Excellent justice for the legend of Fawkes

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2009)

After escaping an assault late after curfew, Evie (Portman) befriends a masked vigilante known only as V (Weaving) who plans to blow up Parliament on the 5th of November.
Based on Alan Moore's best selling graphic novel, this explicit sci-fi drama looks at the foundations of the British Government with a kick and a punch to justify the political incorrectness of current world society.
The film opens with Evie looking to visit her friend but is caught unawares by a group of Fingermen. The initial delight at Natalie Portman's perfected English accent and narration will soon subside as we dive into a world of rules and regulations with an ultimate bad controller, the lead Chancellor of the Fingermen, John Hurt's charismatic Adam Sutler.
The basis of this watchful big brother style control over England is explained in due course but we see subtle hints and continuous shocks of the power of this dominant group. The curfew, the use of easy killing and the weapons at disposal are all issues debated over in the ongoing democracy that is our government, all points worth mentioning as this film seeks to do justice to the legend of Guy Fawkes.
The adapted script by the Wachowski brothers is keen to back every point up. The foundations around the legendary acts by Guy Fawkes, the power of justice and gaining a well run community seems the best intentions. From numerous reviews I have read, it seems a couple of historical points are off but because this script is so intriguing and powerful, the odd date and unification won't throw you off too much.
The script is powerful. It is quite talky but the power behind speech is very effective in conveying the message of justice. The justice ideology is heavily weighed with a significant pile of right and wrong murders as a shock to the system. Not so much controversial inclusion but a significant stepping stone in the film's themes.
Amongst all the hefty debates and political ideologies there are numerous well executed montages of action. For one, the vastly impressive domino sequence is so sublime that you question the commitment that went into it. The explosive nature of the films true point is well shot with some powerful symbolism.
The use of symbols and messages is an interesting inclusion. From flowers to the simple lettering of V, James McTeigue's picture gives a familiar and stable balance and added intrigue into the man behind the mask.
Weaving's talking masked man is effective to generate mystery and an ounce of sorrow when we hear of his desire to dance. His fighting style is excellent. Portman's Evie is a quiet protagonist, taking a backseat to V but the pair generate a good on screen pairing.
V For Vendetta is an exquisite message meaning montage of action and drama that will entertain many.