Shyamalan meets the Brothers Grimm

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2005)

This is my favorite film by M. Night Shyamalan, so far.
In an isolated valley somewhere in rural Pennsylvania is a village. Life is simple and the villagers are content...for the most part. Bordering the valley on all sides are the woods, where no one may enter, for it is said that Those We Do Not Speak Of dwell within these woods, and will kill anyone who dares cross over the border. However, when young Lucius Hunt is seriously injured by a disturbed young man, his devoted betrothed Ivy Walker insist that she be allowed to go through the woods and to the towns beyond, where medicines can be purchased for Lucius. However, there are some serious problems to consider. Ivy is blind, the towns are vicious, violent places where no one is safe, and Those We Do Not Speak Of must be considered as well. If Ivy wants to save Lucius, she must learn some of the truths behind The Village, a place founded by her father for the sole purpose of creating a sanctuary for those who have suffered losses in the distant towns.
A lot of people felt ripped off by this film, which turns out to have nothing to do with either horror, monsters or aliens as was the case with Shyamalan's other films. But I was expecting the dramatic final twist, because that is Shyamalan's trademark, and so I was not disappointed when it was revealed.
The Village is a love story set against a Grimms Brothers backdrop. It is very much a fairy tale, complete with true love, rumors of frightening beasts, superstition and brave quests. It is also a story of hope and desperation, and though the village elders perhaps have not made the best decisions, they have made them for the right reasons.
The Village is also a very beautiful film, filled with misty nights, dark woods and green fields. The effect is very calming. The village becomes a place where you wouldn't mind going yourself, and it is this atmosphere of peace and beauty that make the scares all the more effective.
Joaquin Phoenix is at his best here as the quiet Lucius, a serious young man with a strong streak of compassion. Bryce Dallas Howard is amazing in her first big role, playing the blind Ivy. She is lovely and strong and totally believable. There isn't a single person in this film who does not deliver their very best performance. William Hurt as Ivy's father, Sigourney Weaver as Lucius's mother, Adrian Brody as the simple minded Noah, Brendan Gleeson, all are wonderful.
If you like old fashioned fairy tales filled with darkness, innocence and love, you'll want to see The Village.