V For Vendetta (2005)
Revolutions are bulletproof!
Presentation:
With increasing censorship and big government, V For Vendetta will likely never be outdated. From the screenwriters of The Matrix gives us even more stylized violence with cool cinematography from the comic book story. Imagine 1984 but as a conspiracy action thriller, with the talented Hugo Weaving as V against Britain’s authoritative control. Much of the style is him delivering one of the most eloquent dialogues from a masked vigilante while taking on this dystopian conspiracy. Natalie Portman is an excellent emotional anchor to this story and bounces off him perfectly.
Conclusion:
There are some aspects of this story that may even see relevant today, particularly the healthcare corruption in the west and increasing censorship of Britain. It speaks to the dark corners of the mind that tin foil mindsets will find appealing, attempting to provide a Tarantino catharsis of a sole warrior saving society. But the film takes itself seriously with a somewhat unbelievable ending. If you nitpick the plot, the whole premise is over romanticized especially the emotional background of V and his motivations, which I suppose you'll have to just agree justifies his rampage. But it will undoubtedly be satisfying for those that want ammunition against fascism, government, corporations. For narrative focused viewers that don’t think of this as a popcorn thriller, it may all feel a bit over the top and convenient. However, there’s a reason for its cult following as this should be the first film moviegoers think of when resisting fascist governments. Remember, remember, the fifth of November!
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Revolutions are bulletproof!