4 Flowers for this one. Yes, you read that right, I give The Village 4 Flowers. I guess I dont see this the same as most of the other viewers and critics. Spoiler to follow:
I really enjoyed this film. I thought the premise was quite interesting and so was the twist. Im pretty sure my husband had it figured out very early on. This is one of those times where Im glad to be less intelligent than he because I had no clue.
There were some very interesting characters too. In particular, Ivy Walker, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, was a particularly vivacious character. The exuberance that Howard brought to Ivy just made her so much fun to watch and get to know. I would have to say that Joaquin Phoenixs character, Lucius Hunt, was boring to me but Im not entirely sure that isnt how he was meant to be. I think he was meant to be an awkward misfit, who was mature beyond his years. I guess, that is what I got from the character, but he still bored me.
I would have to say that there was some dialogue between Ivy and Lucius that really touched me. It made me tear up and I love it when a movie makes me tear up in a happy way!
Ivy Walker: Why are you on this porch? There are other porches. Do you find me too much of a tomboy? I do long to do boy things, like the game the boys play at the stump. They stand with their back to the woods and see how long they can wait without getting scared. It’s so exciting. I understand you hold the record. It will never be beaten, they say. How is it you are brave when the rest of us shake in our boots? I saw you at the window. And no, I wont tell you your color. Stop asking! When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable. Why can you not say what is in your head?
Lucius Hunt: Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance I will ask you to dance. If I want to speak I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak further. Why? What good is it to tell you, you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come from my saying that I sometimes cannot think clearly or do my work properly? What gain can rise of my telling you the only time I feel fear as others do is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy Walker. I fear for your safety before all others. And yes, I will dance with you on our wedding night.
Reading it just now gave me chills. There was a wonderful chemistry between Howard and Phoenix a chemistry that made you believe, beyond a doubt, that their characters would grow old together. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this flick!
Parents in Progress 
I liked this movie too. I agree that Phoenix and Howard had good chemistry on screen. My only problem was “the twist.” It was intriguing and I enjoyed it. I guess I was delivered so… what’s the word… flatly? It was like the town was all doped on valium. It was hard to get excited when the characters didn’t. Other than Ivy.
You know… we should start a movie blog that we can sit around and debate the finer points of flicks.
That is the exact quote that made me like that movie so well… 🙂
Jeff and I watched this a couple of weeks ago. I loved it (Jeff slept, as Jeff does through every movie) and though of Flower immediately and wondered what her thoughts were. I knew she would like Ivy.
It is not as much of a horror flick, like the previews may have led you to believe, it is quite suspensefull. Great story and the characters are all interesting. We have a little of the Village in each of us.
I like the character of Lucius. Ah, the tragic hero. He knew there was something bigger than the information that they had been spoon fed by the village elders. He seems to be a post but when he does open his mouth and speak, it is quite wise. He is not a superficial character he is deep.
Ivy is smart as a whip too. A true heroine. I like the fact that she knows no bounds and has the fortitude to persevere (“just keep swimming, just keep swimming”). And it is briliiant that she was the one chosen to do the thing that needed to be done. There was nothing she could tell.
Oh…I really want to dissect this movie. There are so many layers. This is where I wrote a bunch of stuff that would have ruined the movie for anyone who had not seen it.
It is a good movie. M. Night Shyamalan is brilliant. As it is with all his movies – you’ll love it, you’ll hate it, or you just won’t get it.
Very interesting……. Do you mind if I share it on my blog with a link back here? =)
31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful &practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone whos extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.