Awakening [Blu-ray]

I love being pleasantly surprised by a film and this was one of those times. I suppose part of it is that I was in the mood for something relatively highbrow, but I always appreciate something as well made as this was. When I saw the BBC logo at the beginning, I knew it wasn't going to be bad, but I really didn't anticipate being so deeply impressed. I won't talk about the film because that would spoil it. Just be sure that you're in the mood for a slightly scary period piece with a twist or two in the tail and you won't be disappointed. Oh, and a glass or two of wine wouldn't hurt either!

Atmospheric though it is, the film is flawed. The ghost leads - spoiler alert - a double life, or should one say a double death. On the one hand, he does his haunting (not always intentionally: of the boy who dies of fright and asthma he says 'I don't know why he could see me') dressed as he was when he died. On the other hand, he sits in (though presumably visible only to his mother and half-sister) on classes, in the uniform of a school at which he was never a pupil. Granted his mother is well-placed to provide a uniform - but how would a ghost put it on? And does no-one notice the unoccupied desk? Or the unoccupied bed in the dormitory? Or the mother seemingly talking to herself? Moreover since the boy never gets any older he plainly never moves up a form. He must get very bored with the same lessons, year on year. Finally the rictus of pain which he only intermittently controls when haunting never troubles him in the schoolroom.

A well made British movie which proves that a huge budget is not required to make a decent film.The movie is a superior thriller/ mildly angled horror movie - yes there is a ghost in it but the movie has a few twists and turns which are a little unexpected and as the plot develops it all falls into place so no spoilers.Well written , well directed and with a good cast of solid actors this movie is one which should not be missed.

Outstanding film with superb performances by the whole cast led by Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton. Focuses initially upon the desire of many to contact the dead following the huge loss of life in WW1. Rebecca Hall plays the part of a ghost hunter called to investigate ‘sightings’ at a private school.An excellent movie not least because it explores what we now call PTSD but also the problems faced by young men who survived because they did not go to war.No spoilers but things are not as straightforward as in some ghost/horror movies! This is a movie where, after seeing the first time, my immediate reaction was that I needed to see it again!! Really good films are better the second time round!! This was !Also, really interesting interviews with cast members on this dvd; go way beyond the usual “I was so pleased to be asked to play this role.....,” contributions and show instead actors who have really researched their parts and thought deeply about their characters. The interview with Rebecca Hall particularly insightful - what a fine actress she is!

Apparently it is written into law somewhere: Dominic West, the sturdy, but wounded Englishman; Imelda Staunton, cottage-loaf hair, apparently upright, a bit batty; Joseph Mawle, the unreliable, less-than quite properly British; Rebecca Hall, with her always awkward, solipsistic introspections..The premises to this film are as hackneyed as the conclusion is lacking in humane interest. Laid out with the broadest of brush-strokes, we are shown some selfish acts (with what story, to tell what story ?), then some more, and finally what? Love?One leaves wondering if the writer has actually met any people..Isaac Hempstead Wright, well under way with his youthful career as a little lord.

The Awakening is directed by Nick Murphy and Murphy co-writes the screenplay with Stephen Volk. It stars Rebecca Hall, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Shaun Dooley and Joseph Mawle. Music is by Daniel Pemberton and cinematography by Eduard Grau.Britain, post World War 1, and Florence Cathcart (Hall) makes a living as an exposer of charlatan spiritualists, a debunker of ghost sightings. When she receives a request from school master Robert Mallory (West) to investigate the supernatural events at a remote boarding school for boys, she is suitably intrigued to take on the assignment...It comes as no surprise to find that numerous reviews for The Awakening make reference to ghost story films that were made previously. The Woman in Black released a year later would suffer the same fate, charges of it not bringing nothing new to the table etc. A ghost story set in a big mansion or remote educational/correctional establishment is what it is, and will continue to be so, all fans of such spooky fare ask is that it does it well and maybe add some adult themes into the bargain. The Awakening does these in spades.The concept of a disbeliever in ghosts having their belief system tested to the full is not new, but it's a great concept and one with longevity assured. Here, boosted by a terrific performance from Hall, the screenplay consistently keeps you guessing. The possibilities of real or faked are constant as the director pumps up the creep factor, whilst he simultaneously crafts a number of genuine shock sequences - including one of the best doll house scenes put to film! This really has all the requisite jolts and atmospheric creeps for a period spooker.It's not until the final quarter when the screenplay begins to unravel its mystery, a finale that has proved both ambiguous and divisive. The ambiguity factor is a little baffling since everything is made clear in a nicely staged scene, and this is something which the director has gone on record to state as well. As for the divisive side of things? That's a blight for this sub-genre of horror. It's convoluted! Contrived! It has been done before they cry! These are true to be sure, and without doubt there's a leap of faith required to not get annoyed, but it garners a reaction and has done its ghost story essence very well indeed.Beautifully photographed, scored and performed by the leads to boot, this is for sure one for fans of period spookers with brains. 7.5/10