Review of Unbreakable (2000) by Evelyn L — 23 Nov 2014

In 1999, the name N. Night. Shyamalan meant a promising director on the rise, unlike today, thanks to the widely beloved "The Sixth Sense". With that reputation, people were highly excited for his follow-up film "Unbreakable", an ambitious take of the superhero genre which asks the interesting question: What if you were a superhero and you didn't know it?

David Dunn is security guard who is searching for a meaning in his life and counts with a dysfunctional marriage and a young son named Joseph. After a terrible train accident, in which Dunn is the only survivor and with no injury whatsoever, David is contacted by a man who suffers osteogenesis imperfecta, named Elijah Prince. Elijah proposes to David the idea that the reason he survived the train accident is because Dunn is a superhero.

Since 2000 the comicbook/superhero genre has been the most prolific genre with every film of this type following the same comedic, actiony and over the top formula, with a handful of exceptions which took a peculiar but risky take on the said genre and "Unbreakable" is one of those exceptions. "Unbreakable" counts with great acting with Bruce Willis in his most subtle role and one of his best performances to date and Samuel. L. Jackson in a scene stealing performance and one of his best in my opinion; a memorable score, probably Shyamalan´s best directing to date, a well written script, a perfect pacing, a creative and fascinating perspective of the superhero genre, greatly executed comicbooky elements which never stand out in a way of distracting he audience, well written characters, intriguing character relationships, greatly executed atmosphere and an interesting and functional camera movements which at times reflect comic book panels. The main criticism "Unbreakable" has is its twist ending which sadly doesn't count with the quality of "The Sixth Sense" ending and may be a little predictable but still is a functional ending that enhance the story and fits the narrative.

"Unbreakable" is one of the most ambitious superhero films out there and arguably Shyamalan´s best film (my favorite of his), it keeps its audience intrigue from beginning to end and raises some moral questions at the end of it. If you enjoy ambitious films and/or dramas you will definitely like this film.