V for Vendetta...it didn't end with the matrix.

Rating: 9/10 (7 November 2008)

Years after their biggest hit The Matrix, The Wachowski Brothers make a return with this masterpiece. Directed by a rather not-so-popular director James McTeigue, V for vendetta, portrays a single man's effort to battle the totalitarian government of his time. Combined with dazzling visuals, (those that resemble that of the matrix trilogy) V for vendetta portrays the theme of persistence and devotion throughout the film and does it extremely well. The actors, as well, play their roles so well that viewers might confuse the protagonist to the antagonist. We see this masked man in a killing spree. Yet his background leads us to sympathizing with him. And the dogma of the government makes even the cruelest and goriest measures taken by the masked rebel just.
V for vendetta features two main characters by the names of V (Weaving) and Evey (Portman). V is the main protagonist, (or so he wants us to think so). He is the rebel who's battling the totalitarian government of Great Britain. His main goal is to overthrow the government, and to end the tyranny that has caused him to wear the Guy Fawkes mask. In doing so he needs an ally to help alongside. Than he meets Evey, a young woman whose family was devastated by the government, and has held a grudge ever since. The two spend time together, learning about one anotherand almost turning the rather violent film into a sweet romantic one.
One aspect of the film that's consistent throughout is the devoted and determined persona of the protagonist. V, the main protagonist, seemed unrelenting in his efforts to achieve his goal. The idea of devotion is demonstrated throughout the film. However, devotion and consistency is not shown not only by V but also by those who want to see him dead, those that are after an invincible hero, and those that are after men pro-freedom and pro-individual rights.
Another aspect of the film that would take viewers by awe is the spectacular special effects. The bloody and gory action scenes were incredibly perfect and the Wachowski brothers, even though they didn't direct the film, bring back the atmosphere they created in a movie they directed almost a decade ago, The Matrix. Every action scene in this film is overwhelmingly violent, and just as satisfying.
Last but not least is the daunting performances of the main cast, starting from the dedicated fighter V played by Hugo Weaving, who rocks his role again, just as he did playing Agent Smith, and this time behind a mask. Natalie Portman also plays a character who is naïve, trustworthy, and has a miserable background. John Hurt also plays a wonderful role playing the extremely aristocratic leader Adam Sutler who would destroy anyone who would go against him.
Overall, V for Vendetta remains to be one of the best of its kind, with a brief insertion of humor and lots of bloodshed and violence, combined with a strong message about commitment, friendship and the battle for freedom. Wachowski Brothers did it again.