El sexto sentido

Un pequeño thriller íntimo que gira en torno a cuatro personas atormentadas. Delicadamente inquietante, espiritualmente romántico, mortalmente triste. Incluso después de verlo varias veces, no encontrará una escena que no funcione para las dos caras de la esquizofrénica narración bifronte, yuxtapuesta con un remate que cambia todo. Todo está perfectamente asegurado de forma coartada, y es increíble cómo exactamente la cara primaria de la película, percibida por el espectador «virgen», puede funcionar en estas condiciones. Sexto sentido es la más contenida y pequeña de las películas de Shyamalan, quizá por eso muchos de sus fans, entre los que me incluyo, la consideran un poco más floja que El protegido y Señales. Pero seamos sinceros con nosotros mismos: ¿No es la misma bomba emocional, que se apoya en el mismo guión perfeccionista y en la misma forma? Quizá sólo la música de James Newton Howard no logra aún tanta personalidad y conexión de personajes con la película como en las dos obras maestras mencionadas. (19.05.2005)

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)

Thumbs up, no doubt, but I like Unbreakable better :-) (09.12.2007)

I must confess that, after the huge fuss around The Sixth Sense, I am rather disappointed with the result. It's a nice ghost story, some moments are chilling and the performances of Osment and Willis are excellent. Oddly enough, the final twist seemed far-fetched to me, though very original. Shyamalan obviously has a considerable talent for dramatic gradation of shots as well as the ability to play with the viewer's psyche, but it's not my type of film. (01.02.2004)

After seeing the first showing on the day of the premiere, without any prior information this really was a powerful and utterly unforgettable experience. Paradoxically, unlike other Shyamalan movies, this is only watchable twice. After that it just doesn’t work. The Sixth Sense lacks what is to be found in Unbreakable for instance, which reveals newer and newer layers every time you watch it again. The actors, especially Osment, are absolutely convincing and also there is no sense in singing the praises of Night’s directing, which is perfect in every respect. The same applies to the atmosphere. Anyhow, I reiterate that the first time you watch it is an unforgettable experience (but maybe not anymore, because everybody knows what happens even if they haven’t seen it), and so I have no choice but to give it a full set of stars. (20.11.2003)

Innovative, suspenseful, and truly unique for its time. However, for me, the Meaning is revolutionary mainly in the aspect of giving us Shye. Although he belongs to my most beloved creators, his first hit is just a prelude to the dazzling stories he will once serve to the audience. But that doesn't mean any shame, it's just a one-bite appetizer compared to later pieces, which amuses me, maybe even astonishes me several times - but despite Willis' perfect performance, I won't have an infinite desire to watch it again. (24.05.2006)

If my mom hadn’t spoiled the ending, I might have gone for five stars. Damn, it was my own fault, I shouldn't have asked so many questions. A lesson for the future... (08.05.2006)

A wonderfully crafted ghost story with excellent atmosphere and subtle hints that enhance the experience of the unique ending. Essentially flawless in its script and devoid of any unnecessary scenes. Unfortunately, some scenes lacked drive and had a too slow pace. Additionally, the portrayal of Haley Joel Osment as the patient seemed too smart for a nine-year-old child. His speaking style and behavior did not correspond to his age. Bruce Willis surprisingly portrayed a sensitive and non-cliché action hero. Arguably Shyamalan's best film. (07.05.2005)

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)

A very well made ghost thriller, supported by great performances with a truly original and shocking conclusion. What I consider Shyamalan's "most intimate" and "thought-out" film. (28.11.2009)