"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."
V for Vendetta - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
— V
Context:
V broadcasts this message to the people of London after taking over the BTN television network. It is a central part of his call to action for the public to join him in a year's time to overthrow the government.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the core political philosophy of the film. It argues for a society where the power lies with the people and the government is accountable to them. It is a direct challenge to the fear-mongering tactics of the Norsefire regime.
Beneath this mask there is more than just flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof.
— V
Context:
V says this to Mr. Creedy, the head of the secret police, during their final confrontation. Creedy has shot V multiple times, but V appears unfazed, explaining that his physical form is secondary to the idea he embodies.
Meaning:
This line emphasizes the film's central theme that ideas are indestructible. V asserts that even if his physical body is destroyed, the idea of freedom and resistance that he represents will live on. It highlights the transcendent power of ideals over brute force.
Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition!
— V
Context:
V delivers this speech to Evey after rescuing her from the Fingermen. It is his first direct communication with her and sets the stage for his revolutionary persona.
Meaning:
This quote, filled with alliteration, showcases V's theatrical and highly intelligent nature. It serves as his introduction to Evey and the audience, establishing his character as eloquent, and vengeful. It also lays out his mission to fight against the oppressive forces that have silenced the voice of the people.
Artists use lies to tell the truth, while politicians use them to cover the truth up.
— V
Context:
V says this to Evey while in his Shadow Gallery, surrounded by forbidden art. It is part of his explanation of why he has collected these items and his philosophy on the role of art and politics in society.
Meaning:
This quote explores the nature of truth and deception. V is justifying his own elaborate deceptions, such as Evey's fake imprisonment, as a means to reveal a deeper truth to her. It contrasts this with the self-serving lies of the government, which are designed to conceal their crimes and maintain control.