V for Vendetta

I can't remember the last time I saw such a politically charged action movie. Sure the Matrix trilogy had undercurrents of theology vs. technology but the Wachowski brothers brought a raw, sharp, violent clarity to a message in V for Vendetta that is truly refreshing during these times of heavy conservatism in America.

In the movie, "V" stands for every man, woman, and child. He reminds the masses that their voice does matter, that "governments should be afraid of the people" not vice-versa. The backdrop of the movie is painted with seriously fascist and totalitarian overtones, and John Hurt channeling every quality of the dictator scared to let its public even think—dare they realize what has happened to their lives.

All of this was reflected perfectly through Natalie Portman's portrayl of Evey. She plays the true "everyman" and human face to V's masked one. Evey starts as a scared citizen, brought on by years of brainwashing by a climate of fear fed by state controlled ownership of the media and roving "black bag" posses capturing undesirables, never to be seen again. During her time with "V" she rediscovers the free will that had been taken from her. And that moment, if not the climactic moment of the movie, easily is the most powerful.

I should stop here, or I'll just keep talking and give away the whole movie. But I'm hoping that this will be a huge box office hit, because we all need a reminder every so often that as a single person, or as a nation, we have a voice. We're just out of the habit of using it. Thankfully, "V" has come with a not-so-gentle reminder.