V

Last night I watched V for Vendetta. I believe it is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The movie is set in a near-future England. War, disease, and national panic allowed England to become a totalitarian state with secret police, state-ran everything propaganda and distrust at every turn. To make matters worse, it seems as though nearly every facet of the government is corrupt.

Along comes V, a solitary figure that dresses in a Guy Fawkes costume who begins a terrorist-like agenda to wake the population of England and allow them to fight for their freedom.

Along the way, we have a detective, perhaps the last honest one in the whole country, trying to piece together the whos and whys of V. There is a pseudo-love interest played by Natalie Portman. Unlike her dismal Star Wars portrayal, she really shines here.

I don't believe this movie is for everyone. It is far too intelligent and deals with a touchy matter. V is both a villain and a victim. He is a murderous terrorist with vengeful plot. He takes down the people who made him what he became. In a post-9/11 world, bombings and plots to subvert the government are a little uncomfortable subject material.

I find myself thinking of Benjamin Franklin. "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase some temporary safety deserve neither"(paraphrased).

Either way, it is defiantly worth watching.