Amazing Achievement for McTiegue and crew.

Rating: 9/10 (29 August 2006)

What a debut showing for director James McTiegue. V for Vendetta is a gem among the deluge of crappy movies we've been hit with this year. Its easily the best action movie of the year. McTiegue takes his experience working on the Matrix, combines it with the eclectic genius of the Wachowski brothers and craft one of the of the deepest and most profound films I've seen in a good while.
The plot follows a revolutionary known only as V and a young woman named Evey in a futuristic, totalitarian Great Britain. The government imposes strict restrictions and on their citizens, including a curfew. Evey and V meet when Evey is out after curfew and is stopped by undercover police. They intend to punish her by raping her, but V, who wears black and a mask in the likeness of Guy Fawkes as a symbol of his intentions, stops them. V is not quite a superhero, but is indeed something special. He is cunning, well educated and devious. Evey, on the other hand is young and impressionable. Circumstances land Evey in the care of V, and the bulk of the plot revolves around V's effort to reform both Evey and the country which he calls home.
V For Vendetta tackles some of the most controversial issues head on. It doesn't shy away from any topic. It attacks not only government issues, but terrorism, homosexuality and a host of others as well. One of the unique things is that it is really up to the viewer to decide what to think about V. Is he a terrorist or a freedom fighter? Are his methods noble and justified or not. Who is the real terrorist? The Chancellor or V? You get an impression on what the film wants you to think, but there is a certain amount of ambiguity involved.
Overall, V for Vendetta exceeded my already high expectations. It took a quality graphic novel and adapted it perfectly for the screen. A real masterpiece for fans of the genre has been given to us. V is a must see.