People shouldn't fear their governments, governments should fear their people

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2006)

Can a man change anything? Can a man change the government? Can a man change the world? I don't think so. How about an idea? Is an idea so powerful that if taken by a person, can be used to topple governments and change our world, hopefully for the better? That's the question that V for Vendetta proposes, and not only does it present the question, it answers it, and paints a picture so vividly and frightening, unlike anything you have ever seen before. Hugo Weaving plays V, an enigmatic man who wears a mask of Guy Fawkes, who we see saving Evey Hammond from some corrupt policemen who mean to rape her. Soon after, we learn that he's a freedom fighter against the fascist government of a future London, by blowing up a building across the way. What soon follows is nothing short of breathtaking, as we view Evey's transformation from scared citizen, to fearless fighter.
It's this transformation that personifies the same transformation that the people of England take, and shows the idea that V is presenting. Portman plays Evey, from a scared girl who fears what her government will do to her, to a fearless woman who will fight back and be heard. Hugo Weaving, who's face we never see, builds V into a three dimensional character by just using his voice, spouting Shakespeare and his lines effortlessly. It's a sight to behold and very cool.
Yet, soon after Evey meets V, and is charmed by his Shakespeare, the movie shows his ruthlessness and we soon ask another question, Is V right? Is blowing up a building going to change anything? Is V just a terrorist? That's up to you to decide, and while the movie does tell V's story and his motives, it's up to you to determine whether or not he's right. This reviewer has his answer.
V for Vendetta is a brilliant movie. There's so much underneath the surface for the viewer willing to decipher, and is a movie that makes you think. It's a shame that this movie will be viewed as a political statement and an attack on our administration, and not viewed for what it really is. A message about the people. About what we as a people should do if we're lied to. What we as a people should do if our freedoms are taken from us. V isn't a man, he's an idea. And a brilliant one at that.