V For Vendetta (2005)

"People should not be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people."
- V (Hugo Weaving)

"I hope that whoever you are you escape this place; I hope that the world turns and things get better, but what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you even though I may not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you. Valerie."
- Valerie (Natasha Wightman)

"Beneath this mask, there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr Cready. And ideas are bulletproof."
- V

In 1605, Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the British Houses of Parliament in a protest of Protestant rule. 400 years later, a new terrorist stalks a corrupt and totalitarian British Government. After avenging his personal issues at the hands of a select few in charge of a detention centre, he puts into place a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament by encouraging the oppressed to join him. He already has the support of Evey (Natalie Portman), a young woman who lost her radical parents to Government torture. Powerful, emotional case study of the evil of any government that would use fear to control its people, and a daring defence of terrorism for the good of the state. Portman and Weaving (hidden behind a mask) are both excellent. An evocative soundtrack adds even more texture to the film. Written by the Wachowski Brothers (who wrote and directed the Matrix trilogy)  - and the prose is beautiful - and directed with matching flair by James McTiegue.Rating: 3.5 of 4reviewed 29 Oct 2007

"A visually sumptuous concoction that combines political allegory, bloody action, and a few stunning cinematic moments into a solid piece of entertainment."
- James Berardinelli (ReelViews)

"This is pure post-9/11 Orwell, a great, angry screed against scapegoating and fearmongering in the seemingly endless war on terrorism."
- Chris Barsanti (ToxicUniverse.com)