Splendid parable of our times.

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2004)

"The Village" is a splendid parable of our times -- viewed by M. Night Shyamalan through a glass but not too darkly, he leads us on a path too crooked to fully guess.
Deliciously filmed, delectably written, and sumptuously directed, this movie will entertain on many levels and is a feast for the senses . . . yet, it is not too sweet or smarmy. Emerging film students should consider a thesis based on a comparison with Fahrenheit 911.
Of special note is Bryce Dallas Howard's portrayal of Ivy Walker, easily the best blind performance in a while. Joaquin Phoenix is, as ever, masterful in his portrayal of Lucius Hunt. See this movie, whatever your beliefs, and think about our own monsters.