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Cronos

Play trailer Poster for Cronos R Released Sep 12, 1993 1h 32m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 56 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Antique dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life -- but also a thirst for blood. As Jesus enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesus will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).
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Cronos

Cronos

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Critics Consensus

Guillermo del Toro's unique feature debut is not only gory and stylish, but also charming and intelligent.

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Critics Reviews

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Steven Rea Philadelphia Inquirer Guillermo del Toro's feature debut is an arch twist on the vampire tale. Rated: 3/4 Oct 5, 2013 Full Review Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times Cronos surprises with its sophisticated and spirited look at a tale straight from the crypt. Oct 5, 2013 Full Review Achy Obejas Chicago Tribune While the film's first half entices with its secrets, the second half falls into a predictable narrative that refuses to even suggest possibilities. Rated: 2.5/4 Oct 5, 2013 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Rightly acclaimed, the film boasts more than enough transcendent moments to secure its status as a modern horror classic. Rated: A- Aug 31, 2022 Full Review Amanda Mazzillo Film Joy Cronos is a haunting and heartwarming film in equal measure. This is a film about the importance of family and needing to make a choice to protect your family or live a longer yet forever changed life. Mar 8, 2022 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a striking debut that feels long even at 94 minutes and would've worked a whole lot better as a short. Rated: 1.5/4 Dec 17, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jo J I love this film. I've seen it several times and am going to watch it again. Ron Perlman is great in it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/24 Full Review Mario M Muy buena pelicula, la primer opera prima de Guillermo del Toro, excelente!!! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/27/23 Full Review William D Even though the film starts well, it collapses during the second half. It morphs into a predictable narrative that doesn't offer any interesting idea. I have the feeling it would have worked so much better as a short film. Ron Pearlman's performance doesn't help either. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/04/23 Full Review Bill T Guillermo del Toro's absolutely crazy debut finds an old antique dealer in possession of a strange spider-like device, that, when activiated, gives the gift of eternal life! Pretty awesome premise combined with just the total dedication of it's lead actor, Federico Tippi, in a part that is made for you to care about this aged old man at first, and then marvel at all this weird stuff he does in the movie. It's truly wild, and a must see for anyone interested in vampire movies. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/05/23 Full Review s r Started with promise, but it fell apart with the oddities surrounding the cronos device and its effects on its users. Very bizarre, culturally different and a bit cheaply done towards the end. Saw on TCM. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review georgan g An alternative to the standard vampire flicks. Clever & philosophical with del Toro's (now, well-known) colorful & eye-catching cinematography. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Antique dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life -- but also a thirst for blood. As Jesus enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesus will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).
Director
Guillermo del Toro
Producer
Arthur Gorson, Bertha Navarro
Screenwriter
Guillermo del Toro
Distributor
October Films
Production Co
Ventana Films
Rating
R
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 12, 1993, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 2, 2017
Runtime
1h 32m
Sound Mix
Stereo
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