Good, yet simplified, political action drama.

Rating: 7/10 (24 April 2006)

Let's put the good news here in up front: 'V for Vendetta' is the best movie made from Alan Moore's graphical novels. Though that wasn't hard task in such, as 'From Hell', even though had some pretty scenes, was a grave disappointment and 'The League Of Extraordinay Gentlemen' was just terrible.
'V For Vendetta', directed by James McTigue and written by the Wachowski brothers of the Matrix fame is a dumbed down and heavily trimmed version of the graphical novel of same name. Roughly put, almost half of the characters have been eliminated and even the main characters have been some what altered. In example Evey (Natalie Portman) was an under aged prostitute, or at least a wannabe as she actually never got that far, and V (Hugo Weaving) himself was more of a cold hearted psychotic lover of anarchy. In the film he's a bit more likable in his insanity.
The plot is nearly same with the novel, but as said trimmed down. Several side plots have been entirely eliminated because of reduced character count. Some things have been added in, like the budding romance between V and Evey. The importance of police captain Finch (Stephen Rhea) has been increased, but some of the most interesting aspects of his story, like the real reason of his understatement of V, have been cut out. Also the story of V is told so, that some viewers might get the idea, that V gained some kind of pyrotechnic powers from Larkhill. This wasn't the case. No superpowers in this film, unless you count V's speed and stamina.
It's very easy to see who against some of the political messages are aimed in the film, that's why it's interesting to see how well this movie will last the test of time, as it is rather on the nerve of political on goings. 'V for Vendetta' isn't a bad movie, far from it, it's just too simplified from its origins in the form that it's presented. Also note, that it's not an action film, though it has some pretty neat action- and special-effects scenes in it.
Acting is all together very good and effects and the whole totalitarian society of England is very nicely portrayed. John Hurt as Sutler, the great dictator, is doing very good job as a man, who has eyes everywhere.
The film flows easily and I was entertained for the duration of the movie. It was much better than I expect it to be, but I fully understand why Moore thought, that script wasn't very strong.