Watch John Doe: Vigilante
- R
- 2014
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.5 (8,706)
John Doe: Vigilante is a 2014 Australian thriller directed by Kelly Dolen and starring Jamie Bamber, Lachy Hulme, and Gary Abrahams. This movie examines the controversial and complex topic of vigilantism in society. The concept of the movie revolves around John Doe, a mysterious man who takes justice into his own hands by targeting individuals who have committed crimes but have escaped the punishment they deserve. The story begins with a scene where a man is on trial for the murder of a young girl; however, the trial fails to convict the accused, and he walks free. Moments after he leaves the courthouse, he is brutally killed by an unknown assailant. The city is in shock, and the police are trying to find the killer. Suddenly, other criminals also start getting killed in a similar fashion.
It is soon revealed that John Doe is behind it all. The film follows his journey as he goes on a killing spree of criminals, hoping to bring justice to the people who have evaded the law. He becomes a cult hero and a figurehead for those who are angry and frustrated with the shortcomings of the system. His actions stir up a societal debate on the role of law enforcement and the place of vigilantism.
Bamber plays the titular role of John Doe, who is an enigma; no one knows where he came from or what motivates him. His character is a blend of anti-hero and savior, and Bamber pulls it off with conviction. He portrays John Doe as a character that's complex and human, not just a psychopathic killer. John Doe sees himself as a hero, but his actions could also be seen as illegal and immoral. Bamber captures the paradoxical nature of John Doe with skill.
Hulme plays the role of Ken Robertson, a journalist who is covering the story of John Doe. He sees John as a symbol of social justice and writes about him as a hero. However, as the story unfolds, Ken begins to question whether John is crossing the line and becoming a monster. Hulme is fantastic as Ken, and his character adds a layer of cynicism and insight to the story.
Abrahams plays the role of Detective Frank Camper, a cop investigating the murder spree. He is initially portrayed as a hard-edged cop who is determined to capture John Doe; however, he soon realizes that John Doe's actions are not entirely unjustifiable. Abrahams does a great job of portraying the character's internal struggle between doing what is right and doing what is legal.
The cinematography of the movie is excellent, with the use of shadow and light adding a menacing ambiance to the film. The story is compelling and thought-provoking, asking the audience to question their beliefs on vigilantism and justice. The movie does not glorify killing, but it does make you wonder if there is a place for vigilantism in society.
The movie is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogues seem a bit too edgy, and the script could have been tighter in a few places. However, the performances, the direction, and the story make up for these minor shortcomings.
Overall, John Doe: Vigilante is a thrilling and thought-provoking movie that explores the moral implications of vigilantism in our society. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy crime thrillers and are interested in movies that challenge their beliefs.
John Doe: Vigilante is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.