Thursday 22 March 2007

V for Vendetta Review by Andrei


Film title: V for Vendetta.
Country / Year: U.S.A. and Germany (2005).
Genre: Action, drama, science-fiction.
Director: James McTeigue.
Writing credits: Andy and Larry Wachowski.
Cast: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Ben Miles, Natasha Wightman.

Plot / Synopsis:
“Remember, remember the fifth of November…” is the beginning for the monologue of the main character “V” played by Hugo Weaving (The Matrix’s Agent Smith). “V” wears the mask of Guy Fawkes, and as he did, the character tries to finish off the tyranny and oppression of the fascist government in a near future in Britain. This film has been produced by the Wachowski brothers, who also produced The Matrix trilogy.
“V” rescues Evey (Natalie Portman) from a life-and-death situation and takes her to his house where she will know the true personality of “V”.

In England, the fascist dictator Adam Sutler (John Hurt) has imposed a totalitarian regime. But “V” fights against the authorities using explosives, a brilliant art of combat and hijacking a television broadcast to announce that he will return a year later to destroy the Houses of Parliament. He tries to send a main objective, demonstrate that fascist and totalitarian governments can’t hold on.

Analysis:
Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, the film talks about terrorism, heroes, religious freedom and the right to free speech. “V” is good played by Hugo Weaving. Although his face remains hidden behind Guy Fawkes mask, Hugo’s voice, intonations and physical presence bring him a brilliant performance.
Symbols are also remarkable in this film, because of the parallel between the symbol that represent this future Britain and Nazi’s iconography.
Special effects and fights give the film a bit of action which is necessary in certain moments because of the film’s nature.
Furthermore, classical music used by “V” when he destroys the Old Bailey is breathtaking. References to other classical compositors, art paintings, novels and history bring “V” a huge knowledge which makes you listen to his words.
It is used usual vocabulary so it’s not difficult to understand the film.

Personal opinion:
I love this film. Mainly because of the good dialogues which is difficult to find nowadays. It’s a criticism on censorship, the high power of governments and shows that you can kill somebody but not ideas and thoughts, which are the civilian’s weapon to get worthy governments.
Some scenes were eliminate because some ideas of the original graphic novel could seem unacceptable to certain people. In spite of this, I recommend this film and any Alan Moore novel to everybody.

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