is del Toro captures the horrors of children forced to grow up too soon with vivid detail, especially those who are lost and looking for a parent/guardian. Not as deep or fantastical as "Pan," this film nonetheless has a lot going for it, including the softening of Jaime and the beautifully realized and haunted adults. I don't know where del Toro finds his child actors, but Hollywood should start dipping into his pool.

It's foretold early that these children quickly will become men, and will have to fight and take control of their lives to survive. The darkness visited on these children, and likewise the girl in "Pan," certainly would never be found in an American film. "The Devil's Backbone" is that rare magical combo of heart-breaking and uplifting. The title's meaning is explained in a scene creepy, sad and hilarious. A