Take the journey - with a clear mind.

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2004)

Mild spoilers ahead...
If you approach this film with no preconceived notions of what to expect either from the plotline or its Director, then you could be in for a rare treat.
Warning, this is not a blockbusting, easy ride of a movie. If you can't be bothered to invest the time and thought in exploring an "issue" movie then please don't go to see this one. Especially if you have the tendency to then come onto the IMDB and moan about "how bad it is" when really it just wasn't the film type you get off on. This film is far from perfect but it deserves to be judged on what it is, not on what its viewer "unreasonably" expected it to be.
The Village explores issues related to the fabric of the society we find ourselves in. Just what are the essentials needed to keep us happy and safe? Has society become too decadent and sick to offer any reasonable chance of delivering them?
The Elders come up with their own unique and radical solution!
That "solution" is the crux of the film. After experiencing their lifestyle in the earlier part of the film, at film end you find yourself wondering to what extent the Elders are justified in what they have done.
M. Night Shyamalan's presentation is excellent, all the cast delivered (nice to see W. Hurt in a decent role again). If you are looking for something more than the usual Hollywood Pap then I'd recommend that you check The Village out.