Streaming platforms serve, among other things, to revive movies that are worth revisiting from time to time. This is the case, for example, of Heat, the action thriller that brought together Robert De Niro and Al Pacino like never before in 1995. Netflix is about to remove it from its catalog and the audience is taking advantage of watching it as soon as possible. And it is also the case of V for Vendetta, a movie that is among the most watched on HBO Max.
The VOD service that has brought us Game of Thrones, Succession, and The White Lotus is also specialized in bringing high-level movies, and this is the case of V for Vendetta: a unique thriller that is based on one of the most highly regarded comics in history. Without a doubt, its story is worth it in any format, so we invite you to take a look at it on HBO Max.
The movie that Alan Moore doesn’t even want to mention
The best thing about V for Vendetta is, without a doubt, its fascinating story. Set in a dystopian future, the film focuses on a masked revolutionary, known simply as V, in his fight against a totalitarian government that ravages Britain. V is inspired by the ideas of freedom and justice of the revolutionary Guy Fawkes, and with a mask that pays homage to him, he plans to overthrow the regime through acts of selective and symbolic terrorism.
During his crusade, V crosses paths with Evey Hammond, a young employee of a television station, and involves her in his plans. Together, they challenge the government and awaken the consciousness of the British people, while the police led by Inspector Finch try to stop V and uncover his true identity. The story explores themes such as freedom, oppression, identity, and the power of the individual against the state. V for Vendetta is, therefore, a tale of rebellion and resistance against tyranny.
Although the film adapts Alan Moore’s comic quite well – which is even more excessive in its ideas and forms – the author did not like it at all. In fact, before the release of V for Vendetta, Moore stated: “I prefer not to see the movie. I have no interest in seeing how Hollywood transforms my stories. My work is in the comics“. And it doesn’t seem like his idea has changed afterwards. Despite that, it is undoubtedly a film that honors Moore’s spirit.
Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman against dictatorship
One of the best aspects of the movie is its cast. The protagonists are Hugo Weaving (Matrix, The Lord of the Rings) and Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Star Wars), two of the best actors of the time who came together in a unique and thrilling story.
In fact, Hugo Weaving went through a rigorous preparation process in order to convey the emotions and energy of the character through a mask. Weaving mentioned in an interview: “It was a unique challenge to portray such an expressive character without showing my face. I had to rely heavily on my voice and body posture to convey V’s emotions.”
Not being able to show his face throughout the film, the actor’s work was even more complex, and he undoubtedly portrayed it well in his performance. In fact, he was recognized in several awards afterwards, something unique in a role of this style. Portman, on the other hand, had a titanic job having to bear the weight of the film on her performance, but there is no doubt that she succeeded in the best possible way.
Everything against power
Undoubtedly, V for Vendetta is worth it for its high capacity to provoke reflections on the nature of power, individual freedom, and resistance against oppression. Through a complex narrative and well-developed characters, the film invites the viewer to question authority structures and consider the role of the individual in society. The story of V, an enigmatic freedom fighter in a mask, and his impact on the young Evey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of courage and perseverance in the pursuit of justice.
Although it may not have aged well over the years, and the comic book remains more faithful to Moore’s intended reality, the work of James McTeigue is admirable, and thanks to its iconography, even the Guy Fawkes mask has become a symbol of rebellion against the regime.
