Amazing film with amazing acting

Rating: 10/10 (22 August 2004)

I decided to see this film because I knew it's director from such works as The Sixth Sense and Signs, the latter of course starred Joaquin Phoenix who also stars in this film. 'The Village' is a simple title for a complicated film which has many levels. I shall not give away any details, however I will urge everyone to see this film. I fear that when it is released on video and DVD that it will not do it justice compared to seeing it on 'the big screen'. The Village contains some of todays best actors. Bryce makes her debut in this film as a young blind girl with incredible courage and what a stunning debut it is! She certainly deserves to do well in her acting career and I'm sure she will accomplish many great things in her life. Other great actors in this film include William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Judy Greer and Adrien Brody who portrays a confusing character extremely well. However I found that Joaquin Phoenix was the best actor, not only in this film, but in any film I have yet seen. I was blown away by his quiet but emotionless character that is so hard to play. Never once does his character have a fault and not once does he not convince us of his characters personality. One of the faults I have heard of this film is that it's not 'scary'. I honestly think it is scary in a psychological way rather than the obvious horror portrayed in other films. I came away feeling scared of what people were capable of rather than the 'creatures in the woods'. So I suggest to you to experience this film for the fabulous story which fits together like a jigsaw puzzle, has the best writer, director and producer you could wish for and the best actors I have experienced. If you miss out on this film then you are purely missing out on cinema history.