V for Vendetta

REVIEW:

Remember, Remember the 5th of November—a poem that’s part of my heritage as a Brit. It commemorates the Gunpowder Plot, with Guy Fawkes as its infamous figure. But thanks to V for Vendetta, those words resonate on a whole new level, adding depth to what Bonfire Night represents for me now. This incredible movie, which I hadn’t seen until now, was a perfect choice for the 5th of November. While I knew the film had some connection to Fawkes, I was curious to see how it would blend history with dystopian fiction—and I wasn’t disappointed.

The story opens with a powerful scene of Guy Fawkes’s capture and execution before hurtling us into a bleak, dystopian future of Britain, ruled by a tyrannical regime. Released in 2006, the film’s “futuristic” vision of London, chillingly, doesn’t feel far removed from the world we live in today. This dystopian Britain—plagued by control, fear, and censorship—is presented with such a realistic lens that it makes you question the world around us. Themes of political overreach, surveillance, and misinformation mirror too much of our current reality, making V for Vendetta feel disturbingly relevant.

Based on a DC graphic novel, which I haven’t read so I can’t compare, this film stands strong on its own. I was captivated from start to finish and can already tell it’s one I’ll return to each year. Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of “V” is phenomenal—he’s philosophical, poetic, and heroic, yet enigmatic. His Guy Fawkes mask becomes a symbol not only of resistance but of resilience, and his dialogue is laced with complex ideas about freedom and rebellion. Every word he says carries weight, with a rhythmic flow that feels like poetry, adding a layer of sophistication to his radical character.

The screenplay by the Wachowskis brings a touch of The Matrix to the story, but here, action takes a backseat to the ideas themselves. It’s clear that V for Vendetta doesn’t need to rely on slow-motion action scenes or special effects to be engaging, and that’s no knock on The Matrix, which I love too. The story here is gripping and immersive, and the dialogue keeps you hooked without any need for flashy gimmicks. It’s a testament to both the writing and the direction that the film can engage so powerfully without an overload of action.

Visually, V for Vendetta is stunning and stylistically distinct, with its dark, moody shots of London and rich colour contrasts that add to the atmosphere. There’s a visceral impact in scenes of protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks, their faces united against oppressive authority. The themes—power, rebellion, and the fight for freedom—feel like they could be lifted from our headlines, with the plot addressing political corruption, virus outbreaks, and war in ways that hit hard in today’s climate.

Natalie Portman delivers a brilliant performance as Evey, capturing the character’s journey from fear to courage with raw emotion. Her story intertwines beautifully with V’s, and by the end, you can’t help but feel empowered by the film’s message. The ending was so powerful that I almost clapped; there’s a triumphant, moving sentiment of people uniting to challenge their oppressors. I’ve tried to think of a flaw in this film, but honestly, I can’t find one. V for Vendetta is bold, thought-provoking, and unforgettable—a movie I’d highly recommend to anyone, especially if they want a reminder of the power people have when they stand together.