V for Vendetta (2005)

Genre

Drama | Thriller

Director

James McTeigue

Country

USA

Cast

Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Stephen Rea, John Hurt, Stephen Fry, Tim Pigott-Smith, Rupert Graves, Roger Allam, John Standing, Eddie Marsan, Ben Miles, Guy Henry, Sinéad Cusack, Natasha Wightman

Storyline

In a future where Britain is filled with torture cells, unfair punishments and prejudice against minorities, a shadowy freedom fighter known as V (Hugo Weaving) plots to overthrow the tyranny with the help of a young woman (Natalie Portman).

Opinion

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November." Well, I remembered, that's why, for the occasion, I rewatched this film and I was left disappointed. Apparently my opinion about "V for Vendetta" has changed a bit since the last time I saw it, and, while I still think it is a nice dystopian film, I couldn't help but notice how many problems the film has.

First up is the plot. It is not very complex, it's actually quite clichéd and standard, but it still manages to be engaging. Even though it features a romantic subplot that could have easily been left out. No, that should have been left out.

So, yeah, the story could have definitely been better. But on the other hand there is the message the film delivers through that plot, which is a rather important one. It is a warning about giving up personal freedoms for the sake of security, and says that we, the people, should fight for our freedom no matter the cost.

Another thing the film does that unfortunately is very relevant nowadays is remembering us that there's is something bigger than us, there's something that is more important than life and death, and that thing is an idea. That's what the film is trying to teach. It's definitely not trying to show how to carry out a terrorist attack.

In addition to that, the film also has a great photography, a fantastic score by Dario Marianelli that accompanies the film beautifully and quite beautiful visual effects. The acting is nothing spectacular but this film is more of a political thriller/drama than it is an action flick.

At last, the acting. Limiting the talents of Hugo Weaving - whose only expression is vocal - should be a crime that is paid off with a mediocre performance as V, the freedom fighter wearing the mask. And neither Natalie Portman does a good job as she seems unnatural and looks like a piece of wood. Among the average supporting cast Stephen Rea stands out as the detective who begins to question his government.

But overall "V for Vendetta" isn't awful. Only if I had to choose, I'd pick to read Orwell's "1984" over watching this one every single time.