A stylish, engaging, dramatic political thriller with smashing action and killer performances.

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2006)

The only major flaw with V for Vendetta is the rather slow, lackluster beginning, but as soon as the movie really kicks off, you will be in for the ride of the year. James McTeigue, previously only the assistant to the Wachowski brothers, has made his debut here with this amazing thriller which has to be seen on the big screen.
Hugo Weaving delivers the performance of his life as the mysterious V. Having to work behind a mask, his job is a tough one and I'm happy to say he pulls it off magnificently. Although we never see V, we feel for him, we care for him and we're impressed by his charisma. If you thought that the only thing Hugo was good for was playing Agent Smith, you've just been proved wrong.
Natalie Portman proves that the only reason she was so bad in the Star Wars prequels was because of inept directing. In "V", she is amazing, showcasing a wide range of emotions, fear, sorrow, pain and relief in such a believable way her character Evey feels real and true, which makes her torture even more painful. The actress from "Léon" whom I knew and loved, has returned.
John Hurt delivers a wonderful scenery-chewing performance as Adam Sutler, the leader of England. The plot, concerning a society where the leaders control their people through fear, voicing your opinion is a crime, and being different could mean your death, is chilling as well as pressing, and should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who blindly trusts his or her government. Like The Matrix made you rethink your entire existence, "V" makes you question just how much power the government should be allowed in its quest to fight everything we fear.
V for Vendetta builds up carefully and ends with a fantastic action scene, and a genuinely heartfelt scene between our anti-heroes. It is not often that an action film contains important political topics, while telling a great story, showcasing amazing action, AND making us care about the characters. Absolutely amazing, I recommend you watch it right now.(r#15)