Are any of his other films worth checking out? I loved Pan's labyrinth, and the book on foreign cinema I've been reading mentions him several times. Any recommendations? How was "The Orphanage"? I heard he produced that one . . .

PS: Not just him, but any other weird, exotic cinema anyone can recommend? This book I am reading apparently only scratches the iceberg.

I saw "The Orphanage," and I highly recommend it.  Its undertones are as much spooky as they are emotional - just as Pan's Labyrinth balanced fantasy with war-torn reality.  This elevates the film from a simple horror experience into something far more memorable. 

Other than Mimic (which I didn't care for at all), those are the only del Toro-related projects I've seen.  With The Hobbit forthcoming, however, I think it's time to take a closer look at the man's work.  Anyone see Blade II or the Hellboy films?

Angie, you're right. I think I might've enjoyed this one more than Pan's Labyrinth. Reminded me a lot of Jacob's Ladder, too, even if the films are completely different in tone and theme.

I've seen Blade II. It wasn't very memorable, honestly. Certainly not on the level of the stunning Pan's Labyrinth.

I've seen Blade 2 (I don't think it would stand well on its own, so you'd probably need to see the first one) and Pan's Labyrinth (which is awesome).  Hellboy never interested me and I've not seen The Orphanage---what exactly was his involvement with Orphanage?

Well, look what he had to work with. A corny stereotypically black vampire slayer hardly makes for compelling cinematic material.

As for Ryu's query, Del Toro worked as producer with, like four other dudes (or dudettes as the case may or may not be. Not good with Spanish naming conventions).

Mar Targarona
Joaquín Padro
Álvaro Agustín
Guillermo del Toro

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orphanage_%28film%29