The year is sometime beyond 2015 and the time is almost too late. Britain is under the grip of a totalitarian government, which has convinced its citizens that freedom and hope have been reduced to defunct terms in an obsolete dictionary. And predictably, the mood is - black.

Enter the unlikely saviour - a masked vigilante (Hugo Weaving as 'V') with a smile that could put the Joker to shame. And no, this guy has no scruples about killing the guys in his way as long as he gets to fulfill the one deed that (he believes) could help liberate the nation: A bomb blast at the parliament on the fifth of November.

Now, for this 'V' is quite well-equipped - with witty dialogues, pointed knives, an admirable knowledge of martial arts and a beautiful Evey (Natalie Portman), who he happens to save from a couple of rapists on a dark night. Now, looking from completely uncoloured glasses, you would realise that V for Vendetta's basic storyline has already been done to death. Take out gorgeous Natalie, the appreciable direction, the futuristic settings - and you would end up with something very similar to Anniyan, Indian or any Indo-Asian movie that Jean Claude has acted in.

But then, you can't do that. They remain in there - to make the movie what it is.

Based on a book with the same name by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta subtly asks the ever-omnipotent question: Is violence ever justified, even when it is being used for the right purpose? Something that makes Evey betray his trust while he is on a murder mission.

Now, how is 'V' different from the other heroes, you might think. Well, for one, this guy kills. And unlike the strong and silent Batmen in Hollywood, he is quite the chatterbox. Indeed - for someone who can't move his mouth, 'V the swordman' certainly loves to hear himself talk.

Hugo Weaving, however, is not able to display the full extent of his acting prowess... mostly because he plays the man in the iron mask (with a painted smile, for good measure). John Hurt, who plays the villainous Chancellor Adam Sutler, is also wasted because he does not get to do much more than glare out of a gigantic television and shower expletives upon a couple of bewildered investigators and a guy called Creedy. And the only time he ventures out of the screen, he is killed! Pity.

Nevertheless, the V for Vendetta makes for good viewing. And despite the dark mood of the movie, it inadvertently gives you this important advice: No matter how bad the situation, keep that smile on!