In a futuristic, totalitarian Britain, a freedom fighter known simply as V, uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressive society. Evey aids him in his mission to bring down the government.
Watch the Trailer
V for Vendetta 2005 has been written and co-produced by the Wachowskis, Andy and Lana, whose “Matrix” movies were also about rebels holding out against a planetary system of control. This movie is mostly based on the literary side rather than special effects, and is filled with ideas that are all the more fascinating because the real message can’t be stated.
The bond between the character of V (Hugo Weaving) and his relationship with Evey (Natalie Portman) is just unimaginable which is indeed connected through a series of events. From winning her trust as an evil Villain (or most probably a Hero) to mentally transforming her mindset into an unbreakable wall of belief. One important difference is that V’s facial disguise does not move but is a mask that always has the same smiling expression and Weaving’s voice and body language just adds up an awesome character to it.
And infact Portman’s Evey has expressions enough for most purposes, as she gradually morphs from a faithful citizen to V’s well wisher, and the film is populated with a bouquet of gifted character actors. In addition to Hurt as the sinister dictator, we see Stephen Rea and Rupert Graves as the police assigned to lead the search for V. Tim Pigott-Smith is an instrument of the dictator. These people exist in scenes designed to portray them as secure, until V sweeps in like a whirlwind, using martial arts, ingenious weapons and the element of surprise.
The film is filled with ideas, that can’t be underestimated. The most significant is V’s belief: “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” Fear in either direction must lead to violence. But V has a totalitarian state to overthrow, and only a year to do it in, and we watch as he improvises a revolution. He gets little support, although Stephen Fry plays a dissident TV host who criticizes the government at his risk. V’s diverse ability of thinking and willingness to execute his plans irrespective of any supporting roles describes the true meaning of his words that “Beneath this mask is more than flesh, beneath this mask there is an idea! and ideas are bulletproof.” And when these words are creatively spoken out by Hugo Weaving while playing the character, it’s just fascinating like the final honey topping on pancakes.
The film has been disowned by Alan Moore, who also removed his name from the movie versions of his graphic novels From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. His complaint was not so much with the films as with the deal involving the use of his work. To attempt a parable about violence and totalitarianism that would be relevant and readable might be impossible, could be dangerous and would probably not be box office.