Yes, you guessed it - this is a movie review for V for Vendetta which I managed to watch over the weekend…
Movie: V for Vendetta
Tagline: Remember, remember the 5th of November.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Director: James McTeigue (this is his first film; was assistant director for Star Wars 2 & 3 as well as Matrix 2 & 3.)
Cast: Natalie Portman (Star Wars, Closer, Beautiful Girls), Hugo Weaving (Matrix, LOTR, Priscilla Queen of the Desert)
Synopsis:
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian
Britain, the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey who is
rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known
only as “V.” Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the
art of combat and deception, V urges his fellow citizens to rise up
against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V’s
mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself–and
emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plot to bring
freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and
corruption.Review:
This is one of the most anticipated films to be
released this year and one starring the highly talented Natalie
Portman. As my blog post title states, this movie is simply excellent.
For those of you who may not be aware, this movie is produced by the
Wachowski Brothers, who brought to us The Matrix trilogy. And, this
movie is a reunion of sorts in that Agent Smith is back, in the form of
Mr. V himself - yes, it’s Hugo Weaving aka Lord Elrond aka Priscilla.
This is one really talented and versatile actor.
Anyway, back to the movie proper. The script is superb and
wonderfully written. The dialogue is very witty and intelligent -
although not a pre-requisite, having a considerable grasp of england
(the english language) would be helpful, else you might be lost and
confused. The action, well, there’s not enough of it and it’s just okay
for me. But, being adapted from the comic strip of the 80s, this movie
is very very smart, unpredictable, stylish and gripping right to the
end. I couldn’t figure out the ending and it’s so totally unexpected.
There are some twists here and there but nothing like the way M. Night
Shyamalan does it. Still, you find yourself wanting to know more,
wondering what comes next.
Weaving was the right choice for the role, IMHO (he was actually
second choice). His presence, his voice, his charisma - it’s so…him.
And Portman, well, what can I say. Ever since I first saw her 10
years ago in Beautiful Girls I knew she was one talented kid. And she
showed guts, too by having her head shaved off for the movie.
However,
having said all that, this isn’t exactly a feel good, romantic cum
action packed movie. Tis a very dark film and, in fact, rather
political too, I might add. For those who are historically
knowledgeable, the premise of this movie (and the comic) is based on
Guy Fawkes’ (an English revolutionary) attempt at blowing up parliament
house in the early part of 17th century England, hence the catchy
tagline, “Remember, remember, the 5th of November”. There are many
political connotations on display here and in particular, I rather
enjoyed these lines from our masked hero, “People should not be afraid
of their governments, governments should be afraid of the people”, as
well as, “A revolution without dance is a revolution not worth having.”
Superb one liners galore, man! The movie’s central themes centre on the
complexities of politics and the ideology behind people power as well
as the ensuing anarchy resulting from the act of terrorism. Very heavy stuff.
The grand finale which is the ending is just poignant. Beautiful,
touching, and powerful, no words were spoken. The moment just seizes
itself… against the flash of fireworks and the blarring of Tsaikovski’s
Overture…
Verdict?
Love it or hate it, this is one hell of a movie. I
thoroughly enjoyed myself and it deserves a big fat A+, IMHO of course.
For now, I’ll just recoil in my post-climactic state until Da Vinci
Code is released. Just 2 more months to go now… J
