Quality made by Writing, Directing & Acting...not Special FX

Rating: Null/10 (10 August 1999)

This is easily the best movie we have seen this summer. It is frightening AND suspenseful without resorting to unimaginative manipulation by special effects computer hacks. The story is patiently developed without resorting to bombs, car chases, knives or hockey masks. The dialogue is excellent, and director M. Night Shyamalan has pumped every ounce of realism from the three main characters.
Bruce Willis, who plays psychologist Malcolm Crowe, needs to find more scripts like this one. Actually, all actors need more scripts like this one. This is Willis' best performance since "In Country" in 1989.
Eleven-year-old Haley Joel Osment as vision-haunted Cole Sear is the real thing. For those who resist movies with "kids" in them, remember Patty Duke in the original Miracle Worker. This Oscar caliber performance merits a Best Actor nomination . not Best Supporting Actor. This is Osment's movie. In addition, Toni Collette delivers a superior performance as Cole's mother Lynn Sear.
The surprise ending is stunning, yet totally believable. While mentally rewinding the movie later, you will think of numerous clues you should have noticed. Just like its ending, this movie will surprise many viewers as did other character-development type movies like Breaking Away, Driving Miss Daisy and Good Will Hunting. This film is a must see for those who yearn for something more that block buster bombs.
It is refreshing to know that someone in Hollywood can still write, produce and direct a truly good movie.