This was a sleeper hit when it first premiered; not overly advertised but still made an impact at the box-office. The plot is very original and one of a kind considering the tripe that was released at the time this was. Newcomer Haley Joel Osment gives an unbelievable performance as Cole giving all the wide-eyed enthusiasm and innocence of a kid while also being able to display a terrifying presence when he experiences these horrifying scenes in which he learns his gift. He often seems so vulnerable and terrified in this, that you instantly feel for him. I think the movie is symbolic on how a young innocent boy can tend to experience the horrors of the world at an early age, as does Osment's character as he rapidly loses his innocence in the movie make a character transition towards the end, better understanding what he was meant to be. Bruce Willis gives an off-character performance as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, also being able to convey a certain innocence while still becoming very dark with ease.

He serves as the young boys conscience and guide throughout the movie, and he is able to make up for what he did wrong with his other patients in the past. Toni Collette gives a great performance too, rounding out the movie, as she plays young Cole's mother, who begins noticing his odd and anti-social behavior and soon tries to learn about her son, but can't quite fathom or even begin to comprehend what is happening. M. Night Shyamalan starts off on a high note as he packs a pure wollup in the movie. His moody contrasts and Hitchcockian camera angles help define the movie's overall suspenseful tone, and he pulls no punches in scaring the pants off of the audience while never resorting to cheap parlor tricks, many new age horror directors resort to. He uses the Hitchcock method: Let the audience wait for as long as possible with anticipation of a scare, so when if finally comes, its even more shocking, and every bit of it works with great precision. The entire movie gives an excellent story and top-notch performances M. Night keeps us remembering this flick by giving us one heck of an ending that will assemble all the pieces of the movie and slam them together, leaving you with your jaw hanging. I guarantee it.

An excellent premiere for new director M. Night Shyamalan as he packs a punch with a great story, excellent directing, a great cast, great performances, and a surprise ending that will leave you breathless for days on end.

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