Enter This Village.

Rating: 10/10 (11 August 2015)

The Village (2004): Dir: M. Night Shyamalan / Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver: Underrated fourth film by director M. Night Shyamalan who created such bizarre masterpieces as The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs. A curse surrounds a remote village where the occupants never venture into the forest thus disturbing the creatures of the woods. When such an offense occurs red paint is slashed upon every door and small animals are found skinned and mangled. M. Night Shyamalan brings mood through atmosphere with an underlining sense of suspense through its blind heroine, played by Bryce Dallas Howard who accepts the task of crossing the dangerous territory to obtain medicine. Joaquin Phoenix also entered the forest in acceptance of the same task until fate had other plans. Adrien Brody steals scenes as a mentally handicapped who has penetrated the forest but seen as innocent. William Hurt is effective as a village authority, and Sigourney Weaver plays Phoenix's firm yet concern mother who warns him of the dangers of the forest. Stunning production aid this underrated thriller that seemed to go unappreciated by those who may not have gotten Shyamalan's twisted storytelling here. It contains strong themes regarding sight and strength of the will as a blind woman undertakes what no one dares. Score: 10 / 10