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Volume 71, Issue 111,
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Life & Arts Clever 'V for Vendett'' out for political justice Weaving and Portman deliver in dramatic film that packs a twist by ROBYN MORROW
The Wachowski brothers have once again created box office success with their new film V for Vendetta. A suspenseful plot overflowing with political unrest demonstrates just what’s been missing from movies in the past few years: quality. The film will keep moviegoers on the edge of their seats and thinking about political parallels long after the credits roll. Vendetta takes place in futuristic totalitarian Britain, where citizens who do not conform to strict regulations are mysteriously removed from society. Those who question the government and its decisions also find themselves locked away, never to be heard from again. Enter V, played by Hugo Weaving, a vigilante hell-bent on bringing Britain’s tyrannical reign to an end.
Starlet Natalie Portman helps fend off a sick government scheme in V for Vendetta, a dark drama written for the screen by the Wachowski brothers. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures The film keeps audiences wondering what happens next as the plot unfolds. There’s never a dull moment as V, labeled a terrorist by the government, attempts to show fellow citizens the atrocities committed by their leaders. V introduces himself when saving innocent Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) from being carted away by men designated to expel the bad seeds of Britain. Saving Hammond includes locking her away in his underground home, decorated solely by objects strictly prohibited by the government. He promises to let her out in one year’s time when he will ask the citizens of Britain to march on Parliament and watch as he destroys the building itself and everything it stands for. The destruction of buildings can change the world, V says, which reminds viewers of the destruction of the World Trade Center, an event with an unquestionable impact. Although viewers may think of V as a violent radical, he describes his problems with the ignored political dysfunction of his government and gains audiences’ sympathy for his mission. Bit by bit, the film tells his story, which includes the viral weaponry tests that caused him to forget his true identity. V garners the assistance of Hammond, who slowly realizes the oppression the government forces her to endure. Portman convincingly demonstrates Hammond’s fear and reluctance in becoming what some people would consider a terrorist. The film takes a surprising twist when V reveals a secret government plot that will shock viewers. This twist makes one question who the true terrorists are. Although this film is set in the future, it’s reminiscent of Nazi Germany, with its despotic chancellor (Stephen Rea) and its destruction of the freedoms of speech and expression. Vendetta furthers audiences’ growing distrust of government with an emotional story and, of course, explosions.
V for Vendetta Rated: R for strong violence and some language
Verdict: The film knows how to put the "V" in vendetta.
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