A "MUST SEE" EXCELLENT MOVIE!

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2001)

This movie knocked the wind out of me. I was GLUED to the screen and could not look away and that's a feat in itself. It seemed to zip by and felt like only 30 minutes. In fact, I didn't want it to end. I am a big movie critic and 98% of the movies made in the past few years are trash, dumb, and a waste of time. It's wonderful to see that there still are a few chair-gripping, CEREBRAL (to the dense, "cerebral" means "boring"), good scripts out there. Another good thing is that ACTING involves facial expressions, eye expressions and (heaven forbid) emotions instead of blood, gore, and cursing, flying around amid shallow car chases set to bombastic and robotic "music" that is used to overwhelm and distract the viewer from the lack of script and acting abilities.
"The Others" is a fantastic find. Nicole Kidman is excellent in this. I never gave her much of a chance before, but now see that she is very talented. Julia Roberts couldn't have pulled this off. Nicole's expressions and eyes screamed volumes as she made me feel what the character felt without having to say a word. The children's performances were some of the best I have seen by kids. The other three main characters were perfect as well! They kept me guessing!
I find most movies completely predictable and the soundtracks to be overblown and distracting. That is not the case with this one. I loved the quiet moments that were used to build up the suspense and to allow the viewer's mind to race with ideas---------something that has been sorely missing from films for years. The music ENHANCED the movie!! What a nice change that is! It was perfect and added mystery, eeriness and helped solidify the aura and tone of the film, instead of banging you over the head and being annoying and obnoxious.
"The Others" has terrific acting, a wonderful story line, an enhancing soundtrack, is full of feelings, emotion and fear. We all fear the unknown.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all!