Unbelievable!

Rating: 10/10 (17 April 2006)

I went to see this film for the one reason that it had received a lot of press attention and mixed reviews, and I wanted to have an opinion myself. I didn't expect to be impressed, and I was right, I wasn't. I was blown away!
I'm wasn't a fan of the films I had seen that had originated from graphic novels (being very disappointed with From Hell) until I saw Sin City (anyone who hasn't seen it should do so immediately!). I was convinced by a friend to come and see V for Vendetta at the cinema and not wait for it to come out on DVD like I had planned to do, and I'm so glad I listened to her!
First of all, Hugo Weaving is superb as V, even though his face is never seen. This adds something to the film. His character is wrapped up in an enigma that unravels as the film progresses. It is done in such a good way, mainly by the use of flash backs and memories of the different characters in the film.
I also enjoyed the fact that there is very little mention of what had happened before the events of the film start, so it leaves you to concentrate more on what's happening in the film, rather than how the events were brought about in the first place.
I definitely need to mention Natalie Portman, who, in this film firmly establishes her status as a "grown-up actress", and has stepped away from the Padme type figure. Good for you Natalie! She is very impressive and her transformation during the course of this film is mesmerising.
The rest of the cast are very good including Stephen Rea as the brooding Inspector Finch and John Hurt as the terrifying and power obsessed Chancellor Sutcliffe. The only person I was disappointed with was Stephen Fry, who is just a little bit too "British" in this film!
Overall, this film is spectacular, and refrains from the over use of slow motion, unlike the Matrix films (although, there is one scene at the end, but I suppose one is allowed!). With the excellent mixture of good performances and an original script, V for Vendetta is a voluptuous, visual, view of the veracious vigilante done in a very good way (I don' think V could have done better himself!)! Go and see it!