In an isolated colonial village, people live, work, play, and love harmoniously.  They’re civilized and rational.  The citizens work hard and the village prospers.  For some reason, the people never leave.  No one goes out to explore or hunt or just find out what’s beyond the city limits.  Why?  Well, it seems the village is under constant siege by large, carnivorous creatures.  As long as they stay within the confines of their little town, the villagers are safe from their ravenous attacks.  Oh that.  Sure, that sounds reasonable.  When jealousy and violence rear their ugly heads, the townsfolk finally have an excuse to cross the border into Monsterville where those we don’t speak of dwell.

Not this guy.

Hi.  *raises hand*  I have a few questions.  No one ever tries to go over the wall?  What’s wrong with the teenagers in this town? They never have to go outside to get more livestock or wood for a new building?

“All out of lobster bisque.”

General implausibility aside, I like this film.  I like seeing a happy, reasonable, positive society.  I understand the desire to grab my kid and my dog and live on top of a mountain.  Some days are like that.  That said, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t do it.

The cast in THE VILLAGE has some serious acting chops.  Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix (who I usually dislike), Cherry Jones, ❤ Brendan Gleeson <3, Judy Greer, and in small parts, Michael Pitt and Jesse Eisenberg all made me believe.  Adrien Brody’s Noah, a man-child with a sweet soul, steals a few scenes, but Bryce Dallas Howard shines.  She and Phoenix share great chemistry.

It’s a terrific part.  Howard’s Ivy Walker shows compassion and love along with wisdom.  She’s a blind girl who can take care of herself.  She does the right thing, but is kind when others don’t.  She’s brave.

James Newton Howard wrote a fantastic score for THE VILLAGE.  M. Night Shyamalan wrote, produced, and directed the film. He took some slack for the film, but it made a profit.  He even has a small cameo.  Star cinematographer Roger Deakins worked on THE VILLAGE.  It took 300 craftsmen to build the town modeled after Andrew Wyeth’s paintings.

I know there are some plot holes, but I don’t care.  THE VILLAGE tells an entertaining story and I love seeing such a strong, sympathetic, female character.