A venerable, vibrant venture.

Accompanied by my best friend, I first viewed this film in the theater the week of its opening. Expectations for the film at that point were not high. From various trailers we knew that we were in for some decent action (explosions, murders, and fighting), but otherwise unaware of what laid in store.

Upon exiting the building, both my friend and I remained speechless for some time. It was only when we reached the car that we began to express our amazement at the scope and magnitude of what we had witnessed. The story line alone has the workings of a masterpiece, coupled with superb character development makes for a most compelling movie.

V (played by Hugo Weaving) is a verbose vigilante with a violent, yet virtuous vendetta. The plot of the movie is entirely shaped around this vendetta as it evolves to its fullness. Terrorist, vigilante, murderer, visionary, freedom-fighter, and friend all accurately describe the complex and intricate character of V.

Natalie Portman's character, Evey, gets caught up in things and begins her journey of self-realization, with a little help from the lead character V. Ultimately she is swept up in the grand adventure and finds herself in the middle of a dangerous, exciting, and thought provoking world.

This movie is rated R for violence, language, and some mature themes (including homosexuality and terrorism) and may not be suitable for everyone. The language is moderate, and very British. Everything else is fairly tastefully done, and by far over shadowed by a most impressive story.

V for Vendetta has something to offer just about everyone. Action seekers, intellectual movie goers, and dramatics will all get their fill from this bounteous offering of quality film making.