Overall Rating: *****
V for Vendetta @ IMDB
Synopsis:
In the near future, the end of the world has come and gone. A Third World War has ravaged the world and mysterious plague killed thousands in Great Britain. But through it all “England Pervails” as a totalitarion state under the leadership of High Chancellor Sutler (John Hurt). Using a mask of Guy Fawkes of the famed Gunpowder Treason, a vigilanty known only as “V” (Hugo Weaving) uses his amzing agility and strength to open the eyes of the British people. He is unwavering in his use of terrorist tactics until he meets a young girl named Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). Will V succeed in saving Britain?
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Review:
A friend of mine said it best as we were leaving the movie theatre: “It’s rare that you see a perfect movie, and this was a perfect movie.” I can do little but agree with him. This movie was amazing and I could find nothing wrong with it. V for Vendetta is an adaptation of graphic novel/comic book series of the same name by Alan Moore. This movie was action packed, dramatic, touching and enthralling.
I loved the action in this movie. The effects were flawless and brought V’s agility and strength to life on the big screen. But what I loved more is the wit that V uses to abuse his enemies. His dialogues and monologues in the movie are brilliantly written and quite amusing. But despite wit, you never lose site of the seriousness of the situation. Hugo Weaving did an amazing job as V. I didn’t think you could really “act” per say behind a mask, but this movie made me realize that you can. To make V as strong a character as he his, you need a talented actor and they definitely made a good choice.
I do not hold Natalie Portman in high regard. I can’t say that I’ve seen many performances by her that were amazing (Garden State and The Professional are examples of her better work). I can say that I’ve grown in my respect for her after watching this film. She didn’t carry the movie by any stretch of the imagination, but she did a good job in a supporting role. Kudos to Ms. Portman.
The only question I have in my mind is what is the true reason this movie is so good. Is it the source of inspiration or is it really the director/producer/cast/etc.? Is it possible to have such good material to work from that any competent person could making a stunning film? I don’t know. I hope to purchase V for Vendetta, read it, and find out. I reserve that judgement until I’ve read the graphic novel.
My recommendation, go out and see this movie. The theatre I went to charged primetime prices for matinee showings of this movie, price gouging in my opinion, but it was worth the price. This is definitely a big screen experience and I thoroughly enjoyed. I don’t think you’ll be dissappointed. I am already anxiously awaiting its release on DVD (which I will also review of course). Until then, I’ll have to find other dvds/films to review.