Should Send Far-Right Conservatives Running for the Exit (Hee Hee)

Rating: 7/10 (28 December 2006)

Graphic novels have lately been providing cinema with some of its best source material. Two of my favorite movies from last year -- "Sin City" and "A History of Violence" -- both started as graphic novels, as did "V for Vendetta," a pyrotechnic dystopian fantasy that manages to make government oppression and radical terrorism brilliantly (and perhaps irresponsibly, depending on your point of view) entertaining.
Since this film currently has over 1,000 comments here at IMDb, there is no need for a plot summary, or even the need for a lengthy comment from me. Both the film's detractors and supporters have adequately had their say. To those who claim that the film is morally dubious in its justification of terrorism, I can only reply that I completely see your point. However, I admittedly didn't take its message all that seriously, and instead took it for what it was -- a fantasist's impression of what a worst-case scenario near future will look like, and a rabble rouser's cry to people asking them not to forget that they should control their governments, not the reverse. If it's full of post-9/11 trappings to make its message more resonant, all the better. There's no harm done in remembering that governments (even democratic ones) are not always interested in what's best for the people it governs.
This movie is fluid, rousing, and it looks spectacular. In a weak year for truly cinematic films, it's refreshing to see stylish film-making put to the service of a good story.
Grade: A-