A for Awesome

Rating: 8/10 (23 March 2006)

V For Vendetta is an intelligent film with an interesting view into the future. It tells the story of a terrorist called V, who is attempting to overthrow the fascist British government in the year 2019. He is hunted by police, and joined by a young woman he believes is destined to be with him.
Like most comic book movies, V For Vendetta has a few big changes from the graphic novel, but unlike League of Extraordiary Gentlemen and Constantine, two other Alan Moore creations, the changes in this film make it somewhat more exciting.
In the film, V is such an engaging character that every moment he is off camera you find yourself wondering when he's going to come back. There is not much action in this film, so anybody going in expecting non-stop action like The Matrix will be sorely disappointed. Most of the film focuses on the rather unconventional relationship between V and Evey. I also liked how the movie is due attention to all aspects of the story. Romance, action, mystery, drama, even a little comedy thrown in. It's all present. One of my favourite aspects of the film is the realistic view of the future in the sense that it is only 13 years into the future, so don't expect anything too futuristic. No flying cars or laser guns here.
The performances in this film are really something else. I first saw Hugo Weaving in The Matrix, and I didn't think he was anything special. However, you have to have some amazing talent to be able to give a character dimension and charm, even though we never see his face. Natalie Portman wasn't always thrilling to me either, but she gives a great performance in this film. John Hurt...Well, John Hurt is always good no matter what role he plays.
V For Vendetta is a remarkable film that holds some truth in its message, and it is certainly better than most films that are set in the future. It's too bad that Alan Moore didn't want his name to be connected to this. He might have been proud, and he would've made huge money.
8/10