According to the BBFC, a 12A film should not dwell on scenes of self-harm, excessive violence or disturbing images, and the material should be generally suitable for those over 12. It was considering this that allowed me to accept The Woman In Black's certificate. I could've handled it when I was 12, I think most people could. However, Daniel Radcliffe's children's fantasy image seems to have prompted misinformed parents to take young children to see The Woman In Black, which is a mistake I fear could have left many children truly traumatised. For I cannot deny, I avoided dark rooms and looking in reflective surfaces for the rest of the night after watching.
The plot surrounds a troubled young lawyer named Arthur Kipps, whose wife died while giving birth to his now 4 year old son. His debts are mounting, and his depression has affected his work. But he is given a case- the last chance to prove himself- to obtain paperwork from an old manor whose owner recently died, so the property can be sold.
Kipps (Radcliffe) journeys to the remote village where he finds the typical 'Slaughtered Lamb' type villagers, who are hostile, obviously hiding something, and eager for the stranger to leave. He bribes a reluctant coach-driver into taking him to the manor, the only path to and from which is often engulfed by the tide.
Kipps finds himself stalked by a ghostly woman in black, who watches him through the windows. As soon as he arrives back at the village, a little girl who has drunk lye is carried in and dies in his arms. He is then told of the woman who haunts Eel Marsh Manor, and how if anyone sees her, a child dies. Terrifying, but Arthur's job relies on this case being settled. He can't just leave.
With head battling heart, Arthur ventures back to the manor to finish his job, and he soon begins to discover what exactly is happening to all the children.
Unfortunately the brutal deaths of children are a major theme in this story, which should be considered by anyone thinking of watching it. It is disturbing, but in context. The Woman In Black is a really multi-layered experience. The macabre house sets a haunting backdrop. The disturbing circumstances of the plot, topped with plenty of jumps, screams, chills, and shrill noises, and a masterful musical score all make for a devouring experience.
As Daniel Radcliffe's attempt to really break loose from Harry Potter, it is relatively successful. Despite playing a rather wooden boy-wizard, he can create a tense atmosphere, as he first proved in Equus, his West End debut. I think if anything his character is questionable, rather than his acting. Some say his reactions aren't realistic, but taking into account his character's withdrawal from life and reality, it's understandable that he doesn't always believe his eyes.
Radcliffe is nicely supported by the ever-prestigious Ciaran Hinds, as a man whose son mysteriously fell victim to a sudden death. The two men team up to solve the puzzle and prevent more death.
The Woman In Black triumphs in being atmospheric, and is certainly your money's worth if looking for a good scare, but let's not forget, this is not Harry Potter!
