Fragile (2005)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

good back-story, and good acting

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

I hovered between 6 and 7 because it is good but not much better than average. As IMDb doesn't allow 6.5, I have given it a 7.I watched this because I was a huge fan of Ally McBeal and wanted to see what Calista Flockhart was up to otherwise I would normally give films like this a miss.As with most films, my level of enjoyment often depends on my mood and my expectations. I wasn't expecting much of this film and was fairly bored. So I finally got around to watching it and was entertained throughout. It was very much a "standard" horror film, not much effort put into the background story of the "horror" aspect (sorry for being vague, I don't want to give anything away!) but the story moves at a good pace and the acting is good and...it's just good.Nothing special but good. It's hard to explain why one film in a genre is better than another e.g. why did I care about these characters but not about any in another horror film? Probably because I like at least three of the actors in this film; that always helps! But it was more than that. The film never seemed low budget (until a couple of so-so special effects towards the end), there was an overall 'professional' feel to the film and it was obvious that a lot of effort had been put into it.Once the horror finally kicks in to full gear, it is genuinely scary and it's rare that I get an adrenaline shock (even if it was just for a second). Without wanting to explain what exactly was scary, the "thing that was scary" was genuinely done well and I was impressed.The only real critique (other than the standard couple of clichéd script moments) was...well...not sure why no-one has mentioned it but...something really inappropriate happened at the end that literally left my jaw on the floor. It could have been more "innocent-slash-tasteful" but I can't believe I have to say that about this particular scene because I don't think it even made sense nor should have been filmed(!). I think it should have been the man.That's all I'll say and anyone who hasn't seen it will understand what I mean when it happens.Anyway, good film but standard stuff and that's after watching with no expectations and wanting to pass the time.6.5/10

FRAGILE is one of those ghost stories that turns out to be heavily indebted to modern Asian horror in its story of a haunted hospital and a malicious ghost that preys on the sick children living therein. At first, when I noticed the presence of Spanish director Jaume Balaguero (he of the outstanding REC) I thought we might be in for something a bit above the average, but even good directors can only do so much with average source material and much of FRAGILE screams average.The somewhat unusual backdrop for the film is the Isle of Wight, but sadly as this is a low budget production virtually none of the scenes take place outside of the abandoned hospital (one sub-plot follows an ex-nurse as she talks to some characters who apparently stepped off the set of DON'T LOOK NOW, but this storyline vanishes shortly afterwards). The various haunting-type stuff feels pretty predictable – after all, there are only so many ways that a vengeful spirit's actions can be portrayed – and other than the unexpectedly harsh viciousness toward the child victims, this is all very much par for the course. The ghost itself may be frightening to some, but I was too much reminded of the way the Grudge films, for instance, shoot around the ghosts to make them more frightening and this movie follows suit.Calista Flockhart is the imported female star, delivering a slightly more expletive-ridden performance than you'd expect for this actress. Flockhart has never been one of my favourites, and she's occasionally shrill and over the top here, which doesn't help very much. Richard Roxburgh, playing a dashing doctor type straight out of the pages of a Mills & Boon Medical, is much better, even if once again I mistook him for Sean Pertwee for half the running time. Nobody else in the cast list makes much of an impression, particularly the unimpressive child actors, although Colin McFarlane (BATMAN BEGINS) does well in a minor role (even if he does take the clichéd role you'd expect to see a black actor in a horror film cast in).FRAGILE is a pretty predictable film for horror fans; it's certainly not badly made, and it passes the time, but I do expect greater effort from my horror films these days instead of movies which end up delivering yet more of the same.

FRAGILE (Fràgiles) is a terrific dark scary creepy atmospheric intelligent ghost story. Made in 2005 and released as an episode film in the Fangoria Frightfest, this decent film was overlooked in the theaters but deserves more attention now that it is available on DVD - allowing it to be viewed in the safety of the home! The story is written by Jordi Galceran and writer/director Jaume Balagueró who demonstrate a rather sophisticated knowledge of a little known malady called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic disorder that makes the bones very brittle and easily (and frequently) broken. The story begins on a foggy dark night as temp nurse Amy Nicholls (Calista Flockhart) steps off the ferry onto an island to fill in for a children's hospital that has been condemned but must keep one floor open until the island's other hospital recovers form over crowding following a significant accident. She is met by the kindly Roy (Colin McFarlane) who escorts her to the dilapidated hospital where the administrator Mrs. Folder (Gemma Jones) takes her on a tour, explaining that the second floor is sealed and has been for some years, and introduces her to the day nurse Helen Perez (Elena Anaya) who in turn introduces Amy to the eight children, all with significant illnesses, who will be under her care. There is one child - Maggie (Yasmin Murphy) who keeps to herself and is obviously terrified, her closest friend had been the nurse Amy is replacing. Amy and Maggie bond and this bond serves as the thread that opens the doors to the terrifying mysteries of the hospital. Noises are heard after lights out and Amy gradually learns form Maggie about the 'mechanical girl' who somehow influences the activities of the hospital. There is a doctor assigned to Amy's ward - Dr. Robert Marcus (Richard Roxburgh) - who assists Amy and the children. But Amy must find out if the fears Maggie has are founded and so she visits two old ladies (Freda Dowie and Matyelek Gibbs) who inform Amy of the story of one child and nurse who could be the connection tot he terror: the child had osteogenesis imperfecta and her ghost remains present in the hospital. Once Amy discovers this information she shares it with Dr. Marcus and the two face the decision as to how to manage the increasingly terrifying events at the hospital. Calista Lockhart, the fine Australian actor Richard Roxburgh, the always excellent Gema Jones, and the surprising debut of young Yasmin Murphy make this film work. Their performances are top notch, and the cinematography by Xavi Giménez and the musical score by Roque Baños maintain an atmosphere of terror that is credible and keeps the audience on the edge of the seat. Give this little film a chance- it is much better than the other films in this series! Grady Harp

Well what can i say about this movie ? IT IS A LITTLE GEM OF A MOVIE.A proper ghost story.I have seen a lot of horror movies in my time but i find it hard to think of another movie that delivers.The only one i can think of is THE CHANGELING.Its directed by Jaume Balaguero and stars Calista Flockhart, Richard Roxburgh and Elena Anaya.The movie is set in a run down children's hospital on the Ilse of Whight.A night nurse starts her new job trying to take care of a group orphaned sick children.But something evil resides in the hospital, determined not to let any of the children to leave.I don't want to say much more about this movie but watch for the twist at the end.A true little gem of a movie and one not to miss.I gave this movie 8 out 10.