Interesting concept, but forgets it's supposed to be an action film

Rating: 4/10 (9 August 2006)

STAR RATING: ***** Jodie Marsh **** Michelle Marsh *** Kym Marsh ** Rodney Marsh * Hackney Marsh
Set in a futuristic London, with a conservative freak named Adam Sutler (John Hurt) as the ruler and an oppressive, totalitarian regime in place that denies people freedom of speech, religion and love. Modelling himself against that other hero against oppression Guy Fawkes, a masked figure named V (Hugo Weaving) saves a woman from being raped by two corrupt policemen before bombing two famous London landmarks in an act of rebellion against the oppressors. He then high jacks a TV station and broadcasts a message to the people of London urging them to join him and rise up against the forces of oppression. Unfortunately in making his escape, the woman he rescued the night before, reporter Evey (Natalie Portman) he is forced to kidnap and hold against her will. But in doing so, he is able to open her eyes to the truth before midnight strikes and he rounds off his campaign of terror?/freedom fighting with one big act that will shake the very foundation of the present society.
I have never read the novel this film is based on, but I can only hope that if I ever do, it makes for more satisfying entertainment than this misguided action film. It's unfortunate the film doesn't work in the end, because V is certainly a very interesting and compelling hero/anti-hero, fighting for the causes of what he sees as good by using methods that might be employed by terrorists fighting for evil, cleverly used as a metaphor of Guy Fawkes rising against the tyranny of James I, well written and engagingly played by Hugo Weaving. In our modern age of September 11 and July 7, it's very daring for the film-makers to portray such a character and not attract a lot of backlash against such a film.
Unfortunately, in concentrating so much on making VFV a massive political statement about the folly of tyranny and oppression, the film seems to forget it's meant to be an action film and becomes a lot of talk and banter, with little in the way of exciting, juicy action on display. Stretching at over two hours, this makes it quite a long haul to sit through and while the sermonizing and twisty/turny story can't be ignored, it's just not what you payed for. **