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 reason Why the Gunpowder treason should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night or Firework Night, marks the failed attempt by British Catholics in 1605 to assassinate King James I. using gunpowder hidden beneath the Houses of Parliament. With Guy Fawkes' arrest, the notorious “Gunpowder Plot” was foiled.
The 2005 film draws inspiration from Alan Moore’s thought-provoking graphic novel. In a futuristic dystopia, a vigilante wearing a Guy Fawkes mask wages a one-man war against the totalitarian Norsefire Party. During one incident, the man known only as “V” (Hugo Weaving) thwarts an assault on Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). Over time, Evey transforms into an unexpected ally, bound by a shared mission for liberation and justice.
Despite his cruelty, V has a playful side, shown by his mock sword fight with armor while enjoying The Count of Monte Cristo.
Also, kudos 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. But what exactly are vigilantes, what drives them, and are their actions justified?
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
The life of Clyde Shelton (Gerald Butler) is 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.
Law Abiding Citizen explores morality, justice, systemic failure, and the suffering of both the vigilante and those caught in the crossfire. In contrast to the archetype of a vigilante wielding firearms or brute force, Shelton wields a far more sinister arsenal: his intellect.
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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 vigilantes 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.
- Brian Mills in Taken
Fans of Luc Besson's action thriller will recall the memorable speech given by Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) when confronting one of his daughter Kim's (Maggie Grace) abductors.
The story follows Brian Mills' relentless pursuit of vengeance against those who wronged him, establishing him as a modern vigilante like Dirty Harry.
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Crime-fighters after hours: classic TV vigilantes
Vigilantes not only play a significant role in movies but are 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)
Derek Kolstad's script and Chad Stahelski's direction draw audiences into a shadowy underworld. Critics praised the franchise for its intriguing and original mythology, a system complete with unique rituals and rules.
The first John Wick movie features Keanu Reeves as a former assassin who seeks revenge after thieves stole his beloved '69 Mustang and killed his dog, a gift from his late wife. 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 sequels and 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.
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If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love “The Empath Series”.
