Definitely one of the best Ghost stories ever put on film

Rating: Null/10 (7 February 2003)

A scream opens the first scene.But was Graces dream that she had just awoken from in terror just that,or was it a filtered reality?Filtered like the dreary grey light that hangs heavy and oppressive within the walls of her huge Jersey Island Mansion.
The year is 1945,and Grace(Nicole Kidman)is having a hard time looking after her young children alone in her home since her husband went to help fight the war.The children,Anne and Nicholas,played superbly by Alakina Mann and James Bently,have a rare disorder which has them allergic to any light brighter than a Lantern.Therefore the curtains must always be drawn.For their photo-sensitive skin to be exposed to the sun would inevitabley be fatal. One day three mysterious strangers call at the House,claiming to be responding to Graces advertisement for servants.She duly hires them.But soon after Anne begins to claim that there are strange apparitions moving about within the Mansions many rooms.Grace,strong in her faith,chooses not to believe her daughter,until she herself experiences strange noises and events.Could the house indeed be haunted?And what significance do the three new servants have?
I will not say too much more.This movie is very complex in it's progression yet very subtle in it's delivery.It is the sort of film you HAVE to see at least twice to pick up on everything that in the end summarily binds together for a satisfying resolve,if not a somewhat sad one.
This has quickly become my favourite movie,and I don't hesitate to give it 10/10.The cinematography creates such an atmosphere that it almost envelopes you,and the performances,especially those of Nicole Kidman and Alakina Mann are absolutely mesmerising.Definitely one of the best Ghost stories ever filmed.