V for Vendetta

PHAT Daddy and I went on a date today! We saw “V for Vendetta” while my brother-in-law and sister-in-law watched the younglings.

“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.” V for Vendetta examines the rise of a totalitarian government in near-future England, a government elected by fear, not by choice or even by force. The main character, V, is a man bent on revenge against the government. He crosses paths with Evey, a young woman who is forced to overcome her fears and learn about her true self.

There are many important ideas brought to light in this movie, but ultimately it’s about freedom. It’s about the ways in which government can subtly - or not so subtly - control the masses. It begs the questions: How much government is the “right” amount? When, if ever, is violence justified? Is it ever wise to relinquish personal freedoms so government can better “protect” you?

Above all, V for Vendetta is extremely entertaining. I’m no movie critic, but I felt the acting was superb. Natalie Portman (who I simply adore anyway!) is outstanding - one of her scenes literally took my breath away as I felt the crush of her mental anguish. Hugo Weaving wore a mask the entire movie, yet impressively portrayed the emotions of the bitter, vengeful mastermind, “V.”

Go see V for Vendetta. Then come back and tell me what you think.