V For Vendetta

[livin4lax09]

Anyone go to see this movie yet? I went last night at a special 10 o'clock screening, and I thought it was amazing. Not a movie to go to if you're looking for a typical action movie, or your shoot-em-up gunfights. Pretty deep movie, with a lot of controversial subjects covered. One VERY sick fight scene at the end of the movie though. Definitely buying this one when it comes to DVD.

[marflax33]

my bro and me are going saturday nite. he turned 18 (YAY) unlimited R rated movies at the theatre. i cant wait to go. but i must admit natalie portman bald is a scary subject.

[franks2089]

I will probably go see it within the week with friends.

[Mavido]

I really want to see it, and would have but my school is doing grease the musical, and they did a really really good job... but i'll probly see v for vendetta in a few days, maybe tomorow night.

[aussielax]

Yeah I want to see it as well, we are always a bit behind bringing films out down here so it doesn't come out for another 2 week's so looks like i will have to wait.

[enjoi]

Amazing film. Its awesome.

Republicans won't like it though.

[kryptic]

I could have seen the special preview showing the day before, but funds were diverted...to the airgun.

[tiplax]

it looks good. i'm going in a few minutes to go see it

[exile lacrosse]

i might go see it with my english class, but if we dont ill prolly see it at the movies. it looks amazing.

[wolvenfire]

def. thinking of seeing this moive looks like a great moive

[Monzo]

I thought it was great. Definitely worth seeing.

[Frndlefire]

like the Matrix, it kind of suffers from superficially deep messages (you feel smart for drawing lines, but after the lines are drawn their isn't anything deeper than that), but it was good. I saw it in the IMAX which played up the visual wow, but they almost entirely stayed away from matrix-esque special effects. There is only one part of the movie that really makes use of such stuff. It was probably also the most political movie I've seen in the theatre in....a very long time. They were hardly subtle
edit: rereading my review doesn't seem very positive. I think they did a very good job on it. Go see it.

[truste1]

I did not like it at all, the whole anti-Bush, anti-Christianity, etc. stuff bothered me. I knew I was going to see a political movie but I was also expecting more action. Oh well.

[enjoi]

I did not like it at all, the whole anti-Bush, anti-Christianity, etc. stuff bothered me. I knew I was going to see a political movie but I was also expecting more action. Oh well.
You pretty obviously didn't get it.

Its anti-establishment as the main character is an anarchist. Of course the whole movie will be VERY anti-establishment. Of course it will be anti-any government. As to religion though, V never went over his hate for religion. Just killing that one Bishop.
As to how they felt specifically about the Bush administration, I couldn't even see the parallels except for when they mention the "american's war going badly". It seems as though the republicans in the crowd immediately felt it was an attack on them, when it was more an attack on fascism and intolerance (which V specifically states at one point). But could it be the interior spying that he does (like the chancellor with those vans). I DON'T KNOW <_<

I mean if the movie was anti-war, anti-hate, anti-discrimination, why does that mean it was bad? As far as I can tell that was the point of the movie. Hate and discrimination of those different from us is just a slippery slope to a fascist state. V (who has seemingly infinite resources) was defedning those who couldn't defend themselves from an overbearing larger power. I think America needed a movie like this, although the graphic novel had a much much better storyline.

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***A better more well explained version
Before I move on with the actual review of the film, let me state a few things. One, I will try to keep this review free of major spoilers, but a few minor ones may slip out from time to time, so be warned. Two, this movie involves several political themes. Discuss them if you'd like, but keep them relevant to the movie itself. Thanks.

Hard-line Republicans will hate this movie. The mentions of "the former United States" and "the war that America started" are not major themes of the movie, but are thrown in to paint it with a modern splash of color that ultimately removes us from being able to escape into fantasy. The directors make it quite clear that they do not want this movie to be an escape, but a warning of how things could become.

That said, I could not personally suspend disbelief to that extent. The level of political discourse that exists in our world, and especially in Britain, makes it seem impossible to reach this extent of cruelty. But then, it's not as if the hard left will be pleased with this movie either; it runs the dangerous risk of associating their current views with the eventual need for terrorism and the killing of innocents, so they're left with little choice but to approach any level of political enthusiasm cautiously.

In V for Vendetta, years of war and biological viral weapons have led to the creation of a new level in the British government: High Chancellor. In this world, obviously inspired by Orwell's 1984, curfews are imposed and the government controls everything from the sale of foods to what is shown in the media outlets. Standing against all of this is V, a mysterious man wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, who spreads political dissent through media channels as readily as he spreads explosives. He's also quite handy with a knife.

And since it focuses on so many hot-button issues, this is only in part a "comic book" movie. While the action scenes are done very much in an action-oriented style (courtesy of the Wachowski brothers of Matrix fame), all that comes between those scenes are more in the style of a drama or psychological thriller. The abject creepiness of V's mask haunts the entire film, but the audience eventually learns to look past it, to see it as a part of his character, and even a necessary role. As he reminds us, the face behind the mask does not matter nearly as much as the idea behind it.

And what are these ideas? That the government should be afraid of its people, not the other way around. That extreme measures must be taken. That ideas are invincible. While all of these are noble, the movie sometimes gets too pleased with its own superior sense of morality and overstates its points. I agreed with the points at face-value, but the film for some reason seemed to feel the need to hammer away at them, as if it had something to prove. And perhaps, to some audiences, it does; but I doubt those audiences will like the movie in any case.

Given that it is, in fact, a superhero movie, a hero must exist. The hero is V, of course, but in a more poignant way (and one of the more subtle bits of symbolism in the film), the hero is society. The hero is each and every individual that has the courage to say what they think regardless of the risk it may put them at. My particular screening involved a trailer for Superman Returns, in which Jor-El's haunting voice tells us, "They can be a great people... if they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way." In this, it struck me that V for Vendetta is almost the mirror image of Superman's themes. The real inspiration behind the character is in his ability to rally the people to do great things; the difference is that while Superman encourages being kind to your fellow man, V encourages placing explosives on historic landmarks.

In all, this movie will leave you with what you went in with. If you expect a satisfying superhero movie, you will get it, though a tad different from your usual Batman fare. If you expect a commentary on current politics, you'll get that too. If you want to see an interesting thriller, that's present as well. And if you're one of those who thinks the movie is blatantly promoting terrorism? Well, I couldn't say you were wrong (though I would say you've missed the point). But the strength of the movie lies in its openness, to facilitate discussion and remember the importance of individual strength.
http://stevencwatts.newsvine.com/_news/2006/03/18/138557-v-for-vendetta-review

[BTlaxripper]

PLEASE PUT SPOILER WARNINGS IN YOUR POSTS PLEASE!

Sorry but I don't want it to be ruined for me, like the Lord of War thread.

[goalieskcickay]

Just killing that one Bishop.


If the movie is anything like the comic, that guy deserved worse than he got. :angry:

[b-waterlax]

I watched a show on the movie last night. It is apparently based on a book written long before this current war and other similarities. Although it shows some really similar parts to today, it wasnt originally made for todays politics. Yocould say this is like propaganda. This is all based on my experience watching the show, I do plan on seeing teh movie very soon.

[Formerlaxdemon]

I grew up in and was raised in England so Guy Fawkes is something I grew up knowing about. I saw the film today with my brother and enjoyed it greatly. I hesitate to comment on specifics so as to not give the film away, but it is a very well put together film.

[Garor]

I really liked it. You can definately see some how the Matrix influenced it (even though this was written before the Matrix Trilogy). Not as action packed as I thought it would be, but good none the less. Very much like 1984.

[exile lacrosse]

i just saw it a few hours ago. amazing, amazing movie. i dont want to give anything away except that you really have to go see it.

[ColtsLax]

Just got back. Very orwellian. And as a republican, i enjoyed it a lot. I saw very little attacks on the conservative party. If anything, the whole big Government is a liberal idea taken to the extreme.

As a movie goes, very good, and natalie portman is so hot. But not hot in a "bang her brains out" sort of way, but more of a "i want to marry you and wake up to your face" sort of way.

[JoshM]

I just saw this posted on a blog-type website:

Hell, look at the bull brewing over V for Vendetta? It's a project that started 10 years ago. About a comic book from 25 years ago. About another nation, another government. A make believe government that went all Nazi-ish and gestapo.

Now, a guy blowing up what is essentially a Nazi government where they torture and control every aspect of your world and you HAVE NO RIGHTS should be seen as a HERO right? But what does the media and government in america call the people in the movie? AL QAEDA SYMPATHIZERS. What the f***?!

Does anyone get the severity of those statements? They are now demonizing people who support overthrowing FICTIONAL governments that are evil, horrifying and brutal dictatorships?! How f****** backwards and "unamerican" is THAT?!

[ColtsLax]

I just saw this posted on a blog-type website:
damn liberal media...always have a stick up their butts

[jackattack]

You pretty obviously didn't get it.

Its anti-establishment as the main character is an anarchist. Of course the whole movie will be VERY anti-establishment. Of course it will be anti-any government. As to religion though, V never went over his hate for religion. Just killing that one Bishop.
As to how they felt specifically about the Bush administration, I couldn't even see the parallels except for when they mention the "american's war going badly". It seems as though the republicans in the crowd immediately felt it was an attack on them, when it was more an attack on fascism and intolerance (which V specifically states at one point). But could it be the interior spying that he does (like the chancellor with those vans). I DON'T KNOW <_<

I mean if the movie was anti-war, anti-hate, anti-discrimination, why does that mean it was bad? As far as I can tell that was the point of the movie. Hate and discrimination of those different from us is just a slippery slope to a fascist state. V (who has seemingly infinite resources) was defedning those who couldn't defend themselves from an overbearing larger power. I think America needed a movie like this, although the graphic novel had a much much better storyline.

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***A better more well explained version

http://stevencwatts.newsvine.com/_news/2006/03/18/138557-v-for-vendetta-review


although one could argue for the anit christianaity allegroical value of the film, i believe it was present, but he killed the bishop for how corupt he was, and not because he was mearly the bishop

[JoshM]

damn liberal media...always have a stick up their butts
Huh? How is that relevant?

[ohlax51]

I did not like it at all, the whole anti-Bush, anti-Christianity, etc. stuff bothered me. I knew I was going to see a political movie but I was also expecting more action. Oh well.

We need more movies like this, not neccessarily anti bush movies but movies that make you think. It seems like there has been a death of intellectualism in pop culture now a days. Im actually suprised the bush administration didnt put the writers in guantanamo bay by now(joke).

[ColtsLax]

Huh? How is that relevant?
Huh? why cant you understand sarcasm?

[enjoi]

Just got back. Very orwellian. And as a republican, i enjoyed it a lot. I saw very little attacks on the conservative party. If anything, the whole big Government is a liberal idea taken to the extreme.

As a movie goes, very good, and natalie portman is so hot. But not hot in a "bang her brains out" sort of way, but more of a "i want to marry you and wake up to your face" sort of way.
Ah not so much. Facists are very much right-wing.

Complete control is a very extremeist viewpoint no matter which way you look at it.

[JoshM]

Huh? why cant you understand sarcasm?
Oh, sorry, I didn't realize that was sarcasm.

[Frndlefire]

We need more movies like this, not neccessarily anti bush movies but movies that make you think. It seems like there has been a death of intellectualism in pop culture now a days. Im actually suprised the bush administration didnt put the writers in guantanamo bay by now(joke).
if 1984 was written today as a movie instead of a book it wouldn't get made unless backed by big names. Hollywood today doesn't care about making movies with lasting value...financial gain is more important and such movies don't make money unless they're about the holocaust.

[Mavido]

Pretty phat movie... pretty deep if i do say so myself. Worth the time/money. I'll probly see it again.

[ColtsLax]

Oh, sorry, I didn't realize that was sarcasm.
Just for the future, any referance to the liberal media bias is to be considered sarcasm until otherwise noted.


BTW, thats a lot of explosives on that train, how did the people not get hit with falling debris?

[Fartman]

As a movie goes, very good, and natalie portman is so hot. But not hot in a "bang her brains out" sort of way, but more of a "i want to marry you and wake up to your face" sort of way.

i know exactly what you mean. garden state did that to me. but back on track... i'm dying to see this movie. i'm gonna go this weekend.

[ahslax18]

why did they have to make natalie shave her head :-(

[dragonlax]

i saw it yesturday with some kids on the team it is def one of the better movies ive seen later. im prob going to go see it again with my girl and maybe again with the kids i play summer ball with. (i really found it that good)

[livin4lax09]

This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-à-vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V

[Frndlefire]

This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-à-vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V
V's language, particularly this speach, got to me a little. Yes, I realize the intent behind this...but it just got to me. It was just so unnatural.

[ColtsLax]

V's language, particularly this speach, got to me a little. Yes, I realize the intent behind this...but it just got to me. It was just so unnatural.
the repetetive V sound was very effective and V himself was very Shakespeareian, it almost to hard to follow when he did that.

[livin4lax09]

V's language, particularly this speach, got to me a little. Yes, I realize the intent behind this...but it just got to me. It was just so unnatural.

I think that's the whole point. It was incredibly unnatural and obviously rehearsed. He was a performer.

[Frndlefire]

I think that's the whole point. It was incredibly unnatural and obviously rehearsed. He was a performer.
right, I understand...I just think it was annoying. like "ok...I get the point, now you don't have to pound it into the ground"

[RedRaider26]

Amazing film. Its awesome.

Republicans won't like it though.

as a bona-fide registered Republican I can assure you that I love character depth and explosions

[enjoi]

as a bona-fide registered Republican I can assure you that I love character depth and explosions
It was the whole "OMG THEY ARE TRYING TO SAY WE ARE FASCISTS" aspect.