The Sixth Sense (1999) Horror Movie Review

by Clive
(Cavite, Philippines)

Released: August 6, 1999
Written and Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring:

Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe
Haley Joel Osment as Cole Sear
Olivia Williams as Anna Crowe
Donnie Wahlberg as Vincent Grey

‘I see dead people.’

Of course, many of us have heard this quote, even those of use who haven’t seen the The Sixth Sense. One unique aspect of this film is this unique yet simple horror movie quote.

Another good aspect of the film is the twist. Now many horror films have twists – c’mon we all know Jason Voorhees consistently returns right after he's been killed. But I have to say this film has the best horror movie twist of all, one that will make you want to watch it over and over again.

Slasher movies are typically my favorite type of horror. Before watching The Sixth Sense, I was leery because it wasn’t a slasher movie, but a supernatural, psychological and dramatic thriller. But after seeing the first thirty minutes, I began to appreciate its eerie atmosphere and tension. Of course I did eventually jump after the first thirty minutes, but let me first explain the film's story.

This story is about Dr. Malcolm Crowe who blames himself after failing one of his former patients, Vincent Grey. Because of this, his relationship with his wife starts to crumble. He then meets Cole Sear, a troubled child who he helps and as a result begins to restore his own relationship with his wife. At first he thinks Cole is delusional like Vincent, but soon he starts believing the hallucinations they have are really ghosts and that they both can see dead people.

The doctor helps Cole use his gifts to help ghosts who are not at rest, and Cole eventually accepts this role. Just when all seems fine and Cole can communicate with ghosts without being scared, the big twists comes. You will have to watch the movie to see what that is – I don’t want to have any spoilers here.

All in all, I can say that this is quite a unique movie - from the story line to the style to the twist. So if you're tired of all the gore and violence in other horror movies or if you're just a horror fanatic, this film is a must-see.