The Village
(2004)
There is no turning back
M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE finds the renowned writer-director crafting a suspenseful story of a small community whose inhabitants are plagued by fear of the unknown forest that surrounds them. For years, they have kept a truce with mysterious creatures in the woods by vowing never to breach a clearly defined border. However, when a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes determined to explore the nearby towns, his actions are met with menacing consequences. Shyamalan continues his remarkable streak of entrancing and entertaining thrillers (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE, SIGNS) with THE VILLAGE.
A meticulous filmmaker, Shyamalan displays his penchant for setting up a fascinating atmosphere in every aspect of the movie, from its distinctive color scheme to its intentionally genteel dialogue to its outstanding cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins. Renowned cast members Phoenix, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Adrien Brody are excellent, but the true standout is Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard), who embodies the heart of the film with her vulnerable but fiercely vital performance. Like Shyamalan's other movies, THE VILLAGE has a distinct twist that offers shocking revelations, but this film's overwhelming sense of menace is what is sure to resonate with viewers long after it's over.
This is not even a dystopian film. To place this as number two on the list, additionally, is insulting. I saw this in a theater the week of its coming out and the groaning of the audience immediately upon its ending clarified their opinion of it. It is however, worth watching as it is an interesting film but it is also noteworthy that this is one of the films that reflects Shyamalan's downward spiral in film making in comparison to his wonderous film 'The Sixth Sense'. I give this movie a six.
written by anonymous94 639 weeks ago
When I think of dystopian films, this doesn't come into mind at all - shouldn't be rated so high!
written by anonymous42 639 weeks ago