V for Vendetta Review

Set sometime in the near future, Britain is ruled by a tyrannical government. The people are controlled through fear, violence and strict curfews. All culture considered subversive is banned and undesirables, dissapeared. V (Hugo Weaving) has been left horrifically scarred by some nasty biological experiments and wants vengeance. Taking his cue from Guy Fawkes, V intends to blow up Parliament as a symbol of resistance. One night V rescues Evey (Natalie Portman) and through him, she learns about Truth, Justice and the Vendetta way. Social rebellion has a dubious leader in V, a sadist and hero whose method of assuring Evey's loyalty is as abhorrent as the government he despises. Overcoming the limitations of the mask, Weaving's subtle movements convey grand emotions and Portman is equally absorbing, as she transforms from innocent to collaborator. Some might complain that Vendetta glorifies terrorism, but this is hardly persuasive filmmaking or intelligent commentary. Its message is simplistic - that we shouldn't be complacent about oppression. Popcorn politics aside, V is best enjoyed as a tightly orchestrated, superbly edited hail of words, knives and pyrotechnics. it is politically incoherent, but still I couldn't help but smile.