In a world that is run by corruption and with the government making terrible decisions, V for Vendetta stands as a great example of hope. Sure, what occurs in this film is very much science fiction, but there are those who voice their argument for complete freedom. V who is played by Hugo Weaving is a freedom fighter, a terrorist considered by many because of his actions towards the government. To fight for the right in a better society, V takes actions into his own hands.
V for Vendetta is a comic book film with a character that is dark, brutal, almost like a villain, but in the points he is trying to make, one can look at him as a hero. V disguises himself by wearing a mask, a very unique one might I add. A mask that is creepy in its own sense and has a permanent smile. This man fights off the misleading and corrupted government all on his own, that is until he meets a young brunette beauty named Evey who is played by Natalie Portman.
Portman is a very talented actress in which some of her best work includes Garden State, Closer and Star Wars. Well, V for Vendetta can be added to her filmography as an outstanding achievement because her performance is very well executed. This film follows along with Evey becoming an unexpected ally of V. Everyone is against V, labeling him a terrorist, but apparently there are those with an open mind. Evey does no fighting whatsoever unless you count spraying pepper spray in a mans eyes fighting, but clearly that is not. She merely sets up tricks and stands by V's side.
V for Vendetta is what you would call an ultimate summer blockbuster, had it come out in the summer. Even that, would be an understatement because this film is not at all your typical action flick. Action is actually on the backend because this film handles its issues and it has a heavy amount of dialogue. Nevertheless there is action, the cgi is to a minimum and the result is a raw, pure, intriguing science fiction flick. V for Vendetta is more about digging deep into the characters past and delivering hope with a message than an action fest of a movie in which the recent Ultraviolet comes to mind.
Part of what makes this film way above average are the writers of the screenplay. The Wachowski Brothers who wrote and directed the Matrix trilogy are in top form here. They have written some extremely memorable quotes and the script contains smart dialogue the entire way through. Why they didn't direct the film is beyond me. However, they attached James McTeigue to the project as a first time director, who was the assistant director for them in all three Matrix films. McTeigue certainly does not disappoint, offering great visuals, beautiful cinematography and a film that is for the most part evenly paced.
McTeigue doesn't play as much with the slow motion effects as The Wachowskis did, which is definitely a good thing. The Matrix broke new grounds in 1999 with jaw dropping visual effects, repeating that, would have been a seen it before scenario and quite frankly it would not have been impressive. Instead, McTeigue focuses on his two main characters and lets the audience know everything that troubles these people. It might have been a risk The Wachowskis took with McTeigue, but it proved that he has some talent behind the directors spot.
With a strong direction, tightly packed script, superb acting, its not that difficult to find the strengths in this film. V for Vendetta is a two hour plus film and the running time should have been no less with everything that is being shown on screen. Mostly everything is necessary, even humor is injected in some scenes which perhaps even has a double meaning to it. V for Vendetta is a film with an agenda. It states the obvious, but the punch that it packs is what makes this a film to talk about once it comes to a conclusion and a satisfying conclusion it is.
V for Vendetta can join Sin City and Batman Begins as the best comic book adaptations ever to grace celluloid. At a time when the government seems to be out of touch with its people, this film capture all the issues and sends a message to all. Its clear that V for Vendetta tackles many issues, thats what makes it so involving. You are either routing for V or you are in disgust with the way he is, I personally am with the former. For all those sci-fi fanatics, this film delivers more than one could expect. V for Vendetta is a dark and cruel journey that actually leads to something deep. Like the old saying goes, this is why we go to the movies.
