A profound and spiritual movie hidden in a great horror movie

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2008)

This is a thoroughly excellent movie, in every aspect. The acting, writing, direction, camera work, and sound editing and score are so well meshed, they flow together as you forget that you are only watching a movie. The title is a metaphor with multiple meanings, the least important being the crop circles which are used in the promotional posters and trailers for the movie. The beauty of this movie is the way Mel Gibson's character lets us experience both the unbelievable societal events occurring, as well as a more profound inner transformation of faith and perspective. There are so many scenes to savor in this movie, ones that touch every possible emotion, and the ending is powerful and satisfying. It is impossible not to be swept up along with this story and its characters. Don't think too hard about the rationale for the alien invasion and the predominance of water on our planet-that is one of the only problems or flaws in the movie. Shyamalan leaves the viewer with closure, but questions, and room for different interpretations. A beautiful, mesmerizing, frightening, and uplifting movie experience!