Brilliant movie, far better than the Matrix sequels!!

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 2006)

The science fiction genre is very much a mixed bag. The success rate is minimal and generally the mega budgeted films fall flat and lifeless. V For Vendetta however falls under the mid budget range category and as such it's not a bloated attempt at marketable science fiction excess. This isn't like Bays shallow film The Island, or the disappointingly tame vision from Alex Proyas in I Robot, whose previous science fiction film was the moderately budgeted and superb Dark City. Essentially the producer pressure of these over-hyped and overpriced rip-offs don't have the love and attention given to films not green=lit with hundreds of millions. For example the first Matrix film, the most influential of it's genre since Terminator 2 (a rare hundred mill plus success!) was infinitely more engrossing than it's lifeless sequels. With endless resources at hand and the ability to go extreme, the Wachowski's two sequels attempted to cram our heads with philosophy and religious connotation that was more subtly fed to the audience in the original. The films survived only by the impressive effects and huge action scenes, and that goes for other similarly gigantic sci-fi epics. The films shot under that 100 mill bracket show more ingenuity and more heart, and mostly more originality. Even right down to ultra low budget there have been great films, like Cube, far more enjoyably thought provoking than the now boring Matrix sequels that completely lack the original films repeat value.
V For Vendetta is an immensely enjoyable experience. It is completely immersing and engrossing. The Orwellian plot, with the idea of a society led to be a utopia is as usual really a dystopian nightmare. In respect of the plot, influenced by the Guy Fawkes plot, we have seen this kind of story before, in movies and mostly in literature, and it's very similar to 1984. However this film feels so fresh, and as I watched it I felt I was watching something new, different, despite a recognised storyline. The film though, written by the Wachowski's has the depth instilled in their other films thus far. However this time V for Vendetta doesn't attempt to dully cram in existentialism into the gullets of its audience as in the Matrix sequels, rather it's depth is subtle and nicely delivered and will no doubt lead to great discussions on internet forums. This film will grow and grow and become a Sci-Fi classic like The Matrix.
The film is brilliantly directed by James McTeigue making his directorial debut, previously being an assistant to the Wachowski's and also George Lucas. Now there will no doubt be conspiracy theorists claiming Larry and Andy were in fact pulling the strings here, in their roles as producers and writers, but clearly, while showing some consistent style with the Matrix films, this is stylistically different enough to suggest Mcteigue is responsible for the most enjoyable Science Fiction film since Spielberg's Minority Report. He will be a name to watch no question. The film looks great that's for sure. The complementary relationship between visuals and script are first rate. Also while the trailers may have suggested this would be an effects heavy film worthy of the Wachowski's name, they were misleading. This is not a CG laden movie, there is comparatively little CGI to most modern flicks of the action/ sci-fi genre. Similarly the film has fight scenes but not the balletic martial arts of the Matrix films. There are marital arts but we get up close and personal, rough and ready. This is meant to look ugly not graceful. Also on another technical standpoint the production design is fantastic for this British and particularly, London set film. The musical score is also fresh and original sounding one of the most interesting scores I have heard for some time, from Dario Marianelli.
The cast are excellent, made up of a plethora of excellent British actors like the chilling John Hurt, and also good turns from Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry and Rupert Graves. The leads though are firstly Natalie Portman who is mesmerising as Evie. Not only due to her astounding beauty but a rich performance only marred by the odd slip on her near faultless London accent. She puts completely to dark her subdued turns in the Star Wars flicks and once again proves what an exceptional young actress she is (One Oscar nom already and will surely be adding more in the near future). Hugo Weaving stars too as the physical and vocal actor portraying V. In a role where he does not show his face at all, and wears a solid and inexpressive white mask, Weaving exudes gravitas, giving an impossibly rich and ambiguous performance for a rich and ambiguous character. V is at once a character to sympathise with and be unsympathetic to. He is at once a hero, a freedom fighter, a rebel, an anarchist and a terrorist. He's a walking contradiction but it makes his character incredibly intriguing. Indeed the fact we never really get close to his character or learn too much may annoy some people, but it added to the film for me and I feel will only create discussion, and theorising amongst buffs. The film indeed leaves questions left needing answers. It teases us and then holds back, and before you know it the credits are rolling. The sense of mystery will be discussed no doubt.
Overall this was a very enjoyable piece, bar for some pacing issues with some side plots, but still an engrossing film nonetheless. This will be a cult classic I'm sure and deservedly so. ****1/2