Incredible atmosphere, keeping us on the edge of our seats

Rating: Null/10 (5 September 2004)

What great atmosphere - the characters live in fear of the creatures in the forest that surrounds the village - a fear that we, the audience felt too. The young people in this Village know only this life that the elders have created for them - just as each of us is brought up in the world our parents have created. However ultimately we have access to a greater world outside our villages and towns - the people in the Village do not. The fear of what lies beyond the marked village boundaries creates the basis of the film. Boundaries marked by yellow banners, paint and towers. At times the wooden observation towers reminded me of prison sentry boxes. Mr Shyamlayan has created a memorable film building a plot based firmly in our own fairy tales - with elements of deep, dark forests and the unknown creatures who live there. Didn't Little Red Riding Hood wear the 'bad colour'? The tension in the Village builds as it seems creatures from the forest are invading. Finally help is needed from outside the Village. The cast did an excellent job - the elders all knowing and wise, the young people following the rules. Perhaps the Joaquin Phoenix character could have been played by a younger man. The climax when the blind girl Ivy, reaches the outside world is ironic - of all the villagers it was she that stumbles into the outside world but is not aware of the truth that surrounds her.