Smart and interesting and entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (23 March 2006)

Really interesting and intelligent film. Politically, I thought it was fairly disturbing as it seemed to promote a sort of anarchy that I don't know if I agree with (V's symbol itself is only one stroke away from the symbol for anarchy), but it's definitely a lot of food for thought. It manages to be moving without being sentimental, and brings up interesting topics without being judgmental. Hugo Weaving turns in a fantastic performance just with his voice and body language, and Natalie Portmann is appropriately fragile and strong. And certainly, it was unavoidable to feel moved and roused by the ending, that promises better things but doesn't necessarily guarantee it. Overall, I found this to be a smart, non-preachy film that's highly entertaining and moving at the same time as highlighting those questions that should asked.