Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited Free First Class Delivery. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
60 used & new from £1.00

Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006]
 
See larger image
 

V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006]

DVD ~ Natalie Portman
4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (192 customer reviews)
RRP: £20.99
Price: £4.98 & eligible for Free UK delivery on orders over £5 with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £16.01 (76%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In stock.
Items for dispatch to UK will be sold by Amazon's Preferred Merchant. (Why?) Gift-wrap available.

19 new from £2.59 40 used from £1.00 1 collectible from £2.99
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006] + Serenity [DVD] [2005] + Equilibrium [DVD] [2003]
Total RRP: £58.97
Price For All Three: £14.94

Show availability and shipping details


What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006]
89% buy the item featured on this page:
V for Vendetta [DVD] [2006] 4.2 out of 5 stars (192)
£4.98
V For Vendetta [DVD]
4% buy
V For Vendetta [DVD] 4.0 out of 5 stars (1)
£7.78
Serenity [DVD] [2005]
3% buy
Serenity [DVD] [2005] 4.4 out of 5 stars (316)
£5.98
Firefly - The Complete Series [DVD] [2003]
2% buy
Firefly - The Complete Series [DVD] [2003] 4.8 out of 5 stars (395)
£13.98

Product details

  • Actors: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, John Hurt, Stephen Fry
  • Format: PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: 15
  • Studio: Warner Home Video
  • DVD Release Date: 31 Jul 2006
  • Run Time: 133 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (192 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B000B83Z4O
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1,637 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

    Popular in this category:

    #38 in  DVD > DVD Bargains > The Warner List

Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
"Remember, remember the fifth of November," for on this day, in 2020, the minds of the masses shall be set free. So says code-name V (Hugo Weaving), a man on a mission to shake society out of its blank complacent stares in the film V For Vendetta. His tactics, however, are a bit revolutionary to say the least. The world in which V lives is very similar to Orwell's totalitarian dystopia in 1984: after years of various wars, England is now under "big brother" Chancellor Adam Sutler (played by John Hurt, who ironically played Winston Smith in the movie 1984) whose party uses force and fear to run the nation. After gaining power, minorities and political dissenters were rounded up and removed; artistic and unacceptable religious works were confiscated. Cameras and microphones are littered throughout the land, and the people are perpetually sedated through the governmentally controlled media. Taking inspiration from Guy Fawkes, the 17th century co-conspirator of a failed attempt to blow up Parliament on November 5, 1605, V dons a Fawkes mask and costume and sets off to wake the masses by destroying the symbols of their oppressors, literally and figuratively. At the beginning of his vendetta, V rescues Evey (Natalie Portman) from a group of police officers and has her live with him in his underworld lair. It is through their relationship where we learn how V became V, the extremities of the party's corruption, the problems of an oppressive government, V's revenge plot and his philosophy on how to induce change.

Based on the popular graphic novel by Alan Moore, V For Vendetta's screenplay was written by the Wachowski Brothers (of The Matrix fame) and directed by their protégé James McTeigue. Controversy and criticism followed the film since its inception, from the hyper-stylized use of anarchistic terrorism to overthrow a corrupt government and the blatant jabs at the current US political arena, to graphic novel fans complaining about the reconstruction of Alan Moore's original vision (Moore himself has dismissed the film). Many are valid critiques and opinions, but there's no hiding the message the film is trying to express: Radical and drastic events often need to occur in order to shake people out of their state of indifference in order to bring about real change. Unfortunately, the movie only offers a means with no ends, and those looking for answers may find the film stylish, but a bit empty. --Rob Bracco

Synopsis
From DC comics and the Wachowski Brothers (THE MATRIX) comes this tale of revolution in an England of the future, one that has become fearful and fascist; anyone different, from homosexuals to free thinking artists are black bagged and subjected to torture and inhumane medical experiments. Hugo Weaving stars as V, the mysterious masked avenger who carries knives, has lightning reflexes, lots of explosives, and intentions to blow up Parliament. He's also on a vendetta against the evil powermongers who made him the lonely monster he is. Innocent waif Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) is saved by V and winds up hiding out in his nifty secret lair, which is filled with forbidden books, art and a jukebox that plays Cat Power and Julie London's 'Cry Me a River'. Meanwhile there's a hangdog police inspector (Stephen Rea) picking up their trail, and a plethora of evil British government types regularly bullied into action by the intensely odious Grand Chancellor (John Hurt). Director James McTiegue keeps all these events unfolding at a hypnotically rhythmic pace, like the burning of a long, unstoppable fuse. Some may balk at the film's seemingly pro-explosive, pro-terrorist stance, but to look deeper is to realise the film merely provides a funhouse mirror of our actual messed up world, something that is true of all the best science fiction. V certainly fits that category, especially with Natalie Portman in the lead, as lovely and riveting an actress as a beleaguered nation could ever hope for.


Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Serenity [DVD] [2005]

Serenity [DVD] [2005]

DVD ~ Nathan Fillion
4.4 out of 5 stars (316)  £5.98
Equilibrium [DVD] [2003]

Equilibrium [DVD] [2003]

DVD ~ Christian Bale
4.2 out of 5 stars (132)  £3.98
Aeon Flux The Movie [DVD] [2005]

Aeon Flux The Movie [DVD] [2005]

DVD ~ Charlize Theron
3.2 out of 5 stars (36)  £3.98
V for Vendetta: New Edition

V for Vendetta: New Edition

by Alan Moore
4.4 out of 5 stars (52)  £9.99
The Prestige [DVD] [2006]

The Prestige [DVD] [2006]

DVD ~ Christian Bale
4.2 out of 5 stars (120)  £3.98
Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
Check the boxes next to the tags you consider relevant or enter your own tags in the field below

Your tags: Add your first tag
 

 

Customer Reviews

192 Reviews
5 star:
 (111)
4 star:
 (35)
3 star:
 (23)
2 star:
 (12)
1 star:
 (11)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (192 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
77 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Subtle Triumph, 18 May 2006
By Matthew Winn "Realist" (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Having been a fan of the graphic novel for many years I was interested to see how exactly the Wachowski's intended to translate Moore's early 90's view of the future into a believable concept for the twentieth century. Despite what most of the purists may say, Moores original view of totalitarian britain has aged somewhat, and an exacttranslation of the graphic novel onto the silver screen would have been far too esoteric and inaccessable for those who had not been previously introduced to the material. What we have here the is an adaptation of the original concept of the novel, with some of the plot points rearranged and characters redrawn, in order to fit a movie format, and to better explore the intricacies of this fascist police state. Whereas moore portrayed a world where the government is in complete control, both of the nation and the hearts and minds of the citizenry, the Wachowski's have altered this somewhat. What we have now is a government that controls through deception and spin, by creating fear in the populace and presenting Anglo-christian based national socialism as the cure for all ills. This is in contrast to moores vision where the government rules by intimidation and violence, the citizens of britain are brow beaten dogs utterly submissive and incapable of thought, in this movie the populace have simply been kept in the dark and are awaiting someone to turn the light on. Enter V.

What makes this film such a triumph is it's assertion that no matter how entrencehd a governments control becomes, there are always going to be people who question them always people who look at the world and sense something is wrong. People know when they're being lied to, know when spin becomes outright lies and are perfectly capable of standing for their own rights. Of course V's attacks act as the catalyst for this process ut the ultimate act of herosim is performed by the public.
Yes there are better action films, yes there are better films that question the world we live in, but very few do both with such style and grace. This time the wachowski's managed to of their message without recourse to big black coats and rage against the machine music. Rebellion isn't just for angry teenagers- it must be for everyone.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent modern version of 1984, 24 Oct 2006
By M. Wilkinson (Portsmouth, Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
The movie is set in 2020 and shows an England under the oppressive thumb of a fascist, oppressive dictatorship. It draws a lot from dystopian stories of the past, notably George Orwell's 1984.... IN the movie 1984 John Hurt played the ordinary man oppressed by his government trying to beat the system - in this he plays the fascist dictator forcing the system down everyone elses throats as High Chancellor Suttler. What gives the book a modern flavour (and arguably weakens the message) is that the situation is not hopeless. Fight the power is the message V takes to his heart. I must confess I fell deeply in love with the character V after he'd only said about 3 sentences as he is an intelligent and educated hero. No 'hasta la vista, baby' here, just shakespearean quotes and clever linguistic gymnastics - other people have mentioned the famous alliteration speech (nearly every word starts with V in it) - you can find it it online, it really is amusing. Other reviewers mentioned that its stylish though empty though I found it otherwise, V makes good points, listen carefully to his speech when he hacks his way on to the airwaves to broadcast what the propaganda machine later calls a message of hate, he expertly sums up how politicians hoodwink the masses through psychological sleight of hand. Listen to his explanation of how symbols are given power by people.

Hugo weaving plays V with class and humility - I say that because the character never reveals his face, in the book he is even more mysterious as its hinted that he might not even be prisoner number 5 (roman numeral V) from the Larkhill concentration camp. Natalie Portman's performance is strong despite her imperfect accent.

The action is fast paced and without giving anything away, if you haven't read the graphic novel there are parts of the movie that will blow your mind. I watched the movie several times in the first week I'd purchased it and its hard to praise it highly enough. Its amazing. An interesting aspect is how an oppressive government can gain power by offering freedom FROM terrorism (very relevent for the current political climes) and FROM things like homosexuality and religious extremism, just remember that a good healthy government offers freedom TO do things, not freedom 'from' things.

The acting is superb, stephen rea as police chief finch elegantly underplays his role as the besieged policeman trying to do whats right in a world gone wrong, Weaving is chivalrous but dark as V and natalie portman shines as Evie. Sublime. Magnificent. A modern classic with a lesson for our times.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A film with a powerful message for our times!, 2 Nov 2007
This is just a Must See movie, as it has a powerful message apt for the times in which we are living. Though V himself is taking personal revenge in the way of killing the leaders in control, his appeal to people is not one of violence. He appeals to people to wake up from their slumber and stand up against the endless lies and brutality of the regime. That this is the message is clearly seen in his speeches as well as the way in which the people respond to it.

The scene at the end of the film where thousands of people, young and old march unarmed, hand in hand against the oppressors and the troops, is an extremely powerful message and reminiscent of the power of Gandhi's message of non-violence and civil disobedience.

As this non-violent uprising culminates in the film on the 5th of November, it is a timely reminder to go out and buy this video and let the message sink in.

As a follow up reading "1984" by George Orwell, is eerily close in describing the fascist society that is shown in the film and sadly also close to the way things are going. The book "Political Ponerology" is another recommendable book that details the process by which a society gets to become a totalitarian state.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars More Fact Than Fiction
Three years after the film release and where are we?

DNA databases, ID cards to be introduced, bombardment of tv and radio advertisements from Nanny State telling me... Read more
Published 1 month ago by I See Dumb People

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous!
After ordering V for Vendetta I took a few minutes to read through the other reviews here on Amazon, both the good and the bad. Read more
Published 4 months ago by MM

1.0 out of 5 stars One Vendetta You'll Quickly Forgetta...
Very strange film. Tries incredibly hard - too hard.

Can't quite put my finger on why it remains so unengaging throughout, especially if you compare it to the first... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Man Without a Soul

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply a masterpiece
There have been a lot of DC comic adaptations over the past ten years, all starting with the now familiar comic book ident... Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. S. Meins

5.0 out of 5 stars Revolution !
What a fantastic film. I saw the end of this film on sky movies one night and decided I had to see it all and bought the DVD. I was not disappointed ! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kate Allen

4.0 out of 5 stars Ok if you ignore its roots
Like many reviewers I read the graphic novel before watching the film. If I were to judge the film as a faithful translation of the book then it'd be getting 2 stars maximum. Read more
Published 6 months ago by J. Bloss

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent fare, but lacking
I haven't read the book and was approaching this as a film on its own merits and whilst I found it undoubtedly entertaining, the plot lacks any of the necessary depth to elevate... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. S. A. Brown

5.0 out of 5 stars Great movie
An epic cult classic that will withstand the sands of time and like a great wine will only get better with age.
Published 6 months ago by S. Mc Cormick

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic story of people power
I am not a fan of David Moore and therefore have no pre-conceived idealism as to how this story was taken from the graphic novel and put to celluloid. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Casca Watcher

1.0 out of 5 stars yawn
YAWN, WHAT IS THIS ABOUT I COULD NOT MAKE HEAD NOR TALE OF IT I WAS RECOMENDED THIS BY A FRIEND WHO SAID IT WAS GREAT, YEAH GREAT FOR CURING SLEEPLESSNESS INSOMNIA.
Published 6 months ago by A. Thornton

Only search this product's reviews



Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
Greatest U.S. tv series? 138 3 minutes ago
best comedy film ever? 30 42 minutes ago
Movie where supporting actor outshines lead? 15 53 minutes ago
worst film you've ever seen ? 401 4 hours ago
what's been the scariest film you have seen? 26 4 hours ago
Secret Dairy of a call Girl 2 5 hours ago
Best Shoot Outs... 80 22 hours ago
   
Related forums


Listmania!


Look for similar items by category


Feedback


Health & Beauty at Amazon.co.uk

Elemis Resurface and Renew Skin Care Gift Set of 4 Products
From soap to shavers, massagers to mascara, stock up on your daily essentials or truly pamper yourself.

Discover Health & Beauty

 

Up to 75% off Shoes

Shoe Clearance - 75% off Shoes
Save up to 75% on shoes for the whole family.

Shop clearance shoes

 

Up to 53% off Braun Series Shavers

Braun Series 3 390cc Clean & Renew System Rechargeable Foil Electric Shaver
Get in touch with your smooth side with Braun Series shavers, now with Gillette blade technology.

Discover Braun Series at Amazon.co.uk

 

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

Learn more about Gift Certificates

 
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.

Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates