It always amazes me in this movie how deep and emotional Hugo Weaving was able to make the character V without ever being able to see his face. It really speaks for his skills as an actor.

The correlation between you having to carefully choose your words on KZfaq while watching a movie about a government that manipulates and controls people through media is not lost on me at all lol. Great flick!

One of the most amazing things about this film is that it's always relevant. One of the saddest things about this film is that it's always relevant.

V’s vividly vocalized alliterative introduction monologue is just one of the best bits of dialogue ever.

It was a great idea casting John Hurt as the big bad in this as he played the good guy in the 1980s adaptation of "1984."

V for Vendetta trivia The domino scene, where V (Hugo Weaving) tips over black and red dominoes to form a giant letter V, involved 22,000 dominoes. It took four professional domino assemblers 200 hours to set it up. For the scene when V emerges from Larkhill, stunt double Chad Stahelski literally walked through fire, wearing just a special fire resistant gel and a g-string. Stahelski's body temperature had to be lowered before the scene was shot, and luckily, it was three degrees below zero the night of the shoot. Fifteen minutes before a take, he would put on ice cold flame resistant clothing, and once he took them off, he would be covered with fire resistant gel which had been icing all day long. The cast and crew were only allowed to shoot near the British Parliament and Big Ben (the clock tower) from midnight to 4:30 a.m., and they could only stop traffic for four minutes at a time. Certain scenes within this movie feature James Purefoy as V, who was originally cast in the role, but replaced by Hugo Weaving four weeks into filming. Weaving's voice was simply dubbed over Purefoy's performance in post-production. Director James McTeigue said in an interview: "Can I tell the difference? Yeah. Can the audience tell? I doubt it." Evey (Natalie Portman) mentions to Gordon Dietrich (Stephen Fry) that "eggie in the basket" is the same breakfast V (Hugo Weaving) made for her the first morning she spent at his place. She fails to mention (or doesn't notice) that Dietrich and V also greeted her in exactly the same way, not with "good morning", but with "bonjour mademoiselle". Also, Stan Getz is playing in the background in both instances. The Secret Police are called "Fingermen", because the New Order was arranged on the model of the human body. The Chancellor (Sir John Hurt) was the Head; the television station BTN was the mouth; visual and audio surveillance were the Eyes and the Ears; Inspector Finch (Stephen Rea) was part of The Nose, the Police force, and Creedy's (Tim Pigott-Smith's) Secret Police were the Hand. One of the major challenges in this movie was how to bring V to life from under an expressionless mask. Thus, considerable effort was made to bring together lighting, acting, and Hugo Weaving's voice to create the proper mood for the situation. Since the mask muffled Weaving's voice, his entire dialogue was re-recorded in post-production. In the comic, illustrator David Lloyd often subtly changed V's Guy Fawkes mask to suit the mood or tone of a particular scene. The filmmakers considered designing several subtly different masks, but they ultimately decided to alter the shadows and lighting in post-production. The scenes in the abandoned London Underground station were filmed at Aldwych, a Piccadilly line station that closed in 1994. The branch still has tracks and electricity, meaning trains can still operate. The original comic series was created by Alan Moore. However, following his negative experience with From Hell (2001) and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), Moore decided to reject all money and credit from Hollywood on any adaptations of his work. Thus, he gave all the money he would've gotten to the artist who drew the character with him, and rejected his own "created by" credit from the movie. Background checks were conducted on every actor, actress, and technician who carried a weapon in the Parliament Square scenes. The barcodes on each piece of weaponry were scanned, to track the individuals authorized to handle them. All of V's dialogue was dubbed. Initially, a mask was designed with a small microphone inside, and another mic was designed to sit along Hugo Weaving's hairline, but neither worked very well. Natalie Portman looked forward to buzzing her hair, saying she'd wanted to do that for a long time. if you want to see more trivia here is a link m.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/trivia/?ref_=tt_ql_trv

“Now you’re going to kill me.” “I killed you 10 minutes ago while you slept.” This is a amazing film, it’s scary how similar the world has become.

Definitely wasn't expecting the deep emotions and twists in this movie. Amazing stuff.

22:51 The juxtaposition here is amazing. One reborn in fire and death, the other reborn in water and life. It gives me goosebumps every time I see it.

In my Theater class in high school we had to memorize a line or two from a play or movie over a weekend and act it out. I decided to just really challenge myself and did V's V speech of "voila, in view a humble vaudevillian veteran..."

This movie has the rare and unfortunate distinction that it has become MORE relevant since it was released, not less. I yearn for the day when this movie doesn't land like someone saw the future.

Hugo Weaving's performance in this is un-freaking-real. It's emotional, powerful, sensitive, and all of that... And you never see his face. Not once. He does it all with his voice. --Shannon

Man, as someone who loves when you point out how shots are composed (I hardly ever catch that stuff on my own) I'm so so happy you highlighted how beautiful the Valerie/Ruth kiss is. I remember sitting in a friend's detached grey garage when I saw it the first time; I was 15, it was '08, it was the first real kiss between women I'd ever seen in a movie, and it was the best big, cinematic, "movie kiss" I'd ever seen. Like the grandpa talks about in Princess Bride, with the colors the way people talk about colors the first time they saw Wizard of Oz. Dazzles me to this day.

V for Vendetta was written by legendary Alan Moore... Watchmen and Batman: The Killing Joke are his other two works that i love sfm... Loved this reaction as always, waiting for next breaking bad reaction

I look at V for Vendetta as sort-of a modern update of 1984. A vicious attack on fascism/totalitarianism. This film is fun and stylized, and yet crystal clear in its messaging. As you pointed out, this film is getting more relevant every year.

This is not just a movie, it's a mirror, a crooked one, reflecting our world...a little differently. Every year on Nov 5th I watch this movie and for a little bit of time I feel real justice, even if it's not real. But you know whats real, Ideas! And Ideas are bulletproof. Thank you for watching this masterpiece. I strongly urge you read the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore. Great stuff.

"Ideas are bulletproof" If there is only one line to take from this movie then this must be the most powerful one I can think of. Although the 'V' speech is awesome, it is this one that hits the hardest for me. This is not just an action movie - it has words! And concept! And layers! Modern scriptwriters should take notes. And the two main actors? Natalie Portman did a great job, really sold me that character and motivations. But Hugo Weaving made me forget that was a mask and not his real face - I swear I knew what his expressions were everytime he was on screen. Great performance.

This movie always brings tears to my eyes. And I just hope it inspires everyone who watches it. We were meant for more than this.

This film is so underrated. It's becoming more and more impactful with time.

Smiled all the way through your reaction! I love it when people see this film for the first time. This movie came out at a very specific moment in time: post-9/11, war in the Middle East going full-force, a couple of years out from financial collapse. It was also the Wachowskis’ first big project after the Matrix series-writing & producing, not directing-and a big-budget adaptation of an Alan Moore graphic novel published during the ‘80s. (A story with significantly less black and white good vs evil. A difficult story.) It’s sad that the messages of the film continue to be so timely. Thanks for watching with us!

We are always just one generation away from this movie becoming a reality, and we should never forget that

The reveal that it was V who imprisoned her is amazing. Especially when he explains his reason for doing it. Brilliant.

Can't wait to watch this! V for Vendetta is such an underrated movie - big love & respect, James, as usual 🖤

natalie was amazing in this - and that she actually let them shave her head was pretty cool. and she looked good with her head shaved. hugo weaving is also incredible, as he always is. great reaction, james!

I was one of THOSE guys who learnt V's alliterative V-filled speech. Best tongue twister ever.

The parallel of rain and fire is so beautiful. Great editing and soundtrack

MAJOR PROPS to Hugo Weaving for never taking the mask off. It's one of the only examples of a movie where a character actually keeps his mask on. Usually the actor's ego wins and we see their face. Major props for committing to the role!

literally made me say "wait, what?" when i saw the "first time" in the title. long overdue, my friend -- looking forward to your reaction.

One of my favorite movies! The mask he wears is a Guy Fawkes mask. Guy Fawkes was part of the failed "Gun Powder Plot" of 1605 (in England) - where a group plotted to blow up the House of Lords. It failed and Guy was tortured and killed. The story is much longer than that, but he was caught on the 5th of November. I'm not British - so this isn't my wheelhouse. Thanks for this great reaction. Glad you loved it. You are making me want to watch it again. And the actor who played V was played by Hugo Weaving, who also was Mr. Smith in the Matrix films - among many other roles.

I hope all who enjoy this film are also out there voting to try to ensure that this doesn't become our total reality. We're already way too close, as it is

I love this movie. I used to have that whole “V” alliteration speech from the beginning memorized. I’ve since forgotten most of it but I love it all the same. Also, this movie is a bit scary in how relevant it’s theme has become in recent years.

If you haven't already, strong recommendation that you read/watch 1984 at some point. The world takes a lot of cues from 1984's dystopian vision and as someone else mentioned John Hurt being cast as the Big Brother of this universe is a fun casting gag.

I'm quite a life hardened person but this movie gives me chills and feels every time. (Edit) it's a great film with a very strong message that indeed seems very relevant these days. Great reaction.

Perhaps my favorite bit of casting in this movie is John Hurt as the totalitarian dictator Adam Sutler. John Hurt famously played Winston Smith in the movie adaptation of "1984" by Geroge Orwell - a book about a young man living in a horrific totalitarian dictatorship where "Big Brother" is always watching - someone who tries to carve out a life, resist the horros and find love , but (spoilers, I guess) in the end is captured and made to accept and even "love" Big Brother. To cast him here as an old man leading that very kind of totalitarian dictatorship is sheer brilliance, and still sends shivers down my spine. There is lots to love about this movie of course - but this always gets me. Casting Stephen Fry as Gordon Dietrich - a role quite a bit like himself - and showing what happens to someone like him in such a system also aids in impressing the horror and the reality of such systems upon the viewer. Of course, re-framing a religious terrorist who wanted to kill all the british ruling elite to replace them with a catholic monarch as a fighter for freedom is ...a bit misguided . But then this framing is done by primarily by V himself, whose views, motives and means the viewer is not meant to just uncritically agree with (just like Edmond Dantès in "The Count of Monte Christo"), even though fighting against the horrific system depicted is clearly a just cause - so perhaps this misguided re-framing of Guy Fawkes is intended to add another tinge of "wait... what?" to our thinking about his world-view.

natalie portman is such a good actress. shes been amazing in so many roles, from such a young age. this movie is great. i always loved it. has a decent soundtrack too.

One of the best things about this film is something that no one ever mentions in the credits. Every piece of music, every book, and every piece of art seen in this film has been, at one time or another, been under the thumb of censors who tries to ban it. Every single one. Even the fake picture, "God Save the Queen", is based on the cover of the Sex Pistol's album of the same name, and you guessed it, that album was banned at one time.

Aw, my fave line didn’t make the cut; “The only thing you and I have in common, Mr Creedy, is that we’re both about to die.” Such a baller reply.

John Hurt as the bad guy and Hugo Weaving as the "good" guy. Such an amazing movie.

I love this film. I didn't cry when I first saw it, but I cry every time I see it now.

One of my favorites, try to watch it every November

such a goated film, the "god is in the rain" scene is one of my all time favorites, glad you reacted to this flim!

I heavily recommend the graphic novel; it's definitely worth the read and viewing for it's artwork and expanding the character development of other characters not mentioned in the movie!

Just a cool snippet of trivia about this film: Every piece of Art in V’s house has, at one point or another, actually been banned somewhere in the world at some point. Including the music played during the explosions at Old Bailey and Parliament (Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture)

“Freedom of speech nowadays doesn’t have the pursuit for truth but is used to get away with ignorance and false narrative.” Seriously spot on and couldn’t have said it better

my favorite movie of all time. every single actor in this movie absolutely nailed it. The story was dark and had so many twists and turns, while maintaining a very poetic plot. The speech V gives during the TV station takeover gives me chills every time. The scene where V get shot several times and says "My turn" gives me chills every time. for me this movie is as good as it gets.

Watching V For Vendetta and worried how KZfaq takes to the word "terrorism" is some sweet irony lol

Broooo love your insight and commentary! Love that you watch all kinds of movies, sometimes you got to watch an artsy film and sometimes just something cool

I absolutely love the way V speaks in this movie. It happens so fast, but when Evey gets abducted, you see V's red face through the mask which corresponds with his red hands that they showed earlier in the movie. Your reaction wasn't there in the spot, so not sure if you noticed it at all. V technically has superhuman strength and some abilities and why the bullets didn't instantly take him down

Btw I love your passion for your craft n constantly lookin to improve your skill… Mad respect. We gotta constantly look to improve.

Hugo Weaving as V absolutely smashed this movie.

I always look forward to catching your reactions man. I've come long way (all progress) since I started watching your channel. Part of it was due to the energy and support you put out. It's helped me on some of my especially bad days. I hope you're doing well and taking life by the horns you legend! Stay up G I'm looking forward to watching your channel continue growing you deserve it

It's amazing and sad at the same time how this amazing movie from the past is almost mirroring the environment of today. Another one that fits this that you will absolutely love is Equilibrium. An absolutely must see

Yes, V for Vendetta is where Anonymous got the idea for the Guy Fawkes masks. Although they will probably deny that. They only appeared after this movie was a year or more old.

I'm not sure if you picked up on it, but the Gunpowder Plot is a true event in British history. The rhyme Portman recites at the beginning is one just about every Brit knows from childhood. We celebrate every 5th November with bonfires and fireworks.

This was an unexpected BANGER of an experience. Breaking Bad S2 EP 4 & 5 & Edge Runners on the patreon! Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!

The comic book series V for Vendetta which was based off by Alan Moore was really good as well. I do enjoy your reactions from the film maker perspective and looks like you really enjoy movies and film making. I like that the fact that you usually spots stuff or find meaning to a scene where I just miss it entirely because I am just watching the movie. Looking forward to your next reaction.

I have to remind myself that Hugo Weaving, aka Elrond from LOTR and Agent Smith from the Matrix, is V. Still amazes me.

funny hearing "remember remember, the 5th of November" being referred to as rap. It is a 400 year rhyme of a plot to kill the King of England in the early 1600s. The mask represents the chief plotter, Guy Fawkes, an effigy of whom is burned every year on November 5th all over Britain

Crazy it was written in the 80s n it still rings true this very specific time.

Guy Fawkes day is a holiday in England, it commemorates an foiled plot to kill the king. That poem at the beginning is a traditional reading used on that day. The celebration's highlight is burning effigies of Guy Fawkes and big bonfires.

Hugo is an absolute beast in this. We have very few characters who spend 100% of their screen time in a mask, and yet the audience can see them emote as if they aren't wearing a mask. It's a shame that Alan Moore (the author of the comic) is so anti Hollywood, that he refused to watch this or the Watchmen. I respect his stance, but I also think he let the first few adaptations sour his expectations so much, that he refused to watch the good ones.

Let’s go! There’s some seriously brilliant writing in this film, so glad you watched this James! Can’t wait to see your thoughts🤍

There is a theory I really like about Valerie actually being V. It was their old self who died in that cell and they were reborn as V. Looking at the story with that in mind gives it a whole new perspective.

This was my favorite film for a very long time. These days I have favorites in each genre but V for Vendetta is still incredibly high regarded in my book.

Valerie's story was an achingly sad short film in itself that hit hard especially being a queer person in the UK. That very last inch of us... Loved it so much I used it as an auditioning monologue.

This movie is so great, so happy you reacted to it! Great video as always brethren, hope all is good with you ✌️

Bro stays steady with the entertainment and insight. Podcast is that logical next step

I don’t look at a lot of movies but this was one I did see and I enjoyed your reaction to it! Pure dopeness🔥🔥🔥 And you spoke pure truth at the end❗️

Oooh this was unexpected, but a very welcome surprise. Love this movie, and of course, it was only just the 5th of November! Perfect!

Unless you’ve seen it. You really owe it to yourself to watch 1984(the 1984 version). It’s a masterpiece 👍

V is very smart and cunning but also understandably crazy with seething rage. He's like Batman and The Joker in one character able to execute complicated long term plans but also embraces anarchy.

It’s by far the most perfect movie but remains to this day as my favourite! I think it has a really good cult following and like you said the layers and cinematography in this is absolutely perfect

Yoooo this is the first time I think I've seen you not catch a freaking twist lol I'm glad it caught you

To see the waves this movie made in our real world. Look up 5th of november and anonymous. Honestly my favourite movie of all time. Every second feels like a piece of art on multiple levels the entire movie is composed like a piece of music from going calm and steady to explosive outbursts. Because of this at times the movie may feel slow in progression yet every second feels important from a narritive point of view but also because you don't wanna miss the message(s) this movie is sending your way on a more profound level. V is soo outlandish, yet apart from him every person in this movie feels real and I mean scary real. The struggle for change, the way the thugs behave at the start. The symbolism in this movie is out of this world. The prison scene with eve is damn. Especially the realization after. One of the best lines in film history ideas are bulletproof. This movie has too many strong points. Hugo Weaving was amazing, but honestly the entire cast was amazing.

James you provided the best quote "if only right?! If only" I feel that 💯

You always have good vibes man, thank you for the video.

Love this flick (especially at election time) and was rewatching some scenes today. Great to see you drop a reaction!

Somehow for the past 17 years I was convinced that I’ve watched this movie. And I’m sitting here watching your reaction realizing that I infact have not. Now I’m wondering what movie I had this confused with this whole time. Lol

In the U.K. so I went to the bonfire night celebrations on the 5th. Took my son for the first time, had some hotdogs watched the fireworks and chilled in front on the fire. Good day

Fucking sweet, I'm going to enjoy seeing what you think of this classic.

Great performance from Hugo Weaving. Without a face acting with his voice, hands and movements.

This nursery rhyme is about the Gunpowder Plot which took place on the 5th November in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his co conspirators attempted and failed to blow up the Houses Of Parliament.

Remember Remember the 5th of November ect is a saying / song from England, it is referring to bonfire night or Guy Falks night, when in 1605 Guy Falks and his friends plotted to blow up king James the 1st and the Government by putting barrels of gun powder under the houses of Parliament, it failed and they got caught ,Guy falks hung but before they could kick the stool from him he jumped so his neck would instantly break saving himself from slow stranglation. We have bonfires and fire works every year here in England to celebrate it as it happened in England. Oh yes and the mask he wears is of Guy Falks, which have now become very popular especially since 2020.

One of my favorite films. I was late to the party in seeing this. I first saw it on KZfaq years ago and watched it multiple times until it was taken down. I had read the novel first but it was around two years before I actually watched it. Glad you're got to watch this. Appreciate your channel!

One of my favorites of all time! Great reaction my dude 💯

Yessss I been waiting on this one right here!!

A great reaction/analysis of a criminally overlooked movie.

This film and the graphic novel are so incredibly powerful.

November the 5th poem is a real poem by Guy Fawkes (Bonfire Day) from the UK. It celebrates the day he got caught??? I believe. I know as little about it as the British know about our Independence Day.

This movie rules. The Matrix was amazing but I think THIS is the Wachowskis best film. Everything is on point.

Hyped for this reaction man!.

Let's go! Can't wait to see you react to this!

The quality of the actors is off the charts.

I’m so happy people suddenly started to react to this movie. Imo one of the best movies,not everyones cup of tea ofc,but hell it’s good.

This is one of my favorite comic book movies. I am excited to see your reaction.

27:43 the masks are based off of Guy Fawkes! You'd be surprised just how much this film leans on the history of Guy Fawkes and the 5th of November (we celebrate bonfire night on this date in England because of Guy Fawkes' plot failing)

I just remember ,for no reason whatsoever , two comedys that i had forgot ,and i think that deserve attention. 1999 blue streak , and 1997 nothing to lose. I really enjoyed those back in the day.

This is arguably one of the best superhero movies ever made. Thanks again for your reaction and sorry for the late post. ❤

I can't remember if they explicitly say it anywhere in the movie but in case they don't - on the 5th of November 1605 a guy named Guy Fawkes as part of what's known as The Gunpowder Plot tried to blow up hundreds of barrels of gunpowder below the houses of parliament while it was in session, the main target was the king. The mask is a Guy Fawkes mask and the outfit is based around catholic dress of the time, the plot failed anyway nothing got blown up and it turned into a national holiday where we set off fireworks every Nov 5th.

So much about this movie and the graphic novel it's based on is done so well, but one subtle thing I love about this movie is that the only time the chancellor is shown NOT on a screen he is epitome of scared and afraid, but at all other times behind the safety of the giant looming screen he attempts to project power through invoking fear.