Wow! What a waste of time this was!

Rating: 4/10 (30 August 2010)

Wow! I think the only time I've been more frustrated by a film is when trying to figure out a David Lynch film (or two). Except this was SLOWER.... much, much SLOWER! I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone unless he or she is the most ardent student of film who is interested in modern black and white cinematography. Please don't waste your time if your like a gripping screenplay or story.
None of the questions raised in this film were answered. The viewer is left hanging at every turn. The crimes committed were brutal and the ONLY reason to stay with this film for the two plus hours (very long hours)is the hope of getting some answers, but to no avail. No answers whatsoever! Just questions.
I'd say the only bright spot in this film was the romance between the upright, honorable school teacher and his shy fiancée. They were both charming and memorable.
But the rest? Yikes! There were no characters developed that one could pull for. So many of the children and teens favored the others that it was difficult to figure out who was who for the longest time.... not just favored each other physically; but in manner and spirit as well. Everyone seemed the same. The children were all alike, the women were all alike, etc. Dull, dull, dull.
And yes, there are some parallels between the villagers and the soon-to-come Hitler's Third Reich. But, come one... there were parallels between this film and The Village of the Damned, too. But that doesn't make this a good film. It's screenplay is terribly weak. There are many spots where it simply ceases to exist. Overall, I can categorically state this was a very unsatisfying film for me.
However, I DO highly recommend the original 1950's version of The Village of the Damned (starring Ray Milland), however. :)