THE OTHERS
Cast
Nicole Kidman .... Grace
Fionnula Flanagan .... Mrs. Bertha Mills
Alakina Mann .... Anne
James Bentley .... Nicholas
Eric Sykes .... Mr. Edmund Tuttle
Christopher Eccleston .... Charles
Elaine Cassidy .... Lydia
Renée Asherson .... Old Lady
Gordon Reid .... Assistant
Keith Allen .... Mr. Marlish
Michelle Fairley .... Mrs. Marlish
Alexander Vince .... Victor Marlish

Plot
The film is set about one and a half years after the Second World War. Still awaiting the return of her brave husband after the fighting in Europe, Grace cares and teaches her two children in an isolated mansion on the isle of Jersey. The ghostly mansion in which they live is kept in darkness due to the two children, Anne and Nicholas, having a rare skin disease which means they cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. Grace enforces strict house rules, "No door is to be opened before the previous one is closed", to protect the children. Due to her servants disappearing Grace is forced to employ 3 new staff to tend her family, house and garden. The arrival of the 3 strange new servants is just the start of the roller coaster of thrills, chills and tension that are about to take place within the dark locked rooms of the house.

Analysis
I was unaware how to pre-judge this film as I entered the cinema. A few sites had given it a luke warm reception and so I was prepared for the worst. The film had received a UK 12 certificate which led me to believe that the film was not going to be scary, not a good thing for a horror thriller.
The cast and director, with the exception of Nicole Kidman, Eric Sykes and Keith Allen were also unknown to me. So with an open mind I watched and guess what....I enjoyed.

The 101 minutes had me engrossed, on the edge of my seat, wanting to find out how the film would conclude. I would put "The Others" in the same category as "The Gift" or "Sixth Sense". It's a film that just builds up and up, the audience are drip fed little clues as the story unfolds and it climaxes with a great twist. I admit I didn't anticipate the film ending the way it did but I thought it was a great twist anyway. Throughout the film there are some excellent moments that had me jumping out of the seat, but I really feel that giving some examples would spoil the film. Well maybe just one brief example. The 2 children hiding in a cupboard with Nicholas out off breath due to all the running he's done. Anne instructs him to stop his breathing but still the heavy breathing continues
With a 12 certificate its still jump factor ten. The cinemas Dolby Digital was certainly put through its paces, the sound alone added to the scenes. For example the music room scene and the scene where Grace sits downstairs embroidering whilst her daughter is made to stand on the stairs reciting the bible as punishment for seeing "The Others" was memorable for the sound alone. The sound of furniture moving around in the bedroom above was really brought to life and believable as the sound was channeled through rear speakers. Nicole Kidman played Grace brilliantly. Her fear really came across, the fear in her eyes alone. I wouldn't be surprised if she picked up a few awards along the way for this performance. I never really rated her as an actor, but since seeing her in "Moulin Rouge" my views have started to change. Alakina Mann as Anne, with her ability to be not as afraid as everyone else of "The Others" is entertaining. With her confident attitude she really is a key and memorable character. James Bentley who plays Nicholas is Annes younger brother. His character is again well thought out and he relies strongly on his older sister's knowledge and bravery, but it does get them in to many predicaments. Again two very well acted and believable characters.

If I was to look deep for a critical comment, I could say that I have seen very similar plots before, but that didn't stop me enjoying the film.

Key Area Rating (out of 5)  Comment
Action
No explosions, car chases etc just 101% tension
Thrills/
Tension
Edge of your seat throughout.
Violence/
Gore
NONE
No blood or gore just frights a plenty.
Bare Flesh
Some brief shots of Nicole in her bedroom but that's about it I'm afraid.
Plot

Just one big escalator to the stars. Drip-fed a small twist and then one hell of a twist to end the film on.

Verdict
Yes, yes, yes and yes. "The Others" went straight in to my top 5 films of 2001. I watched, I jumped, I was scared, I enjoyed. I came out the cinema and I actually felt chilled by it all. This is always a sign of a good movie. See this film at the cinema, but if you can't then wait for the DVD. It will be worth the wait trust me. The better quality the sound system you watch it on, the better it will be. As the sound really does come at you from all angles. Just watch it. But not alone.
 
Atmosphere overload.

Facts, figures and boobs

1.  The movie was shot mostly in and around the Spanish regions of Madrid and Santander.
2.  The total budget for the movie was £17 million.
3.  The film took $14 million in it's US opening weekend and £2.2 million in the UK.
   

Movie Pictures
What other people thought of this film: -
Ines I love this movie! It has the best actors and the scary parts are wonderful! Alakina Mann is sooo cute!:) Nicole Kidman is the best actor! I give this movie 5 stars!!
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