 THE VILLAGE
MPAA Rating:
 for a scene of violence and frightening situationsReviewed by: Jonathan Rodriguez Better than Average
Moviemaking Quality:
 Primary Audience:
Teens and Adults
Genre:
Thriller, Drama, Romance, Fantasy
Year of Release:
2004
USA Release:
______
     “There is no turning back.” Producer’s Synopsis: “In M. Night Shyamalan’s 'The Village,' the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, who brought you 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Signs,' assembles an all-star cast, including Joaquin Phoenix and Sigourney Weaver and Academy Award-winners Adrien Brody and William Hurt, to bring to the screen the thrilling tale of an isolated village confronting the astonishing truth that lies just outside its borders. If you are at all familiar with the films of M. Night Shyamalan, you probably know what to expect in his latest film, “The Village” — creepy music, dim lighting, jump scenes — all leading up to the shocking conclusion. It seems that Shyamalan has just one agenda each time out, and that’s to see if he can out scare audiences of his previous films. “The Sixth Sense” and “Unbreakable” were, in my opinion, incredibly interesting stories and kept us involved with great acting and genuinely frightening moments. But something seems missing from “The Village.” The script is pale (weak and flat), the actors (all of whom are very accomplished) seem like cardboard cutouts (bordering on monotonous), and the surprise ending… well, let’s just say it was stunning, but in an almost absurd sort of way. Morally, the film’s content is fairly mild for content for this genre — a couple of jump scenes, a murder, and some blood here and there. “The Village” tells the story of a small, sheltered community nestled deep in Covington Forrest. The townspeople are simple, lead small lives and go about their daily routines without really questioning their surroundings. Their village is encircled by trees, and no one is allowed outside of the village and in the woods, because those who go out, never return. The town is headed up by a posse of elders, led by the great actors William Hurt, Brendan Gleeson, and Sigourney Weaver. Their performances in this movie, however, seem to fall far short of their collective capabilities. The story mainly centers around Weaver’s son, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who wants to leave the village to get medicine for future emergencies. Needless to say, the villagers don’t want this to happen and do what they can to stop it. The forces in the woods seem to want to keep him away as well, and leave animals skinned on the front porches as a warning. These and other occurrences lead up to the inevitable shocker finale, which just flat did not work for me. It’s a big disappoint for some fans of this director. I give “The Village” a C-.   Negative - WOW, what a VERY bad movie. This movie leave with the question “WHY?” running through your head, I feel sorry for the director, his movies are usually very suspenseful and enjoyable, but now his credibility as a film maker just went down in a blaze of not so much glory. So if your looking to waste 2 hours out of your life that you will never get back then see this movie, but trust me you will lead a happier and longer life by skipping this movie. Positive - If you enjoyed other movies of M. Night Shyamalan, like The Sixth Sense and The Others, you will enjoy this movie. Shyamalan knows how to tell a story. He takes his time, slowly developing the setting and the characters. Many movie buffs today won’t have the attention span to allow a story, like a good soup, to simmer. They want action and they want it now. That’s not the way Shyamalan works. With virtually no sex and no profanity, one might wonder why the PG13 rating. There ARE a few scary moments — and there is a violent scene with some blood being spilled. The scary moments are typical Shyamalan, who believes one’s own imagination can be more scary than simply showing the Monster. There is a thought-provoking theme involved in the The Village. Can God-fearing people listen communally, far from other communities, alone and self-sufficient, and then escape the violence and evil in the World? You’ll have to see the movie and answer that for yourself. Positive - The bad reviews coming about this film really surprise me. I admit I’m not good at trying to figure out so-called 'surprise endings', but neither do I want to. I’m a huge fan of Night’s because of the way he directs his movies. I love the sub-text, the symbolism, the deliberate way he tells the story. In all his film the creepy/horror factor is only the vehicle for the deeper story, so I never feel ripped off if the 'aliens look fake' etc. Positive - Shyamalan’s latest will not disappoint fans of his earlier films. While not as faith-inspiring as Signs and not as award worthy as Sixth Sense, The Village is sufficiently scary and will leave Christians with much to talk about after watching it. Chiefly, the fact that this is a fallen world and God is the only hope to overcome the heartache that is inescapable. I liked this film very much, although many of my peers did not. If you are looking for a scary monster movie, you will be disappointed. Younger and sensitive people should not see this film. The scene of violence haunted me for days. However, The Village overall is thought-provoking, is entertaining, and leaves one with a sense of hope. And those qualities are what movie watching is all about. Positive - I’ve heard a lot of negative reviews for this, but I really liked it. I was totally taken aback by the twists. Just when you think you have everything figured out, another twist is thrown at you. There are some violent scenes in this movie though, the main one being a bloody knife attack, and the overall theme would most definitely frighten young children. I would keep kids and young teenagers (though depending on maturity, some young teens could handle it) home, but everyone else should really enjoy this. Positive - I absolutely loved this movie! I would definitely not recommend
it to people who don’t like scary movies though. There were a few parts
that were violent but I wasn’t bothered by it. I don’t really remember
any cussing, but there might have been. If you like Shamalyn’s movies
then see this one! Positive - This film was the cleanest secular movie I have seen in a long
time. The plot was very exciting and the intensity of the suspense scenes
are moderate. There is one brief scene of violence, but other than that,
there is nothing that can be offensive. There is no inappropriate language,
or sexual scenes of any kind. I would recommend this movie for teens and
adults. Overall I found it to be very entertaining and interesting! Positive - I believe this movie is about how wounded,hurting people try to
cope and protect themselves from further pain and particularly try to
protect their children. What they don’t realize is we cannot escape man’s
sinful nature and its consequences. My teenager and I definitely
appreciated this movie, it’s a shame the secular critics can’t see past
their own expectations. Some words of caution: There is a brief scene of violence that brought me to tears (not gory) and there are also some unpleasant images of animals. Overall, I would recommend this film for Junior High age and up. Positive - I have come away from this movie with one word pulsating through
my mind: Smart. I’m sorry if some of the negative reviewers haven’t
realized that this is NOT The Sixth Sense. I found this movie to be
absolutely brilliant and different. Movies nowadays are cut and dry, but
Shyamalan decided to create a movie that didn’t leave you with the feeling
of “Wow!,” but with the through-provoking “Hmmm…” Positive - Well, I am a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan, with one of my favorite
movies ever being Signs. I saw this movie two times and I’ll tell you why
in a second. First off I would like to admit that I went into it at first
with my expectations way too high. I had been anticipating this film since
I first heard about it before summer began. I left slightly disappointed I
think because I had so much time to wonder what the “surprise” would be
that when I finally saw it, some of my guesses were more creative than the
actual film. I left, like most in the theater, feeling like there should
have been more. However, in the next week, the more I thought about the
movie as a whole the more I realized I really did like it. Great acting
(despite the above reviewer’s opinion), A love story that isn’t corny
(hard to do-I’m studying screen writing in college) it is creepy enough to
keep you guessing, unsettlingly perfect music score and I always liked the
way Shyamalan creatively uses camera angles and the “feel” he gives to
scenes. I think that most people were turned off by its abrupt ending.
However on my second viewing I realized it wasn’t too abrupt. I really
enjoyed the movie the second time and would recommend at least that you
give it a try, but try not to expect too much from it and you’ll find it
exceeds your expectations. I still liked Signs better but I’ll definitely
be excited to add this one to my M. Night collection. Not for young kids
but perfect for some good suspenseful fun. Positive - …This movie has so many levels, that it can’t just be dismissed as pale or cardboard. How many of us have said to ourselves in light of the horrors around us that we wish for the simpler times? This movie just asks the question, is it better to live the simple life, albeit in fear…or to live in this world with all its problems, but knowing what those problems are. Yes, the references to September 11 are obvious, even to the point where the head elder’s name is Walker…but I think we can look past that. Also on another level, I think it goes to show the sin
and evil nature of humanity. *spoilers will follow*. They left a world full of crime and death…for a better life. They lived in such bliss for awhile, but then they found that no matter how secluded they made themselves…evil still is within us, and we are still capable of horrible crimes. We can’t escape sin, we can’t run away from evil. The only one who can rescue us is Jesus Christ. The obvious lack of religion in the movie just goes to show, they had no refuge…no matter what they tried to build with their own hands. Positive - Wow, this movie was simple amazing. I can understand why some people hated it, because it was nothing like advertised but it was still a great movie. It one of my favorite for 2004. Positive - “The Village” is the newest movie by what I believe to be one of the most talented writer/directors in Hollywood. I am surprised by the negative reviews../ I believe people are judging this movie when comparing it to Night’s other projects and not to most movies in general. This movie far surpasses other recent movies because of its movie making and moral quality. I did not feel any “undercurrent “or hidden messages comparing it to society today. I do not believe these characters are portrayed as villains (Walker) and it gives a clear view as to why the village and its townspeople are the way they are. The actress who portrays Ivy does a wonderful job as well as Joaqin Phoenix. I feel the “elders” characters could have been developed more and had more screen time… I cannot comment on the “shock” of the ending since I had known the ending beforehand…however, I think most will be hit from left field with the
twist…It may be farfetched yet.. after all movies are a way of escaping
reality and we are expected to suspend reality to some degree. I
thoroughly enjoyed this movie and admired the the restraint of the
director to use intelligence as opposed to sex, foul language and violence
to execute his story Positive - My husband and I went to see this movie, we both really enjoyed it. It’s scary..but not “scary,” such as gory or a slasher type movie, just suspenseful. Not for little kids. Good story line, funny parts and a little romance to. No bad language or sex, actually very clean. And a different perspective at the end, kind of neat. I recommend it if you like his movies. Positive - This movie has been judged unfairly by those expecting it to be
another Sixth Sense or Signs. It’s simply a wonderful movie about how we
are to face our fears. The cinematography--camera angles, framing,
etc.—is remarkable as well. Moreover, not one profane word is uttered
during the entire film. Positive -
The Village is a cutting-edge testimony of the power of
imagination over visual images. Unlike so many of today’s Hollywood
productions, in the Village we are not spoon fed copious graphic detail, but
rather the subtle imagery tempts the imagination to run wild, which leads
to an hour and a half’s worth of unrelenting suspense culminating in a
crescendo of tension. There is a wholesome morality about the village
people which reflects much of the “goodness” of human beings, who are
created in the image of God. The movie’s poignant reflections on human
nature more than atone for any lack of definite point to the storyline.
Finally, the brilliant and original camera-work which characterize M.
Night Shayamalan’s other movies once again provides intriguing viewing. Negative - I loved this movie but I think I think the overall theme is a real
dig at Christianity and religion overall. I may be way off but the sense I
got was the village represented our whole world and the elders were the
ones in control and of great influence like founders of faiths. They made
up the idea of the creatures and the outside forest like some feel others
had made up the idea of God and heaven and hell to keep fear in those less
intelligent and ignorant and thus maintain a sense of control. Also to run
a world as they see it should be. In this case, it’s to continue to live a
life style that they wanted but not necessarily what was best for those who
were not aware. A non Christian friend of mine felt it was very insulting
towards believers as he picked this theme up as well. Again I might be way
off. Positive - There will be a lot of people that don’t like this movie because
its not what they will be expecting to see. I myself thought it was great. Positive - I went to see this movie to evaluate it before my 15 year old
daughter saw it and was impressed. Very clean in regards to bad language
and sexual immorality, there wasn’t any. There was also a lot of material
to discuss afterwards in regards to sin, the sin nature of man, and
whether or not we are able to hide from it. I would highly recommend this movie. You leave with a lot to think about. Neutral - Over all, The Village is very well made. By the end of the film,
it left me with a question. A question about lying. How long can a lie
last before the truth comes out? Positive - This is a great movie. There is no swearing and no sexual
content. There are plenty of twists and surprises, but it isn’t very
scary. It is actually an intelligent suspense movie about the power of
love and the effects of fear. There is a positive message if you watch
for it. I recommend it! Positive - I loved this film! I went with my husband opening weekend concerned that it was going to be a horror film, but I was so pleasantly surprised to discover that it is was a love story and a very good, dramatic, well-written, suspenseful film. There was no swearing or sex. I highly recommend this movie! Neutral - This movie I liked until the very end, when the truth about the surrounding forest came out. I was held in suspense until William Hurt told his daughter the truth, and then I spent the last half-hour wondering why they would lie to everyone. I’m glad I saw it, but I don’t think I’d see it again. Morally and historically, it’s nice, but the story lacked something. Positive - The movie is awesome. It may be a tad bit too scary a few times
throughout for children. But there is no bad language, sexual content, or
anything used throughout the film. It was fantastic and had a great small
twist toward the ending. Negative - If you suffering from insomnia, “The Village” is the best cure! Negative - I have real trouble understanding calling this film intelligent. Most of the people I know who found it startling made early, giant (and I might add unwarranted) assumptions about the characters and setting. Additionally, the picture has me wondering about the idea of thoughtful Christians judging a film almost entirely by the “bang” at the end. (That it comes with a minimum of pyrotechnics is only partially redeeming.) Comments from young people
Positive - This is one of my favorite movies to watch. A strong,
suspenseful story, a sweet romance subplot, and excellent acting all made
the film for me. My mother didn’t like it, and my father(who took me to
see it) only liked it enough to watch it twice. From a Christian
viewpoint, the movie is almost content free. There is a painful scene with some blood, but there is no sex, and if there was any profanity, I sure missed it. Some people thought the story a political allegory, I didn’t think so. I just thought it posted to viewers the question of how far would you go to protect your loved ones and keep your family together. Positive - I loved this film and have come to believe that it is symbolic of where we stand as Christians. “The Village” elders desperately want to prevent the people from leaving for 'The Towns' and so created the myth of 'those we don’t speak of' to discourage anyone from leaving. The elders ultimately wanted to protect the people, their actions were 'not meant to harm', but in the end we must ask ourselves — if something must be lied about in order to save it, is it really worth saving? Positive - A wonderful movie! No profanity at all, and only one violent scene with a stabbing. Positive - …I saw the movie several times. The movie making quality… is M. Night’s best. The movie kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It had an ongoing feeling throughout the entire film. The movie was quite frightening but it did not use gore to scare you it used smart film making and acting, a psychological thriller. The acting was superb, I couldn't ask for a better cast. There was a wonder full subplot in the movie, a beautiful love story. Positive - …The writing was some of the best Shyamlan’s yet done. The language, while somewhat archaic, was deep and rich. And the actors, namely Bryce Dalls Howard, carried the whole thing off remarkably. I have always puzzled why people think Shyamalan is out to scare them, because frankly, his only scary movie was The Sixth Sense. He has a deeper meaning, a purpose and a message to his films, and he chooses to carry them out in a suspenseful manner. But The Village was
not about scaring people, it was about morality, about honesty, about responsibility. I think that this was a very deep, very moral, even Christian film. I highly recommend it, to fans and non-fans of Shyamalan’s previous work. Positive - This movie is awesome! I love the way it’s so secret. It’s not like most scary movies. This movie makes you think. It really does have a moral to the story. The ending is totally unexpected, but also amazing! I
didn’t see it coming at all. I loved it so much! Positive - I think this movie was great! I am a big fan of Jaoquin Pheniox
and and a big fan of M. Night Shyalam (I’ve seen all his movies). I think “The Village” was a meaningful film. The bond between Lucius and Ivy is so sweet. Lucius is very brave and sincere and is able to confess to the
village that he may have provoked the creatures in the woods. Ivy Walker
is able to accept her blindness, she says “i just see differently than
others,” she is willing to go into covington woods to save Lucius from
dying. The elders in the village are just trying to protect the children
from getting hurt. This movie was definitely one of my favorites of M.
Night Shyalam. It portrays, bravery, overcoming your fears, friendship,
love, protection, and caring. And the villagers also acknowledge God and
that is a plus. I really enjoyed it and I think everyone should see this
one. I am going to buy it for sure. Negative - The fact that Shyamalan is so good at creating very visceral visuals in his movies draws more attention to the fact that this script is pretty weak, when you base the whole success of a movie on whether the twist in the third act works you’re skating on thin ice, but when that twist is as ridiculous as the one in The Village you’re ultimately doomed. The first 40 minutes of the movie are good, they move slow but they drop hints and clues that you assume are ultimately building to something brilliant, but then you find out are a cheap trick and everything just becomes silly. Shamalyn puts slow motion to good use in
building suspense, the film isn’t gratuitously violent, sexual, or vulgar, and it’s the kind of film that I’d have no problem watching as a Christian, but it’s just such an awful film I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Positive - I’m a bit surprised at the negative reaction this film received… both from this review and from my friends. Frankly, I thought the movie was amazing. Sure, maybe the acting could have been better and maybe it wasn’t “as good” as some of his other films but what I loved about it was that it was thought provoking. The fact that The Village made so many points in one movie made it an instant winner for me: a critique of utopias, revealing the nature of man (no matter how far you run, pain, fear and death follow you), and questioning whether the ends
justify the means (after all, didn’t the elders of the town use deceit and fear to escape a similar evil in the world?). And that is just off the top of my head. Beyond all of that, I am a great fan of surprise endings. The Village was also great because it WASN’T just your ordinary there are big bad monsters about to eat you… but I won’t say any more. All that said, if you want a good, thought provoking movie… watch The Village. Neutral - I can honestly say that I enjoyed this movie. The plot held my attention and the music was terrific. However, as I walked out of the theater, I was a little disappointed. I came expecting a VERY different
movie, and in my opinion, this was not the thrilling or suspenseful movie that I came to see. Overall, the movie was enjoyable, but it will never compare to the likes of “The Sixth Sense” or “Signs.” Positive - I really enjoyed this movie much more than I expected. Though the
people I was with did not enjoy it as much as they expected, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very “sweet” love story and I thought it was very well directed. The plot might have been somewhat predictable, but I found it almost more believable with the “surprise ending.” I did not feel as if it was demonic like some movies in its genre. Though I wouldn’t recommend you rush out to the theater to view it, I think it was a good movie overall. Positive - What a great film! M. Night Shyamalan has made another great suspense/thriller. Though the twist at the end can be predictable (especially to Shyamalan fans) the quality of this movie is very good. I suspect that Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of the director Ron Howard) will receive a nomination (if not an award) for her excellent portrayal of a blind woman. All of the actors and actresses were amazingly breathtaking and the cinematography was excellent. Positive - I really enjoyed this movie!! It is the most un-offensive PG-13 film I think I have ever seen. I was surprised at the beautiful romance. Also the monsters really astonished me, I had no idea who they really were! Although it’s different than other Shyamalan movies, I would say the show is worth your money. Positive - Raise of hands, who thinks M. Night Shyamalan is the best filmmaker of our time? He makes wonderful films that don’t resort to sex or excessive bad language! “The Village” is no exception to his record of clean but still fun films. My only objections were POSSIBLY a few bad words (that’s the moral part), and I also didn’t think this lived up to his phenomenal (cinematically and spiritually) “Signs.” This one doesn’t have as many creepy moments or jump scenes… Positive - I personally loved this film. Yes, there were some disturbing images, but it is a PG-13 film. There is nothing morally corrupt that I can remember. There is talk that a married man loves a woman who is not his wife, but he always keeps his distance and remains faithful to his wife. This movie is much different than any other film by this director. It has a wonderful message about love, truth, and lies. There is not much more to say without spoiling it, but if you have two hours free, it is a good choice for teens/adults. Movie Critics
“…a colossal miscalculation …a premise so transparent it would be laughable were the movie not so deadly solemn…” “…What does it take for a manipulative director to lose his credibility with a mass audience? It takes a Village.” “…portrays this apparently Christian community as actually being deceitful and hypocritical…” “…if you want to be scared and actually think about a movie for more than five minutes after you finish watching it, enter 'The Village'…” “…starts strong, but cannot deliver…” |
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