A beautifully crafted dark fairytale

Rating: 10/10 (28 May 2007)

Some who have commented on this movie have extolled its "relevance" to the current political climate. Others have been turned off by what they saw as a blatantly liberal "message." As one who reflexively detests "Message Movies," I was worried that I might fall in the later category. I didn't. I thought the political references simply served to drive this dark fairytale. It seems to me that anybody who would take any aspect of this wonderful film at more than face value is missing the point.
This is a wildly romantic tale of love, revenge, and, in an odd way, redemption. It is far more focused on the human condition than it is on anything as petty as the political squabbles of the day. That's a good thing, I think.
The performances were wonderful. Hugo Weaving, despite having his face hidden behind a mask throughout most of the movie was overwhelmingly effective as the tortured V. Weaving conveyed nearly perfectly the curious combination of madness and elegance of this flawed and dangerous but pitiable man.
Natalie Portman's portrayal as the waiflike but mentally strong Evey was also excellent. I also enjoyed the performances of the always good John Hurt, Stephen Rea, and the nearly unrecognizable Tim Pigott-Smith as the detestable Creedy. There were many other memorable performances, too, which are too numerous to recount here.
Visually, the movie was drop dead gorgeous, with scene after scene of arresting color and movement, which not only moved the story but were beautiful to look at. The writing was equally arresting, particularly V's lines. There was a music to his frequent alliteration and recitation of Shakespeare's lines.
I can't remember when I last saw a film that had so much to recommend it and so little to criticize. See it, you'll be glad you did.