Natalie Portman, Stephen Rea, Hugo Weaving

Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known only as "V....( read more  read more... )" Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself -- and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plot to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.

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88% liked it

803,092 ratings

Critics

73% liked it

225 critics

R, 2 hrs. 12 min.

Directed by: James McTeigue

Release Date: March 17, 2006

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DVD Release Date: August 1, 2006

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Flixster Reviews (71,259)


  • September 21, 2009
    Fantastic movie.
  • September 4, 2009
    As a stand alone film its not too bad but as an adaptation it's horrible. The comic is far superior and deserved better. Portman is terribly miscast but Rea, Hurt and Weaving make up for it.
  • July 13, 2009
    This marks the fantastic return of the Wachowski brothers.Those who were disappointed with their last two efforts will not be disappointed here,there is no doubt that the Brothers are talented.Here they make their comeback.But not as filmmakers,but as producers and writers.And to...( read more) be honest ,this film thrills you from beginning to end.You'll be blown away with this adrenaline excitement and dramatically intense thriller.

    A finely complex storyline about V, a reluctant freedom fighter , a rebellion who fights for freedom against the government in London in another time line.Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain,a mild-mannered young woman named Evey who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by"V." Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself--and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plot to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.

    This is perhaps the first and fully realized and most successful of all the Moore adaptations.What I liked about this film was the way it balances action and drama and the 1812 overture of Tchakovski a real horror show.The script is fantastic and directing is equally worth a mention.The assistant director on the Matrix(James McTeigue) movies really has some talent ,and handles the action and drama very well.The film is fast paced and exciting.It is also politically charged and quite controversial but that is the point.It makes you think about the current situation, how well is the government handling the situation of terrorism.V serves as an anti-hero on a quest of freedom.His actions are right but his methods are wrong,he is trying to bring about a message in the wrong way.

    This film focuses on the source material of the book, more on the characters than on the action.More on the emotions and the drama than on the violence.This film doesn't glorify V as a terrorist but shows that under certain circumstances he was tempted to be what he is.The film has an intriguing atmosphere throughout,never once boring,an apocalyptic future setting really heightens the tension with starkly dark set designing and stunning cinematography.The action is striking and the performances in the drama are standout.This is a terrific movie at all points, it has a strong script , impressive directing and commendable performances.But having read the book after the movie,I must confess this film is still nowhere close to being better than the book.No way.It feels incomplete adaptation,leaving a lot of details behind,whereas the book had a more in depth look at V's life and his relationship with Evey.But I guess the filmmakers wanted to take a different approach,to which they succeed completely.

    There is a reference or close resemblance to Guatanamo prison and 9/11 issues echoes throughout the film.And it made the film even more direct.There are several more references to our world dominated by politics and government,regarding terrorism.And what they do to secure their safety.This is one thing that makes V so controversial.His actions will make you think he's insane,but it's just an idea,a notion that alerts us to take actions if our own Government ever try to control us,and inflict fear into our lives.

    Hidden behind the creepy mask, Hugo Weaving really proves he is a versatile actor.His character provokes thoughtful questions in a dystopian future ,and every emotion of his character is brought out by Weavings performance.Portman on the other hand also excels,with a convincing accent.She really is the heroine of the film and she handles the role quite well.The scenes between Evey and V are touching and well handled.The rest of the film is superb in its execution.

    V is an idea,a symbol,a metaphor that cannot be destroyed.A man can be obliterated but as an idea,an icon he is indestructible and his message becomes more powerful to convey as people look upon this figure ,but not the man beneath it.One man can make a huge difference but united men and women can change something.And that's what made me respond to this film's ideas.It's full of it.Shed with technical and visual brilliance.

    A spellbinding adventure , exciting action, superb directing and writing and a Sci-Fi film with a thoughtful message,and the first fully satisfying Moore adaptation.This film is the most controversial and at the same time breathtaking Action/thriller.A terrific achievement produced by the Wachowskis' and Silver.The climax,especially,was uplifting and beautifully executed.And will live on to be one of the most memorable conclusions.It always get me.
  • April 6, 2009
    "If you're looking for the guilty you need only look into a mirror."

    I've always liked Alan Moore's mature approach to graphic novels. When "V for Vendetta" was in production, I was really anxious to see the film. He's main work, that most of us know him by, "Watchmen", "The Lea...( read more)gue of Extraordianry Gentlemen" and "V" are among the best comics made, by far.

    The script, as the comic, is complex and nuanced, featuring a lot of nice dialogue. When V cites Shakespeare, or other similar medieval writers, it has never sounded better on screen. Hugo Weaving is the one to be thanked for that. His articulation sounds so amazing.

    "V for Vendetta" also looks amazing. I really liked the somewhat industrial look that the movie had. The cinematography is decent and the few action scenes are nice looking, except for the excessive gushing of blood.

    "Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof."

    The Wachowski brothers are behind the script. It's nice to see that McTeigue, in his directorial debut, focuses more on the script than the action. McTeigue was the assistant director on "The Matrix" trilogy so this could've been influenced by the Wachowski's but it doesn't look like their line of work, which is good.

    But one thing bothered me. I couldn't take George Orwell's "1984" out of my mind. There's so much comparison between the movies. When I read the comic, this didn't bother me but maybe it's because of John Hurt, who stars in both movies...

    So, "V for Vendetta" is definitely a must see. Fans of controversial movies should really take a look, eventhough they'd be bothered by the fact that its based on a comic. Among the best comic-to-screen adaptations, for sure!
  • February 13, 2009
    V: [Evey pulls out her mace] I can assure you I mean you no harm.
    Evey Hammond: Who are you?
    V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what and what I am is a man in a mask.
    Evey Hammond: Well I can see that.
    V: Of course you can. I'm not questioning your powers of ob...( read more)servation I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is.
    Evey Hammond: Oh. Right.

    Before the release of this film, I was not too excited about going to see it. To my surprise, I found that I was thoroughly enjoying myself when I did.

    Based on Alan Moore's graphic novel written back in the 80s, based around a political commentary of the British government and an anarchists revolution, this film stays more or less true to many of the same themes despite having been updated by American screenwriters and warping a lot of substance.

    Natalie Portman stars as Evey, a mild-mannered young woman living in a futuristic totalitarian Britain. She is rescued from an unpleasant situation by a masked vigilante known as V, played by Hugo "don't call me Agent Smith" Weaving. V then introduces her to his ways and plans for a sociopolitical change in society.

    Despite the darkness that surrounds the characters and plot, I found myself enjoying this film because it was a lot of fun to watch, further distancing itself from the novel.

    A lot of this is because of the character V. Weaving has made V into a great comic character come to life. All of his dialog is quick, witty, and commanding, just like a comic character should be. This goes for the majority of character dialog in this film. But once again however, this is much different from the V presented in the graphic novel.

    Credit also goes to Portman, who has to carry most of this film, with a British accent no less, and she does a very good job. Then there are a number of good British actors involved in supporting roles including comedian Stephen Fry, who I enjoy every time I see him, and John Hurt as the evil dictator. He is so evil that he has himself broadcasted on a huge Television monitor so he can yell at his subordinates and know that he means business. That's the stuff comics are made of.

    The film was directed by James McTeigue, who served as 2nd Unit Director on the Matrix films and scripted by the Wachowski Brothers. There is a good amount of style injected into this film, especially since the action is on the minimal side.

    The film drags a bit before reaching the final 20 minutes or so, but Weaving's charismatic performance as V, the well handled visual style, and the general entertainment value make this a great joy to watch.

    Note: I mentioned the comic a lot during this review because it really is very different from the film, especially the third act. It was certainly a commendable effort to adapt the book into a film, but the work done to appease both fans and the casual movie going audience certainly creates a large rift between both the film and the source material. This being said, I do enjoy the film and admire a number of key sequences that are kept in tact from the book.

    Evey Hammond: The first morning I was with him, he made me eggs just like this.
    Gordon Deitrich: Really?
    Evey Hammond: I swear.
    Gordon Deitrich: That is a strange coincidence. Although, there's an obvious explanation.
    Evey Hammond: There is?
    Gordon Deitrich: Yes, Evey. I am V. At last you know the truth. You're stunned, I know. It's hard to believe isn't it, that beneath this wrinkled, well-fed exterior there lies a dangerous killing machine with a fetish for Fawkesian masks. Viva la revolution!
    Evey Hammond: That is *not* funny.
  • November 20, 2009
    I absolutely did not get this movie. Very irritating.
  • November 19, 2009
    I make no pretense that it's not weird. What it is however is explosive (literally) witty, thrilling and a must-see for comic-book fans and lovers of dystopic action films.
  • November 19, 2009
    Top marks. Excellent film!!
  • November 18, 2009
    Thanks a lot for missing the ENTIRE plot of the comic. It's about Anarchy vs. Facism, not Freedom vs. a corrupt system. V is supposed to be completely out of his mind in the story but they make him suave and calm? He burns people's doll collections in front of them just for a lau...( read more)gh, I didn't see that anywhere in the film.
  • November 14, 2009
    My recommendation. Go see this movie with an open mind and no preconceived ideas. I'm sure you will find that the acting is simply superb the plot gripping and intricate, and the special effects simply jaw-dropping.
    There were times I could almost swear the mask's expression cha...( read more)nged to reflect his mood (though I'm sure it didn't). There are several action scenes, but they do not dominate the movie. There is also enough comedy to keep the movie from seeming oppressive, while not seeming tacked in for that purpose. I think this movie would appeal to people with many different interests and favorite types of movie. It has something for everyone, wit, humor, politics, revolt, everything. A great movie, I would highly recommend it.

Critic Reviews


October 7, 2006
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Feels far too starched and clean to do its source material justice. full review

May 12, 2006
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

A welcome blast of pop subversion. full review

March 17, 2006
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

As manifestoes go, this one's a beauty: draped like a funeral, smart as a whip and full of black-hearted romantic monologues and dramatically slit necks. full review

March 16, 2006
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

The movie's a handsome piece of work, dramatically powerful even when it backs into silliness. full review

March 16, 2006
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Gripping, intelligent and innovative. full review

March 16, 2006
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

The movie is a lot of dark, Orwellian fun. full review

March 11, 2006
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

V for Vendetta, directed by James McTeigue, almost always has something going on that is actually interesting, inviting us to decode the character and plot and apply the message where we will. full review

March 8, 2006
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

V packs an urgent filmmaking energy that pins you to your seat. full review

February 7, 2006
Kurt Loder, MTV

It's an amazing movie. Not in exactly the way The Matrix was (how
tired would that be?), but in a new way. It's a fascinating picture,
dark and exciting, and it will almost certainly be an enormous hit. full review

View more V for Vendetta reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • michellefortuin
    May 2, 2009
    Damn, one of the best movies which is ever made. The story is so good, and the acting is great. Natalie Portman on her best, and Hugo Weaving as well, even without showing his face one time. This movie has many influences of the second worldwar, maybe a little too much, but still it's a masterpiece. I noticed interesting underlying things, like the colors, the music and not putting off the mask. You can see people really thought about all that little things. That's what it makes it so extremely good. This movie is a masterpiece, and that's something I don't say that often.
  • karthu1993
    April 16, 2009
    superb movie. natalie portman was very good.
    Good ending. It is worth a look for all those who like action. and really fast moving.
  • AsianNorthOfThailandGeneration
    January 24, 2009
    Glitter Graphics

    Glitter You Rock Graphics


    Horror . Funny . Exciting with 'em actions on the film you know??Have you watch it??
  • AgentLexi2132
    November 6, 2008
    One of those rare films, that urges people to wake up.

    That is if you can read between the lines and see this graphic Novel Adaptation is a serious wake up call.
  • Race91
    September 19, 2008
    This movie reeks of rotten liberal bias! This whole movie is about how "evil conservatives" take over and start killing everybody. And how one "oh-so-noble hero" takes them down.

    At first I didn't get that. I was a bit younger when I watched it, and just thought the action scenes were cool. Looking back- this movie is terrible.
  • ruben4caramel
    April 1, 2008
    "Behind this mask there`s more than a face, there is an idea and ideas never die!" An excellent movie, I liked it so much.It is an alegoric one.Love it, Love it, Love it!!!
  • xXxTanyaWxXx
    December 23, 2007
    My new favourite film, like many others I love the speech to evey with all the v's hehe

  • keanucrazy
    November 5, 2007
    REMEMBER,REMEMBER THE FIFTH OF NOVEBMER!
  • renatasib
    September 20, 2007
    This why people are looking for an "Idea".

    Seriously this movie is AWESOME!!!!
  • andmase
    August 24, 2007
    With no doubt... the best film ever! I love this film!
    I love Hugo Weavin's job playing V! When he introduces to Evey and said all the v words was the best! I did not like much Natalie Portman's english accent but... who cares!? V rules! FREEDOM FOREVER!!!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Facts


  • Fun Fact:
    Hugo Weaving based his accent on Harold Wilson, British Prime Minister from 1964-1970 and 1974-1976
  • Reference:
    This movie references:
    Ring a Ring o' Roses
    In V for Vendetta children play 'Ring a Ring o' Roses.' This references the urban legend that this nursery rhyme was about the Great Plague of London.
  • Fun Fact:
    V's stunt double Chad Stahelski literally walked through fire for the scene where V emerges from Larkhill. He wore nothing but fire resistant gel and a g-string!
  • Reference:
    This movie references:
    Hamlet
    V quotes Polonius when he first meets Evey: "We are oft to blame in this,/ 'Tis too much proved - that with devotion's visage/ And pious action we do sugar o'er/ The devil himself."
  • Reference:
    This movie references:
    Anonymous
    Anonymous, a leaderless internet-based group, now wears the Guy Fawkes mask as their symbol. Members wore the mask during Project Chanology's protests against the Church of Scientology. Alan Moore said he was pleased to see the use of the mask.
  • Fun Fact:
    As with many of his works that have gone to film, Alan Moore did not like the film adaptation of V for Vendetta. However, his co-author and illustrator David Lloyd liked the film adaptation.

V for Vendetta : Watch Free on TV


V for Vendetta Trivia


  • V for Vendetta was set to be released in theatres the fifth of November, 2005 to match with the tagline, "Remember, Remember, the 5th of November." However, the release date was pushed back to March 2006. For what reason was it pushed back.  Answer »
  • Name the characters movie - Im not who I say I am. My face is unseen. A plot in the autumn a numbered cell just for me. I fight for my freedom with vengance in me. To find out my identity read carfully. and my name will stand for britain and romany.  Answer »
  • Natalie Portman shaved her hair for her role in this movie, starring alongside Hugo Weaving  Answer »
  • In what movie will you hear the line "Behind this mask there is more than flesh. Behind this mask there is an idea, and ideas are bulletproof."?  Answer »

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