Violent, complex, but fascinating adaption of Alan Moore's graphic novel

Rating: 8/10 (6 August 2016)

Corruption, graphic violence, and complex political themes supplement together in this visually striking adaption of David Lloyd and Alan Moore's hit graphic novel. Driven by a visceral direction by director James McTeigue, this dystopian action thriller captures the powerful energy of both Alan Moore's brilliant source material and the captivating (but convoluted) screenplay by The Wachowksis, and makes up slick, cutthroat thrill ride; but not without a few occasional flaws in the mix. Though the story offers plenty of surprises, it tends to cram way more ideas than the average viewer can swallow, particularly when the political atmosphere plays a major role in the plot. On the bright side, it also makes for a captivating experience. The film is set in the not-so-distant future in Great Britain, a country dominated by a fascist government under the head of the Norsefire Party, following the destruction of the United States from a civil war and viral pandemic from a disease known as St. Mary. Sporting a wig and a mask resembling the notorious Guy Fawkes, anarchist freedom fighter under the name V (played by Hugo Weaving) chooses to rebel against the government by posing as a vigilante and fighting against the ones who support the fascist government. Accompanied by television network employee Avery Hammond (played by Natalie Portman), V forms launches a resistance to bring down the government while avoiding oppressors appointed by political inspector Finch (played by Stephen Rea) who wants him dead.
Unlike most comic-book translations, this film is no superhero flick, nor does it have the feel of one. Instead, it offers something new and almost entirely inspiring to the table. Director James McTeigue accomplishes this by taking it's comic-book style action and characters, and blending these with a wide plethora of political elements and satire. Placing ideas of fascism, anarchism, and libertarianism in the mix, the movie puts political corruption in the front lines of the plot. The city of London in which the story is set is ruled by a government who blame individuals political rebels, illegal immigrants, homosexuals, and Muslims for the tyranny that plagues their society, and deal with the dilemma by imprisoning these specific groups of individuals in concentration camps, thus ridding the society of their freedom. The titular character V responds to these practices by rebelling, and does so with violence as means of Justice. As a result, the character is portrayed not as a hero nor a villain but a figure who does what he believes is right -- basically an antihero in some degree. The plot makes great use of these political elements, but at times struggles to evenly balance the narrative and the political atmosphere. The movie more often than not tries to cram so many ideas into the story that it makes for a significantly complex journey. On the bridge side, director James McTeigue does a great job at not only keeping things moving but executing them in a way that is arresting rather than heavy-handed. By the end, there's never a moment that feels wasted.
In the midst of it's flaws, the V for Vendetta prevails at both a visual and acting department. Presenting a likable cast, the film provides audience with some of the most compelling performances ever put on screen in a comic-book flick. Hugo Weaving, veteran of 'The Matrix' franchise (written and directed by The Wachowskis) provides a charismatic vibe as V, the lead character who seeks justice against the totalitarian-like government. Natalie Portman, fresh out of the second 'Star Wars' trilogy', gives a blissful performance as V's accomplice and eventually love interest; easily one of the most memorable performances she's demonstrated in her career. Stephen Rea is also quite credible as the primary antagonist, a man who roots for tyrannical society through means of political corruption. His character is masterfully written with stunning complexity and fascination. These characters all function consistently well in a world embraced by engrossing visuals. The production design of futuristic London is beautiful to look at, and fits suitably for the story. The fighting sequences however, offer the best gem in the visual department, featuring bloody, stylized action with occasional bullet-time shots Matrix style. While the fighting remains mostly infrequent as the story dwells one plot development than action-set pieces, it's truly memorable ewhen it emerges on screen.
V for Vendetta is a complex, violent, but explosively entertaining adaption of David Lloyd and Alan Moore's graphic novel, an adaption served with spectacle and intelligence. This movie levels high on the ranks of comic-book action vehicles, and is strongly recommended of all fans of the novel as well as everyone else with a thirst of a compelling dystopian action spectacle.