“I can’t believe you’re serious about doing this. What if people see you?”
“That’s what the mask is for.” He pointed to the white mask already secured on his face, his identity hidden behind an oversized smile, red cheeks, and a wide black mustache.
“And if they decide to shoot you first and ask questions later?”
He paused from packing the little tubes of paint into his backpack. “Beneath this mask, there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask, there is an idea, and ideas are bulletproof.”
“I don’t understand why you can’t just live your life quietly and not create any trouble!”
“Because the world is not quiet. Because innocent people are suffering, and somebody has to protect them when those in power won’t.” He lifted the backpack onto his shoulder. “Because it’s time for another revolution, and somebody needs to ignite the flame.”
© Jade M. Wong
Written for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Word Count: 145
I’m not entirely sure what the photo prompt is depicting, but I interpreted it to be little tubes of paint. I combined that with the fact that I have been in a V for Vendetta mindset all day, as is usual for me every November 5th, and this is the story that resulted.
For those of you who are not aware, V for Vendetta is a brilliant, mesmerizing political thriller starring Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman. In it, Hugo Weaving’s character, V, wears a Guy Fawkes mask (described in my story), and utters the line about ideas being bulletproof, which is one of my favorite lines in the entire movie. I claim no credit for that piece of genius dialogue, and I’ve included the scene from the movie where he says that line, below.
The title of my story is also taken from the movie, when V utters the iconic 5th of November line. I’ve included that scene below too.
I highly recommend this movie for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet!
Reblogged this on Women Who Think Too Much by Jeanne Marie and commented:
Timely…one of my favorites.
LikeLike
The start of the first chapter of a book I’d like to read 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw thanks Fionn! Glad you liked it 🙂 Maybe one day I will write a book inspired by this.
LikeLike
🙂👍
LikeLike
Loved the paint tube idea. Love how images trigger people differently!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Agreed, it’s fascinating to see how one image can inspire different people in such different ways!
LikeLike
Good stuff, thanks for the tip i’ll check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant take! 🙂
Loved the last dialogue! 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Glad you loved the dialogue! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What did you think of the last doctor who episode
LikeLiked by 1 person
The one where they were on the medical spaceship and the monster was the pting? I enjoyed it! You?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t like it that much you know I’m Gona blog about the one last night the the pting episode I didn’t like so much that I didn’t blog about what are the aliens called in this one
LikeLike
Can you follow me i blog about doctor who jade and it was ok I like this last episode and about vajarians it was good interesting
LikeLike
A terrific tale inspired by an amazing movie. I think I’ll watch it again tonight!
Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Keith! Happy to meet a fellow fan of the movie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A piece of flash to make one think. When revolutions occur without flames I will be happier
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, peaceful revolutions are definitely my preference as well, but this character seems to feel like flames are needed here :/. Thank you for reading and commenting, Michael!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve read the graphic novel and seen the film. Having read the biographies of the graphic novel’s authors, I can see we are not entirely compatible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I haven’t read the graphic novel. Would you recommend it? Do they change a lot in the movie?
LikeLike
What an important message! Brilliantly done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never seen the movie, but I LOVE your interpretation of the prompt. Well done. 👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
If the clips interest you, you should watch the movie! It’s one of my favorites. Thank you for reading and commenting, Diana! I’m happy you loved the story!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Jade! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not watched the movie so far, but love Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving. His turn as Mr. Smith in the Matrix movies was fabulous. Nice job using it in your entry this week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I highly recommend V for Vendetta if you love Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman. I’m a fan of Hugo Weaving; I also thought he was wonderful as Mr. Smith and not every actor can look majestic walking around in pretty robes (Lord of the Rings)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good writing, Jade. I know about V but I don’t remember seeing it. Maybe I will.
My old history teacher had a profound opinion about revolutions. I have to remember how he put it now but it’s similar to Orwell’s Animal Farm conclusion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh that is a profound opinion. The ending of Animal Farm was pretty ironic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that movie, and we could do with a revolution now, though hopefully a peaceful one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wholeheartedly support a peaceful revolution. Glad you’re a fan of the movie too! It’s one of my favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. So iconic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it really is an iconic movie! Thank you for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
that was a brilliant line! someone has to ignite the fire sounds so ominous
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gina! Glad you enjoyed the story 😀 Have you watched V for Vendetta?
LikeLiked by 1 person
no I haven’t Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, feel free to let me know if you decide to watch it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
just finished hill house and bodyguard, will check if i can watch this, but outlander season 4 has started and oh well, there’s so little time! but i am keen since you recommended it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, you watched the haunting of hill house on netflix? I heard that was amazing but terrifying! I’m a scaredy-cat myself so I don’t like to watch scary movies or shows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not easily spooked, this series was not scary to me, to be honest I cried, the depth of struggle in relationships due to the unforeseen forces was so wonderfully woven in for each character and how it related to our own personal struggles with family etc. there are some really scary dark scenes but I love it! oh I think you just need to watch it with someone and an excuse to hold hands!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha unfortunately I don’t have that special someone in my life just yet! But I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the movie, Gina ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
just wait….your Heathcliff will come and he will be amazing because you deserve only the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is that a reference to Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte? I’ve never read that book but it’s been on my to-read list for ages. Should I move it to the top of the list, Gina?
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes i was referring to that book, its a classic, maybe you should, your TBR must be growing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is! And yet I find myself re-reading old favorites lately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent flash fiction, Jade. No, I don’t think I’ve seen the movie. Have to tell my husband to watch it with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Miriam! I hope you and your husband enjoy the movie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember the title well just haven’t seen it. I’m sure we’ll enjoy it, thank you, Jade. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a good interpretation of the prompt. I need to watch this movie. That dialogue is brilliant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes, the dialogue in this movie is really quite brilliant and Hugo Weaving delivers every line flawlessly. It’s one of my favorite movies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is good to follow ideology. At the end of the day battle is between ideologies. One with stronger and better ideology usually wins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for including the clip! I don’t know why it made me think of a robot. I’m sure the code is written somewhere else. What matters is leaving the ideas in a safe place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the story and the clips!
LikeLiked by 1 person