V for Very, Very Good - a Reivew of V for Vendetta

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2006)

Finally, a film about a comic book which is about more than just appealing visual aesthetics,this is a film with something to say. V for Vendetta features top-notch acting, solid characterisation and ideals which speak to, rather than down on, its audience.
Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, V for Vendetta tells the story of how meek and naive Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) flowers into a courageous revolutionary through the guidance of a costumed terrorist/freedom fighter named V (Hugo Weaving) who is determined to destroy an oppressive totalitarian government.
The film's message is preached by V in which people should cherish and guard their rights of freedom and individuality and not give it away to their governments.
The performances are brilliant, especially Hugo Weaving as V who conveys the essence and emotions of the character through expressive physical gestures and tone of voice and Natalie Portman easily gives her best performance to date. The supporting cast features British luminaries such as John Hurt, Timothy Pigott-Smith and Stephen Rhea. While the film contains a few minor aesthetic glitches (editing), it does contain thrilling action set pieces and stunning cinematography by the late Adrian Biddle perfectly captures the mood of the film. The domino montage sequence towards the end of the film is certainly one of the most memorable seen on film.
V for Vendetta was produced by the Larry and Wachowski and marked the directorial debut for James McTeigue who first worked as an assistant director on The Matrix. Joel Silver who produced Predator and the Die Hard films served as executive producer on this project.
Much has been made of Moore's insistence of the removal of his name from the credits, but this by far the best film adaptation of one of his works. I have read the graphic novel numerous times and can say the film stays true to its source material. V for Vendetta is a classic example of how watching a well-crafted film can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.