Rated PG-13
Reviewed by: Tony
August 12, 1999

DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW or any other of The Sixth Sense if you intend to see this film.

Unfortunately, there is no way to properly review this film without giving away the entire plot, but for those who want to know the details...read on.

The Synopsis:

This is a thriller in the classic term about an 8 year old boy (played by Haley Joel Osment) who has a very dark secret.  He can see and communicate with ghosts.  This "ability" terrifies and confuses the child and it is not until he comes in contact with a child psychologist (played by Bruce Willis) that he realizes the ghosts only want to communicate, ask for assistance and not harm him.  This discovery causes a revelation for both child and doctor.

The Story:

After an attack by a former patient, Dr. Macolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is drawn to help a disturbed child to help clear his conscience.  Enter 8 year old Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) as the troubled child who as he puts it "I see dead people".

Coles' mother (Toni Collette) is at wits end and is desperate to help her son.  Dr. Crowne attempts to rescue this torn child but places his already strained relationship with his wife Anna (Olivia Williams) in jeopardy, to help vindicate himself from his past failure.  There are many wonderful "raise the hair on your neck" scenes as this wonderful movie slowly pulls you in.

You will find no scene stealing special effects here, just great writing, slow methodical (in a good way) character development and what should be remembered as Bruce Willis s best film to date.  There are no explosions, no fights...this is not Die Hard.

The portrayal of Cole by Haley Joel Osment is, if not the best performance of the year, very close.  His innocense, charm and screen appeal are wonderful.  His ability to show and relay his fear is remarkable.  Watch for more of this boy in the future.

The first half of the movie is slow, but Director Shyamalan is deliberate in pacing his tale of emotional drama.  I can tell you the wait is worth it.  This ending is the first that I can remember in years that actually caught me off guard in a most wonderful way.  This is truly a must see.