I just saw the imax V For Vendetta. Let me preface this by saying that I knew nothing about the grahic novel besides it existed and I know nothing about the changes the Wachowski Brothers made to the Alan Moore story, so this will not be a comment on whether it adhered to the story line or was faithful to the comic. I went in as a "noob" as it were, attracted to the visuals and the talk of it being a "subversive" movie.
It makes itself very clear in paralelling the totalitarian, christo-facist government in charge of this not too distant future to the current U.S. administration. There is even an O'Reilly type character thrown in just in case you don't get it.
I suppose the "subversive" factor comes up because the hero of the movie would be labled a terrorist in this climate. Murders of officials, blowing up buildings, torture, all utilized to further the goal of V.
This is one of the reasons why I love the movie actually. It gives a different perspective and speaks confidently and loudly in a way that only the best sci-fi fiction can, by mirroring what's going on in the world today.
Terrorism is an evil thing. But who decides who is a terrorist? I am beginning to disregard the word and it's because it's used so casually by those in charge and the media. Sometimes I wish the things I saw in this flick would actually happen here, now. Violence seems to be the only thing that causes any reaction anymore on both "sides" of this conflict.
Anyway... There is a wonderful romance in the movie, not overtly, but subtle and honest. The movie even has what I think are positive comments on homosexuality. It was worked into the story so well.
Action scenes to state the obvious were exciting and well choreographed. The movie was visually beautiful. The way the mask would appear in the darkness was beathtaking,
Go see this, go tell people that usually wouldn't care one way or another about politics and what's going on in the world but dig a great action flick and maybe it will spark something in them. If you see this, talk about it with others that might not grasp what it says about the world we live in now. Go see this so other movies like it will be made.
I wanted to stand up at the end of this movie when the excellent choice of the Stones "Street Fighting Man" was blaring over the end credits and scream "Wake Up" to everyone in the audience.
I also wanted a mask, and wanted to blow shit up till things change.