In the 1980’s, comic book writer Alan Moore, (known for Batman: The Killing Joke, The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Watchmen) wrote five issues for in an anthology comic book series called “Warrior,” featuring a story called “V For Vendetta.” The Story is about a costumed vigilante who seeks to oppose a corrupt chancellor, by using terrorism as a calling card and spreading messages by influencing citizens to join his liberation. After Warrior was canceled in 1985, Moore continued to expand the plot, he then persuades DC Comics to publish V For Vendetta as a mini-series consisting of ten issues. Three years later, the graphic novel was released in comic book stores worldwide.
The Wachowski Brothers, (now Sisters) who are lifelong comic book fans, wrote the first draft of the script while filming The Matrix. The Sibling Duo had to postpone their project because they were working on back to back sequels to The Matrix. Now that everything is set in motion for them, filming began in 2005, they recruited actors for the main leads including their good luck charm Hugo Weaving, (Agent Smith from The Matrix Trilogy) to portray the title character, Natalie Portman as Evey Hammond, V’s new ally in his quest for liberation, and the late John Hurt, (The Elephant Man, Hellboy, Alien) as Chancellor Adam Sutler, the main antagonist responsible for creating a dystopian government.
As the film was slated for release date in November 5th, 2005. An unexpected terrorist attack occurred in London, causing the film to delay the release until one year later. The Wachowskis denied the fact that they were rendering the Special Effects. I’m gonna assume that this was a Butterfly Effect. Whenever something tragic happens, it causes an upcoming event to suffer an unexpected result.
V For Vendetta was finally released on March 17, 2006. It received critical acclaim from critics and comic book fans alike and it was also a box office success. The film became an instant classic inspiring an organization called “Anonymous,” wearing Guy Fawkes masks. The organization’s motives are protesting, anti-surveillance and online vigilantism/hacking. Some say they’re depicted as modern day Robin Hoods.
This review doesn’t feature any potential SPOILERS whatsoever. You are okay to read it.
Positive & Negative Qualities
Positive: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, & John Hurt, all did a spectacular job on their respective performances.
V & Evie’s tragic backstories were pretty interesting. There’s a big reason why V is outlawing the government.
Chemistry between both V & Evie felt normal. Hugo & Natalie didn’t act like 1st Graders in a school play.
Cinematography looked spot on decent without any Shaky Cam throughout.
V’s “Remember Remember The 5th Of November” speech. Is one of the most memorable speeches in history right next to Joker’s “Wanna know how I got these scars” speech.
Musical Score is unforgettable like the infamous track, “Evie Reborn.” I have no choice but to give this beautiful piece a truckload of Bonus Points, because it’s played during a pivotal moment and it gave me chills down my spine! Don’t forget The 1812 Overture!
Fun Fact: The Nolan Brothers asked The Wachowski Brothers, permission to use Evie Reborn to promote Interstellar as a repayment for The Wachowskis for seeking permission to use Hans Zimmer’s score from “Batman Begins,” to promote V For Vendetta.
Character Development involving both V & Evie. V’s backstory motivated him on why he’s a vigilante. Evie also has a shocking transformation, I won’t tell you why. In Real Life, Natalie shaved her head for the film. That took a lot of guts people! I’ll give her Bonus Points for inspiring Charlize Theron & Millie Bobby Brown for shaving their heads for their roles in “Mad Max: Fury Road” & “Stranger Things.”
V also has a good taste in Classic Hollywood cinema. His favorite film is “The Count Of Monte Cristo.” It’s about a swashbuckler named Edmund Dantes which inspired V to become a freedom fighter, similar to how Bruce Wayne became a superhero, he idolizes Zorro and one the reasons why Batman is based on Zorro.
Similar to Alan Moore’s Watchmen, this film reflects real life themes and events including Political Corruption, Police Brutality, Fake News, The Holocaust, Anthrax/AIDS Epidemic, and Discrimination. Hurt’s character is based on Adolf Hitler, and V himself, is based on famous outlaws such as John Dillinger, Jesse James, Billy The Kid, Clyde Barrow, (half of the duo of Bonnie & Clyde) and Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name from “The Dollars Trilogy.”
There’s a Pause Worthy Moment at the 47:13 mark for you guys out there who are into Natalie like me. Cal me a perv, female movie goers. I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Perhaps The Best Line in this movie is, “My turn!” It’s a quote from V. Tony Stark also used that line in the first “Iron Man” film. I gotta love me some pre-kill liners!
One scene pays tribute to both “A Fistful Of Dollars” and” Back To The Future Part III.” If you know what I mean?
Negative: I couldn’t find a single flaw in this picture. I’ll have to give this an Extra Point for The Wachowski Brothers for adapting a flawless story.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
In my opinion this has got to be one of the best comic book film adaptations ever! If you’re into those type of movies like me, get off your butt and buy it on Blu-Ray/DVD! Trust me, you’ll definitely be satisfied with it! I hope one day they’ll bring back V and include him to the DC Extended Universe. (DCEU for short)
Nickthemoviecritic.com 