If anyone is interested in my experience of watching The Others, click here to see my notes.
This review will consist of me asking myself 10 questions and answering them to the best of my ability.
1. What is this film about?
It seems pretty straight forward at first. A lonely and fatigued housewife, era WWII, takes in new servants to help her take care of her sick children, who are allergic to sunlight. Doors must be closed and locked and all curtains must remain closed. Then all of a sudden, sunlight starts finding its way in.
2. What did I think of the title, poster, and or trailer?
I’m not really into ghost stories on the surface. I find that I like them about 50% of the time. When I first heard of this movie, it gave one impression to which I was glad contradicted the actual plot of the movie. I thought the title and poster were pleasantly misleading, but accurate.
3. What did I think of the main character(s) and how the actors performed them?
The servants are the best part of the movie hands down, but Kidman is typically first class in this role. I honestly don’t know how other actresses get cast in period films with her around.
4. What did I think of the direction and cinematography?
I didn’t give much thought to direction and cinematography while watching this, but anytime you direct children and it comes off genuine, you know someone did something right.
5. What did I think of the soundtrack and score?
Most of the music in this film is quite beautiful, but of course, there are a few haunting tracks that enhance certain scenes.
6. What did I like about the story as a whole?
I like that the movie seemed to be a guide on “how to discover the afterlife” that isn’t cut and dry, heaven or hell.
7. What did I not like about the story?
I didn’t like the way parts of the movie seemed to be anti-Christian. I’m used to seeing movies that are anti-organized religion, in general, but this was different. With that being said, I’d hardly call this propaganda. It’s just something that got to me.
8. Would I recommend this movie to others?
Sure, why not.
9. If yes, who? What would I rate this movie?
I don’t consider this movie to be the typical ghost story. It has an amazing setting and cast with a complex and somewhat original back story. Movie lovers, in general, should appreciate this film.
On a scale of 1 to 5 movie reels, I give this film 4 reels.
10. Was there anything in this movie that could be related to me or anything I have written?
Despite what people often assume they know about my beliefs compared to the fiction I write, I often write about spirits and ghosts. My “In the Window” short story is a ghost story without any religious ties while my Eternal Curse Series contains many paranormal elements that don’t fit the genre perfectly but are examples easily associated with the genre.
Watch, rent, or buy this movie here.
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Mock Squid Soup – Film Society
MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
10 replies on “The Others #Review – Mock Squid Soup No.14 #cinephiles #film #paranormal”
So glad you like this movie. I never picked up on the anti-Christian things and am trying to remember what would be considered negative. The kids did a great job and I loved the 3 servants especially Fionnula as the head housekeeper. It really freaked me out near the end. Nice twist with the husband coming home.
The thing with the husband still gets me. Was that real, imagined, or something else? As for the Christian thing, it was subtle. I didn’t get a sense of bashing, but using the Bible as punishment for her daughter was a bit much… at least for me.
I enjoyed it, but it’s been a while since I saw it, so I don’t remember the anti-Christian parts. I guess, technically, most ghost stories would fall in that category though.
You have a point there. I guess I should be grateful they even bothered to include any Christian references at all. I don’t want to give people the wrong impression; it’s not that bad, just a little suspect to me personally. It really is a good film.
I haven’t seen this movie but your review almost makes me want to see it.
As I have said befor I really like the way you revied the movies you watch.
Perfect !
cheers, parsnip
Thank you. Writing reviews for books and movies is a challenge for me. Your words give me so much encouragement to keep it up.
I’m not good with scary. We started this movie once but didn’t make it too far.
It’s definitely spooky and suspensefull. It’s the unknown elements that really get to you.
Yeah… We may try again someday.
Everyone I know who has watched this movie raves about it, but I can not bring myself to watch it because horror movies scares the living daylights out of me. I’m still traumatized from watching Stephen Kings “It” when I was little. lol