JPFO Alerts
Jews For The Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Inc.
P.O. Box 270143
Hartford, WI 53027
Phone (800) 869-1884
Fax (425) 451-3959
March 30, 2006
V for Vendetta -- Some Questions to Consider
The new hit movie "V for Vendetta," from the makers of "The Matrix," has generated tidal waves of opinion since it hit theaters on March 17.
A few freedom lovers have proclaimed it the most important movie they've ever seen. Some critics, on the other hand, are outraged, calling it a "defense of terrorism." A lot of moviegoers are simply baffled. "I don't get it," is heard a lot from people streaming out of theaters.
"V for Vendetta," from the graphic novel of the same name, tells the story of a masked man known only as "V" who attacks a tyrannical government and invites the ordinary citizens of his country to join him. Although set in London in the year 2020, elements may be ominously familiar to modern Americans.
Personally, the Liberty Crew agrees with those who say "V for Vendetta" is an outstanding action/adventure movie that also carries a vital message. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine would have understood and agreed with its tagline: "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."
But "V for Vendetta" isn't a simple, straightforward movie, and the character of "V" is not a conventional "good guy" or "bad guy." Behind the explosive story there's a lot to think about.
We recommend that you see it. If you've already seen it, go again; you might find something new and deeper in it. This is also a _great_ opportunity to help your half-awake friends and relatives see more of freedom's light.
With that in mind, we're offering 10 questions to think about and discuss with others. Perhaps homeschooling families could use these as study aids for teenagers. ("V" is not for younger children due to a few scenes of bloody violence.)
Note: None of these questions are "spoilers." So anyone can read them even before seeing the film.
10 QUESTIONS FOR FREEDOM-SEEKERS ABOUT "V FOR VENDETTA"
1. Do you see parallels between the government in the movie and today's United States government? Do you believe we're moving closer the kind of government shown in the film, or away from it? What are the most important differences between our government and the one in the film?
2. The character of "V" is very complex. Some of his deeds are noble, while others are monstrous. In the film he makes a threat to carry out one specific act on November 5 of the following year. Is that act moral or immoral? Is it useful in a fight against tyranny?
3. If a terrorist is someone who attacks citizens and "civilian" targets in hopes of influencing government, is the character of "V" a terrorist and are his deeds terrorism?
4. General Inspector Finch, the lead man trying to track "V" down, makes an observation about the power of armed citizens vs. disarmed citizens. Do you agree with him and why?
5. Do you agree or disagree with the film's tagline, "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people"? Why?
6. A prominent film critic said that neither governments nor citizens should fear each other; that the ideal was for them both to work together in mutual trust. Is this possible, and if so how can that balance best be achieved? If you believe it isn't possible, explain why.
7. At the end of the film, did the ordinary people do the right thing? And why do you believe so? Could they have done something more effective?
8. At the end of the film, did the soldiers do the right thing? And why do you believe so? Did you find this behavior realistic?
9. "V" states that "ideas are bulletproof." How would you interpret the meaning of this statement?
10. Think about your own reactions to "V for Vendetta." What parts of the movie evoked your strongest feelings and why? (These feelings might be anything from tears to cheers to disgust to outrage.) Would you say this is a pointless or confusing film? Just one more forgettable comic-book movie? A cool action flick, but with no deep meaning? Or is this an important film you might want to see again and share with others?
The Liberty Crew
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Related JPFO Products
_Innocents Betrayed_ (DVD) ( www.innocentsbetrayed.com )
_Bill of Rights or Bust_ (DVD) ( www.jpfo.org/your10rights )
_The State vs the People_ (book) ( www. jpfo.org/tsvtp.htm )
_Death by "Gun Control"_ (book) ( www.jpfo.org/deathgc.htm )
_Hope_ (book) ( www.jpfo.org/hope.htm )
Bill of Rights Day activities ( www.jpfo.org/bord.htm )
"You'll Be Freer and Richer in a Bill of Rights Culture" (http://www.jpfo.org/borculture.htm )
"Taxing Away Our Rights" (http://www.jpfo.org/taxrights.htm)
Talkin' to America interviews ( www.jpfo.org/talkamerica.htm )