With previous films ‘The Sixth Sense ’, ‘Unbreakable ’ and ‘Signs ’, M Night Shyamalam has proven that not only he is a great story teller but also a good director. With ‘The Sixth Sense’ he medalled with the supernatural, in Unbreakable the tested the strength of one man and the weakness of another and in Signs he dealt with them from outer space. What other ideas could he come up with to keep the audience glued to every moment of the film, and create a great story with tense suspense like his other films have all done.
His latest project ‘The Village’ does just that and is no exception to all his other films. When I left the cinema after seeing this film I thought it was just a good film, but every second after seeing this film it plays on your mind. Shyamalam has techniques in his infamous story twists that can seriously mess with your mind and decisions of whether this is a good film or not. I guarantee you this for a day or so after seeing this film, it won’t leave your mind, and there more and more you think about it, the better ‘The Village’ becomes.
Joaquin Phoenix as Lucius
So here is what ‘The Village’ is about, without giving away the 2 twists that would certainly ruin the film for anyone. The film is led by an all star cast of Joaquin Phoenix, Sigourney Weaver, Adrian Brody, and William Hurt who are all brilliant as usual. Also this film brings to film a new great actress called Bryce Dallas Howard (Daughter of Ron Howard) who plays the role of a blind citizen. Bryce plays the character Ivy who is in love with Phoenix’s character Lucius, who is very quiet but brave. The film in many ways revolves around their relationship and the decisions they make throughout.Those we do not speak of’ . These creatures do not cross into the village and the people do not cross into their woods. Like the aliens in ‘Signs’ the look of these creatures and the way they move is extremely eerie. They where a red robe, spikes coming through there back and giant claws, seem like a cross between a wild boar, squirrel and little red riding hood.The border however is broken when Luscious passes into Covington Woods, and is spotted by one of the creatures. For days after this creatures taunt and haunt the village by leaving signs like a red mark on each door as well as numerous skinned animals.
From then on in the film the major twists begin. I will tell you one thing about the main twist if you don't figure it out for yourself. Think the most ridiculous idea and think time, then you will get the twist. I personally never saw it coming. Without a good twist, a Shyamalam film wouldn’t be the same, the twists are the icing on the cake of his films.
The cinematography in ‘The Village’ is beautiful. The concept of a village in the middle of a wood is realised brilliantly. The people who live in the village live in peace away from the towns and crime. But also they all live in fear. So also the concept of love and fear is shown very clearly.
With this film you will either love it, or hate it. If you can take on the concept of a community isolated from the rest of the world you should enjoy it. I think this is maybe Shyamalams second best next to Unbreakable which is just extraordinary.
The movie scores well for me in most aspects. The acting is top notch, the script and story is chillingly elegant, and the directing of this film is excellent. If you like Shyamalams previous films go see this film, if you didn’t or haven’t seen any of his previous film then make your own mind up.
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