V For Vendetta
By Cory Peynado, Blockbuster.co.uk

“You must give us the identity or whereabouts of codename V”

The first pre-conception we may have looking at a movie written and produced by the “Matrix” famous Wachowski brothers is to expect another serving of teen-pleasing slow motion visuals, cool one liners… maybe even another delicious helping of bullet-time shots? Well I’m afraid this line of thinking WILL leave you disappointed.

We already know there’s an underlying wealth of intelligence that goes into the films they produce and this time it’s the significance of the characters that takes precedent. The story begins by introducing us to a future version of a totalitarian Britain, overwhelmed by an unscrupulous and unforgiving government that enforces the law in any way it sees fit. Evy ( Natalie Portman) is a victim of this controlled environment and its her innocent screams into the night that first attract the attention of our anti-hero… V ( Hugo Weaving).

Killing his foes in an almost philosophical fashion, the quiet, precise and deadly demeanour of this complex new character is obvious from the outset. “People should not be afraid of their governments…” he states in that calm cavalier voice we recognise from his Agent Smith role “Governments should be afraid of their people” and it’s this point that will grip us through to the rolling credits.

The film is perfectly paced, leaving no room for boredom. Each scene has a deliciously moody undertone upstaged only by the performances of each character. It’s clever, witty and original, a definite must see!

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