A gem of modern cinema, with a strong script and cast!

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2009)

After the two "Matrix" sequels disappointed many fans of the original 1999 blockbuster, Andy and Larry Wachowski, the "Matrix" creators, wrote the screenplay for this film, "V for Vendetta". Released in 2005, this political sci-fi action thriller turned out to be another hit for the brothers. Even though I first saw "The Matrix" in 2000, the year after its release, and saw both sequels on the silver screen in 2003, I was totally unaware of this follow-up back when it came into theatres. Although I did come across this film on IMDb sometime within the past three years, it didn't quite catch my attention until this month. Knowing how well received it was, I had high expectations, and now that I've seen it, I certainly can't question its popularity!
In the not so distant future, Britain has become a totalitarian society, filled with injustice and prejudice! Evey is a young woman in this society who is out after curfew one night, and is accosted by two government thugs. She is rescued by a mysterious man in a Guy Fawkes mask, a man only known as "V"! He is a rebel against the country's current oppressive government, and before Evey goes home, he takes her to witness his destruction of the Old Bailey! The next day, V takes over government-controlled airwaves, encourages the public to rise up against their totalitarian government, and announces his plans to destroy the Houses of Parliament next year on the fifth of November, just like Guy Fawkes tried to do in 1605! Evey has now come into V's world, and the government knows who she is, the daughter of two executed political activists! She will have to keep a low profile as she sometimes wonders weather she should be on V's side or not, and gradually learns about his past and his thirst for revenge!
The film starts with an intense opening sequence, set in 1605, when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. This sequence features an excellent opening narration. Yes, this is an action movie, but unlike some films of this type, this one is not all for the sake of action, and it seems they were careful to make a decent script, with some impressive dialogue. Yes, there's also a lot of suspense in the story (since it's an action flick, that's obviously a good thing), and a number of moving scenes as well. There's also a bit of humour in the film, which doesn't hurt it. It helps that the cast is also strong. Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving in the two main roles (Evey and V) didn't let me down, and another notable performance is definitely John Hurt as Adam Sutler, the mean-spirited chancellor! I would say basically all the characters are portrayed well, except maybe for the creepy, perverted priest.
Despite its popularity, this 2005 blockbuster is one that could disturb many people. It's rated R for a reason, due to the violence and blood, and it also contains controversial content, which some would view as intelligent and some would view as naive. I'm sure some people think the exact opposite of everything I've praised this film for, but every film has its haters, no matter how widely praised it may be. Despite the critics of "V for Vendetta", many of whom I'm sure have good reasons for their criticisms, I'm joining the many people who have rated this film 10/10. It's in the same genre as the last movie I saw before this, "I, Robot", a sci-fi action thriller, but it's definitely superior. I haven't read the graphic novel which this movie is based on, but watching this movie was still one memorable experience! Don't expect this movie to be exactly like "The Matrix", (one difference is that it certainly doesn't have as many special effects), but if you like sci-fi and/or action, and you want a suspenseful and emotional story, this one just might blow you away!