Vigilantes in movies: modern quests for vengeance
For decades, characters who pursue their own forms of justice or retribution have captivated audiences around the world. These films and franchises portray the journeys of modern-day avengers.
V for Vendetta (2005)
Remember, remember! The fifth of November, The Gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reasonWhy the Gunpowder treason should ever be forgot!
In the United Kingdom, people know November 5th by various monikers: Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night, or Firework Night, and they commemorate the events of November 5, 1605. A group of British Catholics conspired to assassinate King James I by placing barrels of gunpowder beneath the Westminster Palace. Guy Fawkes' arrest marked the end of the notorious “Gunpowder Plot”.
The 2005 movie takes inspiration from Alan Moore's thought-provoking graphic novel. Set within a futuristic dystopia, a vigilante wearing a Guy Fawkes mask wages a one-man war against the totalitarian Norsefire Party that rules the country with an iron fist.
During one incident, the masked vigilante known only as “V” (Hugo Weaving) thwarts an assault on Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). Evey's encounter sets her on a path of self-discovery, revealing the truth behind V's origins and motives. From a casual encounter, she transforms into an unexpected ally, bound by a shared mission for liberation and justice.
Although V's conduct is merciless, he also displays a playful demeanor, engaging in a mock sword fight with a suit of armor while watching his beloved movie, The Count of Monte Cristo.
Also, hats off to the scriptwriting prowess of Lily and Lana Wachowski, and to Hugo Weaving for delivering what I consider an unparalleled masterpiece of alliterative monologue in cinematic history:
Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition! The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honor to meet you, and you may call me V.
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Taking justice into your own hands-the aspects of vigilantism
Throughout history, individuals, groups, and organizations have taken matters of justice into their own hands. These are the common features and motivations that drive vigilante actions.
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
The life of Clyde Shelton (Gerald Butler) is irreversibly shattered when he is forced to witness Clarence J. Darby (Christian Stolte) and his accomplice Rupert Ames (Josh Stewart) violate and murder his wife and five-year-old daughter. When the prosecuting attorney, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) fails to deliver the rightful retribution that Shelton seeks, the man embarks on a perilous path of vengeance.
In contrast to the archetype of a vigilante wielding firearms or brute force, Shelton wields a far more sinister arsenal: his intellect. His meticulous planning and surgical precision show the capabilities of the anti-hero.
“Law Abiding Citizen” propels us into an exploration of morality, justice, the consequences of a system's collapse, and the torment that engulfs both the avenger and the innocent bystanders.
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The allure of vigilantes in classic movies
The appeal of morally ambiguous vigilantes has long entranced audiences. These classic narratives follow antiheroes who pursue their unique paths of vengeance and justice.
Taken Trilogy (2008–2014)
I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don’t have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.
I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have is a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.
Fans of Luc Besson’s action-thriller are familiar with the memorable monologue that occurs when Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) confronts one of his daughter's Kim (Maggie Grace), captors.
As the narrative unfolds, we observe Brian Mills' determination to achieve justice and vengeance against those who wronged him, solidifying his status as a modern incarnation of the vigilante archetype that is Dirty Harry.
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Crime-fighters after hours: classic TV vigilantes
Vigilantism not only plays a significant role in movies, but is also a staple on the small screen. In the 1980s and 90s, vigilantes took center stage in various television shows.
John Wick Franchise (2014–2023)
Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, the saga invites audiences to traverse into the world’s shadowy underbelly. Critics lauded the franchise’s portrayal of a criminal underworld, and its unique and intriguing mythology, complete with its own rituals and rules.
In the first movie, John Wick, (Keanu Reeves), a former assassin, seeks vengeance for the theft of his treasured '69 Mustang and the murder of his dog—the last gift from his deceased wife. As the tale unravels, the boundaries of retribution blur and Wick's path descends into a relentless pursuit of justice. A symphony of bullets and bloodshed echoes as he unleashes the lethal prowess of his inner assassin upon those who dare to challenge him.
The popularity of the movies spawned various spin-offs, including a five-issue comic book series released from September 2017 to January 2018. Penned by Greg Pak, the series serves as a prequel to the film franchise and chronicles how John becomes an assassin.
Greg Coolidge, Kirk Ward, and Shawn Simmons developed another prequel titled "The Continental: From the World of John Wick (2023)." This miniseries delves into the backstory of Winston Scott (played by Colin Woodell) and his journey to becoming the proprietor of "The Continental" in New York.
In the spin-off “Ballerina”, scheduled for the summer of 2025, the young assassin Rooney (Ana de Armas) takes revenge for the murder of her family.
Buy "The Empath Series"
“The Empath Series” follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. It is a riveting tale of suspense, emotion, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the empath grapples with his inner demons, the pulse-pounding action and the unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love “The Empath Series”.
