The Village
2004
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. .. Read more
| Starring | Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt |
|---|---|
| Director | M. Night Shyamalan |
| Genres | Audio Descriptive, Thriller |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Everybody always talks about M Night Shyamalan's surprise endings. But the shocker here is the opening. What on earth is this hip, contemporary director doing making a period film? read more »
- LOVEFiLM
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M Night Shyamalan's reputation has been built on his way with a twist ending, and this unlikely cross between Lost Horizon and Alien continues the tradition set by The Sixth Sense and Signs. Set in an unspecified time and place, this beautifully photographed tale concerns an isolated rural community that seems idyllic — except for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The villagers respect the territory of these rarely seen beings, but the uneasy truce is challenged when Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) steps across the boundary line. Shyamalan uses just about every trick in the book to create a sense of unease — spooky woods, creepy music and things that literally go bump in the night — and his cast performs admirably, particularly newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard). However, in trying to top his previous films, Shyamalan piles on the twists until the story buckles — this time, perhaps, less would have been more.
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Risible, illogical horror movie that depends for its effect on fooling its audience, when most will be way ahead of the director in working out his clumsy contrivances.
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
67 out of 82 people found this review helpful
A Great Film
There's been mixed reviews for this movie but in the end I had to come down on the side of the good ones. M. Night Shyamalan's films always have their staple scares and twists and this one is no different, with a dark tale of a village living in fear of the strange creatures in the woods. He's assembled a great cast whose performances give the film an added power, but once again don't let anyone tell you what happens as it will ruin the film. A must see for fans of this director and of horror films generally.
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34 out of 42 people found this review helpful
M.Night Shyamalan - A
This film deserves more respect than it has been shown. Preconceptions that this film is going to be a 'thrill ride' or another 'jump out of your seat' monster/slasher movie are perhaps why this movie has had such mixed reviews.
This is an intelligent and (more importantly) well-acted ensemble piece. The characterisations and realistic portrayal of them all add to a feeling of empathy with the characters, and ultimately ensures the audience actually cares what happens to these people in the end.
Notable performances from Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrian Brody and William Hurt add gravitas to the mysterious environment they inhabit.
I have enjoyed all that M.N.S has offered since the Sixth Sense (which in my opinion was vastly over rated), and this is probably one of his most engaging films.
As always there is a twist in the tale, which more astute audiences may figure out before the final reveal, especially as we are 'on the lookout' for one. However this doesn't really detract from the viewing experience and I felt rewarded when my predictions were finally verified.
A thoughtful, character driven film. Those of you expecting another 'full on' monster movie should look elsewhere.
DVD includes deleted scenes, documentary, Bryce Dallas Howard's video diary, and a DTS soundtrack for cinephiles.
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- sparx from Ipswich
- Posted 05 Mar 2005 16:05
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27 out of 38 people found this review helpful
M Night's done it again
From the opening to the closing credit sequences, this film captivates the audience, letting it fall into a false sense of security before snatching the rug from under its feet.
One of the strengths of this film is the direction. But then again, from the man who created The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs, you'd justifiably expect that. Each scene is constructed with such elegance and grace that it's a treat for the eyes. M Night must have stroyboarded every individual segment and the result is an astounding use of camera.
Of course, perhaps even better than this, is the acting. Love this film or loathe it, the acting will undeniably blow you away. Experienced actors (Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt) perform brilliantly, yet the absolute highlight is Bryce Dallas Howard, relatively unknown until this film. Wow.
Although advertised as a thriller, I don't think that it was. While I was copiously terrified at some places (more than I have been before, perhaps), it was clear that M. Night wasn't intending this film to be a thriller. Love plays more of a central role than fear. In fact, when I finished watching the film, I thought it was more of a political protest than anything else, but others have thought differently.
Nowadays, people cannot say 'M. Night Shyamalan' without thinking 'twist'. In fact, The Sixth Sense has one of the most famous movies twists of all time, and hence the Village has a twist as well. While most of my friends were annoyed by the twist, I felt it to be brilliant and strengthened my love of the film even more. In fact, I fell that many of the critics reviews have been negative because they haven't liked the sense of being tricked. If you don't like being tricked, stop the film about twenty minutes from the end.
In conclusion, The Village is a stupendously made film with a jaw-droppingly stunning cast whose acting is marvellous, a tightly bound screenplay and an abundantly sinster plot. And, while it may not be to everyone's tastes, I challenge you to watch this film and not feel chilled having watched it. -
Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Ok..ish!?!
Was not a bad film, but i was slightly disappointed with the way it went as i expected something rather different from what i'd seen from the trailers!
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
A fleeting moment
Blink and you'll miss the two or three times that this movie made me jump. Its atmospheric in a tedious kind of way and certainly not an original storyline and its presentation has flaws. For those of you who don't recognise that a village in total isolation wouldn't know about current fashions or musical tastes regardless of what age its set in. The ending is pretty limp and that about sums it up.
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67 out of 82 people found this review helpful
A Great Film
There's been mixed reviews for this movie but in the end I had to come down on the side of the good ones. M. Night Shyamalan's films always have their staple scares and twists and this one is no different, with a dark tale of a village living in fear of the strange creatures in the woods. He's assembled a great cast whose performances give the film an added power, but once again don't let anyone tell you what happens as it will ruin the film. A must see for fans of this director and of horror films generally.
-
34 out of 42 people found this review helpful
M.Night Shyamalan - A
This film deserves more respect than it has been shown. Preconceptions that this film is going to be a 'thrill ride' or another 'jump out of your seat' monster/slasher movie are perhaps why this movie has had such mixed reviews.
This is an intelligent and (more importantly) well-acted ensemble piece. The characterisations and realistic portrayal of them all add to a feeling of empathy with the characters, and ultimately ensures the audience actually cares what happens to these people in the end.
Notable performances from Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrian Brody and William Hurt add gravitas to the mysterious environment they inhabit.
I have enjoyed all that M.N.S has offered since the Sixth Sense (which in my opinion was vastly over rated), and this is probably one of his most engaging films.
As always there is a twist in the tale, which more astute audiences may figure out before the final reveal, especially as we are 'on the lookout' for one. However this doesn't really detract from the viewing experience and I felt rewarded when my predictions were finally verified.
A thoughtful, character driven film. Those of you expecting another 'full on' monster movie should look elsewhere.
DVD includes deleted scenes, documentary, Bryce Dallas Howard's video diary, and a DTS soundtrack for cinephiles.-
- sparx from Ipswich
- Posted 05 Mar 2005 16:05
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27 out of 38 people found this review helpful
M Night's done it again
From the opening to the closing credit sequences, this film captivates the audience, letting it fall into a false sense of security before snatching the rug from under its feet.
One of the strengths of this film is the direction. But then again, from the man who created The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs, you'd justifiably expect that. Each scene is constructed with such elegance and grace that it's a treat for the eyes. M Night must have stroyboarded every individual segment and the result is an astounding use of camera.
Of course, perhaps even better than this, is the acting. Love this film or loathe it, the acting will undeniably blow you away. Experienced actors (Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt) perform brilliantly, yet the absolute highlight is Bryce Dallas Howard, relatively unknown until this film. Wow.
Although advertised as a thriller, I don't think that it was. While I was copiously terrified at some places (more than I have been before, perhaps), it was clear that M. Night wasn't intending this film to be a thriller. Love plays more of a central role than fear. In fact, when I finished watching the film, I thought it was more of a political protest than anything else, but others have thought differently.
Nowadays, people cannot say 'M. Night Shyamalan' without thinking 'twist'. In fact, The Sixth Sense has one of the most famous movies twists of all time, and hence the Village has a twist as well. While most of my friends were annoyed by the twist, I felt it to be brilliant and strengthened my love of the film even more. In fact, I fell that many of the critics reviews have been negative because they haven't liked the sense of being tricked. If you don't like being tricked, stop the film about twenty minutes from the end.
In conclusion, The Village is a stupendously made film with a jaw-droppingly stunning cast whose acting is marvellous, a tightly bound screenplay and an abundantly sinster plot. And, while it may not be to everyone's tastes, I challenge you to watch this film and not feel chilled having watched it. -
28 out of 47 people found this review helpful
This film is the bad colour ie. BROWN!
I liked the 6th sense. The twist was predictable, but no less enjoyable for it and the acting was good.
I liked Unbreakable. The twist took longer to unwind and again the casting and acting was spot on.
I liked Signs. The ending was a bit disappointing, but there were enough developments throughout the film to keep you watching.
The Village is nothing like it's predecessors. The plot is filled with gaping holes, the so called twist is laughable and the film just stumbles along to it's conclusion. BORING!!! -
18 out of 22 people found this review helpful
Much better than I expected
Quite simply this film was much better than I originally expected - especially after reading reviews here stating 'utter dross' and such like. Do yourself a favour and ignore idiots like this who don't explain their reasons for disliking a film. This movie is great, I truly enjoyed it. Although it runs a little slowly at times, I felt that the suspense was adequate and it had me sitting forward in my seat on more than one occasion. Bryce Howard was excellent as the blind lead and there are moments when you can genuinely feel her fear. The cast in general are excellent - especially Adrien Brody who I didn't even know was in the film! The photography is great, mainly shot in sepia filters to extentuate the humble village atmosphere, the use of occasional bright colours is even more effective than it would normally be. This is great Saturday night stuff, so get out the popcorn, turn off the lights and sit back and enjoy. Definitely worth a watch.
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- Gromit from Canterbury
- Posted 13 Jun 2006 21:12
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17 out of 26 people found this review helpful
I should sue for loss of time
Absolutely terrible. The twists you could see a mile off, the 'horror' was predictable, and the film ambled to the end. At the end of the film we were thinking 'Is that it?' Avoid, like the plague.
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13 out of 13 people found this review helpful
A self-inflicted wound
Scanning the reviews for this film, I am not surprised that it polarises the viewers' opinions. This is no fault of the film - entirely to do with the publicity surrounding its launch, which is echoed in the decision on this site to include it in the Horror category. These do it a disservice, as horror it most certainly is not, and whilst posters and trailers touting this genre may help get bums on seats, it ain't going to guarantee happy campers leaving the cinema!
That said, though not at all what I was expecting, I was far from disappointed. A much better film than your average horror flick, with more of the feel of an adult fairy-tale in my view - and all the better for it. Difficult to review without revealing unforgivable spoilers, and though I do agree with those reviewers who found the main plot twist predictable from relatively early on, I didn't find this detracted from the viewing experience. Direction and acting are excellent, with the radiant Bryce Dallas Howard stealing the film and pushing it to the fourth star from me. Slash and stalk fans, beware; those who enjoy well-made, atmospheric dramas, this one is for you. I loved it. -
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful
Suspense horror gem
Its not many films that can genuinely scare me at times and those that do have to have plenty of suspense woven in with the scary bits. One scene had the same effect on me as the scene in Psycho when Norman bates mother was revealed in the cellar. The film fell away slightly at the end for me but it was difficult to maintain the suspense throughout.
Great ensemble cast and Joaquin Phoenix superb in an understated performance. The scene with Ivy on the verandah with the mist filled field was beautifully done and the contrast with the suspense scenes all the better for it.
Can't discuss any plot points without spoiling it for future viewers but genuinely scary in a manner we rarely see in the gorefests that pass for frighteners these days. -
14 out of 24 people found this review helpful
Really really really bad.
I had high hopes for this film after watching the trailer which showed some really good bits but I'm afraid they are the only bits in it that are good. Also anticipated it to be good as the director has a good record with 'Signs' and 'Sixth Sense'.
However, this is probably one of the biggest let downs all year. Firstly your not really let in on the story so you don't have a clue what's going on. Then this creature appears that looks like it was made on Blue Peter and then its blind and then its not a creature and then it ends really abruptly and it leaves you thinking, what on Earth was that I was just watching?
Really bad film that seems rushed, no story, no special effects, no scary bits, no speaky no english no nothing. Load of twaddle. -
10 out of 13 people found this review helpful
A big claws up
I really enjoyed this film, the pace, while slow, was perfectly suited to my sense of drama. The scares were there, the twists were cool and the general leve of weirdness was high.
Critics' reviews (5)
-
Everybody always talks about M Night Shyamalan's surprise endings. But the shocker here is the opening. What on earth is this hip, contemporary director doing making a period film? read more »
- LOVEFiLM
-
M Night Shyamalan's reputation has been built on his way with a twist ending, and this unlikely cross between Lost Horizon and Alien continues the tradition set by The Sixth Sense and Signs. Set in an unspecified time and place, this beautifully photographed tale concerns an isolated rural community that seems idyllic — except for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The villagers respect the territory of these rarely seen beings, but the uneasy truce is challenged when Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) steps across the boundary line. Shyamalan uses just about every trick in the book to create a sense of unease — spooky woods, creepy music and things that literally go bump in the night — and his cast performs admirably, particularly newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard). However, in trying to top his previous films, Shyamalan piles on the twists until the story buckles — this time, perhaps, less would have been more.
-
Risible, illogical horror movie that depends for its effect on fooling its audience, when most will be way ahead of the director in working out his clumsy contrivances.
-
Brilliant! Intelligent And Provocative.
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The scariest film of the year
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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. ... -
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