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"V is for Vendetta" - and V is for Very Good by Homer Yen (c) 2006
This is off the subject, but recently I was reminiscing with my friend about the original Star Trek with Captain Kirk and Spock intrepidly going where no one had gone before. And I recalled my favorite of all of the episodes entitled Mirror Mirror. That was the episode where Captain Kirk and his party (Lt. Uhura/McCoy/Scotty) wound up in an alternate universe. Mr Spock, with that evil goatee and all, was now part of a fascist regime. But despite that, our favorite Vulcan saw enough reason to question the logic of his involvement in a self-destructive society. As the episode wound up, Captain Kirk majestically exclaimed, "In every revolution, there is one man with a vision!" I'm not sure how I remembered that.=20 It's just the geek in me.
But the magnificent spirit of that fierce desire for emancipation is revived here in "V is for Vandetta." This is a grand film adapted from Alan Moore's graphic yet groundbreaking comic book tale of struggle for freedom in a dystopian near-future Britain of 2020. The innovative comic book stories earned the creator several British Eagle Awards for Best Comics Writer. =20
The ideals of liberty are embodied within the wraith-like character known only as V (played by Hugo Weaving). And he calls upon his fellow citizens to rise up against those in power to usher in a new era. The powers that be are headed by a scenery-chewing dictator known as Sutler (John Hurt), who heads a fascist state that has evolved beyond its own culpability. And it is his intention to destroy V and his supporters without mercy.
The film deftly juggles three plot strands. One is of V maneuvering through the city, largely undetected, eluding capture. His methods of subversion are extremely clever. Despite his low odds of success, he finds innovative ways to execute his plans. One oddity is that he always wears a mask. And without facial expression, it hinders the audience's ability to connect with his mission. Despite that, and our character's penchant to spit out breathless numbers of words per minute, emotion abounds. His spirit, thanks to the perfect-for-the-stage voice of Weaving oozes with confidence. It is more important to remember the ideal and not the man, after all. =20
There is a subplot that adds a twist of mystery to the film. It involves a diligent-but-open-minded detective named Finch (Stephen Rea). There's something more going on than just a large-scale manhunt, and he intends to find out. But also poignant is the rebirth and catharsis of Evey (Natalie Portman), a meek citizen who befriends our intrepid hero.
The overall experience is buoyed by great editing. It has an impressive cadence that snaps with audacity. It's bold and stylish through and through, brimming with astounding sets that are vividly imagined. =20
Pay attention and stay focused. The film is one long chain of events. Yet, against all odds, the film is surprisingly cogent. Beautifully envisioned, here's a film that reawakens our spirit for freedom. The film whirls like a ballroom dance sequence, stepping and counter-stepping throughout. As V remarked, "A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having."
Grade: B+
S: 1 out of 3 L: 2 out of 3 V: 3 out of 3
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