Controversial film flicks V sign at Western powers

From the archive, first published Wednesday 22nd Mar 2006.

Review: V for Vendetta

PRODUCERS the Watchowski brothers' comic book thriller V for Vendetta is bound to court controversy when it explodes into the screens.

Based on legendary comic book scribe Alan Moore's seminal piece, it is a politically charged film that makes this sub genre movie more than just something to watch while eating popcorn.

Set in a post apocalyptic Britain the film follows enigmatic terrorist V, excellently played by Hugo Weaving, as he uses violence to topple a corrupt fascist government, headed by Chancellor Adam Sutler (John Hurt).

On the way he saves innocent but intelligent waif Evey (a generally good Natalie Portman) and enlists her help.

There's no doubting that V is a thinly veiled attack on the British and American governments' anti-terrorist policies. Some of the scenes, particularly near the end, will touch a nerve after last year's July 7 tube bombings.

Despite a clumsy script James McTeigue solidly directs V. There are also several strange moments, including a bizarre Benny Hill pastiche, but when the films gets serious it really pulls no punches.

Fans of the original comic happy to follow Moore down the path of condemning film versions of his books should note that V for Vendetta is not a direct translation. The Watchowski's (directed the Matrix trilogy) have changed a massive book to fit into a film but it does keep to the spirit of the source material, despite a few forgiveable lapses.

At times poignant, V for Vendetta is a thinking person's comic book film that is well worth a watch.

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