thought -provoking movie

Rating: 9/10 (15 October 2007)

Most of the BTNesque reviews in the press slamming V for Vendetta for supposedly inspiring and promoting terrorism are amusing and frankly naive. People who fear that this film would be used for war propaganda by that man in the mountain are sadly mistaken. It just shows how many have little understanding of the culture and psyche of their foe. Militants would not rely on Hollywood to seduce the gullible. They despise the West and would more likely destroy this movie and its makers than promote or applaud their work.
That said, allow me to give my two cents' worth. There are very few movies now that elicit such a strong and diverse reaction from its viewers. Admit it. Those Spidey movies et al.(which I adore by the way) would never spark a heated debate at the water cooler, right? And THAT is this movie's main strength. It is not Weaving's wonderfully hypnotic voice, it is not the credible performance of Portman and the rest of the cast, it is not the stunning visuals, or the beautiful and lyrical script, but it is its ability to draw a gut-wrenching response from people--hatred/loathing/pity/love/fear.
I have experienced living in a country under a ruthless dictatorship while people wallowed in poverty. This movie reminded me once again that Machiavellian mentality is not as uncommon as we think. Brutality is not confined to one person, place, race or religion. I have met people like Creedy, Sutler, and yes even V-- corrupt and power-hungry politicians and misguided anarchists with messianic complexes who believe that it is only in destroying that one can rebuild.
Perhaps it was not intended by the creators (yes, yes their primary goal was to capitalize on current issues to make money), but this slick popcorn fare will surprisingly force you to think and evaluate your own values and to once again believe in the power, not of violence, but of CHOICE.
Something IS wrong with this world and it is up to you to decide why it is so. It is as if a mirror was put in front of you. What would you see? Hero or villain? Apathy, bravery or treachery? Whatever your answer is one thing is for sure:this film is troubling,haunting and tragic--a story of doomed love, betrayal, vengeance and regret that I will not, or simply cannot, forget.