We finally saw it the other night and both loved it. Definitely some similarities to Pan's Labyrinth. Quite amazing that it's a first film for the director... and because of that, I'm willing to forgive the VERY FEW drawbacks. Watching this and The Mist back-to-back (made by a veteran director) was a real eye-opener. There were several instances where we both yelled out loud and were left tingling by the creepiness and or shock in a sequence. The acting was wonderful all around, although I admit I find it a lot easier to submerge myself in a movie when I'm unfamiliar with the actors.

For anyone who likes a good ghost story, this is a winner. I'll be adding it to my collection.
Professor Von X