"V for Vendetta" - a Review

Post by **Shug** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 10:30 am

Last night Elaine and I had a wee trip to the piccies to take a flyer on whatever was on.

Ended up seeing "V for Vendetta"

Now, I've seen virtually no hype for this - I think I was one trailer in another movie - so was going in totally fresh.

It's basically a near-future dark comic-book tale about totalitarian government and the power of the masses - set in the UK. The thing that makes it interesting is the unique take on it - it basically re-uses the Guy Fawkes tale and reworks it into a near-future setting.

Now, it's worth mentioning that this is scripted by the Wachowski (Matrix) Brothers. It shares a lot of what made the Matrix (the first one - not the piss-poor cash in follow ups) so very special at the time. It's got the same way of sucking you in, by initially making the story very small and almost cringe-inducing, but expanding it as the film goes on, to an epic scale.

Standout performances from Natalie Portman (who can actually act) John Hurt, Steven Rea and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith from Matrix)

It's going to be one of those films that totally splits opinion. It's NOT the Matrix - but a lot of people who liked that will like this. There's no way of telling who will go in and come out saying they enjoyed it and who will say it was a stupid piece of trash cinema.

Personally, I thought it was timely in it's story, well acted (bearing in mind it's comic-book) clever and pretty well shot. If you liked Matrix, give it a punt, but suspend your judgement till you've seen it all. If you hated Matrix, you may still enjoy this, but I'd wait 'till video.....

Review over

/wossy

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 10:38 am

What did Elaine think of it?

Post by **Shug** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 10:48 am

Pretty much the same as me - which was slightly surprising, as we don't have exactly the same taste in movies (although less of a split then most couples). Her only bad point was that the masks (you'll understand if you see it/a trailer) freaked her a bit - but that's just one of her personal hangups.

We're going to get on DVD when it comes out as we both feel it'll stand a couple of watches.

PhilA · Post by **PhilA** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:29 am

talking of films...

which one to see tonight...
V for Vendetta (is there alot of knifes in it, coz Cat doesnt like them)

or

The Inside Man

Post by **Shug** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:32 am

Tough one....

Frankly, yes there are a few pretty graphic knife fights in V. It also gets really dark in the middle.

Haven't seen Inside Man, but it looks to be more the 'trad' thriller fayre. Safer bet for spouse viewing, I'd say.

ewanrw · Post by **ewanrw** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:41 am

films ! tonight !? Its Wednesday which means Dirty (Desperate) Housewives

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:04 pm

Syriana, too many plot lines trying to link up. dont bother and get out patriot games.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:01 pm

Just in case, The Matador, avoid at all costs.

Never walked out of a film or fallen asleep on principle. Matador was a close call on both counts.
Mr Brosnan obviously trying to un-typecast himself. Tries too hard and fails.
Nuff said.

Mr Spook · Post by **Mr Spook** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 6:23 pm

Re: V, thanks for the review. Definitely interested as loved the comic at the time. Was probably one of the earliest "adult" type comics that I read and changed forever the type that I the bought.
Interested to see how they have brought things up to date as it was originally written at the hight of Thatcherism in 81 and published in the British Warrior comic before being completed by DC in 89.

Might try this weekend...

Post by **Shug** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 6:38 pm

Thatcherism/Blairism....

fcuk all in it IMHO....