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    V for Vendetta

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

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    “V for Vendetta” is a story about revenge. Simple enough, but it also contains some thoughts I’d dare call profound, along with solid performances and several iconic moments that will stick with you. Is it a faithful adaptation of the graphic novel by Alan Moore? Not really, but like any interpretation or adaptation, it’s ok to deviate from the source material as long as the end result is good and the spirit remains. It’s not like this movie is going to barge into your house and burn every copy of the comic after all.

    Set in an Orwellian-like England, Evey (Natalie Portman) happens upon an extraordinary man, a masked vigilante simply known as V (voiced by Hugo Weaving) Think of V as a cross between Edmund Dantes (from “The Count of Monte Cristo”, you uncultured swine!) and Batman. Is he a terrorist, or the savior the country has been silently praying for? Either way he’s out for blood and seeking to take down the totalitarian government, partially because it ties into his own mysterious past.

    Based on the graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, this 2006 release but varies wildly from the pages that originally brought the characters to life. I’m torn to which I like better. Here, V is seen as a heroic vigilante and less like a wildfire spawned from the discontent of the masses. Other changes set the story in more contemporary times and there is less emphasis on the tyrannical government. The amount of characters is significantly reduced and most of the sub-plots are gone, replaced with more backstory on the world. It makes for a product that’s significantly less intellectual and more action-oriented, but there is still a pretty solid brain rattling in that Guy Fawkes mask.

    What works best is that viewing the picture feels empowering, even while never leaving the real of complete fantasy. V is a charismatic hero that makes the whole rebellion thing look easy. He’s such a larger-than-life character that he transcends the limitations of the media and goes on to inspire rebellion and power to the audience with his eloquent speeches, incredibly intricate plots and moments of kick-ass kung-Fu. The 17th-century conical hat, the black outfit (cape, gloves, tunic, trousers and boots) and the “face” with the shoulder-length wig of straight hair and the Guy Fawkes mask are incredibly iconic. It’s that right mix of theatrics and realism. With the film’s big climax, set a on the 5th of November no one is ever likely to forget… it’s no wonder that visage has become a symbol for disgruntled youths looking to rebel.

    There are numerous bits of dialogue that will stick with you and shake you out of your sluggish existence, lines like “Ideas are bulletproof” and “There are no coincidences, only the illusion of coincidences” and probably most iconic of all “People should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of their people”. Those are my personal favorites. There is a long speech where V introduces himself so eloquently phrased it makes you want to pause the scene and rewind it over and over until you’ve memorized it.

    V is a character you are instantly drawn to and want to learn more about, but he’s not the only compelling player. We’ve got an avatar for the audience, a sidekick to our superhero in the form of Evey. She’s got plenty going in both in the way she interacts with V and how she transforms over the course of the plot. The two characters have an interesting relationship that switches between hero & damsel in distress, aggressor & victim, mentor & pupil, lost soul & savior and there’s a hint of romance thrown in. These characters begin on not necessarily opposite sides, but on very different planes of thinking. As their interactions are shown on screen, you will flip between whom you associate with more closely. While some of the in-depth sub plots from the novel are gone, I feel like the ones that remain keep the film afloat.

    The action is memorable and well shot, particularly during the sequences when V gets to really show off him karate gimmicks against a slew of opponents. There are several big explosions throughout the movie, nerve-wracking turns, tense decisions made, and all balanced with some moments of deep reflection/contemplation. A particular highlight in the set design is V’s lair, which is reminiscent of a museum and an antique store in desperate need of a serious clearance sale, but quite striking. You’ll find a ton of theatrics and moments that will have you pumped, excited to see more.

    When it’s all over, you might even have learned a thing about how you ultimately feel about revenge. If not, hey at least you saw a blood-pumping action movie about not taking no guff from nobody. There’s a lot of re-watch value contained in the 132 minute running time and you’re going to praise the Home Video Gods when you realize turning on the subtitles makes it a whole lot easier to memorize the epic speeches delivered throughout. I find myself itching to watch “V For Vendetta” every 5th of November, if only so I can pretend like I can recite every line and sound as majestic as Hugo Weaving, or capture a sliver of the work that inspired the film. (On Dvd, November 5)

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    adamwatchesmovies@  7.11.2015 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

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