
Give it a chance
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Anyone who loves the original Moore/Lloyd comics for their black humour, their dense and nuanced satire, for the depth of the main character (a twisted play on the good in evil far darker and more human than in films like 'Riddick') and the layers of political alegory, may find the film on the lightweight side.
Anyone who comes to the film fresh and open without any expectations or prejudices will enjoy it immensely as a movie that has more to say about the current social and political situation than any mainstream Hollywood offering for years.
What it has to say about 'The Other' (other sexual orientations, other nationalities, other cultural or religious ideologies) is pertinent and arresting. I realise it's not dealt with subtly and that the Fascist styling may grate a little, but when has any Hollywood movie dealt with cultural complexity subtly? Those kinds of movie are the exception to the rule. By projecting a few years into the future, V for Vendetta reflects the current fear of Islam post-9/11, the current post-AIDS fear of homosexuality, the current economic and cultural fear of 'foreigners'...
The dynamics of the relationship between V and Evey are altered in the film, and while some attribute this to Natalie Portman starring, I would say this reflects that women, young women particularly, have voice that is growing in urgency and power, and making the understated character of Evey into a focus for the movie reflects that women are socialised and politicised individuals.
If you have an inkling that there is something rotten at the core of society that preys on difference and feeds on fear, and want an experience that brings this into sharp relief, I'd urge you to try this film.
If you know the comics, I'd suggest giving the movie more than one viewing; there are subtleties here, but the pace of the action sometimes sees them overlooked.
It's not the usual Hollywood drivel and will repay your interest many times over.In the constraints of a culture (White, Middle-Class, Christian America) so bigotted and inward-looking I'm impressed that such a film was made at all.
Give this film a chance. Watch it now. I'm still waiting for the Guy Faulks Mask to be delivered to my door, though...
Review ID: 10000000001549268

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