A cinematic masterwork (a decade later).

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2014)

"The Village" is not for everybody.
I first saw this film at the theaters in 2014, and after it ended, everyone left huffing and puffing about wanting their thirteen dollars back... But I didn't. In fact, after it was over, I felt like a was one of only a few people in the audience who were completely enamored with this film.
I knew most people went into this movie expecting a heart-racing, horror-themed thriller... and while that may carry up to it's somewhat bulky ending, it's essence lies with it's gorgeous cinematography, brilliant blocking (of the actors), and an unforgettable soundtrack which should be ranked in any top 10 Best-Soundtrack-Of-All-Time list. Bravo James Newton Howard and Hilary Hahn.
The perspectives in this movie also mesmerized me. Most notably: Ivy Elizabeth Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard) running blind through the woods. Filming her face only (blinding her along with the audience to where she was running) was a masterful move up in the ranks of Jean-Luc Godard.
The film is listed on Ebert's "Most Hated" list... but lately, it has seemed to carry into cult status and has gained a more positive reception. As an unforgettable work, it (besides the screenplay for The Sixth Sense) displays M. Night's greatest contribution to the art of film-making.