Great Movie

Rating: 8/10 (10 August 2004)

M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" is characteristic of his other films in that there is always a twist at the end the viewer does not expect.
Shyamalan's films tend to appeal to a more artistic group of movie-goers, (especially ones who can use proper grammar and punctuation) as his films are not cut and dry like Spielberg, Lucas or others in those genres. His films are left somewhat untied at the ends to give the viewer the option of drawing their own conclusion and thinking for themselves, instead of letting the writers do it for you.
If you are a fan of Shyamalan's other films, you will most definitely like this one. I didn't particularly care for Unbreakable, but the others made an impression on me, and I admire his style.
The acting might be somewhat less than perfect, with the exception of Phoenix, who, as always, gives a wonderful performance. However, the setting, supposedly turn of the century rural America, might make up for the simplistic dialogue.
Again, any fan of Shyamalan's previous works will enjoy this well-made, intellectually stimulating film.