V for Vendetta: The IMAX Experience (2005) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The ending of V for Vendetta (including The IMAX Experience version) culminates in a powerful revolution as V's plan to destroy Parliament and inspire the people of Britain comes to fruition. After V's death, Evey Hammond takes up his mantle, ensuring his legacy lives on. The film closes with thousands of masked citizens marching toward Parliament as it explodes, symbolizing the overthrow of the oppressive Norsefire regime and the dawn of a new era of freedom. The ending is both triumphant and ambiguous, leaving questions about the future of Britain and the morality of V's methods.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The finale of V for Vendetta is a crescendo of rebellion, sacrifice, and symbolic defiance. After meticulously dismantling the Norsefire regime by assassinating key figures and exposing their corruption, V's ultimate goal is to destroy the Old Bailey and Parliament on November 5th - Guy Fawkes Night-to inspire the populace to rise against tyranny. As the clock nears midnight, V, mortally wounded from his final confrontation with Creedy and his men, reveals to Evey that he has rigged Parliament with explosives. He gives her the choice to detonate the bombs or let the moment pass, trusting her to decide the fate of the revolution. Evey, having embraced V's ideals, chooses to ignite the fuse, and V dies peacefully in her arms as the fireworks begin.
The film's most iconic moment occurs as thousands of Londoners, wearing Guy Fawkes masks, gather outside Parliament. Their collective presence signifies unity and the irreversible shift in power from the government to the people. As the building explodes, the crowd removes their masks one by one, revealing their individual faces-a poignant metaphor for reclaiming their identities and freedoms. The scene is intercut with flashbacks of V's tragic backstory, emphasizing the personal cost of his vendetta and the cyclical nature of oppression and resistance. The ending leaves no doubt that the Norsefire regime has fallen, but it also raises questions about what comes next.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
What happens to Britain after the revolution?
- Possible Answer 1: The people establish a democratic government, learning from the mistakes of Norsefire.
- Possible Answer 2: Power vacuums lead to chaos, and another authoritarian regime could rise.
Does Evey become the new V?
- Possible Answer 1: Yes, she adopts his role as a symbol of resistance, continuing his work.
- Possible Answer 2: No, she chooses a different path, using her experiences to rebuild society peacefully.
Was V's violence justified?
- Possible Answer 1: Yes, as extreme oppression sometimes requires extreme measures.
- Possible Answer 2: No, his actions could perpetuate a cycle of violence.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
V for Vendetta is a masterful blend of political thriller and dystopian drama, and its ending is one of the most impactful in modern cinema. The destruction of Parliament isn't just a spectacle-it's a symbolic rebirth, a visual representation of the people's refusal to be silenced. V's death is tragic yet poetic; he achieves his goal but doesn't live to see the new world he helped create. Evey's transformation from a fearful victim to a fearless revolutionary is beautifully executed, and her final act of detonating the bombs feels like a passing of the torch.
However, the film doesn't shy away from moral ambiguity. V is both a hero and a terrorist, and the story forces viewers to grapple with the ethics of his methods. The unresolved future of Britain adds realism-revolutions are messy, and victory doesn't guarantee utopia. Personally, I find the ending exhilarating and thought-provoking, though it leaves me yearning for a sequel to explore the aftermath. The IMAX experience amplifies the grandeur of the finale, making the explosions and crowd scenes even more immersive.
Ultimately, V for Vendetta is a timeless commentary on power, resistance, and identity. Its ending isn't just about blowing up a building-it's about the enduring power of ideas and the courage to fight for freedom, no matter the cost.