V For Vendetta [2005]

When they made a film out of his book, writer Alan Moore seamed to think they had dumbed it down. Well if that's true then this must be the most intellectually challenging dumbed down story I've ever encountered! Made in the early 2000s and set about 20 years from that time, Britain has become an Orwellian nightmare ruled by Norsefire, the British equivalent of the Nazis. Until a mystery man known only as V puts in motion his plan to bring them down. This plan is the best part of the film. It goes far beyond the typical movie uprising strategy of "Hey everyone, grab some guns and kill these guys!" You might have to watch this film several times to grasp the full genius of V's plan to make the revolution possible. It's the best plan I've ever seen in a movie and It never cesses to amaze me to see it all come together. The film is quite different from the book but I think they're positive differences, They replaced certain aspects of the book with various issues that people were concerned with at the beginning of the Iraq war. So by now it's also a time capsule of the fears and events on people's minds at the time. Most dystopian films I've heard of seem only to be interested in the genre as a backdrop for the story. A reason to create a truly hateful regime so you will cheer when the heroic resistance brings it down. This film is the the good kind of dystopia. The kind that acts as a cautionary tale of what our society might become if we let it. There are only 2 problems I have with this film. Often films have info dumps or put certain details centre stage, giving away they'll be important later, This film gradually trickles in details about this world's history instead. Which is better then a forced info dump but they take it a little too far. The word Norsefire is mentioned only twice and if you cough you'd miss it. It's hard to get a full picture of this world without the novel but since the novel and film are different this could lead to confusion. The second is their portrayal of Guy Fawkes. Fawkes was a real life person who, with his confederates, tried to kill the English government and replace it with a new order that would have been much worse. But since then he's been wrongfully portrayed as a kind of heroic failed revolutionary. It's this portrayal the film uses as Fawkes is the inspiration for V, who calls him a great citizen who fought for "fairness, justice and freedom." Ironically Fawkes was more like the film's villain then V. But aside from that, this is a truly great film. It has a deep mystery that steadily unfolds to a satisfying resolution, character arcs and while the action is relatively limited, you'll remember it. But above everything else, it's a meditation on fear, power, manipulation and resilience. A true dystopian movie BUT one that has a positive and uplifting message. That while humans can fall prey to fear, they can also rise above it. But what really amazing about this film it ended up being a mirror of reality. It was made in the 2000s and is set in the 2020s. Compare it to how the real 2020s turned out and you may see some parallels.

The original film release was delayed from its planned November 5th release date due to terrorist incidents around that time. Having now seen it, I can say that this film packs a powerful punch and I left the cinema wanting to spray paint V symbols on everything and to "stick it to the man" in general. It`s a no holds barred attack on authoritarian regimes and the way they use fear, say of terrorism, to strip away our rights and freedoms till none remain. I have heard a fair few comparisons between the original graphic novel and this interpretation and, much as i liked the graphic novel, many of the concepts it suggested, like numerous TV cameras watching our movements through the streets, seem now dated and lacking shock factor. The movie counters this by making a lot of the themes in the book much more visceral and hard hitting. I`d go as far as to say that the movie both updates and improves the graphic novel version. The acting is top class, with the actors being well chosen for their roles and seeming to put real and perhaps personal emotion into their character portrayals. Stephen Fry, for example, while a secondary part, gives us a strong character with real appeal, despite the relatively small time he spends in front of the Camera. Everyone makes good use of their skills, especially John Hurt as the evil Prime Minister, a living embodiment of hatred that becomes an icon of the intolerant new order. Natalie Portman and Hugo weaving both do their roles credit, which is especially impressive when you consider that, due to his mask, Weaving has no access to facial expressions, having to rely on vocal and gesture signals to get his feelings across. Very clever movie techniques are used, sometimes to convey events from the graphic novel that must be summarised rather than fully shown. At no time, however, did i feel that any of this condencing (which is necessary) did harm to the plot. In many ways i felt the pace of the whole piece was very well maintained. As is typical of the Wachowski`s, the bullet time action pieces were well placed and similarly effective and impressive. One of the major elements of the film involves the viewer trying to decide on which side of the good/evil axis each character belongs to. On several occasions even the central characters seem to have strong good and evil drives and methods. Little is what it seems here and often there are multiple layers of plot going on at once without confusion or distraction. A clever viewer is certainly rewarded, but those watching casually should find it still satisfying and none too elusive. I found that V for Vendetta was one of the few films I had watched lately that both really moved me and that left me with no criticisms. It is truly a fine effort and is well worth adding to anyone`s dvd library...well, maybe not those of politicians anyway...but for us proles, get watching while you still can!

This film stands as strong as the Matrix did in its day. Being loyal to the Matrix film, V for Vendetta is also decieving until the end. At first the film seems to be a comic book action film (similar to the Matrix) but by the end it asks some challenging questions about the nature of our reality and I believe there are many truths in this film. Notice the government logo is a doublecross and this is not by accident. The film asks the question, 'who are the real terrorists?' - and I think it is a viable question since this film is based in a fascist England with the gagging of the media to fabricate the news and the imprisonment of those who do not fit within the regime. Evey's parents were imprisoned and died after becoming political activists when their son died of a virus outbreak and Evey realises that there is something wrong with their country. In many ways this film paralells real life, many have said that the media is controlled, the government using covert means to control its people. I completely fell in love with 'V' played by Hugo Weaving, and I must say is acting in this is flawless. I found that I could not entirely connect Hugo with 'V' as his accent was wonderful and his portrayal of 'V's character was a lot different to characters I have seen Hugo play before. 'V' is such a lovable character, there is one scene where Evey walks in on him play acting and he is embarrassed and doesn't know what to do with himself which I found hilarious. But as with many characters 'V' has a tragic background which has sort him to exact revenge on others. The film doesn't patronises the audience by showing the wrongs of violence, instead it gives us 'V's point of view that sometimes violence is needed, and although we find ourselves grappling with the argument that it is not, I believe that the audience knows that the violence is wrong, that 'V' is wrong, but you can't help being sympathetic to his cause as he has also been wronged. All in all I found it an enjoyable film, slightly slow at first, speeding up towards a crescendo ending. If you love films which challenge our view of reality then this is a film for you.

A bold and imaginative, visually striking film, telling a story based on an alternate near future, where a totally right wing faction has taken control of the UK and a `Supreme Chancellor' (played by John Hurt) rules the country with an iron fist. The (anti)hero is `V', who models himself on Guy Fawkes and seeks to provoke a nation who have been made submissive through apathy and government controlled media. His plan - to blow up the Houses of Parliament, uniting the people against the government. Our entry into this world is from two sides - Firstly, through Evey, played terrifically by Natalie Portman (have my doubts about that English accent though). She comes (by chance?) into V's orbit when he rescues her from an attack. They form an unusual relationship, he never taking his mask off throughout the film. Secondly, through the eyes of the young detective investigating the series of murders which V is committing.. these murders and investigation help fill us in to the reasons how and why the country ended up in this totalitarian state. A surprise extended cameo was Stephen Fry, who plays a character which you can think of no-one more suited for. This set up allows a fascinating view on very topical issues of the day - when does a terrorist become a patriot? When a government takes more and more civil liberty from the people - who is to blame, the government, or the people who let it happen through apathy? These questions make this a film which works well on several levels - it's a visually striking, well acted, action packed movie, but also a provocative political statement too. However, its by no means a dull message movie - it's got a terrific script, not least the wonderful monologue where V alliterates on the theme of `v' (`In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate!'). It's a scene reminiscent of the great speech from Cyrano De Bergerac. So my advice is, watch it, and make your own mind up.. it's a movie worth talking about, regardless of how much you enjoy it - thankfully, it's enjoyable on whatever level you watch it - thumbs up from me.

The movie is set in 2020 and shows an England under the oppressive thumb of a fascist, oppressive dictatorship. It draws a lot from dystopian stories of the past, notably George Orwell's 1984.... IN the movie 1984 John Hurt played the ordinary man oppressed by his government trying to beat the system - in this he plays the fascist dictator forcing the system down everyone elses throats as High Chancellor Suttler. What gives the book a modern flavour (and arguably weakens the message) is that the situation is not hopeless. Fight the power is the message V takes to his heart. I must confess I fell deeply in love with the character V after he'd only said about 3 sentences as he is an intelligent and educated hero. No 'hasta la vista, baby' here, just shakespearean quotes and clever linguistic gymnastics - other people have mentioned the famous alliteration speech (nearly every word starts with V in it) - you can find it it online, it really is amusing. Other reviewers mentioned that its stylish though empty though I found it otherwise, V makes good points, listen carefully to his speech when he hacks his way on to the airwaves to broadcast what the propaganda machine later calls a message of hate, he expertly sums up how politicians hoodwink the masses through psychological sleight of hand. Listen to his explanation of how symbols are given power by people. Hugo weaving plays V with class and humility - I say that because the character never reveals his face, in the book he is even more mysterious as its hinted that he might not even be prisoner number 5 (roman numeral V) from the Larkhill concentration camp. Natalie Portman's performance is strong despite her imperfect accent. The action is fast paced and without giving anything away, if you haven't read the graphic novel there are parts of the movie that will blow your mind. I watched the movie several times in the first week I'd purchased it and its hard to praise it highly enough. Its amazing. An interesting aspect is how an oppressive government can gain power by offering freedom FROM terrorism (very relevent for the current political climes) and FROM things like homosexuality and religious extremism, just remember that a good healthy government offers freedom TO do things, not freedom 'from' things. The acting is superb, stephen rea as police chief finch elegantly underplays his role as the besieged policeman trying to do whats right in a world gone wrong, Weaving is chivalrous but dark as V and natalie portman shines as Evie. Sublime. Magnificent. A modern classic with a lesson for our times.

One word - Wow. I read the back of the DVD case and it says the lead female character, Evie has to decide if V is villain, or hero, and after watching it, granted it is not real, but V is a hero in my eyes. It genuinely is a fantastic storyline. A Britain totally ruled by the government, with it's curfews, everywhere watched by security cameras "for your protection", all seen over by a high chancellor, who even says what music the people should listen to. Then comes V, saving a young woman from what the lawmen promise to be a vicious rape. He takes her to a building, over looking the Old Bailey and as 5th November comes in a series of explosions destroy the court. The government cover it up, saying it was a planned demolition. Next V attacks the news centre, where, after delivering a message to the people, he kills police officers, as well as dressing people up as himself. Later that night, news reports state that the terrorist has been killed. He kills a man known as "the voice of London," as well as a member of the religious fraternity with a penchant for young girls, and finally a doctor. After witnessing a co-worker killed, as she hides under her bed, Evie is apparently prisoned and freed by V when she says she'd rather die than betray him. Fast forward to November 4 one year on, and V's plan nears fruition. A figure wearing a V costume runs down a road and is shot dead by a law man. Her murder incites a riot. On the eve of Bonfire night, V kills the high chancellor and a group of police officers sent to kill him, but he is mortally wounded in the attack and dies. Having given Evie the choice whether to blow up the houses of parliament, she decides the country needs hope, and with V laid in state on a train, packed with explosives, she completes his mission and starts the train. A huge crowd watch the destruction of the parliament building, each one dressed up as V. A police officer asks Evie who V was, and she replies "He was my father, mother and brother; he was my friend; he was me, he was you, he was all of us." I myself was slightly disappointed by the thought that Evie might not use the lever, and also that V's true identity was never revealed. Apart from that, it was an excellent, enjoyable movie experience. Very Highly Recommended.

I bought this film over a week ago now an have watched it every night since. I am totally in love with it. I bought it mainly because I am a fan of Hugo Weaving, and he really doesn't disappoint. Although we never see his face, his performance is just superb and full of emotion. It's nice to have a hero who actually feels! I imagined that it would be hard to convey much from behind a mask and that the character would be quite static but I was wrong. Weaving brings V to life. Natalie Portman was a pleasant surprise. I haven't really seen many of her films in the past and so I really didn't know what to expect. I am always suspicious of an American doing a Britih accent though(as I'm sure Americans are of us Brits doing American accents!) but I thought she was wonderful. Evey could have been quite a hard character to sympathise with... but Portmans performance was superb and I found myself actually caring about her! The supporting cast deserve a mention too- especially John Hurt, Stephen Rea, Rupert Graves, Ben Miles, Stephen Fry, Tim Pigott-Smith and of course the wonderful Sinead Cusack. It's great to have such a wonderful British and Irish cast all together in one film. I haven't read the comic book and so I am basing this review purely on the film. I don't like when people compare films to the books they have come from anyway. As I have mentioned I have seen this film numerous times now and I'm still not bored of it. The dialogue is whitty and clever. It's nice to have an intelligent action movie actually... not just brainless violence. Even the action sequences are fantastic(and I'm not an action movie kinda gal!).OK... the Matrix influence is obvious... but it doesn't make the film any less impressive. I have to mention the soundtrack. It's just brilliant. the music chosen works so well. Every time I see this film I notice something new. I would definately recommend seeing it more than once just to get a grasp of the plot and the background story... it can get a wee bit complicated. A brilliant film. I would definately recommend it.

I dont see many blu-ray reviews here so I thought I would address that imbalance. This is top notch entertainment. The film can be interpreted on many levels. It can be seen as an action flick with many amazing set pieces with gunfire, explosions and gory violence. Or it can be seen as a deep political statement with strong relevance to the uprisings happening currently in the middle east and north africa. The recurring message of mass popular acceptance of a dictatorship which is corrupt, violently reactive to any form of criticism and outrageously favouring cronies could have been referring to any one of the regimes now undergoing revolution. In Tunisia a man set fire to himself and provided the stimulus for people to wake up and use their collective power to overthrow their totalitarian government. In Egypt a Facebook page was the initial stimulus. V only exists because the fascist state experimented on him and his wish is to be the spark for a British revolution. It is a complex story of government manipulation of media, the deliberate creation of an atmosphere of fear where the populous feel a need to depend on the government. The parts are played beautifully. The lengthy verbose utterings of V are given life by Hugo Weaving who also plays small side roles. Natalie Portman doesnt quite pull of an English accent but still gives a deeply moving performance which completely drew me in and made me believe. John Hurt plays a psycho-nutter-fascist prime minister very well too. Is it worth buying the blu-ray if you already have the dvd? Well, hmmmmmmm, sort of. I didnt see much improvement in the picture quality. But the soundtrack is a completely different story. If you select the DTS-HD soundtrack, which is not the default, your expensive sound system will treat your ears to a feast of amazing zinging explosions and gun battles. The music, particularly at the climax of the film, will just about lift you out of your chair. For me, it was worth the money just to repeatedly sit through the 1812 overture with synchronised sub-woofer assisted explosions coming from all corners of my tv room.