Common Sense Media Review
Complex but heavy-handed, violent action film.
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V for Vendetta
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Based on 75 kid reviews
Kids say the film features strong violence and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences while still possessing a compelling storyline that resonates with older teens and adults. Many reviewers highlight its thought-provoking content regarding government oppression and individual rights, suggesting that viewers should be prepared for intense scenes but also acknowledging the film's strong character development and messages.
- violence
- mature themes
- thought-provoking
- strong characters
- unsuitable for young
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
V FOR VENDETTA follows masked vigilante V (Hugo Weaving), who battles against a corrupt, fascist regime. Out after curfew, Evey (Natalie Portman) is about to be raped by some bad cops when V appears, kills them, and initiates his instruction of the vulnerable Evey in his anarchistic plot. While V is hunted by a decent cop named Finch (Stephen Rea), he keeps Evey at his secret lair, where he makes her tea and eggs for breakfast. As the story goes on, Evey's attempts to find safety soon expose her to other forms of control, forcing her to confront pain, loss, and the unsettling definition of "freedom."
Is It Any Good?
This thriller's self-absorbed messages leave little space for interpretation. Taken straight out of David Lloyd's graphic novel, V for Vendetta's political and social commentary seem more cartoonish than insightful. Yes, imperialism is really bad, and yes, Nazi iconography is a sure sign of a regime's need for change. What's less clear, and could use some reflection, is how V's violent acts will or won't produce more victims. "Freedom and justice are more than words," he says, "They are perspectives." And, as such, they need rethinking at every step.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about V for Vendetta's presentation of vigilante violence as a reasonable response to state oppression. Is violence ever an appropriate response? What do you think are right and efficient ways to counter systemic injustice?
How does V's tragic background of abuse impact his life decisions? How does Evey's own childhood loss of her parents shape her life? What are healthy ways to cope with trauma?
If you've read the book the movie is based on, discuss the differences between the film and its inspiration. Which do you prefer, and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 17, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : August 1, 2006
- Cast : Hugo Weaving , John Hurt , Natalie Portman
- Director : James McTeigue
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Lesbian Movie Writer(s) , Queer Movie Writer(s) , Transgender Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 131 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence and some language
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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