The Awakening (2011)

The movie is quite good. Storyline is interesting, actors are good, keeping you hooked in the movie till the end. I would watch again. Surprised how it all went, it was a bit intense but not scary.

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

I loved this film. It was a traditional, British Horror film. Of the Haunted and Paranormal variety. Rebecca Hall as Florence, and Imelda Staunton were fantastic in their roles. I thought it was much better and more believable than 'The Others' and 'Sixth Sense'. It was scary in a thought provoking way - no cheap thrills, like other similar films. It really examined how the mind reacts to grief. There were many twists and turns towards the end of the film - which made you want to watch it all over again, to truly understand the plot. This in essence, is the mark of a good film. I wont go over the plot line - other reviewers have done that superbly already. What I will say in conclusion, is please watch this film. If you have an open mind, have suffered bereavement - and want to see a good British film, with a wonderful cast - I'm sure you wont be disappointed.

Not really a horror film, supernatural instead. It had a fair share of tropes but I loved all the performances in this. The school was amazing as well and you can't beat a doll house in a film like this. Really enjoyed the extras as well going through the water scene etc. I had forgotten I had seen it years before but after a few seconds, yes, I remembered how good it was and it did not disappoint on a second viewing. Only moan was the thin sleeve, don't know if that was the correct box for it as there was no spindle for the DVD (which I threw away) and just left the blu ray. The blu ray was fine and the picture quality was very good, the colour palette was perfect and the sound was subtle and excellent throughout

Decent British horror, with a decent main cast of Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton, with an interesting twist I certainly didn't see coming. A couple of issues: Some of the language used was rather American, given this film is set in early 1920's Britain, with 'touche' being used be Hall's character as well as 'Santa Claus'. Britain primarily used the term 'Father Christmas', as opposed to Santa. This dropped the authenticity of the film. OK, it's hardly a period drama, but still, I was wondering why the use of these words were not obvious and then challenged. As for the film as a whole, it certainly keeps you interested and wondering what on earth is going on. There is a fair bit f suspense. As a whole, it's definitely a solid 3 star film, highly watchable indeed.

As brand new. Great film. Would recommend ppl who like ghost stories. Well acted by the cast and great atmospherics. Recommend seller and product.

This is a really good, and at times scary, film. Rebecca Hall stars as Florence Cathcart whose aim in life is to expose fraudulent mediums. Rebecca is terrific in the role Synopsis: In 1921, in London, the skeptical Florence Cathcart (Rebecca Hall) is famous for exposing false medium's and helping the police to arrest con artists. A stranger, Robert Mallory Dominic West), tells her that the headmaster of a boarding school in Rookford has invited her to travel their school to investigate a ghost that is apparently frightening the pupils to death. On arrival, she is welcomed by governess Maud (Imelda Staunton) and meets a pupil Thomas Hill. Soon Florence discovers what had happened to a recently deceased pupil (the main reason for her being asked to go) and the students, teachers and staff are released on vacation. Florence remains alone with Robert, Maud and Tom in the school to carry out further study. She is ready to leave the boarding school when strange things begin to happen......... Well acted and quite atmospheric. Well worth the 4 stars - recommended

6 on the dice