Rating: 
Summary: The best movie of 1999. Do not argue.
Review: The Academy was insane, that's all I'll say. Giving piece of garbage "American Beauty" Best Picture? Competent, but not exceptional, Michael Caine receiving Best Supporting Actor? Etc...They were insane. "The Sixth Sense" should have swept the Oscars, and would have if the Academy wasn't comprised of a bunch of hypocritical snobs. After two mostly overlooked features, "Praying With Anger" and "Wide Awake," M. Night Shyamalan (who should have won both Best Director and Best Writer) firmly implants himself in the national consciousness with this thriller of a movie that will have you guessing at every turn. Also, now that his "Unbreakable" was shown to be just as good, it has been established that Mr. Shyamalan is far from a one-hit-wonder. Tak Fujimoto does some of the best cinematography work I've ever seen. Words cannot describe it. He manages to make the coming of dawn seem frightening, simply by showing us shadows and light playing over a statue. Dawn. The traditional horror movie's time of safety becomes, in Mr. Fujimoto's very capable hands, just as dangerous as midnight. He is assisted by James Newton Howard's eerily unsettiling score. Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, and Olivia Williams all do great jobs, but the actor who stole the movie is young Haley Joel Osment as the child who "sees dead people." If you don't feel sympathy for him, you need to have your sympathy gland inspected. Highest possible recommendation. Again...they. Were. Insane.
Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the best film of 1999.
Review: Writer/director M. Night Shymalan's "The Sixth Sense" is that rarest of breeds: an intelligent, well-made film that conquered the box office. Equal parts mystery, drama and bone-chilling horror, "Sense" deals with a weary, wounded child psychologist (Bruce Willis) whose latest patient (the remarkable Haley Joel Osment) has a mysterious and terrible gift: he sees ghosts. Shymalan, ably assisted by Tak Fujimoto's brilliantly icy cinematography, wrings suspense and terror out of empty doorways, split-second glimpses of figures in the background, and unknown things lurking in the dark. But this is hardly a cheap slasher film: perhaps the most wonderful aspect of this film is its message, that fear can be conquered through understanding and compassion. Cleverly plotted, bolstered by fine performances from Olivia Williams as Willis's melancholy wife and Toni Colette as Osment's worried mom, and graced with a twist ending worthy of Hitchcock, "The Sixth Sense" is a magnificently creepy film that will have you jumping at shadows long after it's over.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: best psychological thriller/ drana yet
Review: 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Subtle, creepy, and intelligent!
Review: Here comes a thriller which is smart and uniquely chilling, unpredictable and starkly original. "The Sixth Sense" falls into an enjoyable but very tricky genre of filmmaking: thrillers which succeed in balancing suspense and tension with an equal level of emotion. Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan does so much with this story, his third feature, yet he keeps the plot twists on the down-low so that the movie speaks to us in such a way that our only choice is to follow it through to the final, gut wrenching climax. Through a combination of subtly effective cinematography and a powerful cast, "The Sixth Sense" rises up to become one of the best movies of 1999. Setting itself up quite nicely with an eerie opening credits scene, the movie introduces us to Malcolm Crowe, who has just one a prestigious award from the city of Philadelphia for his work as a child psychologist. That same night, upon going upstairs to their bedroom, he and his wife Anna find a strange man in the bathroom, claiming to be a former patient of Crowe's who feels his bedside manner was less than helpful. After a lengthy "session" of trying to calm him down, Malcolm is shot in the stomach, and the intruder commits suicide. Skip ahead a year, in the fall season, and we find Malcolm embarking on another assignment: helping a small child named Cole deal with visions of ghosts that permeate his thoughts and come to him in reality, leaving visible scars on his body and causing his severe fright. The child is at first reluctant to reveal these apparitions, but once he knows he can trust Malcolm, he tells all. Malcolm, whose life has taken a bit of a nose dive (his wife barely speaks to him anymore, and he suspects that she's having an affair), is not about to stop helping Cole, who wants more than anything to be rid of the terrifying "sixth sense" he has been given. The film's story structure and plot machinations are completely unique and possess zero predictability factor, keeping the story moving at a slow, easy pace which allows us to take in everything that's important. What is really nice about this movie is its attitude towards it audience: it knows exactly what we want to see, and it gives us that in an ultra-creepy form without falling into any of the clichés or pitfalls of other thrillers. Visions of ghosts are nothing new, but the reasons for which they haunt Cole are completely new and fascinating, providing for some incredibly taut twists and surprises as the story rounds itself out to absolution. Suspense and intensity are evident in the plot as well, yet are not the in-your-face types we are so used to from mainstream thrillers. Shyamalan substitutes hardcore scare tactics for sinister, eerie instances that rarely last more than a second. The effects are never gory or bloody, which softens the senses while throttling the mind with twists that need attention in order to grasp the final impact the film will have. There is a lot to miss in this movie if you do not keep yourself focused on it, but the final climax is worth all the attention you give it. Countering the suspense and tension is an equal amount of emotional feeling and intensity, which has a great impact, even on cynics. It's impressive to watch Cole handling the situations he finds himself in; he is truly frightened, but finds the courage to try and solve the problem, with some help, of course. His relationship with his mother provides heartwarming moments of love and devotion. His mother truly does love him, and through their struggles and happy times, we believe it because it is totally convincing. Cinematography plays a big role in this film as well, aiding the movie in its quest to break away from the regular methods and tactics used in filmmaking. Throughout the movie, cinematographer Tak Fujimoto conveys an atmosphere that is cold and, at times, dismal. Flesh tones and an overall casting of shadow on many shots, as well as the setting itself, all add to the sense of eeriness and the unknown. This is some pretty effective material here, all of which gives us the creeps without ever totally sending us off the deep end. Characterization and acting bring a lot to this movie, and is the key element in bringing it to life. Bruce Willis gets a chance here to play a role that's a little out of his league from the action blockbusters and high-speed films of his career, taking a more quieter and gentle approach with his acting as Malcolm Crowe. This is his best work to date, and marks him as a very talented actor for his ability to play it rough in action films and totally segue into this area of acting with ease and effect. The main star of this movie, whom all the action and plot centers around, is Cole, played brilliantly by Haley Joel Osment, a small boy with eyes that speak when his mouth does not. Cole is portrayed as being wise beyond his years, and his fear and emotions are brought out wonderfully under Osment's incredible performance. Toni Collette is Cole's mother, Lynn, who does a fine job of playing out her confusion and fright over her son's actions and conditions. "The Sixth Sense" is a landmark piece of filmmaking, one of those movies that stays in the mind long after it is seen. You need to keep close attention fixated on the film, but the movie does such a tremendous job of bringing you into its story and suspense that your attention will do anything but hinder. The performances are intriguing, the material is brilliant and intense, and the overall effect the movie has in the end, along with being a superb surprise, is one of refreshment and satisfaction.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie and a great DVD
Review: Haley Joel Osment turns in a great performance as a young boy who sees dead people. Finally, after 2-bit thrillers like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, we have a film that doesn't use violence and screaming women with tight shirts to put you on the edge of your seat. This film makes you think and once you've seen the ending you'll want to watch it again immediately. Needless to say Bruce Willis turns in another stellar performance as the psychologist who helps little Cole (Osment) with his odd 'gift'.
The DVD also gives you cut scenes (with explanations) and the normal behind the scenes that come along with all good DVDs. Picture quality is great and the sound quality is descent (although I didn't get a chance to watch it on Dolby 5.1). Plus you get to see the first film by director M. Night Shyamalan.
Although it didn't win any Academy Awards, it certainly was deserving of all the nominations, especially Osment's Supporting Actor Nom. Great movie, definantly worth the purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: Good.
Review: '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.
Rating:
Summary: Subtle, creepy, and intelligent!
Review: Here comes a thriller which is smart and uniquely chilling, unpredictable and starkly original. "The Sixth Sense" falls into an enjoyable but very tricky genre of filmmaking: thrillers which succeed in balancing suspense and tension with an equal level of emotion. Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan does so much with this story, his third feature, yet he keeps the plot twists on the down-low so that the movie speaks to us in such a way that our only choice is to follow it through to the final, gut wrenching climax. Through a combination of subtly effective cinematography and a powerful cast, "The Sixth Sense" rises up to become one of the best movies of 1999. Setting itself up quite nicely with an eerie opening credits scene, the movie introduces us to Malcolm Crowe, who has just one a prestigious award from the city of Philadelphia for his work as a child psychologist. That same night, upon going upstairs to their bedroom, he and his wife Anna find a strange man in the bathroom, claiming to be a former patient of Crowe's who feels his bedside manner was less than helpful. After a lengthy "session" of trying to calm him down, Malcolm is shot in the stomach, and the intruder commits suicide. Skip ahead a year, in the fall season, and we find Malcolm embarking on another assignment: helping a small child named Cole deal with visions of ghosts that permeate his thoughts and come to him in reality, leaving visible scars on his body and causing his severe fright. The child is at first reluctant to reveal these apparitions, but once he knows he can trust Malcolm, he tells all. Malcolm, whose life has taken a bit of a nose dive (his wife barely speaks to him anymore, and he suspects that she's having an affair), is not about to stop helping Cole, who wants more than anything to be rid of the terrifying "sixth sense" he has been given. The film's story structure and plot machinations are completely unique and possess zero predictability factor, keeping the story moving at a slow, easy pace which allows us to take in everything that's important. What is really nice about this movie is its attitude towards it audience: it knows exactly what we want to see, and it gives us that in an ultra-creepy form without falling into any of the clichés or pitfalls of other thrillers. Visions of ghosts are nothing new, but the reasons for which they haunt Cole are completely new and fascinating, providing for some incredibly taut twists and surprises as the story rounds itself out to absolution. Suspense and intensity are evident in the plot as well, yet are not the in-your-face types we are so used to from mainstream thrillers. Shyamalan substitutes hardcore scare tactics for sinister, eerie instances that rarely last more than a second. The effects are never gory or bloody, which softens the senses while throttling the mind with twists that need attention in order to grasp the final impact the film will have. There is a lot to miss in this movie if you do not keep yourself focused on it, but the final climax is worth all the attention you give it. Countering the suspense and tension is an equal amount of emotional feeling and intensity, which has a great impact, even on cynics. It's impressive to watch Cole handling the situations he finds himself in; he is truly frightened, but finds the courage to try and solve the problem, with some help, of course. His relationship with his mother provides heartwarming moments of love and devotion. His mother truly does love him, and through their struggles and happy times, we believe it because it is totally convincing. Cinematography plays a big role in this film as well, aiding the movie in its quest to break away from the regular methods and tactics used in filmmaking. Throughout the movie, cinematographer Tak Fujimoto conveys an atmosphere that is cold and, at times, dismal. Flesh tones and an overall casting of shadow on many shots, as well as the setting itself, all add to the sense of eeriness and the unknown. This is some pretty effective material here, all of which gives us the creeps without ever totally sending us off the deep end. Characterization and acting bring a lot to this movie, and is the key element in bringing it to life. Bruce Willis gets a chance here to play a role that's a little out of his league from the action blockbusters and high-speed films of his career, taking a more quieter and gentle approach with his acting as Malcolm Crowe. This is his best work to date, and marks him as a very talented actor for his ability to play it rough in action films and totally segue into this area of acting with ease and effect. The main star of this movie, whom all the action and plot centers around, is Cole, played brilliantly by Haley Joel Osment, a small boy with eyes that speak when his mouth does not. Cole is portrayed as being wise beyond his years, and his fear and emotions are brought out wonderfully under Osment's incredible performance. Toni Collette is Cole's mother, Lynn, who does a fine job of playing out her confusion and fright over her son's actions and conditions. "The Sixth Sense" is a landmark piece of filmmaking, one of those movies that stays in the mind long after it is seen. You need to keep close attention fixated on the film, but the movie does such a tremendous job of bringing you into its story and suspense that your attention will do anything but hinder. The performances are intriguing, the material is brilliant and intense, and the overall effect the movie has in the end, along with being a superb surprise, is one of refreshment and satisfaction.
Rating:
Summary: The Big Chill
Review: Undoubtedly one of the high points in 90's cinema, Night Shyamaln's third offering scores on so many fronts that in the final analysis it could well be vaunted as a future classic. Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the whole affair (aside from Willis actually delivering a solid performance with real characterisation for once) is that this film chills so clinically effectively without the need to rely on bulk-standard special effects. No, this is creative filmmaking delivered with confidence and flair. Willis is noted child psychologist Malcolm Crowe who becomes involved with troubled nine-year-old Cole Sear (played utterly superbly by Haley Joel Osment) who is haunted by, apparently, visions of the dead. Slowly, step by step, Crowe gets the boy to open up to him but the further he delves into the child's psyche, the greater his suspicion the boy's problems are not merely an unbalanced mental state. Whilst the main structure of the story isn't particularly outstanding, its given weight by sterling performances all round with top honours going to Haley Joel Osment who delivers an outstanding performance as the outcast, over-sensitive, tormented main subject. I've viewed this film in excess of a dozen times now, it's that engrossing and I have no hesitation whatsoever in saying this is an essential viewing/purchase. Mad Ferret, London
Rating:
Summary: Un-Finished Business
Review: 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.
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