A solid film.

Rating: 10/10 (30 July 2004)

I went into The Village with low expectations. I read some reviews before seeing it, and they all kind of gave me the impression to not expect much. It turns out that The Village has a lot to offer.
First, I thought the acting was superb. Howard does a great job, as well as Brody. Howard really stands out in my mind, but everyone else did good, too.
Second, Like Sixth Sense and Signs, there were times during the film I was tense waiting for something to happen. I wanted to run and hide or at least not look, but there was no escaping. I love when this happens. This means that I was truly involved in the story line. It takes a good film to do that.
Third, The major major twist/surprise really through me off. Looking back, I KNEW that some hints were being given through the dialog and such, but I was so involved in the film, I didn't notice.
Fourth, The major plot points, where the love story is introduced, and where the dramatic conflict is introduced, are excellent. I really feel like this is the best film since Sixth Sense as far as drama goes. (of M. Night's films) They got me so hooked into what the characters are about. This lead to me truly caring about what happens to them. Without this, none of the action matters.
Lastly, I think the symbolism and visual story telling add depth to this film. There are people overcoming personal tragedy, there are traps they must not fall in. There are moments in this film, and even a few sequences, that really felt like a what a film should be. No words, just visuals. When you combine all the great aspects of the story with the superb camera and editing work, you have a solid film. There is nothing more powerful in this film than the shot that didn't cut away. There are several, but each one is just so beautiful, even the violent one.
I cannot say enough good about this film. My only let down was that I wanted it to go longer, that is, I wanted to more of a resolution, but what I got was more than satisfactory. I'm just a romantic i guess. A very solid film. 9/10