The Sixth Sense

An incredibly impressive film with a truly unexpected climax that actually put everything else on the back burner and ensured The Sixth Sense and director Shyamalan's undying fame. A great ghostly atmosphere, an excellent script, an incredible Osment, and the awesome Bruce in a slightly unconventional but perhaps his best role, where he fully displays his acting abilities. It’s a bit of a shame that the precision and finesse of the film didn't quite allow me to get deeper into Shyamalan's narrative than half a metre from the screen (and that's only in the tense moments). But that's only a minor blemish on this otherwise masterfully crafted horror film, which deservedly ranks among the genre's best. Very strong 4* for me. (2012-08-23)

The Sixth Sense seems like an unremarkable film throughout, but then in the last seconds comes a brilliant twist that turns the plot on its head. And it’s even better on a second viewing. If you haven't seen it yet and someone wants to tell you the ending, get a stick and chase them away from you. (2003-04-13)

The Sixth Sense is an intimate little thriller that revolves around four troubled people. It is delicately frightening, spiritually romantic and fiercely sad. Even on repeat viewings, you will not find a scene in it that doesn’t work for both faces of the schizophrenically double-sided narrative, connected with the final point that changes everything. Everything is put perfectly in place and it is almost unbelievable how precisely the primary face of the film, perceived by the “virgin” viewer, can function in this condition. The Sixth Sense is Shyamalan’s smallest and most encapsulated film, which is perhaps the reason that many of his fans, myself included, rate it as being somewhat weaker than Unbreakable and Signs. But hand on heart: isn’t it an equal emotional bombshell built on the foundation of an equally perfectionist screenplay and form? Perhaps only James Newton Howard’s music doesn’t have quite the same distinctiveness and character-related connection with the film here as it does in the two aforementioned masterpieces. (2005-05-19)

Innovative, suspenseful, and truly unique for its time. However, for me, the Meaning is revolutionary mainly in the aspect of giving us Shye. Although he belongs to my most beloved creators, his first hit is just a prelude to the dazzling stories he will once serve to the audience. But that doesn't mean any shame, it's just a one-bite appetizer compared to later pieces, which amuses me, maybe even astonishes me several times - but despite Willis' perfect performance, I won't have an infinite desire to watch it again. (2006-05-24)

The Sixth Sense is an acting tour de force by (especially) little Haley Joel Osment (a well deserved Oscar nomination!) and Bruce Willis, and it is a perfectly handled directorial affair on M. Night Shyamalan's part. All sorts of subtle hints surface throughout the story, eventually leading to a shocking reveal that just makes this film unforgettable. In short, for me, a near perfect ghost thriller that lacks a greater dose of suspense in individual scenes to be perfect. (2011-08-14)