Review of The Village (2004) by Wes S — 11 Jul 2011

Set during the colonial times, a village living in a secluded valley surrounded by a forest on all sides lives an uneasy life, on the outside of their village in the woods lives a race of creatures that the villages hold a shaky truce with. They don't intrude into the creatures woods and in turn the creatures leave them alone. But when a mentally challenged young man trespasses into the woods without understanding the consequences he breaks the truce and brings the creatures into their village.

With it's shocking plot twist that comes out of left field, this film got mixed reviews from most people. But personally the plot twist is the very reason I love this film so much. This is a very heartfelt, and yet bleak, story about a village that places heavy weight on family values, community, and fellowship. But the twist ending takes this movie to a whole other level and adds so much depth, meaning, and thought provoking philosophy about our own humanity. Hitting on issues regarding the duality of man, this film takes an introspective look at just how far someone would go to guard themselves and their children from all evil in this world. Full of symbolism and deep & meaningful dialogue, this is a powerful film that goes far beyond your typical mindless entertainment movies.