The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense seems like an unremarkable film throughout, but then in the last seconds comes a brilliant twist that turns the plot on its head. And it’s even better on a second viewing. If you haven't seen it yet and someone wants to tell you the ending, get a stick and chase them away from you. (13/04/2003)

An incredibly impressive film with a truly unexpected climax that actually put everything else on the back burner and ensured The Sixth Sense and director Shyamalan's undying fame. A great ghostly atmosphere, an excellent script, an incredible Osment, and the awesome Bruce in a slightly unconventional but perhaps his best role, where he fully displays his acting abilities. It’s a bit of a shame that the precision and finesse of the film didn't quite allow me to get deeper into Shyamalan's narrative than half a metre from the screen (and that's only in the tense moments). But that's only a minor blemish on this otherwise masterfully crafted horror film, which deservedly ranks among the genre's best. Very strong 4* for me. (23/08/2012)

The Sixth Sense is an acting tour de force by (especially) little Haley Joel Osment (a well deserved Oscar nomination!) and Bruce Willis, and it is a perfectly handled directorial affair on M. Night Shyamalan's part. All sorts of subtle hints surface throughout the story, eventually leading to a shocking reveal that just makes this film unforgettable. In short, for me, a near perfect ghost thriller that lacks a greater dose of suspense in individual scenes to be perfect. (14/08/2011)

Once I saw the movie, although maybe not the whole thing, because it scared me and I had to mature to watch it. The moment finally came, and it surprised me that the famous mystique was saved by M. Night Shyamalan for the Chosen One, and everything is saved by that unsurpassed final twist. However, that doesn't change the fact that this is truly one of the legendary classics of the 90s that doesn't age...9/10 (26/10/2016)

Pedestal of film manipulation. Even after the seventh viewing, I stare at it with my mouth wide open, wondering how Shyamalan managed to go all the way until the end like this. In '99, he made total fools of all of us, and we watched it with incredulous gratitude. At the same time, it must be admitted that he was lucky to finally push through his authorial formal vision, allowing him to play with every scene outright, and just watching how he visually compresses information into individual shots is pure cinephile joy. Last but not least, he pulled out unequivocally the best child actor ever from his hat. The fragility and focus of Osment's performance then give the film, which could risk becoming a mere formal exercise, vulnerability and credibility, even though the film feels strangely distant, alien, almost dreamlike throughout. (30/01/2023)