Ban This Movie.... JUST KIDDING

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2006)

Perhaps better than any theatrical release from last year, this new film from the forces behind The Matrix succeeds as both enticing entertainment and as an emotive discussion starter.
Taking place in the near future, V for Vendetta presents a totalitarian England where freedoms are taken away in the name of security. A man simply known as V uses tactics of terrorism to fight back at the government while also trying to stir up revolution amongst the oppressed people of his country.
Then in comes the average everyday girl Evey, who soon finds herself embroiled with V and his fight.
A good film works on many levels, and every aspect of the multilayered V for Vendetta succeeds.
It has interesting political ideas, dealing with themes of corruption, freedom, terrorism and truth.
The notion that one man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter is explored, but the complexities of such a concept are never ignored. The tragically heroic V is not meant as an example of Osama, and this is not Fahrenheit 9/11 2: Now With Masks.
The script is written by the Wachowski brothers, the guys behind The Matrix trilogy, and V for Vendetta resembles the first Matrix more than its sequels.
Rather than assaulting with pseudo-philosophy and overlong action sequences, this is an involving experience with a genuine story arc and characters that are both textured and real.
At the beginning, it is somewhat unclear how everyone will turn out, and there is surprising tenderness and yet complexity carried throughout the story. This balance is often hard to maintain.
The direction from newcomer James McTeigue is fresh, and the images brought to the screen clearly contain ambition and passion.
The performances cannot be overlooked, either. Natalie Portman does a great job as Evey, but the real standout is Huge Weaving as V. Best known as Agent Smith from the Matrix trilogy, his face is always covered by a mask.
He transcends these limitations, though, just as his character does. Through subtle movements and the sound of his voice, his emotions are always felt.
Of course, then there is the "C" word: controversy.
While I've only heard a few voices of outrage, for anybody who does think this is simply an anti-American pro-terrorism film, I urge you to see it.
Besides the fact that the source material was not written to match such beliefs (the graphic novel V for Vendetta is based on was written in the mid 90s), for as many existent parallels to modern American politics as there are, there are also differences.
That's not to say this isn't a timely film, or that it doesn't deal with important issues of today.
However, the "bad guy" totalitarian government here has more in common with the Taliban or Nazi Germany than the Bush administration.
V for Vendetta also has a lot of references to history and historical art, and its theme is more than a simple appraisal or condemnation of some new political practice. In many ways this is a universal story that is unlikely to age.
Still, don't forget that this is entertainment, too. The action is fast paced, the dialogue sharp, and it is truly enjoyable to sit through.
If controversy does sell, then at least here it is selling a great product.
Critic's Conclusion: Filled with involving characters and intriguing ideas, V for Vendetta succeeds in many ways as it moves beyond controversy or political hot points to do the most important thing of all: tell a story. Few films are brilliant, but this surely comes close.