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The Village (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:194
Fresh:82
Rotten:112
Average Rating:5.4/10
Consensus: The Village is appropriately creepy, but Shyamalan's signature twist ending disappoints.
Runtime: 2 hrs
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE finds the renowned writer-director crafting a suspenseful story of a small community whose inhabitants are plagued by fear of the unknown forest that surrounds... M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE finds the renowned writer-director crafting a suspenseful story of a small community whose inhabitants are plagued by fear of the unknown forest that surrounds them. For years, they have kept a truce with mysterious creatures in the woods by vowing never to breach a clearly defined border. However, when a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes determined to explore the nearby towns, his actions are met with menacing consequences. Shyamalan continues his remarkable streak of entrancing and entertaining thrillers (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE, SIGNS) with THE VILLAGE. A meticulous filmmaker, Shyamalan displays his penchant for setting up a fascinating atmosphere in every aspect of the movie, from its distinctive color scheme to its intentionally genteel dialogue to its outstanding cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins. Renowned cast members Phoenix, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Adrien Brody are excellent, but the true standout is Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard), who embodies the heart of the film with her vulnerable but fiercely vital performance. Like Shyamalan's other movies, THE VILLAGE has a distinct twist that offers shocking revelations, but this film's overwhelming sense of menace is what is sure to resonate with viewers long after it's over. [More]
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Adrien Brody, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Pitt, Cherry Jones
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Screenwriter: M. Night Shyamalan
Producer: Scott Rudin, Sam Mercer
Composer: James Newton Howard
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures
Reviews for The Village
A powerful tale of isolationism, a desire for innocence and hope, and a fear of the unknown.
The Village is both atmospheric and beautifully shot, but the end result is deeply disappointing.
Go in with a snide attitude, desperate to see The Sixth Sense director fail, and you'll leave with your prejudices underpinned. Better to embrace the experience and allow Shyamalan to show off his sublime gift for suspense.
Made with such elegance, atmosphere and wonderfully mannered performances it will nestle deep inside your head, refusing to budge.
Another voluptuous piece of tension and Shyamalan's best work since The Sixth Sense
Shyamalan surpasses his best to deliver an utterly accessible and totally enthralling film, one of the most original works to hit the big screen in recent years.
The Village is not completely awful, but it comes closer than one would like to admit.
In a time when Hollywood is more interested in remakes and sequels than in original movies, Shyamalan continues to tell new stories. And he's really good at it.
It’s hard to care about situations that have been designed only to obscure the ultimate twist.
A timely mention of the ways that violence begets violence, and in how effective terror can be in keeping people under control.
Shyamalan can't brings himself to abandon the familiar. Until he does, however, he's just going to keep coming back with diminishing returns.
It is not a bad film, despite its goofy plot, thanks to top-flight acting.
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