User reviews

Guillermo Del Toro's stylish and original take on the vampire legend is one of the most strangely overlooked and underrated films of the 1990's. It's films like this that make me want to watch films - films that are fresh, unpredictable and so rich in symbolism that it has leaves lots of room for discussion. Del Toro was little more than an amateur director at the time this made, but in spite of that he's more than given the professionals a run for their money. Every scene is adeptly filmed, and the way that Del Toro makes contrasts between locations and the two central families is a pleasure to observe. The way that the film switches language from English to Spanish and back again is indicative of the fact that this is a rich tapestry of contradictions and one that makes intelligent comments on many subjects, from obvious ones such as addiction, to more concealed ones, such as a commentary on family; stemming from the way that the roles of child and parent become reversed when our hero becomes afflicted with the vampire-like curse.

For the story, Del Toro has taken the classic vampire theme and mixed it with essences of mechanics and the human lust of being able to live forever. The story follows Jesús Gris, an antique dealer that lives with his granddaughter Aurora and wife Mercedes. One day, our hero happens upon a mechanical scarab that latches itself onto his palm, causing him to bleed. Jesús slowly gets addicted to the mystical scarab, but there's someone else that wants it and will stop at nothing to get it. The mythology of the scarab is told in a great opening sequence that sets the viewer up for an intriguing and original horror story. The film retains the intrigue that it sets up in it's intro for the duration, and Del Toro ensures that his audience is always left guessing and wanting to see what comes next. The film works due to interesting characters that the audience is able to feel for, and is constantly interesting by the way that Del Toro handles the contrasts that the story presents.

On the whole, this is a fabulous horror story that takes an existing legend and makes it it's own. This is exactly the sort of film that cinema needs more of; and it's not one that film fans will want to miss. Highly recommended viewing.

Severely underrated on this website, Cronos is an engaging tale that captivates the viewer for the entirety of its duration. Guillermo Del Toro's first ever film is a thoughtful, heart-wrenching story which above all manages to be fresh, intriguing and unique while managing to captivate the feel of horror films in the same mould as The Shining, whereby it is a film about family first, and a horror film second.

Cronos is most definitely not associated with the slasher end of the horror market and nor is it anywhere near the filthy attack on the sense provided by goreography. What Cronos manages to achieve is an attack on the mind and the soul, the essence of what a horror film must succeed in doing if it wishes to leave a lasting impression. Given this I can, to an extent, see where the mediocre rating has derived from, it's not a blood fest it doesn't provide a scare a second and nor does it have gratuitous scenes of eyes being gauged out by rusty pick axes, but as every true horror fan knows is these are merely sideshow attractions to the superior horror films like The Shining, like The Fog, and Cronos if not completely at the top, is very close indeed.

There are three things which notably stand out about this film and make it undoubtedly worth watching. The most subtle is the commentary on US-Mexico relations that Guillermo Del Toro has littered throughout his film. It provides an interesting portrayal into how he, and undoubtedly many Mexicans, feel about their encounters with the US, that they are always trying to be dominated and they must stand up on their own, to strive to succeed. The most obvious is that of the highly notable Christian references and intentional name play. Our protagonist, the antique dealer, is named Jesus for simple reincarnate issues, but there a great deal of "my God", "my Lord" and more comments of that ilk in the film, there is undoubtedly a side plot on the directors behalf of pointing out the good that still emanates from our protagonist. Jesus' granddaughter and wife are named Aurora and Mercedes respectively, and by knowing the meanings of their names which are "the dawn or first light" and "mercy" provides the films finale with a sense of completion. Lastly of note is the acting on the part of Federico Lupi and Tamara Shanath, who provide the necessary gravitas even in motion if not through vocals to convey the deep emotional tie between grandfather and granddaughter which when all else is removed is the main driving force of this story, and the one that will have you coming back for more. It's innocence is soul-wrenching, yet Aurora's ability to see what is happening with unclouded eyes, provides the cornerstone for the emotional drama to take hold.

One critic in 'The Daily Telegraph' claimed this to be as "scary as hell", and to be honest he is wrong. This film isn't scary in the 'popping out from behind the bushes with a meat cleaver' manner, this film is an attack of that which makes us, and indeed Jesus, human. It is a cerebral assault which plucks at your heart strings and confuses the soul, and for it is severely likable and very watchable while occasionally disconcerning. Cronos is human drama at its most wonderful, emotional and chilling and more importantly a wonderful debut by a director who will build in stature and promise greater things, but this is a debut with bite to it, and once it grabs hold of you, it's very difficult to get it off.

This is apparently Guillermo del Toro's first full-length film and while it's a bit rough, it also is highly creative and different. However, because it is so visceral, bloody and violent, it is NOT a film for everyone.

"Cronos" begins with an odd prologue. It seems that centuries ago an alchemist came up with some strange device--and it was able to bestow eternal life.

The film now switches to the present. An old man and his granddaughter have found a weird metal device--the same one created by this alchemist. However, they have no idea what its purpose is and how to make it work. By accident, the old man is able to activate it-and it pierces him--causing a lot of pain and blood. Oddly, however, he soon begins to feel better and look younger--and feels a strong need to try the device again.

In the meantime, a rich and nasty old sick guy has somehow found out about the device the old man's discovery--and he's sent his sociopathic nephew (Ron Perlman) to get that device.

There is LOTS more to the story than this---and it gets really weird, violent and bloody. However, I saw it described as a 'vampire' movie and this really is a MAJOR over-simplification. There's a lot more to it than this--and you just have to see it to understand. I won't say more--you'll have to see it...really.

The film is wildly creative and cool, but as I said, it's not for everyone. It's not exactly a horror film in the traditional sense and it is excellent.

By the way, what's with Ron Perlman? He's carved out an interesting niche appearing in the oddest assortment of international films. Now I am NOT complaining--just marveling at his film projects as they are so incredibly varied. Here, he's in a Mexican film but he's also done French films ("City of Lost Children"), films about the Russo-German conflict in WWII ("Enemy at the Gates")...and the Hellboy films! Talk about a man of multi-talents!

I can't think of many 90's films that will be remembered as classics of the horror genre, this film is an exception.

When you think of Mexican horror, you no doubt think of the El Santo Vs. the Aztec Mummy type films made in the 60s, don't get me wrong, I like them too. In interviews, director Guillermo Del Toro has said that his influences come more from American and British horror (such as the classic Universal and Hammer horror films) than from Mexico's horror tradition. Still, the film does have a distinctly Mexican sensibility, especially with it's abundance of Catholic imagery.

First time director Del Toro, cinematographer Guillermo Navarro (who would go on to do great work for Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, among oth ers), and production designer Tolita Figuero create a very unique, interesting look for the film.

All of the actors are great, especially veteran Argentinian actor Federico Luppi, who plays the main character Jesus Gris, and Luis Bunuel's favorite Mexican actor Claudio Brook, who plays Dieter De La Guardia. What really makes the film for me is it's quirky sense of humor and odd characterizations, I found scenes toward the middle of the film to be hilarious. The effective, subtle, score by Javier Alvarez also adds to the mood of the film.

The film also manages to be a very different kind of vampire story than usual, It makes me think a little bit of the "Wurdulak" segment of the great Mario Bava's film Black Sabbath. Vampire films of late have become very tiresome, it's nice to see someone take a different approach.

I think Guillermo Del Toro is a talent to watch for.

In 1536, in Veracruz, Mexico, during the Inquisition, an alchemist builds a mysterious and sophisticated device named Cronos to provide eternal life to the owner. In the present days, the antiques dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) finds Cronos hidden inside an ancient statue while cleaning it with his granddaughter Aurora (Tamara Shanath). He accidentally triggers the device and soon his wife Mercedes (Margarita Isabel) and he note that he has a younger appearance.

Out of the blue, the stranger Angel de la Guardia (Ron Perlman) visits Gris's shop and buys the old statue. On the next day, Gris finds his shop trashed and Angel's card on the floor. He pays a visit to Angel that introduces him to the eccentric millionaire De la Guardia (Claudio Brook) that explains the healing power and the eternal life given by Cronos. Angel is sent by De la Guardia to hunt down Gris to get Cronos no matter the costs.

"Cronos" is a horror movie by Guillermo del Toro with a gruesome, violent, weird and bizarre story. The lead character becomes a vampire after accidentally triggering an ancient device. The obsession of a dying man for the Cronos leaves a path of violence trying to hunt down the owner of the device. The great expectations for a movie by Guillermo del Toro and released by Criterion is a little disappointing, despite the originality, performances and cinematography. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Cronos"

Cronos is director Guillermo del Toro's first feature length film, and remembered fondly as a horror classic that's a bit rough around the edges, but still contains a lot of atmosphere, creepy imagery and del Toro's signature touches. Personally I've always liked del Toro's non-horror movies better, but I cannot deny that he has a unique flair for them.

Likewise here. We have disturbing fetish pictures about bugs, we have golden clockwork machines, we have a slow descent into madness, we have masterful use of dark and shadow to create a closed, claustrophobic atmosphere and we have that distinct Latin American lean.

So what's the story? An old antique dealer, Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi), has found an ancient alchemical device that promises to give life eternal to anyone that uses its power and provides the proper sacrifices. Unfortunately other parties are also looking for the device and thus Gris has to deal with the side effects of his newly found immortality as well as trying to keep himself and his relatives safe.

Classic imagery, but del Toro's take on these old myths and ideas is refreshing and done well. You can see that the limitations of the budget are keeping him from telling the story he wants to tell, but as a whole it's not a bad tale. The various actors are also talented and really help to sell the mood to you. Luppi and Ron Perlman are the two shining stars and they'd later on go to star in many other films directed by del Toro.

Cronos is not the best horror movie I've seen, but if you've liked del Toro's later movies, it can be a rewarding experience to check out the very first one.

Mexican antique dealer Jesus Gris, finds an ornate mechanical beetle hidden in an old statuette, that once belonged to a 16th century alchemist. Unbeknownst to him, inside it there is an ancient parasite that gives the gift of immortal life. Also on trail of this device is an American millionaire who has spent his life researching the writings of this alchemist and has been searching for this mythical device, he will stop at nothing to get it. Gris stumbles onto the device and after using it, soon finds his features becoming more youthful, unfortunately the price for this is a raging bloodlust. Unique and at times surreal take of the Vampirism myth. Its also a very stylish and visually accomplished debut.

Antiques dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) buys an interesting angel statue. After some cockroaches climb out, he takes it apart and find a golden device. The device opens up and stabs him. It turns out to be a device that gives eternal life. And wealthy De la Guardia (Claudio Brook) and his nephew Ángel (Ron Perlman) will do anything to get their hands on it.

This is written/directed by Guillermo del Toro. You can see many of his styles and touches. The golden heart is pure del Toro. But the story lacks tension, pacing, or excitement. It's too simple and under written. Maybe it's too much to hope for. For his first full length movie, Guillermo del Toro shows that he has the skills and a vision.

Some of the most imaginative films originate in Mexico. This one is no exception. When Jesus Gris, an old antique dealer opens the base of an ancient statue, a golden object in the shape of a large beetle drops out. This mechanically activated object can clutch a human arm and inject a magical fluid which can prolong life. The early scenes, when the camera moves about the treasures in the antique shop, set the atmosphere and draw us into the story. Each piece seems to hold a special secret. When the mechanical beetle suddenly grabs at the old man's forearm, we can feel the excruciating pain as he screams out and we see the pointed legs piercing his skin. Then follows the injection by the scorpion-like tail. Terror reigns until he dislodges the device. (What a relief!). Now wait for the miracle to happen! Excellent make-up on the main character as this horror story unfolds makes it almost believable at times. The sincerity of the acting between the old man and little granddaughter who plays about the shop makes for a really warm and loving relationship. (Where do they find such wonderful child actors?). Evil is portrayed by the cruel Dieter de la Guardia and his henchmen who set out to steal this ancient invention of the alchemists. Much of the excitement of the film is provided by a chase through upper rooms and rooftops (real edge of the seat viewing!). One of the most unforgettable scenes is the close-up view of the whirring golden cogwheels inside the device. They make a cruelly fascinating and threatening sound as they wind up to do their mysterious work. Movie-goers who have a horror of hypodermic needles should perhaps give the film a miss but you brave ones will enjoy the age-old theme of searching for the secret to eternal life.

Uillermo del Toro's first feature as a director is a vampire movie with a difference. After spending five minutes explaining the mechanics bind his plot, we witness Federico Luppi purchase the Cronos, a golden, egg-shaped piece of craftsmanship. Suddenly, it moves, becoming a golden spider that pierces his skin. Leaving a gaping wound.... and a taste for blood. A thoroughly disagreeable Ron Perlman is his link to reclusive Claudio Brook, who talks of alchemists and immortality and demands the Cronos. When Luppi refuses, Perlman kills him..... but Luppi doesn't stay dead.

Del Toro's movie is full of stylish touches, like the design of the Cronos, and shots that move through its mechanisms, but it's not just a horror movie of jump scares. FOr all the talk of immortality, Luppi doesn't want to live forever. He's tied to his time and place, his wife and his grand daughter. He's human. It's not the thirst for blood that makes a vampire, even though Luppi possesses it; it's the desire to be more than human.

i'll try not to give too much away,plot wise with this movie.but it basically involves the possibility of eternal life,(sort of) and there are some biblical parallels as well.there's a lesson in here that contains the old cliché,"be careful what you wish for"you may get what you want(or thought you wanted) but nothing is for free,and there are sacrifices.the movie is low budget and i don't mean that as a criticism.in some scenes,the movie actually works better as a result.overall,though i didn't like the movie as much as i thought i would.i'd had heard of it before,and had high expectations.i guess i though it would be more profound than it was.it has its moments,to be sure.it's not boring by any means,but it just has less of an impact than i hoped.it's directed and written by Guillermo del Toro,who also directed Hell Boy,Blade 2 and Pan's Labyrinth.as for "Cronos" it certainly is unique with a different twist on an old genre.for me,Cronos is a 6/10

Cronos (1993) Rated R

To be honest, I have never been much of a horror fan. However, easy access to almost any movie ever made (through NetFlix) has led me to watching stuff that I never would have paid any attention to in the past. While it is a horror movie (a vampire movie to be exact), Cronos caught me off guard. It was NOT what I thought it would be and may be worth consideration.

The movie is a Mexican production, though there is a good bit of English dialog as well (and of course the DVD offers English subtitles). The story starts with an alchemist in the early 16th century who fled persecution in Europe to begin anew in Mexico. He became the official watchmaker to the Viceroy, but continued his work to achieve immortality. His success (or failure, depending on how you look at it) will eventually lead to the story of a kindly old grandfather and his relationship with his grand daughter and how that relationship is affected with the introduction of a vampire.

You will not find lavish production sets or Oscar winning performances (my wife hated the film) but you will find a fascinating take on an old story and frankly I could not stop watching. The interactions of the characters were rarely what I expected and they kept me glued to the screen right up to the end. I would not recommend it for families with young children, but it is suitable for teens (the movie does have an R rating, but that is because there are a few places where the language is a bit colorful and blood is a bit plentiful). If you have the time and like horror that keeps you thinking a little bit, give this one a try.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104029/combined

Cronos is the first Guillermo Del Toro movie, and it is a great achievement. There's not much to say : it is a beautiful movie, a classical, beautiful and simple movie. There's some fantastic in it, but that's not all : the greatness of this movie is based on the characters : Ron Perlman and the man at the morgue are specially brilliant. It is dark, full of suspense, tensed, and extremely funny in the same time. With low budget and simple frames, Del Toro has managed to picture the true essence of cinema : a good story, good characters, and lots of blood, humor and cruelty. What else could we add ? Just watch this. This movie has been badly underrated. It is intelligent and honest. Far superior to lots of over intellectual or too much precious horror movies with over beautiful aesthetics. CRONOS is simply brilliant. Long life to Guillermo Del Toro !

This is a stylish and enjoyable Mexican variation of the vampiro tale. It starts in 1536 Veracruz, where an alchimist builds a bizarre artifact designed to provide whom owns an eternal life. Centuries later, and while leaving a trail of destruction on its way , the rare artifact suddeny shows up . Present day, an aged antiques dealer called Jesus Gris : Federico Luppi comes across the mysterious title objects, as he discovers the strange device hidden in an sculpture, subsequently he learns it provides eternal life, it is called Cronos, resulting in fateful consequences. Another problem is Jesus Gris isn't the only one to know about the device . As a mean elderly man : Claudio Brook hires a contract killer : Ron Perlman to take it. They will stop at nothing to get it and at whatever cost. Can its possessor stand the consequences which include a developing taste for blood ?. The Search is over. The blessing, the curse, Cronos. A mystery six hundred years old.

This is a surprising and eerie film about a 16th century golden egg possessing magical powers to grant eternal life , including weird events, thrills, chills , violence, twists ad turns. Dealing with an obsession of everlasting life with the secret of immortality living inside a sophisticated and rare device : Cronos . Excellent trio of protagonists giving over-the-top acting : Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman and Claudio Brook. They are well accompanied by Margarita Isabel as the faithful wife and Tamara Shanath as the granddaughter .

The motion picture was competently directed by Guillermo Del Toro , being first feature for this great writer/director and in Spanish language with subtitles . This notable writer, producer, director has a long career, being this Cronos his film debut, following a long string of successes as ¨Mimic¨, ¨The Devil's backbone¨, ¨Blade II¨, ¨Hellboy¨, ¨Pan' Labyrinth¨, ¨Hellboy II¨, ¨Pacific Rim¨, ¨Crimson Peak¨ and the Oscarized ¨The Shape of Water¨. Rating Cronos : 7/10. Well worth watching. Better than average , essential and indispensable seeing . The flick will appeal to Guillermo del Toro fans.

A new vision of the vampire myth involving an insect trapped in a device that grants immortality, an innocent grandfather, his all but silent granddaughter, a human monster and his victimized nephew.

An elderly antiques shop owner, Jesus Gris, and his granddaughter, Aurora, discover an unusually device in a four hundred year old Archangel statue. Gris inadvertently triggers the device which begins a change in him that not only slowly makes him more youthful in look and energy but infects him with an addict's consuming fixation for blood. Unfortunately for Gris, he is not the only one with knowledge of the device's existence and power, and he becomes the target of the dying businessman De La Guardia's desire for immortality at any cost and his violent nephew Angel.

Loved this film! Loved it! I've always had a thing for vampires and I really enjoyed this new view of the vampire mythology. This isn't just a new story of vampirism though, it is also a tale of family. The love, devotion, and acceptance of family is beautifully shown through the grandfather Jesus and granddaughter Aurora, as is the dark side of family, with it's violence, abuse and victimization, as shown through the obsessed De La Guardia and his nephew Angel.

Frederico Luppi is excellent as Gris. He brings a depth and "every-man" dignity to Jesus not often seen. A subtle, detailed performance.

Claudio Brooks is terrifying as the obsessed De La Guardia. A "Dorian Gray" portrait of a monster whose humanity lays in a tank with his diseased organs.

Ron Perlman is absolutely superb as Angel. He takes what could have been the average brute/thug character and gives him humor, depth, and the ability to evoke sympathy and, almost, forgiveness, from the audience.

Favorite line (narration describing the death of the Cronos device creator): "His skin was the color of marble in moonlight."

Definitely worth buying.

An antique dealer comes into possession of an ancient artefact made by an 16th century alchemist. This mechanism known as the Cronos Device encases an undying insect whose sting gives immortality to those stung. Vampirism is the price that those given this gift must bear. Meanwhile, a rich, dying businessman seeks this life-giving artefact and will stop at nothing to do so.

Cronos is probably best known as Guillermo del Toro's debut directorial feature. It features highly imaginative elements that have become trademarks of his style. In some respects, this one was similar to his later Mimic (1997) in that it has some brilliant ideas but the whole wasn't as great as the parts. In this case it's the idea and design of the titular device that is the one genuine moment of true inspiration. This part insect, part ornate clockwork machine is very original. It's a great as a springboard for a new take on the vampire myth. This gold encrusted giant insect feels very Mexican and is a clever way of moving the vampire idea from its traditional European Gothic traditions. Unlike those, this is a decidedly unglamourised vampire, however; a being that resorts to licking blood off the floor of a public toilet in order to get its fix. Despite this grounded aspect, this is still a film that displays some of the visual style that would go on to be associated with this director, only it is definitely less well developed at this early stage in his career. It could be argued that for a horror film it does lack a bit of suspense though, on the other hand it does feature some good acting and well-drawn characters though. All-in-all, this is a good film rather than a great one. Del Toro would go on to do better films but this is still a very fine debut with nicely original touches.