Professor David Ash is invited to Edbrook to calm the fears of the elderly nanny of the Mariell family. Nanny Tess is seeing things, and Ash's book debunking such phenomenon makes him a good choice to set her mind at ease and convince her she is just tired and stressed. But soon after arriving David too begins to doubt his senses, and watching the odd behavior of the three grown Mariell children doesn't make his task any easier. In fact, he begins to think Nanny Tess isn't really just tired and stressed out after all. Written by

Plot Synopsis:
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Claudio Carvalho from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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In 1905, in Sussex, England, the young boy David loses his twin sister while playing with her nearby a lake. The girl falls and drowns in the lake, and David feels guilty for her death. The grieving family returns to USA, and twenty-three years later, David Ash (Aidan Quinn) comes back to England, to be the professor of psychology in the University of Camberley. The skeptical David is specialized in psychic phenomena and exposition of false mediums and frauds, and wrote a successful book about this subject. After a countless number of calls from an elder lady called Miss Webb (Anna Massey) claiming to be haunted by ghosts, David is informed that the lady lives in Edbrook, and he decides to accept her invitation to visit her. When he arrives in Edbrook's train station, the beautiful young woman Christina Mariell (Kate Beckinsale) is waiting for him. She drives him to her remote mansion, where she lives with her two brothers and their former nanny, Miss Webb. After being introduced to the family, David finds the behavior of Miss Webb very weird and disturbed, but decides to investigate the existence of any psychic phenomena in the place. Meanwhile, Christina and him fall in love for each other. Their romance and his investigation come to surprising revelations.

I do not understand why "Haunted" has not become a successful movie. This awesome story slightly recalls "The Innocents", and is better than "The Others", "The Sixth Sense" or "El Espinazo del Diablo", having romance, sexual situation, drama and horror in right doses. The soundtrack is one of the most beautiful of the cinema, and may be compared to "Somewhere in Time". Kate Beckinsale, with twenty-two years old, is astonishing and the scenes with her naked body would be enough to make this movie worthwhile. But the chemistry between Aidan Quinn and her is marvelous; the mysterious story is magnificently well tight, and in the end nothing is like it seems to be. Yesterday I saw this movie for the third time on VHS, since the DVD has not been released in Brazil, and I found it again one of the best ghost stories I have ever seen. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Ilusoes Perigosas" ("Dangerous Ilusions")

Obs: On 12 Oct 2007, I saw this awesome movie again, now on DVD.

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Luis Filipe dos Reis Peres from Portimão, Portugal
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I first saw this a couple of years ago, when it was released on video, and since then i must have watched about two or three times more. Surprisingly for a mistery movie, this doesn?t loose it?s appeal even when we are watching it for the second time. Even when we already know how it?s going to end.

The first time we see it, it?s great and we spend the whole movie trying to guess what is going to happen next, even if the ending might be a bit easy to guess from a certain point in the movie, if we pay atention to some details.

Anyway, this is an excelent movie, the atmosphere is perfect. Very intriguing and misterious, but at the same time set in very normal locations. Normaly ghost movies are associated to lots of scenes in the dark, but this movie is a very bright movie with most of its story set in very iluminated places, contrary to the classic ghost storytelling. But at the same time even during normal scenes whe can feel that there is something wrong in the air, and this is what makes this movie so atmospheric. It realy feels like the whole movie is haunted. We can watch it again, and again and keep finding new small details, that we missed the first time.

But what ghost story would be without scares and chills. Well there are a couple of scary moments in here also and some very good chilling sequences. Most of them is actualy in our minds, because ther aren?t many special effects in, but that?s the way a good ghost story should be presented. The atmosphere in this is so good, that if the few flashy special effects that are present were removed, it wouldn?t make a diference. But fear not, this is not a Spielberg effects film, the atmosphere is what counts here. And it has loads of it.

Overall this is at least a very diferent ghost story, and originaly presented. Don?t skip this movie if you like ghost stories.

Excelent.

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Jim (tinman19602003@yahoo.com) from California - Film Capitol of the World
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Young David Ash and his sister are playing beside the lake on their family estate. When his sister falls, hitting her head on a stone and drowns in the lake, David is unable to save her. Blaming himself for her death, David becomes a Phd in Paranormal studies. Years later, after a successful career of exposing fraudulent mediums, David is recalled to his former home by an old woman who writes to say the home she works in is haunted.

David is met at the station by Christina (Beckinsale), a bewitchingly beautiful woman, who drives extremely dangerously and thinks nothing of stripping her clothes off and swimming in the nude in front of Dr. Ash, though she has just met him. When one of her brothers also swims nude, David is still more surprised.

The older brother is barely tolerant of David and wants him to do his job as rapidly as possible and not get involved with his sister. David talks to the elderly woman, referred to as Nanny, learning of the tragic death of Christina's parents. During his attempts to understand what is going on David has several very frightening moments. The Special effects are outstanding by the way.

While making his investigation, David comes across a shocking family secret and sees the ghost of what may be his own sister, near the lake. He then has several more strange experiences which cause him to doubt his sanity. The only person who seems to understand his confusion is the elderly doctor who is the family physician. David visits the old man at his home in the village which helps him realize he is not insane, but still leaves him with unanswered questions.

The shocking conclusion will completely twist everything you think you know about ghosts and reality. This film may be the seminal influence in a new era of ghost stories on film, which was lately added to by the talented director, Alejandro Amenabar, who gave us THE OTHERS, starring Nicole Kidman. If you like ghost stories HAUNTED is a must see.

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Li-1
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Rating: ** out of ****

Haunted is probably a slightly better movie than I'm giving it credit for, but after having seen so many similarly themed supernatural dramas the past few years, this one just didn't have the impact on me it could have had if I'd seen it back in '95. So take that into account for both my rating and my review.

Set mostly in the English countryside in the early 1900s, Aidan Quinn stars as David Ash, a professor who spends his time debunking the supernatural. His latest investigation takes him to a country manor occupied by three siblings (two brothers and a sister played by the gorgeous Kate Beckinsale) and their housekeeper, who claims the estate is haunted.

Initially, the strangest oddities Ash notices is the pseudo-incestuous way the siblings act around each other; the older brother paints the sister, Christina, in the nude, and she and the younger brother often go skinny-dipping in the lake together. Still, Ash finds himself falling for the lovely Christina, even as he ponders the history of the manor, its occupants, and the secret behind this haunting.

By most standards, Haunted is not a bad movie. In fact, it's got plenty of merit. The cinematography and locations are beautiful, the pacing is rather brisk despite the fact very little actually happens on-screen, and Kate Beckinsale is so breathtakingly gorgeous it's hard to believe a person could be so naturally luminous. I would wager anyone new to the genre would probably enjoy the movie quite a bit.

But as someone expecting something innovative or original, the film just didn't do it for me. From the beginning, the climactic twist is blatantly obvious, and unlike the later films this twist inspired, it's not structured in such a manner that you'd gain a new appreciation of the film by re-observing the hints.

While I gather that the film is partly a romantic drama, the tone and atmosphere are a little too light, such that when the film does attempt its scares they never fully work (this is the kind of horror movie that'd work well for those who generally don't like horror). It surely doesn't help that few of the characters even seem concerned the manor might be haunted.

But as a romantic drama, the film is a moderate success. Aidan Quinn makes a likable enough protagonist and Kate Beckinsale is not only a physically wondrous presence (I would have been inclined to bump the rating up if her nude scenes had been genuine), she's immensely charming and appealing as well. There's enough solid chemistry between the two to sustain a large portion of the film.

But even this story stumbles pretty badly once it intersects with the haunted manor plot, both leading to an unsatisfying ending. Come to think of it, even if I had seen the film in its initial release, the twist might have worked as a genuine surprise, but it really harms the film more than it helps, so perhaps it makes little difference the twist is so obvious.

I have little regret of the time and money I spent to watch the film; it's still going to be required viewing for Beckinsale fans (like myself) who'll watch her in just about anything. But with so many superior entries in the genre, the film otherwise wouldn't be worth mentioning without her.

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Paul P from Indiana
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This movie must not have gotten much attention when it was released because I had never even heard of it when I happened to catch it on a cable movie channel. As somebody who likes spooky (but not conventional horror/ gross-out) films, I found it to be a real sleeper.

The story is about a psychologist who specializes in debunking the supernatural and his becoming a house-guest in an old mansion that one resident claims is haunted. For a while, the plot remains pretty conventional, with a lot of strange and unexplained events that may or may not be practical jokes, dreams, psychological delusions, or a real ghost. But before it is over, there are several twists that I did not expect and had not seen before. Give yourself a treat. This one has been largely overlooked.

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Chukar from Palm Desert, CA. USA
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I think the summary about says it all. It has twists and turns and has you guessing all the way through it. And in the end, you find out you were possibly fooled all the time. It was scary at times and I would rate it as an excellent film of this genre. I must admit, that I am a real fan of this type of film.

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ozthegreatat42330 from Central City, Kentucky
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Aiden Quinn stars in this haunting film by director Lewis Gilbert, of a very curious and disturbing string of events. This is not your typical haunted house story. Professor David Ash lost his twin sister when he was a child due to a terrible accident. Years later he has returned to England as an author and professor of Psychology who spends his time trying to prove that there are ghosts, while as a skeptic, uncovering the fraudulent claims of those who deal with the spirit world. But then, in a response to repeated letters from an old woman he is invited to sort out a ghostly problem in an old house in the southeast of England. Kate Beckinsale and Anthony Andrews co-star, with brief appearances by the immortal Sir John Gielgud. Also there is a short scene with a gypsy woman, played by Liz Smith who has made a career out of playing quirky and particularly Dickinsonian characters. A modest little film that deserves a look see, especially if you like things that go bump in the night.

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Nathan Charles Tolle (rainysky13@aol.com) from Portland, Oregon
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About once a year, a film impresses me so much that i have to call or write to all my friends immediately, demanding that they watch it too. Haunted is one of the finest movies i've seen in many years, and it's really a shame that not many people have seen it.

The cast is superb, with each character standing out, even those with just a couple lines (the fortune teller who reads David and Christina's palms is a good example). The stars, Aidan Quinn and Kate Beckinsale, are in excellent form, but Anthony Andrews steals the show in this one. He plays the character of Robert, the jealous and controlling big brother. There is a brilliant shot of his pale, depressed face surrounded by mocking darkness that perfectly defines the tortured-soul of the character. Anthony Andrews has such a strong, masculine English voice that makes him wonderful for all sorts of different roles. Just as entertaining is the younger brother, Simon (played by Alex Lowe), who is an obnoxious prankster with a playful soul. The late, great John Gielgud is also memorable in this movie for his portrayal of a kind, but mysterious doctor.

Lewis Gilbert's direction is absolutely flawless, and i definately look forward to seeing his other films. Haunted is such an attractive movie: everything looks so heavenly and enticing. In the daytime, Edbrook is such a charming place; a wonderful place to spend your childhood, but when night creeps up, it shows a perfect gothic presence.

Haunted is probably the best ghost story i've ever experienced. It's unpredictable, charming, touching, frightening, and constantly entertaining. Perhaps my favorite scene is when David tries to trap a possible ghost outside of the Mariell mansion, and from out of nowhere, a cloud of dust spins in fascination. Soon after, a distorted ghost that sobs uncontrollably is conjured that floats away, beckoning David to follow it to the angry lake. This is one of the many truly magical moments found in this one-of-kind film. The sound effects are just as impressive as the visuals (the sounds of the howling wind and crashing rain are terrific). Also, the score is heartbreakingly lovely.

Even if you don't like horror movies, you need to give this one a shot because it has so much to offer. There is no gore, so squeamish-stomach people should have a pleasant time with this one.

Rent or buy Lewis Gilbert's Haunted now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* * * * * (out of 5)

"You had your chance to leave, David"

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mindcat from South Carolina
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I wonder somehow how this 1999 flick could get less than a seven, by anyone of imagination, education and intelligence. Yet, I see the children have rated it poorly. Kids this first class flick wasn't for you. Go watch a monster buster.

I loved this film so much and saw it just a few minutes ago on a wide screen HD TV.

I genuinely fell in love with the 1920's costumes, cars and trains. The acting was splendid and the romantic parts as good as they were become ever so clear in the neatly twisted and spiritual conclusion.

Even though this is an older flick, if you like quality films, it is a must see. It left me blurring reality verses unreality. It really was for me that deep a film experience.

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tere-cristina from Brazil
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I saw this movie a few years ago and I found it great. For those who enjoy a classical ghost story will just love it. It is a shame it's not well known and not many people have heard of it. Aidan Quinn is the young psychologist who lost his beloved sister in his childhood and has never gotten rid of his sense of guilt. One day he is called to visit a house inhabited by a troubled old lady who reports she's being harassed by three young people she used to take care of as children. The story takes place in the 1920s and is full of atmosphere. The house has a life of its own and plays an important role throughout the movie. It is one of those movies you can watch over and over again because it has an excellent plot, great acting and a beautiful soundtrack. It's a gripping movie with an enthralling story to tell and the director does it successfully.It turns out it's not only about ghosts and haunted houses: it's about the power of love and its determination and struggle to cross the boundaries of life and death in search of eternity.

1920s|independent film|nanny|twin|ghost|breasts|sex scene|female frontal nudity|male nudity|woman on top|english countryside|skeptic|death by drowning|suicide|murder|brother sister incest|one word title|female rear nudity|female nudity|incest|guilt|family secret|haunted house|metaphysics|skinny dipping|based on novel|surprise ending|touching someone's breasts|

AKAs Titles:


Certifications:
Australia:M / Finland:K-16 (video premiere) / Germany:12 / Iceland:16 / Netherlands:12 / Portugal:M/16 (video premiere) / UK:15 / USA:R