A perfect suspense thriller and a force to be reckoned with...

Rating: 10/10 (23 July 2018)

4/4 ESSENTIAL
If you've talked with anyone who's anyone about The Sixth Sense, chances are you've heard "I see dead people". I encourage people who have not viewed he film to walk in to their first viewing as blind as possible, because the less you know the better. If you're farmiliar with M. Night Shyamalan's work, you'll know that he's famous for a twist at the end of his movies. This is not only Shyamalan's best twist, but one of my favorite thrillers, and a modern classic.
The Sixth Sense is not a movie that is characterized by constant jump-scares and over-the-top violence, but instead it is a very smart, well preformed, and well directed movie. It slowly reveals new information over the course of the movie, and the suspense is waiting for the next answer. However, the two main characters (played by Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis) are always on the same phase of he journey as you are, providing a more genuine emotion to their preformances. It is a very well-constructed, well-orchestrated film and never gives way to it's own complex plot.
As for the acting, Osment is able to play the very troubled kid, Cole, alive with raw fear. To capture such a mature preformance out of a child his age is truly incredible. Willis gives a very earnest preformance as Dr. Malcolm Crowe as well, and it'll be hard or forget as well... I was genuinely surprised at how convincing both the leads and the supporting cast was. It doesn't get more authentic than this.
The instant success of this movie prompted Shyamalan to churn out more movies made in its image. Next was Unbreakable, a fantastic movie, and quite possibly an equal to The Sixth Sense. In 2002 came Signs, which was a great drama but little for suspense. In 2004, Shyamalan returned again with his signature "plot twist" with The Village, which fails to impress me. There is no doubt that Shyamalan hit hard with this movie, as he has been trying desperately to re-create the amazing experience found here. It just goes to show a formula is only good for so long, and he nails it in The Sixth Sense.
M. Night Shyamalan has since been branded as a one-trick pony. While I disagree, I can understand those who think that. His films are similar... some are great, others aren't all that good. Even if it's true, The Sixth Sense is a pretty amazing trick and undoubtedly the movie that started it all for Shyamalan.