Long synopsis : Spain is being torn apart by the Civil War, and the Fascists are getting nearer. The grim orphanage of Santa Lucia stands alone on a desolate plain, its courtyard disfigured by a vast unexploded bomb. A place of decay, desperation and barely restrained dark passions, Santa Lucia is run by a crippled headmistress Carmen (Marisa Paredes) and the mysterious Professor Casares. Twelve year-old newcomer Carlos is met with hostility and violence, both from the hate-filled handyman, Jacinto, and his fellow orphans - led by the tormented Jaime. But for Carlos, the dark hallways and empty cloisters, the dank claustrophobic vaults of Santa Lucia hide far greater terrors.The emaciated ghost of Santi, a young boy brutally murdered on the night the bomb fell, appears to Carlos, at first begging to be set free from his torment, then warning of imminent disaster and imploring Carlos to carry out a terrible vengeance.

Cast

• Fernando Carlos Tielves, Federico Casares Luppi, Marisa Carmen Parades, Eduardo Jacinto Noriega

Crew

• Director(s): Guillermo Del Toro
• Screenplay: Guillermo Del Toro

• Original Title: EL ESPINAZO DEL DIABLO
• Genre(s): Horror, Thriller


• Production company: EL DESEO
• Production date: 2001
• Language: Spanish
• Duration: 106 min
• Image Ratio: 0.00
• Sound Info: Dolby SR / SRD

• Festival del Film Locarno 2001
  
• Toronto International Film Festival 2001
  
• Goya Awards 2002
  
• Edinburgh International Film Festival 2001
  
• Telluride Film Festival 2001
  
• Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival 2002
  Award(s) : Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film in Silver
• Festival International du Film Fantastique de Gérardmer 2002
  Award(s) : International Critics Award, Special Jury Prize, Youth Jury Grand Prize
• Luxembourg International Film Festival 2003