Inspirational classic (to be) on social justice

Rating: 9/10 (24 June 2007)

In the early days of Free State existence we were all excited by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix) next cinematic innovation. What better to follow a work of sci-fi Kung Foo mysticism than a work of sci-fi swashbuckling libertarian justice. (I include a passage on our night to out to see V in Merrimack, in my book.)
It initially seems to be a period piece with the protagonist wearing a cape and suit from the (very) early Enlightenment period in England and a static mask that represents Guy Fawkes. But shortly after V (Hugo Weaving) saves a young TV clerk Evey (Natalie Portman) from being violated by rogue street cops, one realizes this is a theocratic-totalitarian England in the not-too-distant future.
In fact, it's clear the Wachowskis, who adapted David Lloyd's graphic novel of the same name, are giving us a projection of what they feel the current American federal executive branch would be green with envy about. They even have a sadistic, mean-mouthed little dictator (John Hurt) playing the extrapolated George Bush.
He and his Stalinesque lieutenants have the country wrapped up in pious platitudes and police-state tactics, also spoonfeeding the broadcast entertainment and news to the masses. (Even though the masses show increasing signs of no longer buying the baloney stuff.)
V is on a mission, a mission of retribution for a specific series of State crimes that have left him disfigured and several of his friends killed for really no reason whatsoever. The State has covered up a massacre it committed a few years ago, and V knows all about it... in fact his injuries are incidental to that mass murder.
After saving Evey from the street crime, V insists she move in with him for her own protection; the police have her picture and would certainly haul her away to a prison camp. While staying in V's posh underground fortress, she learns quite clearly what his mission is all abouthe doesn't try to hide it, as he appropriately redresses the evils committed by agents of Church and State.
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Brian Wright Copyright 2007