While it necessarily stripped down a great graphic novel, the movie V for Vendetta captured so many of its great qualities. I loved Hugo Weaving as V, but John Hurt damn near stole the movie with his few brief scenes. Not only is Hurt an excellent actor, it was ironic casting given his role in "1984". Natalie Portman was acceptable with her British accent but oh well. Stephen Rea was, as usual, great - even if he plays the same sleepy-eyed cop in most films (i.e. the excellent Citizen X). Stephen Fry and the other fine cast of character actors made it just as compelling as the novel. I recommend reading the graphic novel as well. Quite simply, one of the best comic book movies to come out.