DVD Reviews

V For Vendetta

• Rating:
• Director: James McTeigue
• Starring: Hugo Weaving
• Details:

In a not-too-distant totalitarian future, V (Weaving) is a freedom fighter who rescues Evey (Portman) from the secret police. She subsequently becomes an unlikely ally in an ongoing fight against an oppressive and fascist British State. Alan Moore's graphic novel adaptations have never been completely successful affairs; in fact, they've generally been quite awful (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, From Hell).So it's easy to forgive Moore for his hesitation in blessing this adaptation of arguably his finest work. But he needn't have worried, because Vendetta is an intelligent, overtly political and hugely enjoyable film. Director McTeigue, who was an assistant director on The Matrix - the Wachoski brothers write and produce here - proves to have his own unique, character driven style, is always one step ahead of the tricky-to-handle plot - essential for a film of this sort - and also shows a fine grasp of the (admittedly sparse) action. Portman again proves why she's one of the finest leading ladies in Hollywood by immersing herself wholeheartedly in a beautifully complex character, whilst Weaving's screen presence and amazingly distinctive voice are not hindered by the presence of a mask. Despite all of this, V for Vendetta is a far from perfect film, as there are flaws - some subplots feel drawn out with little conclusion - but it is an original and thought provoking one.

Review by Mike Sheridan