V for Visionary

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2006)

Remember, remember the 5th of November. A day when revolution and freedom find its way back into the people. And a day when an action movie is made with a compelling story line and great acting, not relying solely on visual razzle-dazzle.
Remember, this daring story was written by the wonderful Wachowski brothers (The Matrix), so every now and then you do want to ask someone in the theatre, "does anyone know what the hell is going on?" As in the Matrix, I was having a great time riding on the energetic roller-coaster ride V offers, but often found myself as confused as a 16 year old smoking pot for the first time.
That aside, the story is crisp, deep, and very motivating to the revolutionary rebel inside all of us.
Taking place in the near future where Germany won World War II, Europe has become the dominating world power through a totalitarian government. One masked marauder, named V, mysteriously uses terrorist tactics to rally the people to stand up to their fear-inducing government. But where and how did V come about? Is his coming a coincidence or was he a domino piece in a long line of things happening for a reason? The Wachowski brothers did an excellent job of designing V as a viable and provocative character, yet leaving just enough out so that the audience could answer the former questions. For the first time in a "superhero" movie, I actually wanted to see who was under the mask. Natalie Portman also delivers on all levels as the daughter of a revolutionary writer who was taken by the police, along with her mother, and never seen again.
The action scenes were pulled off very Matrix-like. Trails followed behind slow-mo moving knives that, thanks to the extremely loud sound effects that accompanied every shot of his blades, were more likely to deafen V's victims than kill them. With that I say thank you filmmakers for putting more focus into the plot! Yes, it is possible Hollywood.
V is a courageous and bold movie, delivered by tight direction, great dialogue, and an engaging story. It is more than a political statement, it is a warning of how things could have been or could be. And you have one fun time being warned.