An Astonishing Film

Rating: 9/10 (19 April 2006)

Unfortunately, V For Vendetta was advertised to the masses as a new action science fiction film in the same vein as The Matrix. In reality, V For Vendetta, although it has a few great action scenes, is not about cool slow-mo knife fights. It's a thought provoking film that makes you question how far you would go to be free.
I can see though that this film may not be for everyone. If you only wanted to see it for the action scenes, you will be sorely disappointed. If you're a far-right winger and think the film's an extreme-leftist attack on Bush America and have a closed mind, then you also shouldn't see it. And if you're a die hard fan of Alan Moore's graphic novel, you might want to spare everyone else of your obnoxious nit-picks. And if you're a bit slow, you might want to see The Benchwarmers, because this film's plot is complex and thought-provoking.
What makes V For Vendetta work is the actors. Stephen Rea gives an under-appreciated performance as a cop tracking down V, and John Hurt is fiercely brilliant as a Big-Brother type character. Hugo Weaving does absolute wonders with his voice and body language, creating an unforgettable character. This is really Natalie Portman's movie, though. Completely making up for her stilted and wooden Star Wars performances, Portman gives an earth-shattering, emotional, and eventually hairless performance as Evey. She handles the character with true grace and maturity, and develops it flawlessly. The power she channels through Evey really make this film stick to you.
The ending of the film is just... oh my God. This film must have one of (if not only second to LOTR) the best final scenes from the past decade. I can't spoil it for you, because words cannot describe it. You have to see it for yourself. All I can say is that it is really EPIC and SWEEPING. It wraps the film up flawlessly.
In a wasteland that is called "FIRST QUARTER FILMS OF THE YEAR", V For Vendetta emerges as an incredible film in a time of utter garbage. Although it might be beat at the box-office like disposable trash like "Failure to Launch" and "Ice Age 2", I believe it will stand out as one of the greatest films of the year. Remember, remember....