Not my type of movie (I thought) - I loved it!

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2006)

When I heard of this movie I didn't want to see it - I wasn't a Matrix fan, don't generally care for that "genre", so why would it appeal to me? After several different people said "see it, you'll like it" I finally did - and I more than liked it, I LOVED IT!! Admittedly I am a Phantom of the Opera fan and the parallels to that character (of which there are many-the mask, the cape, the roses are just a few) were delightful to me. But the plot was also thought-provoking and I found myself sitting in the dark theater alone as the credits rolled thinking about it, and I was driven to return the next night to see it again, in an IMAX theater (which I highly recommend if it is available in your area). It was bigger, better, even more powerful in the second viewing. This is a keeper, one of those I must own on DVD. Hugo Weaving is mesmerizing as V, he makes the character sympathetic and compelling though his face remains completely masked. He has some very tough passages of dialogue as well, quite impressive! Natalie Portman is incredible as Evey, she is probably the most talented actress of her generation and she gets to demonstrate her skills here, she shines. I was concerned about the level of violence given its R rating but I didn't find the violence particularly graphic. There is one sequence I call the "blood ballet" which is done so artistically that it does seem like a dance rather than a series of bloody killings. If you thought this film wasn't for you - think again and then go see it.