I welcome you to the this humble article discussing a movie called V for Vendetta released in 2005. What not many seem to remember is that the movie was based on a graphic novel written by Alan Moore. Since there are significant differences between the movie and book, in fact so significant that Alan Moore refused to be credited in the movie, I’d like to cover the comic book separately. For now, let’s take a look at the cinematic iteration of the story.

The movie takes place in an alternate future England under the rule of a fascist government. Controlling the lives of it’s people with every tool at their disposal. Constant surveillance, curfew, propaganda and Fingermen ( or political police) are a common day occurrence in the average citizens life here. Under the reign of this regime lives the main focus of our tale Evey Hammond played by Natilie Portman. Evey is one of the best written female characters in cinematic history. A perfect example of how to write a female character well. She is a mature and strong woman who sees the wrong doings of the government of her country to a degree, but has comformed to that world and has no interest in changing it. Until, because of a series of coincidences, she has to go through a journey from being a cog in the machine of oppression to becoming a truly free person. Uncovering many secrets some would prefer not to remember. All thanks to a mysterious man called V.

Although Evey is the main focus of our tale, the character who steals the show is V ,played spectacularly by Hugo Weaving. A masked freedom fighter or terrorist depending on your view. V is a sophisticated and elegant individual who suffered much during his life. He is theatrical, intelligent, extremely charismatic and very firm in his beliefs of free speech in equality. He has a great appreciation of art and philosophy and the value of expression. By his own admission he uses violence for good. He is also driven by a personal vendetta against some of the members of the government. However, V is not cruel being perfectly is capable of forgiveness. He is one of the most inspiring characters in fiction and that’s exactly his goal. V’s main aim is to inspire the greatest force in human history. The people.

Although, I'm against spoiling scenes in advance, this clip summarize the values, beliefs and intentions of V better than anyone else ever could (if you haven't seen the movie yet though, I suggest you watch the full thing first):

The movie is full of symbolism including the letter „V” and the number 5. For an example of that inspect the name „Evey” more closely. You might miss a lot of it watching the story for the first time encouraging repeated viewings. The dialogues are very quotable and the whole story is extraordinarily well written in general. Combining that with the atmosphere of oppression the movie very conveys to it’s viewer and the stellar performances from every actor involved to make an emotionally fulfilling story which not only makes you feel for it’s characters but also ponder your own standing on matters and the affairs of your own country.

But the movie itself is almost dwarfed by the mark it left on our collective culture. You see, this movie has a clear message to it’s audience. A message each of us should take to heart. A message perfectly signified by this mask:

The mask you can see above existed before the movie of course. It was made to resemble the face of a man call Guy Fawkes who tried to assassinate King James the First on the fifth of November in1605. Many see him as a hero others as a terrorist but no matter what anyone thinks with the help of this story this mask has come to mean much more than that.

Today it signifies the fight against oppression and the abuse of authority. Not a desperate fight,as shown by the smile, but a fight through sophistication and determination. A confident fight! The realization of the fact that only the people ,and the people alone have the power to decide their fates and place the power into sombody’s hands. For this reason many movements embrace this symbol as their own and it has the chance of becoming important to each and every one of us ,which no matter what the future may bring, nobody can take from you. Today behind this mask is not only flesh but an idea and ideas are bulletproof.

Whether what it helped bring into the public awareness outshines this movie or not is ,of course, for you to decide my dear reader. I highly recommend that you dedicate a bit of your time to this piece of cinema nonetheless. It’s characters are deep, representing different ideologies and social standings and it’s plot is full of emotions and moments which will stay with you for a long time. I leave it for you to explore the rest of what it has to offer. If you give it a chance I guarantee it will make you do one thing. Something that a lot of people might not want you to do.

Think...