--FIRST OFF, DESPITE ITS BOX OFFICE HAUL, AND THE FACT IT'S BEEN ON VIDEO FOR AWHILE-I'M STILL GOING TO SAY THAT THERE ARE SPOILERS DOWN HERE--
Having watched the Oscars, I was bothered by the inclusion of the Sixth Sense in many a category.
"This was a thriller with a twist ending, nothing more-why was it up for the statues."
Well, that's what I thought anyway.
When I watched the film-I knew two things about it:
A) The child is plagued by visions of ghosts, and-
B) Bruce Willis is DEAD.
Yes, unfortunately, I knew the big secret. And the thing of it is, It did not hurt my enjoyment of the film one iota-As a matter of fact, it made it better-because it was unnecessary for me to watch for secret or clues, I could concentrate on the story and the performances-which were absoltely top-shelf.
I assumed all that kid would do would be whisper and shake, but his performace was so assured. He truly is every bit deserving of his Oscar nod. He isn't cue-carding it like other child actors, he is actually delivering a performance.
As to the very many Bruce Willis detractors, I must say-Leave the guy alone. Such depth and range can be found here. I will not deny getting choked up watching him tell Cole the tale of his disintegrating marriage and his need for atonement for "failing" a patient.
What I discovered was that this movie isn't the shocking suspenser I was told it was-instead, I was amazed by its heart, by the fact that it was so bittersweet. When Osment's chaacter proves to his mother he's telling the truth...When Willis's character discovers the truth-and his subsequent acceptance and touching conversation with his wife-compelling dramatic moments in a well-crafted film. It the end of the day, it does not look absurd at all that this film shared best picture nominations with two of the best films I've ever seen-Green Mile and American Beauty-It is in their company-It is a beautiful movie. I loved it.