I saw the Sixth Sense early in the run as well; but I had read a couple of the reviews that promised a “big surprise” ending. Well, I took up the challenge to try to figure it out.
I failed. In fact, after it was over, I realized I was so captivated that at some point I forgot to keep trying to guess the “secret.” I think much of the magic was that it was so much deeper than just the psychologist helping the boy. It was also the maturity of the boy (putting aside his overwhelming fears) helping the psychologist with a problem the psychologist wasn’t even aware of.
The Usual Suspects. Saw it. Very surprised at the end. Movie didn’t stick with me, however. I can’t remember any details at all, just that I was surprised.
The ending of Return to Paradise surprised me. Not that there was any big secret; I just figured that, according to Hollywood style, someone would come in and save the day at the end. Much like the ending of The Player(in which the deux e machina involves Bruce Willis. I guess I’ve come full circle.)
I saw The Sixth Sense the day is was released. I didn’t know there was a surprise ending, so the surprise was. . . surprising (and a great experience).
Shit
Anyway. . .
Agreed! Most excellent movie! The ending left me sitting there with my mouth hanging open in disbelief.
I was surprised by Sixth Sense and The Usual Suspects. Both are excellent movies; I love being surprised at the movies…most are so idiotic and predictable, what a nice change!
~Harborina
“This is my sandbox. I’m not allowed to go in the deep end. That’s where I saw the leprechauns.”
I agree entirely. My wife and I were watching Roger Ebert on TV and he mentioned the huge surprise. My wife asked what I thought it was and I blurted out the silliest thing I could think of – Willis is dead the entire time. Then, after a few seconds of reflection, I realized that very well could be the big surprise. So when I watched the movie, I spent the entire time studying it to see whether my guess would pan out. Loved the movie, but I spent too much time playing detective and not enough playing audience.
Similar situation with “Magnolia.” Ebert, on his Web site, discusses a big twist, so I spent the entire time trying to figure out what was coming (and, of course, there’s no way you can figure out what’s going to happen with “Magnolia,” IMHO).
I wish reviewers would stay away from the whole issue of whether there’s a Shocking Surprise Ending.