Village

The promotions for this film labeled it a thriller. But it's not. It's more than that. It's BETTER than that. When I think of a thriller I think of a film that is filled with climactic build ups and fast paced action. I love thrillers. But I also love films like The Village" which is kind of the opposite of a thriller... but in a GOOD way. It's really more a drama; a slow paced slow building film, that, even at it's crescendo, does not even attempt to deliver "thrills". Again I mean that in a GOOD way. Instead of thrills this delivers a thoughtful, metaphorical story about the rise and fall of an outsider with nuance and metaphor and underscored by tragedy. There is probably a lot of subtext I am missing due to cultural differences and my ignorance of Noh Theater. But overall I really like this film. Even though it is slow, there is something taut just beneath the surface. You can tell something is going to snap at any moment. And since it does not follow the standard American style of plot development, you have no idea when that snap is coming. It takes its time getting there but in the end delivers a satisfactory conclusion that doesn't forget any of the characters or their set-ups. And it is beautifully filmed. It's really more of a 7 but I gave it an 8 because it definitely doesn't deserve the 5 it is currently riding at.

This is definitely a far superior film from director Michihito Fujii compared to his later one, Parades (both currently on Netflix).

I watched Parades first, and found it contrived and empty, filled with common uninteresting cliches, with annoyingly patronising music that attempts to force the viewers emotions.

The Village, on the other hand, has properly developed characters, and more scenes that allow viewers to meaningfully breathe and imbibe them without shoving it down their throats with contrived dialogue and cliched demeaning musical scores, although there were still some - but at a more tolerable level.

For instance, the scene in Parades with the 'spirits' parading/walking around was laughably bad; while the scene in The Village with people silently parading with Noi masks on were impactfully done.

I am bemused how the same director could deliver films with such a contrast with the earlier one mature and nicely understated, while the later one amateurish and contrived.

Acting in The Village was also evenly good with both minor and major characters, whereas the acting abilities in Parades were very uneven amongst the actors.

Obviously I'd recommend The Village but not Parades.

What a good surprise this drama from Japan, showing moving characters and relationship for a plot involving modern problems related to ecology. The main character is very interesting, I would say he is stealing the show, this poor guy for whom you fell the greatest empathy. Of course it can be seen as a slow motion story, and not necessarily understood my western countries audiences. A gloomy portrait of the today Japan maybe? A beautiful love story between this young man and his childhood girlfriend, gripping relationship. I am happy to have seen this movie, there should be more like this one, at least available in Europe, because I am sure there are plenty of them in distributors vaults around the world.

No pun intended - I could have called this poison too. Even though there is no literal poison in this - well there is I guess, but more in an environmental sense than in the on purpose ... come to think of it, if you put stuff in the earth, that will make it poisonous ... you kind of know about it, so it isn't without purpose .. yes? And no pun intended, just in case.

The acting is really good and we get a really silent type. Someone who does not seem to be able to get a break ... being put down. By his own mother (money wise) and his past (some .. let's call it incident) and many other factors.

But with the return of a woman, there seems to be a glimmer of hope. Could that actually be? Well you have to watch and see ... this is really well done. Cinematography and storytelling go hand in hand. The acting is subtle and there may be things that western sensibilities may see as .. wrong. But if you suspend your disbelief ... there is a lot to discover and be held in suspension over ..

"VILLAGE" is a Japanese movie that explores the intricate layers of rural life and the struggles faced by its inhabitants. Directed by Michito,the movie explores into a thought-provoking narrative set in a picturesque village, offering a glimpse into the challenges, emotions, and relationships that shape the lives of its characters that disappears in name of modernization,amid withholding it's culture... "VILLAGE" explores several themes that resonate with both Japanese and international audiences,which are interrelated with emotions and betrayal layered with some breathtaking screenplay and camera work.

The performances in "VILLAGE" are commendable, with the cast delivering nuanced portrayals that breathe life into the characters. The actors' ability to convey a range of emotions, from joy and sorrow to hope and despair, adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling... Overall watch it if ur fan of slow burn movies which has a hard hitting climax and melancholic indepth feeling that breaks u part for a day or two...