Not what you think it is

Rating: 9/10 (30 July 2004)

About half of the reviews I've read for "The Village" love it, while half hate it. The half that hate it seem to be disappointed that Shyamalan didn't remake "Signs." Who knew he could do something different? There is no plot twist at the end, as is characteristic of Shyamalan's movies. The twist, in fact, comes in the middle (for those who haven't figured it out by then).
In fact, the director plays with his more loyal fans throughout the movie, leaving them clues reminiscent of past films that ultimately go nowhere. In the meantime, he slowly reveals the details and history of the mysterious village in the woods... which is what the movie is all about. All the while, the movie reflects on the problems of evil and pain, and the power of belief.
The characters are wonderful, the sets are fantastic, and the plot is good for those who aren't expecting "The Seventh Sense."