Absolutely Incredible. An enduring classic!

Rating: 9/10 (19 January 2003)

I hate horror movies as a class. Did I say I hate them? No, no... I mean I HATE them. A barrelful of smart alecks running around with buckets of red paint. No coherent script, no decent acting, no sense of direction.... pretty much wraps it in a nutshell. There are very few exceptions. You've seen a horror movie that's good? It's not a horror flick! When I say these opinions, people always give some good movies' names, like Alien... Alien was a thriller. Not horror... Same goes for Predator, and Jaws. Debatable, maybe... but that's my opinion anyhow.
The Sixth Sense is a fantastic movie. I've watched it 27 times to date, and I'll watch it again... I must say that initially I was not interested. I was not in the mood for the 'classic' and dragging story. I just kept my cousin company as we watched it together.
Even in my state of partial interest, I could easily see that the direction was superb. Bruce Willis, as expected, gave a very convincing portrayal of the helpful psychologist. But I was short of appalled when he was nominated for Best Actor, and Osment for Best Supporting Actor. I protest. Haley Joel Osment played the centre character here, and Willis, legend as he is, played the supporting role. I was mesmerized by Haley Joel Osment. That kid took on the part that demanded maturity to an extreme level, and he delivered his part flawlessly. Flawlessly!
It's really hard to see good child actors these days. Hey... it's really hard to see good child actors these period. And Haley proved prodigious. His performance cannot be equalled in the near future... not easily.
Anyway, when the movie finished, my cousin, thoroughly impressed, said,"You weren't expecting that, were you?" I nodded no. We talked about the movie for a while, and he left. Immediately, I saw the movie again. I have great respect for Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan, and for Bruce Willis. But more than that,... for Osment. Well, that's all, folks. I got to while away the time. I think I'll watch some movie now.
Hmm... The Sixth Sense Ought to be good.