"V for Vendetta" is an artful display of a timeless theme

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2015)

"V for Vendetta" entices audiences
For those who feel violence is no means to combat injustice, "V for Vendetta" may not be the best movie to attend. For those looking for an action movie that moves its audience, this may be the movie to own. As 2020 sees England slowly slip into chaos at the hands of a controlling dictatorship, a dark vigilante emerges to return freedom to London. Director James McTeigue and his cast of seasoned professionals deliver an unforgettable performance that is bound to convert anyone who believes one man cannot change the world.
When Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) is caught outside of her house after curfew, and three officers attempt to "escort" her home, she meets V (Hugo Weaving), who defends her from the violence that is consuming England. After rescuing Evey from the government's "fingermen," he asks her to accompany him to a performance, which consists of V blowing up the Old Bailey to the classic tune of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." In commemoration of Guy Fawkes' name day, the 5 of November, V calls those in England to band together and join him in a year to blow up the houses of parliament, as Fawkes had failed to do. What happens in this year changes England. As rebellion grows, the totalitarian shouts of, "England prevails" become muted, and the film presents the timeless ideal that people should not fear their governments, but governments should fear their people.
From writing to dialogue, "V for Vendetta" will leave audiences entranced. V, with his delivery of both soliloquies and allusions, causes audiences to fall in love with his vigilante personae, just as Evey does. Through his use of quotes from literary cornerstones such as Dr. Faustus, Richard III and the Bible, the audience learns that there is something deeper under that mask, something that makes him and his message real. However, something just as real is visible as well: the rage that confines V to a life of vengeance. This anger against his oppressors is perceived through his actions, as is seen when V quotes Shakespeare's Richard III and states, "I seem a saint when most I play the devil", as he stands over a corrupt official, ready to strike. "V for Vendetta" combines line delivery, writing and violence, to pull the audience deeper into V and his ideals. Along with V's visible ideals, "V for Vendetta" captivates audiences with subtle characterizations. V's sharp wit through classic quotes, as well as his quite statements of love for Evey, allow audiences to both revere and fear him as a man and vigilante. Beside V, of course, is Evey Hammond, who could be played by none better than Natalie Portman. Although some scenes make Evey look like a small child oblivious to how the world works, her ability to transfer her emotion and her ability to care for onto a man who only seeks revenge is impressive to say the least. This duo and their ability to have a relationship while little more than their names and recent histories, entrances audiences and questions what love truly needs.
The superior quality of filmography and special effects that allows the audience to receive and take in the emotion from Evey and V, is also worth mentioning. Most notable in the film are the scenes in which V comes to remove corruption from the government through the use of six deadly knives he carries strapped to his sides. As the knives begin to fly, the slow motion kicks in and the adrenaline begins to rise. Granted, some special effects may make the battles, explosions and bloodshed appear too real for most young moviegoers, but these action scenes separate "V for Vendetta" form the standard set of stale revolutionary films. In this way, a broader range of audiences receives the films revolutionary message.
This movie can easily stand on its quality alone, and the message it carries is an unexpected bonus. V's belief in just anarchy in the face of false justice creates a movie like none other, one that makes "V for Vendetta" a must see film.