Religious overtones

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2006)

I continue to see bad reviews for this movie and am somewhat perplexed as to the reason. I can only surmise that many viewers have missed the satirical aspects of the film and have over-looked how M. Night took blatant stabs at modern organized religion. The Village itself is a parody of any religion as it draws boundaries around people and teaches that if they "step over the line", there is harsh punishment, administered by an evil being. Many believe modern religion, namely Christianity, was drawn upon in order to keep the masses of an otherwise uncontrollable society in order. This idea is portrayed in this film as the village elders use the same type of tactic to keep the village children in order. Much as many religions try to shield their followers from influences that may disagree with their respective teachings, the village elders do exactly this as they prevent their children from experiencing any outside societal influences, lest they be swayed to no longer follow the belief system of the village. I encourage everyone to see this film, but see it for what it is, a religious satire, not a love story and not a horror film. Watch this movie with an open mind, regardless of your religious beliefs...you just might learn something.