THE VILLAGE
Year: 2004
USA: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
UK: Buena Vista International UK
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson, Cherry Jones, Celia Weston, John Christopher Jones, Frank Collison, Jayne Atkinson, Judy Greer, Fran Kranz, Michael Pitt, Jesse Eisenberg, Charlie Hofheimer, Scott Sowers, Zack Wall, Pascale Renate Smith, Jordan Burt, Jane Lowe, Willem Zuur, Liz Stauber, Tim Moyer, Sydney Shapiro, Mia Rose Colona, Chloe Wieczkowski, Sydney Wieczkowski, John Rusk, Joey Anaya, Kevin Foster
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Country: USA
USA & UK: 108 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for a scene of violence and frightening situations
UK Certificate: 12A contains moderate psychological horror and violence
USA Release Date: 30 July 2004
UK Release Date: 20 August 2004
Synopsis
"There are secrets in every corner of this village.
Do you not feel it? Do you not see it? "
-Joaquin Phoenix as Lucius Hunt in THE VILLAGE
At first glance this late nineteenth century village seems picture perfect. Villagers live harmoniously in an idyllic setting. However this close-knit community lives with the frightening knowledge that a race of creatures resides in the woods around them.
The innocence of "The Village" is threatened by the creatures referred to by the townspeople as "Those we don't speak of." The villagers share the fear of the evil and foreboding force that lurks outside. So frightening that one dare not venture beyond "The Village" and into the woods.
Despite the advice of his elders, a curious and determined Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) has a burning desire to step beyond the boundaries of the town into the unknown. Town leader, Edward Walker (William Hurt) warns Lucius of the danger amongst the town's outskirts, and Lucius' mother, Alice Hunt (Sigourney Weaver) advises him to stay at home and spare himself of the greed and desires that exist in the outside world.
Lucius' strength is matched only by Ivy Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard), a beautiful and mesmerizing young blind woman with an unusual wisdom beyond her years. Her fearless nature and gift-like perception are beyond anything Lucius has ever known.
Both Lucius and the mischievous Noah Percy (Adrien Brody) admire Ivy passionately, though her heart only has room for one of them. Her devotion eventually leads her down a forbidden path where terrifying truths are revealed.
The ominous presence of the unknown boils over into chaos for the town, with one's bravery being the only thing that can save them. The truce between "The Village" and the creatures is ending.
THE VILLAGE stars Oscar® nominee Joaquin Phoenix, newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard, Oscar® winner Adrien Brody, Oscar® winner William Hurt, and Oscar® nominee Sigourney Weaver.