Reviews are popping up for V for Vendetta, which releases nation-wide today. The film brings to screen a graphic novel published in 1989 as a response to Margaret Thatcher conservatism, which went on to became a cult classic. It was adapted for the screen by Matrix writer-directors Andy and Larry Wachowski.Why the interest on this blog? The film has a plethora of references to faith and politics and the mix between the two, so it’s good to be aware of it. The plot? Briefly, courtesy of IMDB:
In a story where Germany won a future World War and Great Britain is now a fascist state, a masked vigilante known only as "V" conducts guerrilla warfare against the government. When he rescues a normal young woman (Portman), she joins his struggle against the forces of oppression.And here’s what people are saying so far. While praising the filmmaking and acting, Christianity Today's reviewer (who gives an excellent plot synopsis as well as history of the film's origins) is ultimately disappointed, saying its worthy themes of social injustice and denial of human rights are overrun by themes advocating anarchy and terrorism. The reviewer was also frustrated by the “numerous cheap shots at Christianity." The reviewer at Reuters touted the film's craft accomplishments and counts it a good and unique addition to films set in dystopian futures. The San Jose Mercury News calls it “an intriguing thriller that asks questions likely to have a powerful effect on conscripts in the current war on terror” while the reviewer over at Newsweek, who bluntly says the film is "not good," disagrees, saying: "The film may spark interesting debates—about the nature of terrorism and governments, about the inalienable right of artists to shock and provoke—but what we're dealing with is a lackluster comic-book movie that thinks terrorist is a synonym for revolutionary.” For more reviews, go to Rotton Tomatoes’ page on the film.
Stay tuned. Chances are we’ll be hearing more about this one.