Ideas are Bulletproof

Rating: 9/10 (9 June 2008)

The idea that this film centers on isn't something new. In fact Orwell wrote about it in his novel "1984" some fifty plus years ago. A totalitarian regime is in power and uses fear to mandate obedience. The mysterious figure known as V rescues a young woman from the secret police. Emulating the historical figure Guy Fawkes, he aims to rally the people to overthrow the government through a series of elaborate plots with intricate planning.
The plot is absolutely superb. There are twists and turns and the unexpected that leave you gaping in shock when you finally do realize... The casting was quite good, and minus the sub-par British accent, Natalie Portman's performance was breathtaking. But Hugo Weaving had the real standout performance. An actor's job is already tough as it is, however Weaving had to go the extra mile, delivering all of his lines from behind a mask and excelling at it. He made the mysterious yet charismatic character V believable, and we as viewers were able to sympathize with the man behind the mask.
There were times when I was absolutely appalled, even shaking my head in disbelief. There were also a handful of tender moments that really got me thinking about many things. Our integrity for one, and our moral sense of right and wrong. Courage against all odds, and finding that resolve to stay true to yourself.
The message that this film carries is one of hope. No matter what the situation is, and no matter what kinds of unfair policies are being implemented, there is always room and possibility for change. Although the idea of change may at times be abstract, it will always exist because freedom of thought is one thing that cannot be stamped out no matter what the dictator or regime believes. In the darkest hour of the hardest day, under the most oppressive government, ideas are bulletproof.