Real Scary!

Rating: 9/10 (26 August 2001)

A very clever, dark, moody little period piece (are the 1940's a 'period' yet?) that was scary, intense, and very, very well written. Well-directed, too, but most people don't notice that, especially not Hollywood.
The characters were very well done, and that's where the focus was, as in "The Sixth Sense." The difference here is, that movie had more eye candy, and more frequently... most viewers might get bored with "The Others," although I certainly didn't. I was riveted, from start to finish. Well-acted, too, all around. Here's hoping Nicole Kidman keeps getting the good jobs. And those kids too, and let's not leave out Mrs. Mills. Great characters, great acting.
I have to wonder if I'll enjoy it as much on second viewing, or third or fourth, like "The Sixth Sense." I can't really say for sure, but it was a great time at the theater, and it will be a great time at home on video, during a dark and/or stormy night. Bring a date. And eagerly await all the future films from the Spanish writer/director, already famous elsewhere in the world, and now, give him the change to make a dent on YOUR psyche.
High on mood, and scare-factor. I don't remember a single bit of gore, which is a rarity in modern horror movies-- though this isn't horror, it's definitely more psychological. But psychological is tough to fit in movie ads, so we're left with... just a really entertaining film, on all levels. Also a rarity in Hollywood!