Superb Motion Picture!

Rating: 9/10 (5 August 2004)

Rather than dwell on the plot, or possibly make a revelation in this review that would ruin your experience in being shocked or drawn in by this film, I choose to write this review solely on the message and concepts addressed in `The Village' alone. If you want a plot summary, you can read them online, or go the website listed above.
M. Night Shyamalan's `The Village' is certainly one of the most impressive films to be released this summer. The story, however, is not what you will expect-perhaps the only thing ever to expect from Shyamalan's films. But moreover, the movie ends on a note that is not acceptable to the average filmgoer: one of the reasons why so many people are not enjoying the movie. But why should an unconventional ending deter a moviegoer's experience or enjoyment? After all, movies that have come from the greatest filmmakers ever have been unconventional. Imagine a film by Stanley Kubrick ending on a happy note, with a swelling score and every actor on the screen walking away into the sunset with smiles on their faces. It just does not fit Kubrick's style, as is the case with Shyamalan. With four major features under his belt, Shyamalan seems to be developing a pattern. With `The Sixth Sense,' we end on a note of truth and acceptance for that truth. It is a hopeful ending. With `Unbreakable,' we end with truth, but the world that we inhabit remains dark and sinister. `Signs,' like `The Sixth Sense' ends on a note of hope for the future and resolution with the past. Now, we have `The Village,' which ends on a note of darkness. There is resolution, but the characters remain static-many knowing that there is a truth beyond the borders of their village, but choosing not to be a part of it. Furthermore, keeping it a secret from those who trust them. There are three major messages that I took away from this movie relating to fear, escapism and good intentions. First, the concept of fear-just like F.D.R. said, `we have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Shyamalan has used this concept in all of his movies, in one form or another. In `The Village,' fear is used to keep the people in-line with the rules and ways set forth by the village elders. That fear, it is believed by the elders, will protect the village people from not only the others that they fear beyond their woods, but from themselves. Moreover, by developing a credible fear in the populace, those who govern are able to control their people into believing in their goals and aspirations by making them afraid of a threat that is actually not as great as they make it out to be. This message was also made present in another summer blockbuster, `Fahrenheit 9/11.'
The second message that Shyamalan addresses is that of escapism in the wake of some great grief. This is a common belief in society, as well as historically. It is documented that after the death of his wife and mother, Theodore Roosevelt took to the American west in search of relief from sadness. People believe that somehow they can escape some great emotional pain by filling the void with an adventure or new way of living. Rarely, if ever, is this the case. Grief and despair at some point or another will find a person, regardless of where and how they live their lives.
Lastly, the concept that good intentions are not enough is addressed. Good intentions have been used throughout history to rally people against a supposed evil or danger. A perfect example is that of the Vietnam War, or the Great Leap Forward in China. Reasons for intentions have to be analyzed and thought out well with the consequences weighed. If not, all the good intentions of the greatest individuals in the world could bring about their own and many other's downfall.	In terms of filmmaking alone, `The Village' is great. The performances are excellent. The score from James Newton Howard with violin solos by Hilary Hahn are eloquent. And it would not be a Shyamalan film without seeing the director in at least one scene, which has an excellent use of mise-en-scene. ***1/2