The Awakening (2011) [DVD] [2017]

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

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

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.

Beautifully acted and set in the most lovely landscape. Thoroughly enjoyable ghost story.

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

It was a very good nice creepy little thriller/horror and in these days of billion dollar CGI effects is was a nice chance to watch a film that was created with the talent of the writer, the actors and the basic props. Have to say from the outset that I loved the cinematography, the washed out, low key treatment was a master stroke, the only burst of colour was at the main plot turning point near the end. If you want a scare a minute horror or gore, this is not for you. If you want a stunning twisty plotline with a real end twist, again you will probably find this story a little disappointing. However you have an evening to kill and you have a spouse/partner who doesn't like horror/gore but does enjoy a little haunted house tale, then get this. As others have said, it's a great film but there are a few loose ends and the plot lines keep jumping from point to point which keeps you guessing and leaves you a little lost at the end, but still well worth watching.It's not a stunning film but one of those films you can share with anyone who may not like all out horror but can still enjoy something that puts the "willys up them"!

Good spooky movie, with a brilliant twist, well worth buying.