This and Pan’s Labyrinth are Guillermo Del Toro’s tow best movies. That’s not to say I don’t like his other work, in fact, even love many of his other films. But The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth are true masterpieces, both with similar themes of children in dire circumstances and scary supernatural elements.
What makes The Devil’s Backbone so special is the simplicity of the story and earnest performances of all involved. The cinematography is gorgeous with beautiful panoramas, splashes of color, and warn tones in every shot. The direction is sure and focused, very economic for a second film by a young director and yet, that same freshness of vision sets every frame apart. A masterwork of Mexican cinema and absolutely recommended.