Awake (2007)

I have not seen this film. I am deciding if I will. It is shocking that this happens in surgery in real life. I have spoken to more than one that have experienced being conscious during major surgery yet paralyzed. I don't understand why their body would not indicate heightened adrenal activity. An increase in pulse, something, surely some sign. People that go through this have it happen for real and can experience extreme Post traumatic stress. It must be beyond terrifying for them. Then, the Australian convicts experienced being cut open while conscious and having their insides explored for medical research. The so-called elite medical industry has something to answer for as to the ethics of the origins of its practice. Not surprised it is comprising the subject matter for a horror film.

Clay Beresford is a young high-flying New York businessman with a beautiful fiancée, Sam Lockwood. He is also in need of a heart transplant. His overbearing mother wants him to be operated on by one of the country's top surgeons but Clay is determined that he will be treated by Dr Jack Harper; the doctor who first diagnosed his condition and has since become his friend. His unusual blood group has meant he has had to wait a while but finally; on the night after he marries Sam he gets to call he was waiting for, rushes to the hospital and prepped for surgery. He is given the anaesthetic but soon realises that something is terribly wrong… he is still awake but totally paralysed! He tries to think of other things but then he hears his friend talking to the other medical staff… in is their intension that Clay will never leave the room alive. As the story progresses he learns the extent of the conspiracy against him all the time knowing that there is nothing he can do about it.While this film isn't exactly great it isn't bad either; there are plenty of red herrings to misdirect the viewer as well as some good twists… it is also a fair bit more disturbing than many horror films. The idea of being awake during major surgery is bad enough without the knowledge that one's doctor is intending to kill you. The way we see Clay having some sort of out-of-body experience to witness events taking place outside the operating theatre wasn't really necessary but it didn't spoil my enjoyment either. The cast does a decent enough job making us believe the somewhat far-fetched situation. Overall this is worth watching if you want a good scare without seeing a traditional horror movie… just don't watch it if you are awaiting surgery!

"Awake" was an incredible thriller that had me captivated from start to finish. An emotional roller-coaster ride the whole time with plot twist after plot twist. Hayden Christensen excelled in his role of the conscious, paralyzed billionaire philanthropist undergoing heart surgery. Coupled with Alba, you are left mesmerized by the events unfolding in front of your eyes. The impressive directing and acting makes you feel as though you are in the OR with the characters. The only thing in question are the camera angles, movement, etc. they are made to seem as though he is in a dream state. Does it work? I believe so, but others seem to think it doesn't. But that is up to your own preferences I guess.I would definitely recommend. I just wish it was longer, you will understand once you watch it.Be sure to steer clear of spoilers because it will completely ruin it for you.

If you read any other review about this movie, than just give up and watch something else. If you know something that can spoil you the watching of this movie, than don't watch it. This is not the type of a movie that you can just ask somebody how was it. You need to build your own opinion about this one. For me it was a movie with a good story, and actors did they job well. Especially the main character. I didn't expect Hayden Christensen to be this good, but hi did. And the Jessica Alba wasn't bad either. Actually those two are a good acting couple, they fit. Everything was on it's place, and I think that this one deserves a good review. Go watch it, and prove me wrong.