Friday, August 04, 2006

V for Vendetta - ACE Train Movie Review

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta takes place in an alternate vision of Britain in which a corrupt and abusive totalitarian government has risen to complete power. During a threatening run in with the secret police, an unassuming young woman named Evey is rescued by a vigilante named V - a caped figure both articulate and skilled in combat. V embodies the principles of rebellion from an authoritarian state, donning a mask of vilified would-be terrorist of British history Guy Fawkes and leading a revolution sparked by assassination and destruction. Evey becomes his unlikely ally, newly aware of the cruelty of her own society and her role in it.

I typically like films based on comic books (graphic novels), but a lot of them are pretty light weight and fluffy - more suited for teenagers than adults. Sin City really broke that mold and V for Vendetta continued with the tradition of a "smart" comic book being translated into an intense and dark film. I never read the original comic book, but the special features showed some of the panels and compared them to the film - very similar. The subject matter is grown up as well and needs your attention to really understand the depths of what is happening. The acting is excellent by all involved and it's a trip to watch V who is a good guy and bad guy all rolled up into one - the mask he wears is more than just a literal object. Overall, I would highly recommend this film for anyone who likes action, drama, science fiction, conspiracy theories, political statements, mystery and suspense - in short, everyone.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: Yes
Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, John Hurt

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very strange movie.

The acting and characters were very good and believable, but the story and final ending was just weird for me.

I'll give it a 3 of 5. Hopefully, I'll watch it again sometime and maybe pickup something I might have missed the first time.

Anonymous said...

watched V for Vendetta recently, loved it. eye-candy effects, amazing how much character they developed into a mask, then again, maybe he was more than a mask...