Unbreakable
User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 103 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 103
  3. Negative: 15 out of 103

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  1. cabrita
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    This movie has many different elements but boring it's audience is not one of them. After a second viewing of the film one will see the true masterpiece that is unbreakable
  2. DanF.
    Feb 23, 2005
    0
    After watching this movie I was at a lose for words. M. Night Shymalan should be crucified. This movie is definitly the skid mark on bruce willis and anyone else involved in the movies' career. This movie made me want to kill myself, it was only about an hour and a half long but it felt like an eternity in hell.
  3. EliC.
    Aug 15, 2001
    5
    A second viewing reveals this film to be empty of meaning.
  4. UncleMunkle
    Jan 9, 2003
    1
    zzzzz, zzzzz, snore.... Is it over? Wha' happen? Huh? Duh, ok. Whatever. zzzzz,zzzzz, snore...
  5. PeterH.
    Feb 10, 2003
    9
    This film is highly underrated and much more better then The Sixth Sense!
  6. GustavoH.R.
    Jan 1, 2004
    8
    Ultimately intelligent. Too complex and unusual for some people: that's why some can't stand it. Unbreakable is a triumph.
  7. PeterN.
    Mar 19, 2007
    8
    A refreshing take on the superhero theme. Not for people who think movies should always happily entertain. Not for the more pretentious art-filmers who can't get out of their own way. Thankfully, It's a movie for anyone inbetween.
  8. Miguel
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    A modern masterpiece. Great, great movie.
  9. Ben
    Aug 27, 2001
    0
    They should have called this film Unwatchable. My sixth sense tells me, "hated it."
  10. Dunebuggy
    Aug 5, 2004
    2
    This movie took itself way too seriously.
  11. KenG.
    Aug 15, 2006
    3
    Intriguing concept, which was really poorly handled.
  12. Khalid
    Aug 2, 2006
    9
    Great movie! I wanted to watch it again just to put all the hints in context. [***SPOILERS***] The ending was perfect in tone with comic books and comic book movies. Every superhero needs a villian.
  13. Sasha
    Jun 20, 2007
    0
    Unbreakable It is hard to review this film as a motion picture, because it feels more like TV soap opera on mute. The 1 hour and 47 minutes of boring, predictable and foolish sequences of silence in between unbelievably repetitive dialogue easily make this movie one of the most roll-your-eyes producing films I have ever gone threw. Bruce Willis plays the dull and slow-moving David Dunn, a lone and unharmed train wreak survivor who discovers that he is unable to sustain injury. Meanwhile, the emotionally unstable and easily injured Samuel L. Jackson plays the obviously brilliant yet deceiving psycho who thinks comic book heroes walk the earth. The movie unravels from somewhat interesting to boring. It takes most of the movie for what is at hand not to be dealt with, and you find yourself staring at the mysterious situation put forwards simply not breaking through with a much needed common thriller plot twist or breaking point. This is of course, until towards the very end. One central problem with the movie is that it is highly unlikely that one man would go his entire life without tripping or falling and wondering why there was no pain or injury. His mother would not wonder why he never got Chicken Pox? His father would never wonder why his knee did not bleed when he fell on it extremely hard during some catch? His wife would not wonder why when he slipped in the shower and smashed his head on the floor that he did not feel any pain? It just seems so unbelievably silly and impossible for this to happen and for nothing to be realized until a frickin train accident at the age of 40. The movie is essentially unrealistic beyond obvious proportions. The acting performances are easy and have no depth due to the pathetic script handed to the actors only to damage there impressive careers. Put simply, this movie is bad. If you wish to take my advice, avoid it by any means… Expand
  14. GarvinF.
    Oct 4, 2008
    10
    First, the guy who said 1 hour and 47 minutes of boring... He is no critic... The Motion Picture- Unbreakable, come on... Pure genius, an excellent film for everyone... A superb message for all...
  15. MarcusL.
    Jan 5, 2009
    8
    Not his best movie, but Bruce Willis did do a good job. It was not as good as Sixth Sense, but was just as interesting and also kept you wondering.
  16. RyanM.
    Jun 26, 2001
    9
    Brilliant. Willis and Jackson team up to make a stunning and unfrogettable psycological masterpiece!
  17. DavidC.
    Jun 27, 2001
    8
    Super! With so many films being uninteresting and not fun these days-- it is great to see a movie with some real entertainment value. I thought it was much better than its previews made me anticipate. After seeing it I thought, "wow, that was kooool.".
  18. Mr.R
    Jul 27, 2001
    0
    A ponderously slow film with a laughable, incredulous ending that neatly wraps up nothing. Which film is the real work of Shaylaman? I hope not this one.
  19. Maxine
    Jul 30, 2001
    3
    All I can say is what a freaky movie!
  20. Beaker
    Aug 15, 2001
    10
    A must see. An estrangement of characters compiles a thoughtfully crafted, well directed theme of life and strengths. This film accuretly portays a society's clash of morals with a personal need of comfort. Alas, our true society will see this as nothing more than a falure due to its lack of blood and intellectual ending. Love this, and learn from it.
  21. EricD.
    Sep 11, 2001
    9
    A refreshing, creative plot...especially if you're tired of the Hollywood ending. Endings don't usually matter to me, but I gave this one an extra point because it could have ended in two different spots. Great movie (special kudos to Samuel L. Jackson).
  22. YoonMinC.
    May 11, 2004
    9
    Superhero genre, while outwardly unbreakable and here to stay, is subverted and dissolved with shyamalan's artfilm treatment, as the flesh of a crab by an octopus. what can't be destroyed thru newtonian physics may be thru chemistry. a sobering contemplation on the dependence and disparity between body and soul.
  23. AmitS.
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    A unique fusion of comic-book lore and Eastern philosophy provides the best superhero film I have ever seen.
  24. StephenW.
    Jun 21, 2005
    7
    I wanted to give this a lower rating but I did enjoy and would watch it again. M. Night just has a way to ruin a good movie. I did enjoy the concept of it though.
  25. Sam
    May 8, 2006
    9
    Despite the dissapointing but surprising ending, Unbreakable is a triumph, a glorious film that will make you grin with delight.
  26. NateB
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    This is a great, in-depth movie. While it mostly appeals to people with knowledge about comic books, I think most people can appreciate this film if they're willing to go into it with an open mind and want to actively pay attention to its many story telling devices (e.g. not just dialog, since there's not a lot of it in this movie). A lot of people say the ending is unexpected, but maybe that's because they didn't pay attention. There were many foreshadowing moments like when the color blue was used for both the train ride (even the little girl had bright blue eyes) and for scenes involving a certain someone. Even Elijah's mom tells you straight up, "...this one has a surprise ending." The number 1 standout in this movie, though, is the camera work. Not only does it physically mirror comic book framing, but also mirrors how the framing of a comic book can often times be its own character and story telling device. I think a lot of directors lose sight of this in movies. The show "24" is a good example of how camera work can play a significant role in story telling, especially in seasons 1 and 5. If you like character development, use of colors, cinematography, comic books and are tired of the trashy and overly loud Hollywood marketing junk then give this movie a spin in your DVD player.… Expand
  27. Sasha
    Jun 21, 2007
    1
    Unbreakable It is hard to review this film as a motion picture, because it feels more like TV soap opera on mute. The 1 hour and 47 minutes of boring, predictable and foolish sequences of silence in between unbelievably repetitive dialogue easily make this movie one of the most roll-your-eyes producing films I have ever gone threw. Bruce Willis plays the dull and slow-moving David Dunn, a lone and unharmed train wreak survivor who discovers that he is unable to sustain injury. Meanwhile, the emotionally unstable and easily injured Samuel L. Jackson plays the obviously brilliant yet deceiving psycho who thinks comic book heroes walk the earth. The movie unravels from somewhat interesting to boring. It takes most of the movie for what is at hand not to be dealt with, and you find yourself staring at the mysterious situation put forwards simply not breaking through with a much needed common thriller plot twist or breaking point. This is of course, until towards the very end. One central problem with the movie is that it is highly unlikely that one man would go his entire life without tripping or falling and wondering why there was no pain or injury. His mother would not wonder why he never got Chicken Pox? His father would never wonder why his knee did not bleed when he fell on it extremely hard during some catch? His wife would not wonder why when he slipped in the shower and smashed his head on the floor that he did not feel any pain? It just seems so unbelievably silly and impossible for this to happen and for nothing to be realized until a frickin train accident at the age of 40. The movie is essentially unrealistic beyond obvious proportions. The acting performances are easy and have no depth due to the pathetic script handed to the actors only to damage there impressive careers. Put simply, this movie is bad. If you wish to take my advice, avoid it by any means… Expand
  28. Buster
    Aug 31, 2007
    10
    Undoubtedly Shyamalan's most underrated masterpiece. It's brilliant in every way possible. Jackson and Willis probably should have gotten nominated for an Oscar or at least a Golden Globe. It's even better than The Sixth Sense, which is beyond overrated.
  29. BrandonT.
    Jun 27, 2008
    9
    One of Shyamalan's best. Unbreakable is a tale which will appeal to all. A slight touch of a superhero tale mixed with the cunning mind of its director and writer make this movie an excellent addition to any thriller collection. The twist and superb acting are what makes this movie a classic.
  30. RyanK
    May 31, 2009
    9
    Well structured and the usee of complicated cinematic techniques was amazing.
  31. SethB.
    Jun 23, 2001
    10
    This is a very difficult review, yes because of the ending. So what I'll say is this-It's a great ride even if the destination may be a bit too imaginative for some people to swallow. As you see by my score I loved it, I would buy it twice if I could.
  32. Boyd
    Jun 27, 2001
    10
    Not just another Shyamalan film. THE Shyamalan film. Vastly superior to "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable" is one of the most haunting, emotional, and thrilling films of all time. Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson should be commended. Better than "Superman," "Batman," or any other superhero movie, "Unbreakable" is one of the great films of the decade. The ending, while debated, fits so perfectly with the film that any other ending would be a mistake. This is a great film, a beautiful film, a magically artistic film. See it now, and you'll want to see it again and again. … Expand
  33. JohnC.
    Jan 23, 2002
    0
    PONDEROUSLY slow and overwrought! The movie plays like a WAY overstylized comicbook origin story on Prozak! The audience is given glimpse after glimpse into the glory of something that is perhaps just a bit better than human - but instead of exploring the meaning of Willis' new found abilities or perhaps giving the audience a meaningful demonstration; we are subjected to lonnggg, slowww interludes of angst and drama. This story is a posterchild for good editing and directorial focus!… Expand
  34. PaulM.
    Mar 15, 2003
    8
    The movie keeps you very interested except for a few un- necessary scenes. Bruce Willis and Samuel Jackson are great and the ending is a doozy and very interesting. Unbreakable will keep you thinking.
  35. [Anonymous]
    Jan 12, 2005
    1
    This movie was one of the WORST movies i have ever seen. This movie made me question M Night Shyamalan and his writing skills.
  36. MovieLonely94
    Sep 5, 2011
    7
    It may not be the best movie from the past eleven years, but for fans of M. Night Shyamalan, this is a very good film.

    The premise about a man who survived the train accident and learns that a man who likes comic books and heroes is stalking him was spooky, but very good. The story was a very nice concept, but suffered from a weaker ending.

    The acting was very solid and the chemistry bet    ween Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson was well built together and the pacing was very decent.

    The suspense was chilling and very satisfying it got me interested to want to know what's going on. The soundtrack from James Newton Howard was a lot of fun I want to check it out soon.

    Unbreakable's weaker ending doesn't cover it up, but like The Sixth Sense and Signs, M. Night Shyamalan did his best to give me some scares.

    7.3 out of 10    … Expand
  37. Badsniper
    Aug 4, 2011
    8
    This is one of the better films by M. Night. Good stuff; compelling idea and great twist. Just overall good acting, plot, and flow. I really hope they make an "Unbreakable 2".
  38. iluvmovies
    Jan 15, 2011
    10
    This movie is amazing. It is a true story of opposites coming together to separate. Great acting by Bruce Willis and Samuel L Jackson, and great directing by Night. The end leaves you thinking why? why? why? This movie is even better than the sixth sense!
  39. CritiqueGirl
    Mar 4, 2011
    8
    Although it was not as good as The Sixth Sense it was still a good movie worthy of me watching it a few times. The twist was very good.
  40. ZiggyStardust
    Jun 16, 2011
    8
    God, this movie really got to me. I don't know why but I really, really teared up in the end. "They called me mr. Glass". Just wow, amazing performances, well written script and just amazing movie. Must see, even if you don't like comic books [stories].
  41. j30
    Nov 9, 2011
    8
    Very underrated film and probably M. Night Shymalan's best film (in which, I know is not saying much). The story is very compelling and thought provoking.
  42. bram29
    Oct 2, 2011
    8
    i really liked where the plot of this movie went. it gives a realistic approach of typical superhero cliché's.
  43. Tss5078
    Feb 23, 2013
    5
    Unbreakable is the legend of a real life superhero brought to you by M. Night Shyamalan. The idea is profoundly unique and the cast is great, but I really didn't like how it turned out. The first half of the movie was awesome, but as Shyamalan movies tend to do, it got weird, in this case too weird. While I love Samuel L. Jackson, his character was just annoying and I didn't really consider him a threatening villain. Bruce Willis on the other hand was amazing as usual, but his character was kind of bland. Shyamalan wanted to keep the story as real and believable as possible, but a super hero who just can't get hurt and has no other real powers is just kind of dull. I love the uniqueness of the story, but the film just didn't do much for me.… Expand
  44. sLm
    Feb 15, 2013
    9
    Awesome
  45. Compi24
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    "Unbreakable" is a 2000 M. Night Shyamalan film about David Dunne (Willis), an everyman, who becomes involved in a train wreck that leaves him mysteriously unscathed. With the help of a mysterious man (Jackson), Dunne soon learns that he is, in fact, an extraordinary man with superhuman attributes. Now, I know that the first mention of the name "Shyamalan" nowadays leads many people to think, ". . .ew 'The Last Airbender' ". However, there was a time when Shyamalan actually made pretty good movies. This, thankfully, is one of the only 3 he has made. "Unbreakable" is a truly compelling study of the narrative mechanics of comic books. I, being a big nerd who loves comic books, found this movie to be intensely interesting to watch because it clued me into things which I didn't know about them. Like the fact that a villains eyes are always portrayed to slightly bigger than the hero's because it shows that his view on the world is slightly more off-kilter than the hero's. And the fact that the hero's origin is often tied/interconnected with the villain's origin. These are just two of the many interesting concepts of comic book writing that are discussed throughout "Unbreakable". Now make no mistake - this movie isn't a documentary. Yes, it does discuss a lot of the methods comic book writers utilize to convey their very distinct messages, but it does this verbally and nonverbally. This movie maintains a very quiet, yet intensely brooding tone. This tone is amplified by the really somber and mesmerizing performance from Bruce Willis. The cinematography is really intelligently executed, as I found myself saying, "oh that was pretty cool/clever", to a very large amount of this film's shots. The ending could've used some work, but I'm sure with time I can learn to appreciate it. In the end, I found "Unbreakable" to be a very good film that delves deeply into some really cool subject matter.… Expand
  46. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 9, 2013
    10
    Shyamalan brings back his good directing skills as he creates yet another awesome film. Sixth Sense was better, but there is no doubt that Unbreakable is an unforgettable film.
  47. Andyr62
    Jan 30, 2013
    8
    Like all Shymalan movies Unbreakable moves along at a steady pace, if you are looking for fast paced action then this is not the movie for you. However if you are wanting something that changes and keeps you guessing without being confusing then I would highly recomend this movie.
    Excellent performance from SLJ, Willis plays a similar role to the Sixth Sense.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Edward Guthmann
    50
    Even the surprise ending arrives with a thud and makes us wonder why Shyamalan didn't try something new instead of recycling his "Sixth Sense" recipe.
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  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    40
    A gloomy, preposterous psychological thriller.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    Even if the ending doesn't entirely succeed, it doesn't cheat, and it comes at the end of an uncommonly absorbing movie.
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