The Revenge of an Idea

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2006)

It is not often the facade of a character can emerge from disaster to become a hero. However, there are precedents, like Phantom of the Opera, Darkman and The Hulk. They however, lack subtly. beauty, poetry or as the highbrows call it, Panache. Seeking to find an intellectual or sophisticated hero, I give you " V ." It is not the usual movie. Indeed, it is quite a bit more. In fact I would go so far as to proclaim it is the best film of this genera, I have seen in years. There are many special qualities of a classic film and this one has them all. There is violence, suspense, drama, revenge, romance, comedy, intrigue, excitement and of course, mystery of character. Most of all, this film has Chancellor Adam Sutlet (John Hurt) who embodies the unbridled and ruthless power of a brutal government. Arrayed against him is V, superbly and adroitly played by extremely talented Hugo Weaving. The story is that of a dark hero who is condemned to unspeakable torture and imprisonment returns from certain dead to strike terror into the heart of an established totalitarian system which created him. Using the facade of a dead anarchist, Wearing plays a dangerous cat and mouse game with the police and the dictator, using both special effects and a dazzling dexterity with knives. His aim, to allow society to awaken from apathy and reclaim it's government. A must film for any modern citizen who remains reluctant to find fault with it's present malevolent government. ****