The Village (2004) - DVD

In a quiet, isolated village in olde Pennsylvania, there lies a pact between the people of the village and the creatures who reside in the surrounding woods: the townspeople do not enter the woods, and the creatures do not enter the village. The pact stays true for many years, but when Lucius Hunt seeks medical supplies from the towns beyond the wood, the pact is challenged. Animal carcasses, devoid of fur, begin to appear around the village, causing the council of elders to fear for the safety of the village, the pact, and so much more.

I give The Village a solid 82%.

I never caught this movie in the theaters. I wish I had. I bought this DVD a few months ago because my daughter loves the movie. We watched it again last night and my son decided to watch it too, his first time seeing it.

This movie is quiet and yet in that quiet there is suspense and intrigue. My biggest complaint is that I think this movie should move a little more slowly. It felt rushed in that there was an event/stiumlus and an immediate reaction with little consideration of alternatives or even waiting. There is a lot of room for storyline in this film. With all that quiet, you could build up more fear of the creatures, or more of the complex social relationships that develop in an isolated community such as the village they lived in.

I think what I really liked best about this movie was the character Ivy Walker. She was my favorite character in the village. I liked her style and the dialogue she had was very appropriate for her. Also I think Bryce Dallas Howard performed the part excellently. And I have to say I simply loved her red hair. I also think she worked well opposite Joaquin Phoenix. That was a good casting decision I think.

My favorite quote from The Village:

Ivy Walker: How is it that you are so brave while the rest of us shake in our boots?
Lucius Hunt: I don't think of what might happen, only what must be done.

I wish I could live more like that response by Lucius. There is a lot of good in the life depicted in The Village. This is on my list of movies to watch yearly.