Brilliant Sci-Fi film that deals with relevant issue

Rating: 9/10 (14 February 2007)

After what I considered to be disappointing Matrix sequels, the Wachowski brothers bring to life a graphic novel that hits closer to our current society than one would think.
The story revolves around a masked man who begins to terrorize what has become a totalitarian government in a not too distant future in London, England. He tells of his plan to detonate a bomb that will destroy the British Parliament in a year's time. In the meanwhile he exposes the dark and secretive history of some of the government's highest ranking officials, which fuel his vengeance and also explain his past. The masked "V" befriends a young broadcast worker (Portman), who he confides in to help him with his destructive plans. She struggles between living in the flawed world she knows and rebelling against it to make some semblance of change.
First-time director James McTeige brings with him a wealth of knowledge on how to craft this sci-fi tale, having been an assistant director on the Matrix films. The visual stylization makes every frame feel like it is jumping right out of the comic book. Plus, beautiful special effects that are not overly-gratuitous. While you never see his face, Hugo Weaving's delightful voice shines through V's mask. I could not think of any other person I would have playing this part. Weaving gives the character such a human depth that you can almost see the expressionless mask he wears, show emotion. Natalie Portman, who plays V's confidant Evey, also gives a surprisingly deep performance and a flawless British accent to boot. Stephen Rea and John Hurt also round out an excellent cast.
While the film's conclusion is somewhat rushed, Vendetta as a whole is a brilliant piece of science fiction, uniquely blending fantasy with today's reality.