"I see dead people," whispers little Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), scared to affirm what is to him now a daily occurrence. This peaked 9-year old, already hypersensitive to begin with, is now being haunted by seemingly malevolent spirits. Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is trying to find out what's triggering Cole's visions, but what appears to be a psychological manifestation turns out to be frighteningly real. It might be enough to scare off a lesser man, but for Malcolm it's personal--several months before, he was accosted and shot by an unhinged patient, who then turned the gun on himself. Since then, Malcolm has been in turmoil--he and his wife (Olivia Williams) are barely speaking, and his life has taken an aimless turn. Having failed his loved ones and himself, he's not about to give up on Cole.
This third feature by M. Night Shyamalan sets itself up as a thriller, poised on the brink of delivering monstrous scares, but gradually evolves into more of a psychological drama with supernatural undertones. Many critics faulted the film for being mawkish and New Age-y, but no matter how you slice it, this is one mightily effective piece of filmmaking. The bare bones of the story are basic enough, but the moody atmosphere created by Shyamalan and cinematographer Tak Fujimoto made this one of the creepiest pictures of 1999, forsaking excessive gore for a sinisterly simple feeling of chilly otherworldliness. Willis is in his strong, silent type mode here, and gives the film wholly over to Osment, whose crumpled face and big eyes convey a child too wise for his years; his scenes with his mother (Toni Collette) are small, heartbreaking marvels. And even if you figure out the film's surprise ending, it packs an amazingly emotional wallop when it comes, and will have you racing to watch the movie again with a new perspective. You may be able to shake off the sentimentality of The Sixth Sense, but its craftsmanship and atmosphere will stay with you for days. --Mark Englehart
1 A True "Classic" of the Genre
This is a film that has withstood the test of time. Despite viewing this haunting tale many times, and knowing its surprise ending, the story continues to intrigue, and still manages to reveal little nuances, details about the plot, that was missed during prior viewings. It is that type of picture, which should be studied, as it is a near perfect film.
The Sixth Sense launched M. Night Shyamalan as a major writer and director with his own particular style of filmmaking. The Sixth Sense, fortunately, was not a one off, as Shyamalan has gone on to make further excellent films such as Unbreakable, Signs and The Village. This talented young man seems to have an innate gift for creating suspense and those subtle and not so subtle aspects of life that can cause us deep fear, things that truly frighten, without having to shove it in our faces. There are too many directors out there who feel they have to explode and shock, CGI-ing their audiences to death, in order to somehow keep us interested. These kinds of films have their place, however, the truly frightening films, like The Sixth Sense, rivets us to our chairs with subtle twists and turns, long suspenseful silences and the unexpected.
A good example of this subtlety is right at the beginning of the film. The psychologist and his wife are having a celebration in their home. The doctor has won an award from the mayor and they're getting seriously stuck into the wine. Finishing a bottle, she goes down stairs to the cellar alone to retrieve another. The camera is placed behind the wine rack, as we view her reaching for a bottle, giving the distinct impression or perception, that we are in the room with her. She appears to hear something, voices, and her once joyful expression subtlety changes to one of fear. As the audience, we feel something terrible is about to happen, but we don't know exactly when or how.
Another example is the many surprise manifestations of the dead that we see through the little boy's eyes. One of the more disturbing scenes is the woman in the dressing gown that he mistakes for his mother. He walks into the kitchen and the woman turns around revealing a battered face and fresh scars on her wrist from an attempted suicide. "See what you've done to me!" she screams. "Look what I have to put up with!" as the little boy runs to his room to hide in his tent, which he has made as a makeshift chapel, his sanctuary, away from the dead.
We all enjoy the occasional scare, and there's nothing like a good ghost story to do it. What I find incredible about this film, though, is despite seeing it several times, knowing the story and its many surprises, it still manages to hold my attention and continues to create that feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. The word "classic" has been bandied around a lot and attributed to films that don't deserve the label, but The Sixth Sense, in my opinion, deserves to be called a true classic of the genre, as it will continue to be appreciated for years to come.
2 Great Film
This Shyamalan film is easily the best! Nothing better than Bruce Willis, man I love that guy. Truely a great film. I easpecially liked the part in the end when we find out that Willis is actually a ghost man that made the movie. Oh sorry I forgot that this reviewed contained a spoiler, oh well.
3 Boring...
Another one of those films where horror is aimed at the general public. Hardcore horror buffs may want to stay clear. If you like "The Ring" and "The Others" you may like this. This film is nothing but tamed horror for the squeamish.
4 five stars plus more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh my god! Bruce Willis!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a fine man. i rented this because my friend marissa told me too. i immediatly fell in love with the bald headed man (even though he's not bald in this movie) i saw in this movie. I have to thank marissa for turning me towards bruce. What a beast. I cried at the end when i found out Willis was dead. I was heartbroken. Even though it was in the movie and not real life, i felt really sad. If Bruce ever reads this: I LOVE YOU TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 BETTER THAN "THE RING" !!!!!!!
I bought the DVD today and to be honest, today was the first time I saw this movie. I admit I got scared on many parts of the movie. And I even saw "The Ring" at midnight and it didn't scared as much as "The Sixth Sense", and I have even seen this one on the afternoon !!! It has unbelivable performances from Bruce Willis and specially from Haley Joel Osment. If you really like to get a terrific scream and feel butterflies on your stomach, than this is the perfect movie for those who love thriller and suspense and a little bit of terror. So buy this one today. Highly recomended.
6 The other gaze!
The circular nightmares, the disaffections, the emotive lacks, the emotional wounds are presented with admirable wholeness and superb edition work.
Through the eyes of a child you will be able to experience a very smart twist about Orpheus' myth. A murder, a notable psychiatrist, a very sick patient, a lonely woman who suffers the worst of the absences, a lavish and gifted child, whose perception doors are by far wider than the most of us. He owns the ability to watch a sordid landscape and establish a rapport with the world's dead. But the horror never will be gratuity but it will allow to overpass such similar and repeated common places in minors films. The redemption, the life seen from another perspective, the ancestral fear to death treated with absolute maturity and masterful.
There is a beautiful and very, very hidden homage to a masterpiece film: The Red balloon in that clever sequence when our guest child is in the party and suddenly a red balloon elevates to roof and suddenly exploits: the claustrophobic anguish he will suffer brief moments later will make the whole circuit. The childhood simply has vanished.
One of the last artistic masterpieces of the American Cinema!
7 They should never have deleted the deleted scenes
The original uncut version is a 5 star movie. I originally saw the original version that still contained the deleted scenes. When I watched this version I noticed that they were missing. They are powerful and beautiful scenes. To have to watch them separately from the rest of the movie just hurts. Does anyone know what I should buy to get the unbutchered version?
8 One of my favorite movies!! TEN STARS!!!
This is the movie that Secret Window tried to be!
This is how it should be done!!! This movie reminded me of Psycho b/c you don't know until THE END! There's no figuring the movie out 20 minutes into it or from the previews *cough cough Hide and Seek cough cough*. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I love watching the reactions of people who haven't seen it.
Haley Joel Osmond was really good. He deserved that Oscar! 1999 was his year. Bruce Willis was good also, as well as the actress who played the mom.
Pick this one up! It's excellent!
9 One of the best Shyamalan movies.
I have grown to enjoy M. Night Shyamalan movies. His movies are suspenseful without being horribly frightening or gory. I especially liked the twist at the end of this movie. Looking back through, he put some big clues in that now I see. This is definitely an excellent movie to see.
10 What you talkin' about, Willis?
I'll tell ya what he's talkin' about - modern day movie magic, Baby!
What can I say about The Sixth Sense that hasn't already been said??? This movie is great on so many levels. The story itself is smart and keeps you guessing the whole time. As for the acting in it - let's hear it for Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment! They both give very impressive performances in this.
Great movie. If you've never seen it, you're really missing out.
11 Suspense Classic
Some films are just blessed from their conception through their finished product and "The Sixth Sense" is one of those films. Everything just works to perfection here from the direction, scripting, casting, and the technical attributes. Director M. Night Shyamalan was totally on his game with this film. His story works not on just a psychological level but also on a supernatural one. The film is augmented by the eerie camerawork of Tak Fujimoto that give locations in Philadelphia that I'm familiar with a creepy feel that I otherwise would not attribute to them. Bruce Willis has never been better as Malcolm Crowe, the child psychologist who is recovering from physical as well as psychological wounds. Haley Joel Osment is a complete revelation as Cole Sear, a troubled youth suffering from the recent divorce of his parents and visions that are inhabiting his imagination. Toni Collette gives a heatbreaking turn as Cole's mother. Olivia Williams is also effective as Crowe's wife who he feels distant from because of recent events. This film is, of course, remembered primarily for it's twist ending which I will not divulge here for the few who haven't seen this film. This film is so effective that it would work even without it. In my mind I think Shyamalan was spoiled by the success of this film. In subsequent films he has has been trying to capture lightning in a jar by succumbing to audience expectations only to disappoint to some degree. He should realize that what made "The Sixth Sense" such a success was good story and good characterization. He seems to be writing the endings first and then building the story around it. He should be writing good stories and the endings will come naturally.
12 Another M. Night Shyamalan disaster
Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment do their best, but are undone by the ultimate auteur of our age, M. Night Shyamalan. Shyamalan's films are characterized by being plodding and moody, always with a "surprise" ending. Well, sorry, what he conceives of as being profound and clever, I see as lumbering and predictable.
There are people whose films I like, those whose films I admire, those whose work I admire more than I like, and those whose work I like more than I admire. At the ends of the spectrum are those whose work I both admire and like and those whose work I neither admire nor like. Shyamalan is in this latter group.
If you like any other of his films, you're probable slow enough to like this one. Otherwise, avoid at all costs!
13 Surprise!
This movie has it all. Great stars. Good script. Well developed and choreographed scenes. Good Director and screenwriter. The mystery kept me entertained right up to the surprise ending. Bruce Willis was great as was the kid. This is a movie I watched and would buy for my collection. And I don't buy a lot of movies.
14 Well-made supernatural chiller
The Sixth Sense is a superbly executed film that veers between horror and human drama. There's a lot of atmosphere, with key moments revealing the director's natural talent for dramatic tension and shock.
Nitpicking about whether everything in the film adds up in light of the final twist is misconceived: In retrospect, of course, there are holes and inconsistencies all over the place, but the point is that it works at the time, and it works quite brilliantly.
15 Excellent Thriller
The effectiveness of the "Sixth Sense" can in part be judged by the harsh reviews M. Night Shyamalan has received for his films that followed. All have been entertaining, and effective in some way, but all have fallen somewhat short of the expectations set by this masterpiece of a thriller. "The Sixth Sense" is superbly written - so much so that figuring out the twist ahead of time in no way detracts from the effectiveness of the film. Shyamalan is obviously in love with the art of filmmaking - this shows in the film, and even in the deleted scenes featured on the DVD. The casting in the film is also excellent. Bruce Willis nearly always turns in a solid performance, but he's excellent in this role. Toni Collette is great, and Haley Joel Osment deserves special mention. He handles his demanding role in a way few kids could. "The Sixth Sense" is scary without cheap gimmicks (gore and monster jumping out unexpectedly, for instance), suspenseful without a manipulative score, and ultimately touching without being sappy. A masterpiece of storytelling!
16 Excellent
The beauty of the this movie is that it doesn't depend on unncessary amounts of violence or gore. If it did, the message(s) it is trying to convey would be lost or subdued. M. Night Shyamalan's film technique is perfect, providing enough "build up" to quick frights but long chills. The story turns out to be less of a horror film and more of a psychological/metaphysical enlightenment piece and ending as a drama where I felt moved by the outcome but not depressed. Osmet is truly believable when he's frightened and more so than most his age. Any kid can scream and cower, but Osmet's shivers and facial expressions are so believable you'd think he really was seeing ghosts.
17 Like a puzzle
The first time you watch this film, you'll be shocked. The second time, you'll learn to look for all the clues. If you watch it more than twice, you'll spot pretend clues, and wonder if they mean anything. And eventually, you will know the film back to front.
18 Oh, the horror!
Terrible. That's how you describe this movie. M Night Shamamalamamala never fails to make dull movies: Unbreakable and Signs included. This movie is stale.
When I began watching it I was under the impression that this was a thriller. It's not a thriller in the least. Nothing is scary or really creepy. Although it can be intriguing it lacks suspense. This movie is more ironic than scary. I disliked it because I was overexcited because of the hype surrounding this movie and I was disappointed when it failed to live up to that hype. It also failed to create any lasting impression on me. This movie is basically for people who fear walking in the dark.
One more thing. At the end it made it seems as if Bruce is going to heaven but he's not. I know God, He wouldn't let that chump ascend into heaven after being a douche all his life and in his afterlife. That mofo would have gone to hell.
19 Haley Joel should have been nominated for Best Actor
Besides the extras such as M. Night Shyamalan's first film as a kid, plus the commentary, plus deleted scenes, this is a fantastic DVD of a movie that gives you chills even after you know the ending...
It's hard not to clutch the remote when the temperature in the Sear home drops with the needle going down, or when Cole or his mom (wonderful performance by Toni Collette) notice their breath fogging, or when the spirits pass by Cole's door (the woman who cut her hands and yells at Cole "Look at what you did to me" gets the prize for creepiest sighting).
As Cole Sear, Haley Joel Osment steals the movie right from Bruce Willis. The emotional range he displays is wonderful.
20 Good, spooky time...
For those of you who have seen it, watch it again this Halloween. For those of you who have not, you are in for a real treat.
This is a film worth watching. There is a storyline, which is rare in 'scary' movies and great acting. The ending, well, you must see it for yourself.
Enjoy.
21 RIP-OFF
I WAS WATCHIN THIS MOVIE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS PRETTY GOOD TIL I REALIZED IT WAS JUST A RIP-OFF OF RL STINE'S CLASSIC NOVEL, WELCOME TO DEAD HOUSE. JUST GO READ THE BOOK, SO SHYAMALAN CAN'T RUIN IT FOR YOU.
22 Slow, calm, little eerie but GOOD!
Overall, this movie brings a quite slow and calm story line with little eerie in it but still, it is good. Among the horror movies I've seen, this one is not considered very horrifying. The thing that capture my attention in this movie is the excellent performence by the young Haley Joel Osment. Despite his age, he managed to act(well, I have to say)extremely well. I kind a amazed by the way he acted. He is so cool and he managed to express his inner feelings, thus making the cold and solemn situation appears in the entire movie. He makes me started to think, how a little kid like him can act so WELL and so REAL? I've never came across any kid that can perform that good and I never expect such excellent perfomence from him. He indeed has very good talent in acting(he's just 11 years old). But still, I must say that the whole story is a little boring and not much intense situation appears in it. Although I said it is quite boring, but there is one part in the movie that I feel is interesting. It is the ending which is a big twist to the entire story. With the message that this movie brings and such outstanding performence by the actors(especially Haley Joel Osment), you won't be suprised that people watch this movie again and again. Even I myself had watched it for times to understand the message it brings and the true essence of this movie. Not bad of a movie.
23 This movie has everything
This movie is a suspense movie with some mild horror. The Sixth Sense is about a boy who sees dead people and gets help from a psychologist. When this movie came out, it was a surprise hit and was on the top 10 list of highest grossing American films of all time. Recently, other movies have come on the list and Sixth Sense is no longer on it. However, even if someone sees this movie for the first time, I think they will be pleasantly surprised by how good it is.
This movie has all the elements of a perfect movie: great character development, suspense, great acting, and an excellent story line.
24 Incredible
I've just finished watching "The Sixth Sense" for the first time. It's the second M. Night Shyamalan film I've seen, the first having been "Signs" (the plot of which ended up luring me in and blowing me away).
I already had a general idea of the plot of "The Sixth Sense," but I didn't actually expect to be lured in and blown away a second time. And that's exactly what happened.
As with "Signs," the resolution of "The Sixth Sense" caught me completely off-guard and had quite an impact. I'd heard about an unexpected twist at the end, but that's all. Fortunately, I'd managed to avoid all spoilers. (Whew.)
I sometimes joke that "Signs" is the first "alien" movie that's ever moved me to tears (call me sappy, but it's true). Now I can joke that "The Sixth Sense" is the first "ghost" movie that's induced me to start bawling like a little kid - not because I'm scared, but because I genuinely feel for the characters and what they're going through. Both of these movies resonate with me as few films have.
I watched "The Sixth Sense" with the intent of not trying to figure anything out and just letting it take me where it wanted me to go. What a payoff I got.
I realize that M. Night's style isn't for everyone, but to me, his approach to filmmaking is a welcome throwback to a time before we had pull-out-all-the-stops blockbuster movies bursting at the seams with CGI and other high-tech special effects. He shows us "ordinary" people in extraordinary situations and we get to see how they react -- while at the same time, we are kept off-balance by things we *don't* see.
"The Sixth Sense" moves slowly and deliberately. Some folks might find the pace plodding or boring, but I don't. In fact, the relatively low-key atmosphere of the film makes the story seem more real to me.
Haley Joel Osment is an amazing actor. His abilities go way beyond his young years, making "The Sixth Sense" much more than a "cute little kid in peril" story. Bruce Willis' performance is skillfully nuanced and understated -- a far cry from his "Die Hard" days (although I like him in those kinds of movies, too). The supporting cast, including a virtually unrecognizable Donnie Wahlberg, is top-notch.
The DVD includes some great extras. There are four deleted scenes, a conversation with M. Night, an interesting piece called "Rules and Clues" about the conventions followed throughout the movie and the subtle hints about what's really going on, as well as other goodies.
I hope M. Night keeps doing what he's doing for a long time to come. I think he's an incredibly talented filmmaker, and I think "The Sixth Sense" is a first-rate movie. This is a DVD that I know I'll be watching again and again.
25 THE best movie ever PE-OPLE!!!
I was recently in Japan where I was working as an "extra" in teh movie Lost in translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanson and this movie (THE SIXTH SENSE) is VERy popular there, only they call it "Special Seeing Boy".
26 THRILLER IN PAR WITH "WHAT LIES BENEATH"
This is one fantastic film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and at the same time makes you feel comfortable watching it with your family.
Sure there are a few scares that will make you jump but nothing that a child of ten or above cannot take.
The emotional undertones and the intelligence involved in the filmmaking is nothing short of excellent and the actors and technicians have done a marvellous job.
Too bad Shyamalan did not win the Best Director award. He deserved it many times over, than the person who won that year. What a shame !!
I do not normally write reviews, but the reason I'm writing this one, is because of a moronic reviewer called "FILAVIRUS" from Seattle Washington who actually gave away the ending and says that he saw the end coming 20 minutes into the film.
Answer me this, how can a moron who is stupid enough to reveal an ending of a film to unsuspecting readers, actually see the end coming twenty minutes into the film... highly unlikely.One needs to be intelligent to figure these things out and as we all know morons cannot be intelligent.
The only way this moron could have known is if another moron like himself in the cinema watching the film for the second time [Or having heard it elsewhere] blurted out the truth. I agree this film is 5 years old and most cinema enthusiasts have already seen the film. Nevertheless, that's no excuse.
The play "MOUSETRAP" ran for over forty years in a single theatre in London and no one openly came out with the ending to spoil it for others.
I think AMAZON should remove this idiot's review and ban any and all future reviews from people not posting "SPOILER" signs.
For those of you who havn't yet seen the film, you are in for a treat even if you have read garbage written by FILAVIRUS.
27 A true thriller
This movie was very well written and directed. It is one of thoes movies that really gets you mind all boggled up. I would also reccomend watching some of the bonus features if you have the DVD. I would also reccomend seeing other movies by this director, I am not sure how to spell his name, but they are Unbreakable, Signs and The Village.
28 The Sixth Sense
The Sixth Sense is a very classy and smart film.This would have to be my favorite film from M. Night.The casting is great.The acting perfect.The mood of the film is set perfectly and it draws deeper and deeper in.The film appropriatly creepy and succeeds as being one of my favorite thrillers of all time.Bruce is perfect and Osment does a good job for such a young kid doing such a scary role for a child.The score is great and it adds alot to the film in my opinion.Many of the scenes will make you jump and M. Night pulls of his first movie of this kind perfectly by pushing your scare buttons at just the right times.This is a very deep film that will make you think and has a great twist ending that I enjoyed.If you are in the mood for a good, suspenseful movie that scares in all the right ways then this movie is for you.
Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a successful Philadelphia child psychologist who is haunted by the sudden reappearance and suicide of a former patient. Months later Dr. Crowe encounters Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a troubled, withdrawn young boy who bears a striking similarity to his earlier patient. Dr. Crowe is compelled to help Cole, not only for the boy's sake, but for his own redemption. As Dr. Crowe struggles to determine what torments Cole, he must also come to terms with his increasingly distant relationship to his wife (Olivia Williams). Meanwhile, Cole is unable to describe the horrible things he sees even to his worried mother (Toni Collette). (9/10)
29 EXCELLENT
Some of the best surprises occur in reluctance. I was reticent to see this movie because I usually do not like Bruce Willis. But just like the "surprises" of Ladyhawke, Highlander, and The Insider, this one did.
Haley Joel Osment plays Cole Sear who "sees dead people." Quiet and reserved, he receives ridicule from his peers. Moreover, he hates the ability.
Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcom Crowe, a child Psychiatrist who wants to helpe Cole--but is dubious of this ability. However, Crowe suddenly realizes Cole isn't lying--and the he, himself is one of those "dead" people (by the way, all the people who say they figured out the ending before the end are lying egotists).
M. Night Shyamalan does great--using subtle techniques instead of over-the top special affects to tell a story. The somber mood draws us to introspection instead of dazzling our eyes and ears. Moreover, the surprise ending shows how the writer/producer/director has a great ability to end a story in a different, unique way.
30 One of the best Scary Movies Ever.
The stroy is complicated and scary, the performances are deep and emotional, the drama is heart wrenching, it suffers from one thing, being kind of short. Although its very good it could have been like 15 mins longer, with more ghosts, the ending is a doozy. M. Night is the best scary movie director ever, can't wait for the village, i would recomend unbreakable over signs for the M. Night fan. 8 out of a 10.
31 Gets better all the time
I watched the sixth sense again last night, for the 50th time.
It is a great movie that gets better all the time.
32 The Moose Hole - It's Good to See Dead People
What is with human beings and their attraction to the super-natural? Despite the quality of horror features going down the toilet for the past few decades, millions of people across the world flock to these films on opening weekends, whether they are on dates or a night out with their friends, to be scared and grossed out. Heck ? the investigation of the supernatural has become a billion dollar business for ?psychics? like John Edwards who have legions of fans buying their books, attending their shows, and buying into their ridiculous mumbo-jumbo ? but why do we do it? Is it natural curiosity into the concept of death? Is it the fear of something beyond our comprehension? Is it our natural insecurity and the paranoia that we not alone? There are no direct answers to those questions, and there may never be, but as long as Hollywood keeps making the focus of their films, we will come.
The story centers on a boy who believes he can see ghosts and a psychiatrist who must find a way to help this child cope with his special ability that may unravel a mysterious truth not only for the boy but for himself as well. Dr. Malcolm Crowe is one of the best child psychiatrists in the city of Philadelphia. In fact, he was awarded a special honor by the mayor of Philadelphia himself ? the very same night a former patient of his named Vincent Grey breaks into his home. At first Malcolm struggles to remember him but as Vincent rambles on about details of the counseling, he begins to recall a young boy who shy, quiet, well behaved, and what he believed at the time was an inability to coup with the divorce of his parents. But Vincent believes that he has been cursed and Dr. Crowe has failed in promise to help the boy. Clearly at the end of his rope, Vincent Grey decides to end his life by shooting himself in the head but not before he gets one shot out on Dr. Crowe. Time passes and Malcolm Crowe returns to his job, though he has yet to fully recover mentally from the strange encounter. He is visiting a young boy by the name of Cole Sear ? an unusual little boy who hides out in a church and speaks Latin while playing with tiny soldier figures in between the benches. Cole?s mother who is separated from her husband is at her wits end. Not only does she have to balance two jobs to keep the small household supported but Cole?s alarming behavior has taken a huge toll on her ability to go about a normal routine with a calm mind. And don?t believe that Malcolm?s life is any less hectic ? not only is he desperately trying to redeem himself for the failure over Vincent Grey with young Cole but his marriage is failing and he is doing everything possible to help reconcile with his wife. But when young Cole reveals his secret that his has the ability to see ghosts, who want him to do things for them, Malcolm is reminded of Vincent Grey and that he will do anything he can to prevent Cole from meeting the same end. The story of The Sixth Sense stands alone as one of the best super-natural thrillers in years, if not of all time. Shymalan, who before this film was not known for this type of genre, truly makes a name for himself with this thought-provoking and riveting script. The ending is not quite as shocking to those who pay attention to the little bits and pieces Shyamalan places throughout the film to clue audiences into what is to come, but none the less it was disappointing either and that?s all that matters.
The cast for the film, though large in a sense when considering the numerous amount of characters with screen-time less then two minutes, is small in scale, especially when one considers that the film mainly centers on the actions of Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis. Haley Joel Osment, who is best known for his small appearance in the Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump, showcases his uncanny ability for acting by successfully pulling off one of the most challenging performances a director can give a child of his age, let alone any actor with as less experience as he has on screen. By taking on the role of Cole Sear, Osment not only has to play the victim in the sense that he wants Dr. Crowe to make the ghosts go away, but he switches roles continually throughout the film from the victim to that of an encouraging hero. Along with that, the way he and Bruce Willis act off of each other is so natural that the audience becomes attached to these characters and becomes deeply involved into what happens around them. Bruce Willis, more known for his adrenaline powered roles in such action-dramas as the Die Hard series then films of this nature, proves to audiences once again, as he did in Quentin Tarantino?s Pulp Fiction, that can slip into the more emotionally charged roles with losing any of the masculine mystic that you find so blatantly his action films. And, borrowing a page from Alfred Hitchcock?s directing book, M. Night Shyamalan makes an appearance in the film as Dr. Hill, the doctor who examines Cole after he is trapped in a closet. It?s not a whole lot of screen-time but it?s a wonderful surprise for those who know what they are looking for.
Overall, The Sixth Sense, despite lacking the exhilarating punch that had been promised as the film?s ending (if you paid attention to clues, it was kind of obvious), wipes the floor of its predecessors and redefines the genre that had been typically by mindless slasher flicks for far too long. This is not to say that the film?s ending is not a surprise ? to some it may be but for those who pay attention reasonably close to the clues placed throughout the film, it may come as a bit of a let down but not one that will ruin the entire film for you. Don?t go into this film with all the built-up hype the media and fellow movie-goers have place in your head. If you go into this film with a clear mind, not expecting anything more then an entertaining and intelligent thriller, then you will have a better appreciation for M. Night Shyamalan?s work then some people may have. Everything comes together so brilliantly in this film that is hard to find a film in the past few years that matches the exact effect The Sixth Sense is able to pull off ? the chilling musical score, brilliant performances, complex dialogue, intricate script, and clever direction, all of which work together and never seem to outbalance one another. If there anything to complain about this is that does tend to drag a little near the end but this is minor complaint that doesn?t match up exceedingly with the good that is presented in this film. The Sixth Sense is not strictly warranted to those who only believe in the concept of ghosts, but for those who enjoy the idea of being scared out of their seats even by a concept they themselves don?t believe in.
33 Can't watch it in the dark
My first mistake with this movie was knowing the neding before I saw it - a friend of mine let it slip several months after the movie was released, and so I wasn't as surprised as most folks. My second mistake was watching it at night. Alone. In the dark.
Not so much scary as it is just plain creepy (far worse in my opinion), this movie goes for a couple of big "jump out of your seat" moments, which usually happen after long periods of creepy, suspenseful build up. For several nights after I saw this movie I had to make sure that the lights were on in whatever room I was in. As a die-hard horror/thriller fan, it takes a LOT to spook me like this one did.
The acting is pretty good, although I don't think it was the Oscar-calliber that the movie's hype led me to expect. However, the same story in the hands of any other director and actors would have sucked the creepiness from the story and left just your average scary movie.
34 first rate psychological thriller
I was listening to the Movie Show on Radio one Saturday as I was working on my truck, when I heard Mad Max Weiss mention that The Sixth Sense had one of the most surprising endings of any movie. That did it, I had to rent it.
Staring Bruce Willis as child psychologist Malcolm Crowe and Haley Osment and the disturb child Cole Sear, The Sixth Sense is both a psychological thriller and a horror movie at the same time. Terrifying visions of dead people haunts the child, Cole. He has learned to repress what he sees for fear of being called insane. So at first, we see it as a psychological thriller. Later, we learn that the visions are real, so perhaps we are watching a horror flick, but as the move progresses it never degenerates into a silly horror movie, but keeps its psychological edge.
Although Bruce Willis is one of my favorite actors, I am afraid that I have underestimated his acting ability. This is an outstanding movie that grabs your attention and does not let go until the final credits roll. And the ending, oh yes, it was a surprise- I did not see it coming. If you have not seen this movie, rent it now. You will want to watch it several times. It is that good. Not a movie for the faint of heart or your wee ones- it will give them nightmares for a week; but if you are looking for a first rate psychological thriller you may want to add this to your DVD collection.
35 Un-Finished Business
The Sixth Sense
The Sixth Sense (1997) directed by M. Night Shyamalan, which he wrote and plays the part of Dr. Hill, a psychiatrist, is a timely masterpiece. The late 90's was a time for increased and renewed spiritually. Many individuals were and are still seeking answers to what happens after we die. Shyamalan was born in India where belief in reincarnation is very strong. While he was born in India he grew up in the United States in Philadelphia. There is a quality of "other world ness" or "wholly unknown" that he brings to the screen. What some have only imagined or "wholly sensed" he brings to life on film. His works include Signs (2002) and currently he is in post production of The Village (2004). What he and fellow director Jerry Zucker (Ghost, 1990) both portray through the genres of drama, mystery, and thriller is: Unfinished business keeps you around after you die.
Unfinished business is what keeps Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist around for a while. Despite the fact that his grieving wife has not been able to let him completely go- she plays home movies to keep him close, for a while. Individuals do sense sometimes their loved ones who have passed on are right beside them. This could be in the role of protector, as in Ghost, where Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) tries to protect his girlfriend Molly Jensen (Demi Moore) from harm, or as a guardian angel. One theme within both films is that of coming to terms with oneself and to be at peace. This was accomplished for Sam when he was able to communicate his message through Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg), thus saving Molly from certain death. In The Sixth Sense Crowe feels guilty about not being able to help is de-ranged ex-client. To do penance for that he tries to help, and succeeds in doing so, Cole. Cole for his part learns to face his fears, and works with his gift instead of against it. He helps the dead girl communicate a message to her father about her death. Through the process Crowe walks with Cole, afterwards he is able to let go, but first he whispers into his wife's ear how much he loves her.
What makes this film and others like it so interesting is that our society has within it a sub-culture of those who believe in the supernatural. The popularity of Crossing Over with Jonathan Edwards attests to this fact, as well as It's a Miracle. People want answers and will go to almost any length to get them. Many individuals have testified that they have either sensed or seen deceased family members at one time or another. The Sixth Sense is a great film for those of us with imagination and also for those without imagination.
36 UPLIFTING
Cole Sear (played wonderfully by Haley Joel Osment) is always hiding behind the "magnificent red curtain". Unable to comfortably associate with his peers, he has accepted the delegated task of the minor player, the victim, the bullied. Only when Sear tried to accept his 'fate', with the help of child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (brilliantly acted by Bruce Willis), did he realise the many beautiful opportunities he could have.
M. Night Shyamalan delivered, for me, an unusually uplifting suspense thriller. Sort of a 90s "Wizard of Oz". His craftmanship is superb. It was highly disappointing he failed to win the OSCAR Best Director trophy for The Sixth Sense.
Australian actress Toni Collette, as Cole's mother, is wonderful in her minor role. She is a world-class actor, and the car scene with Osment would have to be one of the best acted scene in the history of the silver screen. Subtle yet powerful!!!
37 The Sixth Sense (1999)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan.
Cast: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Haley Joel Osment, Glenn Fitzgerald.
Running Time: 108 minutes.
Rated PG-13 for ghastly scenes, violence, and mild language.
"The Sixth Sense" is M. Night Shyamalan's first major studio directorial production, yet a rookie mistake is not present in this masterful ghost thriller that has become one of the most prestigous and talked-about horror-dramas of all time. The film begins with an up-and-coming child psychologist (Bruce Willis, in his most exceptional role to date) celebrating his new-found success with his wife (played by Olivia Williams). The night is going splendidly; however, a failed child of the psychologist takes his frustration out, shooting him before taking his own life.
A year transpires after this horrific event, with Willis's character still trying to piece back the puzzle that was lost on that night. The psychologist meets a troubled youngster played by the Oscar-nominated Osment, who happens to have a special sense that allows him to see and speak to ghosts. At first terrifyed of the ghouls, Willis instructs the child to help the "dead people" instead of being afraid.
The film is brilliantly directed and scripted, twisting and turning until the much-heralded resolution. While Willis and Osment's performances are hauntingly special, Toni Collette's role as the tormented mother of Osment is the shining star of the film, delivering a powerful performance. "The Sixth Sense" is a deep, terrifying look into the world of the supernatural, but unfolds into a film about faith, love, and unbridled second chances. A soulful masterpiece that will send chills up spines.
38 SHYAMALAN'S FIRST GREAT FILM
I never did see this in theatres but saw it on VHS. I was scared to death when i first saw it. Everything was creepy. You didn't know what to expect throughout the whole film. I love this movie and watch it regularly just like Shyamalan's other film "Signs". I love Shyamalan's work. His movies are emotional and of course scary and you really get into the movie. I can't wait to see his new film "The Village". But BUY THIS DVD if you haven't yet. It's an AWESOME movie and will spook the hell out of you.
39 Haunting
The first time you watch this film, you'll be shocked. The second time, you'll learn to look for all the clues. If you watch it more than twice, you'll spot pretend clues, and wonder if they mean anything. And eventually, you will know the film back to front.
For first time watchers, this movie is terrific. It's almost terrifying to watch, and horrible to try and work out what exactly is happening to Cole, and also, the lovely Bruce Willis.
If you watch carefully, you'll notice the colour red plays a big part in this movie, particularly when something's about to happen, or is happening. Although, after a while, you start noticing things that are red, that have nothing to do with danger (the mum quite often has red nail varnish and wears a red top in the last couple of scenes and there are red candles in the house). But just watching for these clues again had something to the movie that it didn't have the first time watching.
Some people say that the film was so predictable, cos they knew from the opening scenes what was going to happen (when Malcolm, Bruce Willis' character, got shot). Well, it wasn't so obvious to me the very first time I watched it. However, films that are too predictable, are rubbish. I would have hated to have known all along what the ending was.
Both Bruce & Haley (Joel Osment) are so cute in this movie. Don't know what it is about Brucie in this, he looks kinda rough sometimes, but it just adds to the whole loveliness of him!
This is a movie that will stay with you for ages afterwards. Whether it was the constant emails, particularly after the Queen Mother died, with her picture in stills from the movie, or its repeats on TV - you'll be reminded of this great movie constantly.
And I just have to hear "I see dead people", and it sends shivers up my spine with remembering the scene in the movie that it happens!
40 Good.
'The Sixth Sense' is a good movie that is scary at times and has fine acting from Bruce Willis and the little boy. What is so famous about the film is the ending, which is now one of the most famous twists in movie history.
41 The Sixth Sense
M. Night Syamalan blew me away with the film: "The Sixth Sense". At first glance "The Sixth Sense" is just a creative horror film, but there is real genius here. The movie kept me on the edge of my seat with my palms sweating untill the end. But what sets "The Sixth Sense" apart from most other scary movies, are the depth of the characters and side-plots you would expect to find in an academy award winning drama. Also, the adrenaline rush doesn't wear off, the biggest shock of all is at the end of the movie. The skill with which Shyamalan wrote and directed this film, in my opinion, earns him a place beside Hitchcock and Spielberg.
42 Is there life after death?
This was an incredibly good movie. Some of it is eerie and unbelieveable, other parts so beautiful with the scenery and people. Bruce Willis was certainly handsome, just like in THE KID. He works well with children.
The thing I had trouble understanding when I viewed this film at the theater was his being able to interact with the child if he were dead. I kept wanting him to be alive and well. Apparently, the little boy was the only person to be able to see and talk with him.
The strange things which continued to happen to the psychic kid were unusual to say the least. His acting was not juvenile but more on the adult level. He is a good little trouper.
Dealing with the psychiatric deviants as this character had done in his professional life turned out to be dangerous and deadly. The director seems to delve into the inner workings of the minds of non-average misfits, and turns out a suspenseful and powerful story with a message.
43 best psychological thriller/ drana yet
This movie is probably one of the best movies I've ever seen. I dont think I've ever been so interested while watching a movie start to finish. Even the beginning, with the mental patient breaking into the house is one of the creepiest openings for a movie ever (next to return of the king's opening, but i wont tell you how that goes) This movie is an awesome, yet VERY, VERY creepy film. Some scenes may be a little disturning, but thats all im saying. Any who, this is a must-see film, and get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
44 Best quality movie hollywood can bring, must be the last one
Bruce Willis's most famous role and the best suspense movie created, this movie will keep you at the edge of your seat. As the movie gets tenser every scene, you'll realize that it is worth watching, a collectors item because Hollywood don't produce great movies like this anymore.
45 One of the best
If you like suspense and excellent plot this is the movie for you. The acting is also very good especially Haley Joel Osmet.
There are scenes in this film that are unforgettable and will haunt you long after you have watched it.
The beginning scene with the patient in the bathroom
The little girl (now on the O.C.) whose is mysteriously ill
and my favorite the car ride at the end of the movie when the little boy tells his mother that he has spoken to his dead grandmother.
The movie almost seems has the feeling of a Swedish or German film. It also seems like the writer was an outsider who really captures American nuances.
I cannot say enough good things about this film. One of my favorites. Pay attention to the plot! And enjoy.
46 A perfectly done chillimg film...
Right after I watched it, I immidiately watched it again. It had that kind of an impact, and has re-watchability. Like the great films of suspense by Alfred Hitchcock, this film doesn't have to show gore to be effective and leaves you with the chills thruout, and on the edge of your seat. A great film, worth watching many times.
47 Excellent Film--One of Shyamalan's Best
From the explosive beginning to the surprising end, The Sixth Sense engages the attention of any viewer who does not mind a movie devoid of violent explosions, extensive gunfire, and bedroom scenes. (Indeed, no film should contain the latter.)
The heart of soul of the film is Cole Sear, a disturbed nine year-old who hides his run-ins with ghosts from everyone around him, including his mother. Actor Haley Joel Osment gives a stunningly mature and good performance, especially judging from the fact that he was not yet a teenager at the time. He is uniformly believable, and his character is very real--he is not one of those movie characters that makes you sick and eager to get the movie over with.
Bruce Willis, playing the child phsychologist Malcolm Crowe, gives a very quiet performance, but still with plenty of feeling. He is not at all dry.
You can tell from the get-go that M. Night Shyamalan is a master at his craft. The entire feel of the movie is perfect. From the silent views of doors inside a house, to an angry voice shouting from behind a door, he keeps up a very expectant suspense. You aren't really sure what is going to come next until it happens.
The screenplay is quite realistic, the music is great, and all the other supporting actors give smooth performances.
In a word--it's a great movie. Watch it and you will be in for an enjoyable ride.
48 Willis's quieter hero
"The Sixth Sense" is M. Night Shamyamalan runaway hit about a more senseable and logical look at ghost stories. It is a slow movie and your patience is rewarded. It is the story of distinguished child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis in his best non-action role) takes on a new patient, 12 year old Cole. Cole claims to be able to see "dead people". To tell anymore would be to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. As I said before, this is a slpw movie, but that dosn't mean nothing happens, you have to be very alert, and maybe, just maybe, you'll figure out the secret at the end before it's reveled. Haley Joel Osment dose a great job as the quiet and sensitive kid trying to understand his unusual gift. I really believe that this is one of the best horror dramas made in a long time, and Shayamlan deserves all the success he has achived.
49 mindless marketing morons make menus moot
I immediately destroyed my copy of this DVD after purchasing it to prevent subjecting another human being to the inane and rude programming of this so-called DVD. Some committee of cluelss cretins decided to force each "owner" of the disk to watch a half-dozen horrible movie previews every time the disk is inserted before the feature commences. You can't call up the menu, you can't fast-forward, you can't even stop the damn thing without hitting eject or turning off the power!!
Well, here's my response to this evil tactic. I will never, ever purchase another DVD distributed by Hollywood Pictures Home Video.
I will never view or purchase Mission to Mars.
I will never view or purchase 13th Warrior.
I will never view or purchase...this is far as I got before I ripped the disk out and smashed it to bits.
0 stars, no make that a NEGATIVE 5 stars.
50 I love this movie
This is such a good movie. The ending is extremely shocking. Because of that watching the movie a second time, the movie is totally a different movie. Unfortunately because of that, it's not much fun watching it the third or fourth time because you know what's going to happen. If you haven't seen it though, it is a must see.
51 A Classic Example of Horror Cinema
This is my taste in horror movies. Some people go for the gore-fests, some go for films that are just shocking and disturbing. Nothing wrong with that. I myself just prefer something with a little more depth to it than most of the films in that category.
The Sixth Sense, from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan, is fully satisfactory. This is possibly Bruce Willis' best role to date. The movie itself will probably remain one of my favorites for years to come.
Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Willis) is a child psychologist. It goes badly one night when one of his former patients now grown up takes a gun to the doctor in his own home, claiming that Crowe never helped him. Fast-forward several months, to see Crowe trying to help young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) who is affected by the same symptoms as the patient who shot Malcolm before committing suicide.
Malcolm is determined to try and save Cole from himself, but learns that Cole is the unwilling bearer of a strange and macabre gift: the ability to see and communicate with the dead. At first, Crowe is unwilling to believe it, but as the film progresses, he begins to believe Cole and helps him to overcome his fear of the ghosts, instead speaking with them to try and bring them to a resolution that allows them to move on to the next life. In other words, Cole is given the duty, the destiny, of putting restless spirits at ease.
The eventual twist ending was quite a shocker, though many of you have probably already heard it from friends yammering about how either they never saw it coming, or lying and said they knew it the whole time. These twist endings are sort of a trademark for Shyamalan, as are his directing techniques.
One thing I particularly liked about his style, was his usage of symbolism and atmosphere. Throughout the film, doors and windows always symbolize something significant. It isn't until you see the whole film that you understand this, though. Another subtlety in the film is the usage of the color red. All of the other colors seem muted, but red stands out. And it's so well-executed, you don't even realize it unless you're actively looking for it.
In addition to the creepy psychological facets of the film, there were also a few shocking moments carefully placed throughout to create a greater sense of tension and dread. There were also a couple disturbing aspects touched upon to give the film a heavier atmosphere. These moments are made all the more disturbing by the fact that some of the acts people commit in the film are based on real mental illnesses.
Overall, I give The Sixth Sense 5 stars. Bruce Willis turns in a much better performance than some of his other recent works, Haley Joel Osment is refreshing in his incredible talent for someone his age, and Shyamalan provides a compelling story with memorable characters and some of the finest, most innovative directing approaches I've seen in a while.
This is all, of course, just one man's opinion. I'm not going to tell you that you will or will not like it, but if you enjoy the sort of stuff I've described above, it's at least worth giving a shot, right?
52 Good movie, but lacks in rewatch value.
This is a very interesting movie. The characters are beautifully played. The plot is certainly an interesting one. It's really more like a mystery than a thriller. You spend a lot of time trying to figure out why the dead are bothering this kid. You go through the same efforts that the psychologist does to figure out how to help him.
Also, this DVD release includes some very cool deleted scenes. Often, the deleted scenes are deleted because they didn't add anything to the movie, but these were deleted basically because they added too much. They were cut for time, or because they "gave away too much". The director's commentary is also great. I give the special features of this movie Five stars.
The downside to this movie is that once you've seen the ending or figured it out, it doesn't have much rewatch value. You may go back once or twice to find all of the "clues", but once you've done that, you probably won't want to watch it again.
53 Good composition of concepts
The Sixth Sense, as with many of Mr. Shyamalan's films, is about much more than the plot that unfolds in the story. In the film, we see little commentaries of how some parents would rather catch momentos of their children than spend time with them, people in relationships relating the value of their partners with what they buy for them, and authority figures believing they have more authority than the people who have their eyes open. They don't distract from the story though - they are tightly and elegantly integrated into the story, and are part of the tragedy of why spirits may hang around after their death, denying themselves what lies beyond.
In that, it is a complex film, but fortunately, none of the concepts interferes with the basic point of the movie. Great performances by both Willis and Osment. And great payoffs at the end of the movie, from both sides. Watch it and you'll see what I mean. A very well composed story.
54 I love seeing dead people
"I see dead people."
This is the movie's stand-out quote. It shows M. Night Shamayalan's brilliance as a producer, director, and writer. He incorporated one of his childhood fantasies into "The Sixth Sense" and added some of his own ideas giving it a brilliant storyline. The symbolisms(ex. the color red) give it that added uniqueness. Shamayalan proves that he'll become the next Steven Spielberg someday.
Haley Joel Osment deserved his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role of Cole Sear. He expresses Sear's fears and trials much better than most other 11-year old actors are capable. This powerful performance excites many to discover his performances while he's growing up and as an adult.
The rest of the cast is amazing: Toni Collette, Bruce Willis, Trevor Morgan, Olivia Williams, etc. Everybody, including Osment, has that special chemistry amongst one another. They provoke their emotions into their audience. When a character fears, the audience fears. When a character rages, the audience rages. These define the meaning of "The Sixth Sense's" storyline and environment. They force the audience think about the story elements rather than revealing them bluntly. This allows the audience to constantly watch it and learn new elements everytime. One may constantly whisper to their friends, "I see dead people" due to the movie addiction.
55 Misses out on the real sixth sense- Common Sense
Again like any other movie, I was cajoled to see this film by the laudatory remarks from my friends.... my friends are stupid so that should of been the warning sign to their persuasion to see this film. Geez, I was bored to death! This film is not thrilling at all, I have to admit little Haley Joel Osment's acting is good, but not anyting to evoke me into becoming scared, not that there was anything to be scared about in the first place. "I see dead people" as little Cole eeringly says is not all what we, the viewer sees, no, all we see is a bunch of fake blood splattered here and there and bad makeup! The ghosts that make their little cameo are not gory or frightening at all! Oh, and Bruce's character suddens realization that he was dead the whole time seemed kinda silly.
Well, think what you like, but this film was not cut up to what all the hype was about: "It makes your skin curl!"
Ya, right, okay. Maybe my veins just run with ice, but the only evoked feeling I had at the end was fatigue.
56 Moving and powerful. Several cuts above most thrillers.
No spoilers here--I will only say that this is a film that the viewer must watch more than once to fully appreciate and enjoy. This is a powerfully done, well acted and well told supernatural thriller that is several cuts above most films of this genre. Excellent performances, great direction, and a very creative storyline make this film one of the most impactful thrillers I've ever seen.
Put simply, this is the story of a young lad (Cole Sear, young Forrest Gump) who possesses a terrible gift--he can sometimes see dead people--sometimes passive images, sometimes more than that. A child psychologist (Bruce Willis) tries to understand what is tormenting the young man, since the true explanation is quite unbelievable. But there is much, much more to the story, but it is not my place to tell it here. Sufficient to say that most viewers will be impressed and moved by this powerful and frankly scary movie.
One complaint--the scene dealing with the deranged mother (no spoiler here) I thought was needlessly depressing and upsetting. Well, it upset me anyway, and has detracted from my enjoyment of subsequent viewings. Others may differ in their opinions, but that is mine.
A movie that will hold the interest of almost all viewers.
57 I See Dead People Like Bruce Willis
This is an awesome suspense film. It had some mind twisters that all fit together at the end that astonished almost anyone who saw the flick. I was impressed myself about the film.
If you've never seen it sorry for giving away the end???????????
58 A Must See
Definitely put this on your WISH LIST. I love the ending when it is revealed that Bruce Willis' character is actually one of the dead people that Haley Joe Osmont sees (Bruce's character was actually killed in the beginning of the movie). And all along you think that Bruce Willis is alive! So good.
59 Watch it until you really understand it
A rather annoying display of stupidity is very common among Amazon reviewers. They are often inclined to reveal far too much information, ruining it for the rest of us. The Sixth Sense is a movie that's surprise ending could ultimately be decimated by a single careless reviewer. Fortunately, few of this movie's reviewers are dumb enough to blatantly reveal the ending, but some came precariously close to it. This widely acclaimed phsycological, supernatural, etc. thriller, as it has been called, is really a movie about faith. Although it is designed for people of philosophic values, it also uses suspense and chilling sequences to attract a wide range of viewers. If you are the kind of person who watches a movie and takes the whole thing literally, you can enjoy it but not even begin to grasp the subtle, hidden values about life, afterlife and making choices. I previously stated the movie was about faith. And it is. Not any specific faith or religion, but faith in your self as well. It could be enterpreted many ways. Here is how I interpreted it: The Sixth Sense seperates all people into to classes; those with faith and those without. Those with faith usually come out strong in times of crisis. This is also the underlying theme in Shamalyan's other film, Signs. I was dissapointed that the other reviewers seemingly failed to grasp the movie's underlying values. But now maybe you will. And if you like the Sixth Sense, I'd advise you against buying the Others, as it is a cheap rip-off of the Sixth Sense without the subtle messages. And watch out for them poor, misguided reviewers.
60 Wow!
The movie with the now imfamous "I see dead people" line is actually a really good movie. The film is filled with interesting characters and a twist ending that will leave your jaw on the floor! I also have to give credit to Donnie Wahlberg who did an excellent job as the troubled former patient of Bruce Willis. I didn't even recognize him when I watched the movie the first time.
All of the actors in this film did an excellent job. This film really does deserve all of the praise it has received! Check this one out!
61 Gives Hitchcock a RUn For His Money
If you were coming to this film expecting a horror film, then your disappointment is understandable. I watched Mr. Shyamalan's work backwards chronologically: first SIGNS, then UNBREAKABLE, and now THE SIXTH SENSE. So in a way I approached this movie understanding that the premise - "I see dead people" - is not the theme, but merely a vehicle for the theme (in the same way that the alien invasion of SIGNS was not the theme).
This is clearly one of the best pieces of filmmaking to come out of the Hollywood Slums in a long time. It transcends many of the cliches that have gripped Tinseltown. Shyamalan's technical brilliance and power of vision are so refreshing. He is a filmmaker to watch, the only filmmaker since The Master - Hitchcock - to wear the mantle.
The performances are stunning. Willis and Osmet are brilliant together, as is Osmet's mother. The depth with which they portray their roles is evident in their eyes; each is willing to give the other the space they need to develop their characters, and the director skilfully moves them forward.
This film isn't about ghosts, or gothic horror, or the undead, or anything else like that. It's about forgiveness. Well, I suppose that's the simple answer. But, it's a credit to Shymalan's genius that he is able to deal with such deeply human themes in the context of a ghost story, without falling prey to the typical Hollywood cliches (like "Ghost").
Night is becomming one of my favorits directors. His work transcends film and becomes art of a type wholly distinct, much like Hitchcock and Kubrick before him. It will be fun to follow his career!
This is a masterpiece. Settle in and enjoy the ride.
62 Absolutely incredible - both moving and chilling
When I first saw The Sixth Sense way back in January 2000, I remember being absolutely amazed and stunned by the excellence of this film. I'd never seen a film that - while being slow paced - gripped me for the entire time I watched it. The Sixth Sense was THE film of 1999, and went on to become the most successful horror movie in the history of recorded film - grossing $679.4 million worldwide by April 2000. There were a number of highly successful horror films of the 1990's such as The Blair Witch Project, The Haunting, House On Haunted Hill and the Scream trilogy. This doesn't mean to say they were any good. The Sixth Sense is a rare film that deals with ghosts and psychic ability in such a realistic manner, that was a welcome change from all the silly slasher-type films - and a perfect one to round off the decade...
The Sixth Sense revolves around two main characters; Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) and Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment). Malcolm is an award-winning child psychologist who is happily married to his considerably younger wife, Anna (Olivia Williams). They are relaxing one night at their home, when Malcolm is shot by one of his former, now-adult patients, Vincent Grey (Donnie Wahlberg). The film continues months later. Malcolm has apparently recovered from the shooting and becomes involved with a new patient, nine-year-old Cole Sear. Cole's parents are divorced and he has no close friends - infact, his closest friend "hates him." Cole's mother, Lynn (Toni Collette) begins to notice that her son isn't happy, and that maybe something's going on in which he won't tell her - like finding cuts and bruises on Cole's back. A while into the film, Cole confides in Malcolm that he sees dead people - walking around like ordinary people. And that he sees them "all the time." Malcolm isn't sure whether to believe him or not, but stumbles across a recorded tape way back when he was involved with Vincent Grey. On the tape, Malcolm leaves the room with only Vincent is in there. It's clear from the tape (when Malcolm increases the volume) that someone else is in there with Vincent. Malcolm comes up with the suggestion that Cole must face his fears and communicate with these dead people - see what they want, and why the keep following him around. In return, Cole helps Malcolm with problems that he's experiencing with his wife - she won't talk to him, and he doesn't know why. Malcolm's discovery in the end has to be one of the best and most shocking twists in cinematic history.
The factor that makes The Sixth Sense so superb is the extraordinary acting skills of Haley Joel Osment. I have seen quite a lot of movies, and the acting of Osment in The Sixth Sense is absolutely amazing. After each major scene in which something truly gripping occurs, the screen fades to black - giving it a touch to it that makes it unique. I remember watching this film last night on terrestrial TV, and (now a few years down the line after it's initial release) realising that a wide variety of scenes in The Sixth Sense have already reached classic status. The one where the dead girl grabs Cole's leg from underneath her bed is a perfect example of this - the expression on Cole's face making it all the more iconic. The scene with the girl being sick in Cole's red tent is another (the tent constantly being used as a metaphor by children as a means of protection), along with the hospital bed scene which sparked a worldwide catchphrase; "I see dead people!" Director M. Night Shyamalan is superb, and with classic films such as The Sixth Sense and the superb Signs, is definitely on his way to becoming the new Spielberg. I have seen a lot of films in which Bruce Willis stars, and I have to say this is one of the best. He takes a backseat to his macho stereotype, and the effects are very rewarding. Willis is very believable as a softer, more gentle character in the form of Malcolm. Toni Collette plays the confused single mother image extremely well. At first it's difficult to distinguish whether she is protective or abusive towards Cole - but as the film picks up momentum, it's obviously the former.
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
The Sixth Sense is officially the highest-grossing horror film in history, which surprises me a little. The film received hardly any publicity until after its success at awards ceremonies. I have now seen The Sixth Sense about 10 times, and never tire of watching it. Of course, the film cannot be viewed day after day (as this would just be too repetitive), but once every three or four months still manages to thrill you in a way no other film did before it, or any film that will in the future.
63 Making Sense
Instead of raving about how good this film is, I believe people should watch it and be their own judge of its worth. However I would like to clarify some of the arguments from those people who denied The Sixth Sense in the previous reviews:
(1) Unless you can identify with the little boy, you will not be 'scared' by The Sixth Sense. Because it does not 'TRY' to scare you. It is simply a supernatural DRAMA that tells a story of a little boy, and what HE sees is scary to him. Put you into his shoes - eight years old, seeing dead people walking around in the house - wouldn't that be scary if it was you? Or maybe you have been drinking so much since then that all your brain cells have been killed so you cannot remember your childhood imagination? Want to be scared till your pants drop? Want to see large amount of blood only the blood bank of the county hospital can supply? Then go back to watch your B-grade slasher flick. "Sixth Sense" is not for you.
(2) People who claimed that they have guessed the ending from the first ten minutes because it was so 'pathetically obvious', how exactly did you do that? Simply by 'he got shot -> the next fall when he was sitting on the bench', and all the secrets revealed? It's either you are a psychic, or you are amazingly simple-minded. Or even you have seen it before and just trying to show off how clever you are. The fact is, boast about how easy it is for you to guess the ending does not make you a more intelligent audience, but more superficial. If you are so smart, why aren't you making one of the biggest box-office hit last year?
(3) Some claimed that it is unreasonable for the ghosts not to know that they are dead, and spite the story to be stupid. But, how many ghosts do you know? How do you know what the ghosts know and don't know? You don't even know whether there are ghosts or not and yet you made yourself to be the representative of the nether world? This is a story that is being told like it has never been. Since you think the idea is absurd, then there is no way you would be able to tell a story like this, ever. Consequence? See (2) above. By the way, how many films DO make sense? 'Scream To The Infinity'? 'I Know What You Did On My Grandmother's Birthday Party'?
(4) As for the DVD itself, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DISC!! All the problem that occurs is because of your DVD player, either the setup or player function. Read your player manual before you throw all your blames onto a quality disc.
(5) One reviewer said that the 'deleted scenes' are 'cut out' from the theatrical release... PLEASE!!! They are NOT. They are the scenes that never surfaced in cinema and put back by the director into the disc as an extra, he also explained why they were left out. One other said that the 'Storyboard-Film comparison' was not there, how come? They are on the top of the list of the bonus features!
Despite the few negative reactions of the lesser some about this movie, I saw this film with respect and expectation toward the filmmakers' creativity and the actors performances, and damned if I did not enjoy the 100 minutes, again and again.
64 Mediocre at best, really bad at worst
I hate movies that are overrated; especially if I can't see what the big deal is. Why is 'The Sixth Sense' so ridiculously overrated? Is it money? I don't understand. I read 5-stars reviews everywhere saying this is simply a masterpiece, and that Haley Joel Osment-kid is being hailed as being the most brilliant actor walking around on the face of this earth. Well, let me tell you that all ain't right. A few important points.
1: Let's get rid of the silly rumour that this movie is scary. It isn't scary... at all. The ghosts that you see are just plain people with sometimes a head-injury of pale face, nothing scary about that. The things that happen, like drawers and cupboards opening up by themselves, isn't scary at all either; how different that was in 'Poltergeist', where the scene with the chairs suddenly standing on the kitchentable gave the viewer an eerie feeling... "what's more to come?", I thought then. With the similar scene in "The Sixth Sense" all I did was be annoyed by that Haley Joel Osment-kid with his terrible overacting.
2: That brings me to point nr. 2. Haley Joel Osment. A good actor? Well, maybe if you enjoy looking at a snotty face and wet eyes for 2 hours. But it didn't work for me. You almost hear the director saying to him: "More emotion Haley, more emotion!"
3: The bad plot. Bruce Willis is a ghost himself, how incredibly shocking and original. He didn't know that himself? His wife doesn't look at him, doesn't speak to him (because he's dead) but he assumes that it's "bad communication". Well, quite silly if you ask me. He's with that Haley Joel-kid's mom, still thinking he's just a living human being, and they sit across of eachother. Did he just think it was normal that the mother didn't speak to him? Doesn't that ring a bell? Very, very badly done.
'The Sixth Sense' doesn't live up to it's hype, and that's an understatement. It isn't scary, it isn't moving (well, maybe in a shallow way if you're into that), and I wouldn't give this just one star if it wasn't considered as being one of the best movies of 1999. Let's say it keeps you fairly entertained for two hours, but after that it's a cold shower. With avoiding this you're missing out on nothing.
65 a real twist
i must say this film was great. it had you enthralled from the start. this movie has everything from comedy to horror to the end that has a twist you would not believe. hayley is perfect as the ghost seeing boy, and bruce willis is fantastic as the shrink. this film is great viewing and i recommend you watch it.
66 most overrated ever
Did anyone really like this piece of madagascar manx cat stool? I mean this whole movie is boring as all sin without a gak even by a knife to someone's throat and the psycho thriller aprt is so lame... a rating system!
67 You will see dead people too!
A Psychologist ( Bruce Willis) helps a young boy named " Cole" ( Haley Joel Osmont) with his problem, his problem is that he has the gift to see dead people and they are starting to haunt him.
A new masterpiece in horror cinema, it gives many twists and turns for the viewer that keeps them on the edge of their seats into a brand new world of the supernatural. The acting is great and the ending is terrific, this has plenty of scares for the viewer which makes this a must see movie.
Also recommended: Roland Emmerich's Making Contact, Lucio Fulci's The Beyond, Scream, Final Destination, Ghost, Jacob's Ladder, The Others, Halloween, Suspiria, Ghostbusters, Poltergeist, The Shining, The Exorcist, Evil Dead, Scream 2, Perfect Blue, Unbreakable, Signs, Total Recall, The Matrix, and Urban Legend.
68 The Sixth Sense
M. Night Shyamalan's supernatural thriller is one of most chilling and unpredictable films i've seen for a long time. Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment both give great performances, especially Osment, who has the gift of seeing dead people. Shyamalan's taut direction makes this one an amazing and thrilling film with that now-famous shocker ending (Even though you probably know what happens). The stunning cinematography and some terrific scenes with Osment talking to Willis about his "gift" are fantastic. Add a creepy musical score, some inventive camerawork and a sharp script and you have one of the best psychological thrillers of all time.
The DVD extras are good, with a "Making-Of" Documentary, deleted Scenes and Extended Ending, storyboard to Film Comparisons, an interview with director M. Night Shyamalan, music and sound design, the doco "Reaching the Audience & Rules and Clues", trailers and TV spots. The only thing lacking is a commentary from Shyamalan, but the rest of the extras makes up for it. Overall, a great DVD.
69 I see through this plot
After all the hype this movie got, I can't believe how utterly horrible it was. The story of a boy who can see dead people? That much, at least, makes sense, but that is about where the sense stops.
The surprise ending of this movie is extremely lame. It doesn't even fit. For example, in one scene Willis is sitting opposite Cole's mom in their living room when Cole comes home from school. So how did he get in there? Well, an intelligent person would think he would have talked to the mom before just barging in and sitting down. Did he do this? No. According to the "surprise" ending, he actually let himself in the house, sat down across from Cole's mom, said nothing, and just sat there, not paying any attention to the fact that she didn't notice him.
This movie is incredibly stupid. If you watch the interview with the director after the film, he can't stop talking about what a genius he is for making this movie. I was expecting a surprise ending, what I got was some lame twist in the plot that left a gaping hole in the entire story. Stay away from this one.
70 AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!IT"S SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mabye you will be saying that after you watch the movie.When I saw the girl near the car window after the car crash part I JUMPED OUT OF MY SEAT!!!!!!!!!I saw it on TV and i Was Screaming(The Bold text above.)By the time i Got to the end,I started to Cover my eyes!I saw it 10 times and it is cool.
P.S.Who is Toni Collette anyway?
71 A must see
This movie is a must see. I watched it with my friends at my sleepover and I loved it. It you like mystery and supence then you will love this movie. It is all about Dr. Crow who helps children with there problems. One kid is afraid that know one can help him with his problem but then reveils that he can see ghosts. It also has a great moral to it. So purchase this movie today and I think that you will probably not regret it.
72 Psychic Powers Required to "Get" This Thriller
I wish I had watched the "explanations" at the end FIRST, rather than going straight for the film itself. The plot was so entangled and far fetched that only the powerful acting held this thing together. -- Only after watching the director's comments and the "clues" needed to understand the story, was I able to "piece it together" to come up with a wabbely whole.
The director's comments were very pretencious. He seemed to have been of the opinion that HE was God's gift to movie making, and that everyone who watched his films need to have an appreciation for his genius. I failed to see the greatness in this "piece of work".
The actors in the 3 leads were my main reason for giving this film a chance. I enjoyed all of them in other films ("Muriel's Wedding", "Die Hard", "Forrest Gump"), but "The Sixth Sense" was a waste of time and money.
73 no excitement
This movie was not what I expected after all the hype. It isn't exciting or scary. Nothing big happens. The fraidy kid does a couple of small favours and that is it. The surprise ending as it was described is also a yawner.
74 I smell dead people!
It seems that my gift is a lot more icky. Eww, the smell of rotting corpses. At least if you see dead people, you can close your eyes and they're "gone."
Anyway, onto the movie. It's damn good and Bruce Willis didn't have to kill anybody. ;) I could end my review there, but I think there's more to it than that. The Sixth Sense is one of the films of the '90s that really blew me away the first time I watched it, and with each viewing it gets better. I've seen it four times now. A child shrink, Malcolm Crowe (Willis), takes on the case of a traumatized 9-year-old boy named Cole (Osment) who can communicate with the dead. His divorced mother Lynn (Collette) is worried about her son's frequent nightmares and episodes of acting out. Director Shyamalan shows that he knows how to startle an audience and create a creepy atmosphere, and the script and actors are first-rate. The heavily-awarded Osment turns in a touching, brilliant performance as the terrified young boy, a performance of such depth that is rare for an actor of his age. I can't wait to see what he'll do as he grows and matures. (Also watch for him as Forrest Jr. in 1994's Forrest Gump.) Willis's acting is wonderful too, and it's great to see him in a subdued role like this.
Definitely worth buying for the DVD extras, which tell a lot about the making of the film and other little things that make it more enjoyable to watch.
75 Simply overrated.
I didn't get a chance to see this movie while it was screening in cinema, but I was told that this movie was one of the best horror movies ever made. Under that influence (and pressure from my colleagues), I decided to order the DVD when it was released. After receiving the disc, I purposely cancelled all my Friday night appointment just to watch this movie. I regretted I did that. I should have had gone to pub or nice restaurants. Instead, I watched this movie, wasted my 2 hours.
I'm not saying that it is a bad movie. I just think there's too much hype around this movie. First, calling this "The Number 1 Thriller Of All Time" is something that I will never agree with. Where's the thriller? True that it has some suspense, but it hardly scares you.
I tend to agree with one reviewer who called this movie a drama. Yes, it's a drama. Probably not a family drama, as it'll scare young children. But isn't this movie about relationship between mother and son? About a young boy who learns how to conquer his fear?
76 THIS IS NOT SOMETHING EASY TO FORGET..1
COOOOOOOOOOOL
WHEN BRUCE(DR MALCOLM) DISCOVERD THE WEIRD TRUTH AT THE END OF THE MOVIE I STARTED TO TREMBLE.
IT WAS LIKE YOU DISCOVERING THAT THE PERSON YOU ARE TALKING TO AND WALKINY WITH IS NOTHING BUT A GHOST, WELL THAT'S WHAT I FELT!
WHEN THE FILM ENDED I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE OR THINK CLEARLY,MY EYES WERE STUCK TO THE SCREEN ,AND MY MIND WAS CONFUSED IN A WAY I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.
IT TOOK ME MORE THAN 15 MINUTES TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED AND WHERE I WAS, TRULY I WAS STUNNED FOR THIS UNFORESEEABLE END.
I DON'T GET SCARED EVEN WHEN I WATCH A TOP HORROR MOVIE BUT YESTERDAY NIGHT AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY YEARS..I SAW DEAD PEOPLE WALKING AND TALKING IN MY DREAMS..!
A GREAT PERFORMANCE BY THE TALENTED HALEY JOEL OSMENT , AND A GREAT DIRECTOR , AND AN UNFORGETABLE PERFORMANCE BY THE GREAT BRUCE WILLIS.
A MUST SEE TWICE MOVIE..OR MORE I THINK ....!!!
77 My Two "Sense"
Director M. Night Shyamalan's blockbuster, THE SIXTH SENSE, took everyone by surprise 3 years ago. It tells the story of child psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), who tries to reach out to young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who hides a unique gift. As their visits continue, Crowe, is desparate to help. Toni Collette, as Cole's Mom, Lynn, gives an Oscar nominated performance that deserves to be singled out. Despite the supernatural elements of the film, she gives a very "real" performance, that has stayed with me to this day, three years later. I must say that the "surprise" ending, caught me off gaurd, which isn't easy to do. Willis and Osment have great moments too as their Doctor/Patient relationship develops. The script and direction from Shyamalan is very smart. Everything is right on target. In my opinion, this film works much better than his follow-up effort, UNBREAKABLE.
There are now 2 versions of the DVD to choose from. I usually go for the most complete presentation, when it comes to DVD. However, after looking at both, I decided to stick with the single disc release. The 2 disc Vista Series set only added a few new featurettes over "The Collector's Edition" Since they did a fine job with the initial disc, as a choice, I felt unless they included a commentary track in the set, why spend extra money? The extras on the single disc, give a well rounded look at the film and the phenomenom that followed. The highlight of the disc though is the deleted scenes. Some of them are really good and gives viewers more to digest/enjoy. Recommended
78 Took 2 Viewings, and then I Loved It
For some off reason, it took two viewings of The Sixth Sense for me to actually like the movie. The first time I watched it, I had high expectations. I was expected to be scared to death by ruthless images of ghosts haunting a defenseless little kid. I also expected there not to be all the dialogue that there was, and more ghosts. After my first viewing, with my expectations lowered, I decided to wait a while to watch it a second time. I think it was a year before I actually bought the DVD (Not the Vista Series), and watched it again. And this time, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed it for its depth, heart, and it's minimal -- yet effective -- scares. M. Night Shyamalan is a very creative and intelligent director, putting heart into his design. The use of the color red was a very unique touch. The main cast -- Haley Joel Osment (Cole), Bruce Willis (Malcolm), and Toni Collette (Lynn) -- were all superb. The relationships between Osment with both of the leads were great. Especially that of his and Collette (Cole's mother). Scenes with them were near tear-jerking at times.
The Sixth Sense is an exceptionally scripted thriller / drama. Too bad it took me two viewings to realize that. Yet, I'm glad I did.
79 Shyamalan's supernatural shocker!
M. Night Shyamalan's spooky supernatural thriller is one of most chilling and unpredictable films i've seen for a long time. Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment both give great performances, especially Osment, who has the gift of seeing dead people.
Director Shyamalan's taut direction makes this one an amazing and thrilling film with that now-famous shocker ending. Add a creepy musical score, some inventive camerawork and a sharp script and you have one of the best psychological thrillers of all time.
80 Not scary at all
I don't understand why this movie is said to be very scary. I don't even call this a horror movie. It's far from horror/suspense movie that I'd call this a simple drama. I almost fell asleep while watching this movie. I'd say this is another version of 'Ghost'.
Second movie by the Shyamalan (Unbreakable) is better, but still not a masterpiece.
If you're really curious about this movie, renting would be more than sufficient.
81 Terrifying but moving too
I don't recall seeing The Sixth Sense on any top ten lists from critics when it deserved to be. I thought Bruce Willis was at his best, but his performance doesn't get noted by most people because the kid is so good. Still, the little twist wouldn't have worked without him. He deserved a Best Actor nomination. Now, to tell you a little bit about the movie, the kid can see dead people and it's scary as hell, and it's a lot more scarier than that camera shaking, motion sickness movie The Blair Witch Project.
82 Excellent Movie!! Just Amazing......
This movie is great! Halley Joel Osment is unbelievable.
83 One of the most touching experiences ever!
What can be said about this film thats hasn't allready been pointed out, well I have something to say that most haven't said, and that is that this film is more touching than suspensful, well in my opinion.It's a good film to watch for those who are doubtful about the afterlife, who knows this might change your mind, and quite a sad movie this is, especially if you have lost someone that you really love, it will definately touch you. But yes it can be suspensful at some times but when the film starts to reach its climax it gets more emotional, the ending is very sad itself, it as if when your done watching the movie that it takes something away from you, and puts something back in, you will just be in your seat thinking about what you just saw, and it will affect your life, it should... There are many great things about this movie, but you know what just get it, don't just watch it, it's that powerful!
84 Touching, thought-provoking
All through the movie, I felt that I was missing something... I realized in the end what was that. In The Sixth Sense, the director gently probes and implies.. There is no violence or special effects. The film is moving, from the loneliness of the wife, the sense of duty of the doctor, to the uncanny behaviour of the boy. This film may not appeal to the masses, but it is immensely thought provoking, and must deserve special mention.
85 Should be watched over and over
Not many films can really stand up to repeated viewings that will always surprise the viewer with new insites into the piece. "Sixthe Sense" is the exception to this rule.Each viewing reveals a new facet of the story, deepens the appreciation of the writing and, above all, amazes with the subtle and intricate performances of all the actors.
Of course the first time the big surprise is the ending (although I must admit I had picked the actual ending as one of three early on, BUT each subsequent viewing has brought more and better surprises). Bruce Willis (until this film one of my least favorite actors but after this and "Whole Nine Yards" a favorite)creates a wonderful character with not one false note - deep, meaningful and brillant. Haley Joel Osment overwhelms you the first time you see the film and with each subsequent viewing your appreciation for his work grows more intense. No other child actor has ever come close to his accomplishments and few adults have either. This wasn't the work of the director, it comes from within this remarkable person.
Even the story gets better with subsequent viewings. Little things that might have been missed previously will hit you and expand the pleasure. This is an excellent script, beautifully produced.
If you've only seen this film once, you are depriving yourself of the continual pleasure of revisiting a masterpiece.
86 What's the big deal?
I still don't know what all the fuss was about. Sure, the effects were cool (what little there were) and the acting good. But this was one s-l-o-w moving flick (although not nearly as bad as Unbreakable.) If you like ghost movies, movies by directors that are way too full of themselves, or good old Bruce, then get it. It's NOT one that you'll watch over and over again.
87 There's a secret, ssshh!
Pretty good, hats off to mr B.W., he's just about renewed hiwself from moonlighting.
I figured out the secret, but it is kind of obvious in hindsite.
P.S.
Who is Kizer Souxsie
88 overrated
this movie is just way overrated and i mean WAY overrated. nothing happens until near the end. most of the movie is just dull. is this movie scary? NO. even THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT was scarier than this--and that movie was horrible.if i could give this zero stars i would.
89 The Sixth Sense (DVD)...
This movie has absolutely everything! A great writer/director, great actors, a great plot, and a brilliance not found in many movies. This movie, and its actors, have won and been nominated for numerous awards (including Oscar's), and they deserved to win every one of them.
Mystery, suspense, thrill, drama, excitement, intrigue, horror... this movie is FILLED with all of them! Explore the paranormal as you learn that gifts are not always pleasant from actor Haley Joel Osment, who delivered a performance that can only be described as stunning.
Watch this movie again and again, every time you watch you'll learn something new (especially between the first and second time)... This is an enjoyable movie, that truly has seeped into culture. A must see for everyone!
90 doubters be gone
It seems to me that all those who did not like this film just want to show that they were to smart to be fooled by the ending. I am rarely fooled by such film plots but this one got me and a good film became a great film. The subtle hints left throuhout are quickly recalled once you are let in on the secret, but that does not mean you knew all along. I am sick of all the "smart people" who say this is a bad film just because they claim to have figured it out. Even without the ending this was still a touching story between the two main characters and I enjoyed it completely.
91 What a great film!
This movie... wow... I can't even believe it. It is hands-down one of the greatest movies ever made. It's got a great plot, cool characters, memorable lines, and a great ending. I don't want to give it away, but who would have thought that Bruce Willis was dead through almost the entire movie?!? I mean, I would never have guessed it. But then I should have been able to guess it. He was wearing the same clothes through the entire movie, he never talked to anyone, and... well... wasn't it obvious? I highly recommend this movie!!
92 EERIE
Was this film a surprise? Was the ending a surprise really? Personally I felt, as I watched the film, that there was something missing. Certainly a real dialogue between all other characters but Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis was missing, but that was not blatantly obvious. Willis's oblivious behaviour toward his wife also left some unanswered questions. How is it that he could really not know he was dead if there were all these things going on in his wife's life that he knew nothing about? (She was taking antidepressants, was starting to see other people)? I suppose it is possible to be living with someone who becomes virtually a stranger to you as circumstances change. However, the most obvious problem was simply that there was no real seguŽ into his life after he had been shot. We see no ambulances, no recovery, nothing. This always makes me suspicious. We just see him lying there bleeding, and the next thing we know he is meeting a little boy. How would he have time, after all, to devote all this time to one case if he were indeed alive? Also Haley Joel Osment probably does not choose to tell Willis he sees dead people because Willis is his counselor but because Willis manages to make contact and communicate with him, unlike all the other dead people who have just scared him. I guess I felt prepared for the ending only because I have seen similar things. For example, in Jacob's Ladder, with Tim Robbins, his character hallucinates an entire life after Vietnam, but it turns out that he never left Vietnam. He died in combat. Granted, The Sixth Sense was superior with its story, its stylistics and its suspense. Perhaps it appears that I am complaining, but far from it. Willis's performance was understated and skillful. I am not a fan of Haley Joel Osment, but his performance was commendable, particularly for someone of his age. I was highly impressed also with Australian actress Toni Collette as Osment's frustrated but loving and protective mother. The Sixth Sense had clues in it, but it was not clear-cut. It was not obvious how it would end. It was well crafted, suspenseful, and completely unexpected in the cinema when it appeared... unexpected but welcome.
93 Intresting Concept
I found this horror film entertaing with an intresting twist. You'll have to watch the movie to find out what the twist is. It had excellant writing and was very well acted.
94 ENDING IS NOT A SURPRISE
Before I finally rented this movie, I had heard all sorts of things from friends at school about how it has this huge surprise ending that you would never guess. They were kind enough to not give it away to me, but unfortunately M. Night Shyamalan was not that kind. The second that Bruce Willis gets shot, I had guessed the ending. It was the only logical conclusion I could come to after seeing all those "I see dead people" commercials for the movie. When I got to the end of the movie and found out that I had of course been right about what the "big surprise" was I have to say that I was very dissapointed. However, the movie itself is good. The only problem I have is that the ending leaves you dissapointed. M. Night should have made it less obvious. Anyway, the movie is great. It is very entertaining and holds your attention everystep of the way. Even though I had figured out the ending, the movie had me so intranced that I didn't notice at first how Willis never has a conversation with anyone but Osment. I suggest that you see this, and maybe, if your dumber than me, you will be surprised at the end.
95 A beautifully made and haunting ghost story about fatherhood
Some reviewers wondered why this movie was such a huge hit, despite being a low key and special effects light thriller. That answer, when you strip away the twist ending everybody just had to see, was in the subtext of families being healed after a traumatic loss. Just substitute in divorce instead of death and the resonance becomes clearer, much the same way many parents empathized with the discarded and forgotten toys of Toy Story 2. All through the movie we see Willis's character, a fallen and broken man, continually trying to reconnect with his apparently estranged wife and his young patient, a surrogate son of sorts. That the ghosts the boy sees are primarily victims of domestic abuse or simple neglect only further the subtext of a needed healing. Whether you find the film 'scary' or not is a non-issue with me, for The Sixth Sense shows how rich, intelligent, and textured supernaturally themed drama can be.
The disc comes with hours of bonuses which include commentary, deleted scenes, trailers, and behind the scenes info. The extras are nice, but even if it were just the movie on the disc it would still be a required addition to any ghost story fans library. An essential disc.
