V for Vendetta was first released in 2006 but became a cult classic film for its an underlying message about corrupt governments. The dystopian political thriller was based on the popular limited comic series of the same name and the film centered around an anarchist and freedom fighter who goes by the name, "V" (Hugo Weaving).
The film has been highly regarded for its political views and stance on a Nordic supremacist and neo-fascist totalitarian regime that takes place in a world that has gone corrupt. Many fans praise the film, as well as various political groups. The film has a number of inspiring moments and quotes that have audiences thinking about its deeper meaning. Let's take a look at which quotes are relevant and worth noting.
When Evey (Natalie Portman) is taken prisoner after Gordon's (Stephen Fry) home is raided, she finds a piece of paper hidden in her cell. It's a handwritten letter from a woman named Valerie Page (Natasha Wightman). She has been imprisoned for her sexuality and wanted her life story to be read by someone.
She details her life as an actress and finding the love of her life before being taken to an imprisonment camp. She ends her letter with, "But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that, even though I do 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."
November 5th is upon the U.K. and Evey returns to V one last time. In the scene, V sadly laments having heard the vast array of music that he has, but has had no one to dance with. He asks Evey for one final wish, a dance.
She initially is perplexed at his request, as he is ready to start a life-altering revolution against the government. He answers with, "A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having!" Despite V's horrid past and solitude, all he wanted was a dance.
Evey seeks shelter with her coworker, Gordon, after she escapes V the first time. Gordon shows her his hidden room full of artifacts that have been abolished by the government. A set of erotic photographs catches Every's eye.
He addresses Evey's inquiry on his previous dinner invitation. He says the line referring to his own sexuality and the constant fear of being discovered and having to keep up appearances. In the end, he lost a part of who he really is.
V continues his vendetta again those who experimented on him and the thousands of poor souls at the Larkhill Detention Center. His target is Delia Surridge (Sinéad Cusack) who was the head physician, now coroner. She knows V is coming for her.
She accepts her death and regrets ever taking part in the death of thousands. She calls it a coincidence that she was given one of his roses that day. V says the line implying that she sealed her fate long ago and must now come to face it.
V makes his first speech to the public of London and makes himself known. He calls out the corruption of the government and partially blames its people. He explains that the people let fear get the best of them and allowed in a chancellor who promised peace but only delivered tyranny.
V calls for a revolution on November 5th. He expresses, "But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight." He calls for people who see the truth to rebel and join him in freedom.
Evey isn't just a mundane citizen. After the death of their son, her father and mother started protesting against the government. They were both taken and tortured and it's revealed that her father was once a writer.
Evey tells V that her father used to say that artists used lies to tell the truth and politicians do the opposite. The quote is fitting as the main spokesperson for the regime, Lewis Prothero (Roger Allam), tells lies to make citizens believe in the corrupt government.
Evey realizes the truth behind V's actions and gives him a hard reality. V explains that the inhumane things they did to him and others warrant a response and a type of vengeance.
Evey doesn't see it that way, it's too scientific. V lashes out and says what they did was monstrous and Evey retaliates by saying hence they created a monster.
The concept of ideas is played on a lot in the film. Mr. Creedy (Tim Pigott-Smith) tries to kill V with gunfire, but V remains standing. Mr.Creedy is perplexed an asks why he won't die and V delivers this line. The concept here is that ideas live on, regardless of a physical form, hence, they are bulletproof.
Evey comments on the concept as well, stating that people are told to remember the idea, not the man. The man can die, perish and fail, but the idea can live on for years and inspire change.
In one of the first encounters with V, Evey asks about his statement about blowing up Parliament. She doesn't see the logic in destroying a building. He explains that symbols are only given their power by their people. The people are the ones who give it significance.
Parliament on its own means nothing. He says, "Alone, a symbol, it is meaningless, but with enough people, blowing up a building can change the world."
In V for Vendetta, while having breakfast, Evey and V discuss his plan. Evey tries to explain that if people show up on November 5th, they will be "black-bagged," referring to being captured and tortured. The people of London live in fear of the government.
V says this, the most iconic line in the film - a country is only as good as its people and the same applies to its government. When banded together for a common good, the people hold the most power.
