The story of a reluctant Christ-like protagonist set against a baroque, MTV backdrop, The Matrix is the definitive hybrid of technical wizardry and contextual excellence that should be the benchmark for all sci-fi films to come.Hollywood has had some problems combining form and matter in the sci-fi genre.  There have been a lot of visually stunning works but nobody cared about the hero. (Or nobody simply cared about anything.)  There a few, though, which aroused interest and intellect but nobody ‘ooh’-ed or ‘aah’-ed at the special effects.  With The Matrix, both elements are perfectly en sync.  Not only did we want to cheer on the heroes to victory, we wanted them to bludgeon the opposition.  Not only did we sit in awe as Neo evaded those bullets in limbo-rock fashion, we salivated.But what makes The Matrix several cuts above the rest of the films in its genre is that there are simply no loopholes.  The script, written by the Wachowski brothers is intelligent but carefully not geeky.  The kung-fu sequences were deftly shot — something even Bruce Lee would’ve been proud of.  The photography was breathtaking.  (I bet if you had to cut every frame on the reel and had it developed and printed, every single frame would stand on its own.)  And the acting?  Maybe not the best Keanu Reeves but name me an actor who has box-office appeal but could portray the uneasy and vulnerable protagonist, Neo, to a T the way Reeves did.  But, come to think of it, if you pit any actor beside Laurence Fishburne, you’re bound to confuse that actor for bad acting.  As Morpheus, Mr. Fishburne is simply wicked!  Shades of his mentor-role in Higher Learning, nobody exudes that aura of quiet intensity than Mr. Fishburne.  His character, battle-scarred but always composed Morpheus, is given an extra dose of mortality (He loves Neo to a fault.) only Mr. Fishburne can flesh out.People will say what they want to say about how good The Matrix is but the bottomline is this: finally there’s a philosophical film that has cut through this generation.  My generation. The Wachowski brothers probably scribbled a little P.S. note when they finished the script saying: THINK FOR A MOMENT ABOUT YOUR EXISTENCE.  What is the Matrix, you ask?  Something that’s closer to reality than you think.Either that or it’s my personal choice for best film of all-time.

 

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** May contain spoilers **There aren’t many movies I watched in the theatre twice – let alone on the same day — but immediately after the credits had rolled (and still pumped up by ‘Rage against the Machine’), I queued up for the next screening of ‘The Matrix’. I was so blown away by that film, I feared — and probably rightly so — that I hadn’t caught every detail of what I’d just seen. I later found out that many of my friends had had a similar reaction to the film, and I know virtually no one who liked the film and didn’t watch it at least twice. It’s simply one of those rare films that are so rich you just have to watch them several times.In structure, style and concept, ‘The Matrix’ was ground-breaking; it marked the first time the visual style of Manga comic books and Anime such as ‘Akira’ or ‘Ghost in the Shell’ had been successfully translated to a live-action film. Apart from ‘Blade Runner’, which has a totally different mood and pace (but is also a masterpiece and visionary film-making), there simply hadn’t been anything even remotely like it. The jaw-dropping action sequences have such a raw, gripping energy they feel like an adrenalin overdose, but unlike most action films, they never overshadow the story; on the contrary — they enhance it and make complete sense within that universe.As for the story itself, I think this is one of the most original, fascinating Sci-Fi tales you’ll likely ever see on screen. Clearly inspired by Japanese Anime and Manga yet also by authors like Isaac Asimov or Philip K. Dick, the story about humanity’s war against its own creation, machines of an artificial intelligence that have evolved to the point where they have become the dominant ‘species’ and vastly superior to their creators, could take place in the same world as ‘Blade Runner’ or ‘The Terminator’ — albeit several hundred years later. But there is also a mythical, even religious undercurrent to the story; the themes of a prophecy, a «liberator» or even a «messiah» make ‘The Matrix’ transcend the Science-Fiction genre and become even more unique.’The Matrix’ was a watershed moment in filmmaking – in every respect – and even though two inferior sequels have left a bit of a stain on the film, they can’t distract from what an uncompromising and hugely influential masterpiece this is. Sci-Fi movies that were released after ‘The Matrix’ have tried very hard to achieve a similar look and tone, but the original still owns them all. 10 stars out of 10.Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/

 

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Writing a review of The Matrix is a very hard thing for me to do because this film means a lot to me and therefore I want to do the film justice by writing a good review. To tell the truth the first time I saw the film I was enamored by the effects. I remember thinking to myself that this was one of the most visually stunning films I had ever seen in my life. Also having always been a comic book fan and a fan of films that were larger than life, the transitional element of the story was very appealing to me and this probably heightened my enjoyment of the film very much. It wasn’t until some time later (and after having seen the film a few times more) that I started to think about the film. I recognized the Christian elements quite quickly but it wasn’t until I wrote an actual 15-page essay on the film that I tapped into some of the philosophical and religious elements and that made me appreciate the film even more. I won’t say that I have recognized all elements because the film is quite literally packed with them.Acting wise the film works excellently. I won’t say that there aren’t any issues because there are but overall the acting is pretty flawless. Keanu Reeves plays the main character, Neo, or Thomas A. Anderson and while he is not the perfect actor I think he does a pretty good job in The Matrix (and the sequels). He doesn’t have the longest of lines which was probably a deliberate choice from the directors and it works because this gives him a better opportunity to work on posture and facial expressions and I must say that overall his body language is very good. Very clear and well defined. Laurence Fishbourne plays Neo’s mentor Morpheus and he does an excellent job of it. His lines flow with a certain confidence and style that makes his character somewhat unique and interesting. Carrie-Anne Moss does a good job as well and succeeds in looking both cool and sexy in her leather outfit. Joe Pantoliano, a critically underrated actor does a brilliant job of bringing his character, Cypher, to life. I can’t say much about him because his character is pretty essential to the plot and I certainly don’t wan’t to spoil it for anyone. Gloria Foster appears in a relatively small role that will have greater significance in the following films and she does a very good job. The best acting is provided by Hugo Weaving, however, in his portrayal of Agent Smith. It is really something to watch him act out the changes in his character. Agent Smith gains some human traits like anger, sense of dread, hate and eventually even a sly sense of humor (mostly in the sequels). Two thumbs way up to Weaving who has created one of the finest screen villains of all time.Effects wise the film is simply stunning and it deservedly was awarded the Oscar for best effects (and was regrettably cheated out of a nomination in the Best Film category) ahead of even Star Wars. The reason that I think The Matrix deserves the Oscar for best effects is simply that the effects in The Matrix are more innovative than the ones in Star Wars. Just take a look at how many times the effects have been spoofed and you’ll probably agree. The effects also help in the symbolism of the film and in creating a very dystopian atmosphere not unlike the one seen in Blade Runner and this works brilliantly. The film looks beautiful at all times and today 6 years later (my God has it already been 6 years?) the effects still hold their ground against new science fiction films. Add the effects to the brilliant editing and you have a visual masterpiece on your hands. Very well done.The reason that I think The Matrix is more reviewable than pretty much any other film is the story and the philosophical and religious elements of the story because with every viewing I catch something I didn’t see the previous time I watched it. Without spoiling the film I think I can mention a few of the more obvious elements. Obviously the film draws on the Messiah myth as Neo is a clear reference to Jesus with the analogy of his name (Neo = one, as in The One) but also hidden in his other name, Thomas A. Anderson. The first part of his last name, Anderson comes from the Greek Andros meaning «man» and combine this with the second part of his last name «son» and add a little creativity you will come up with the combination «son of man» which was a title Jesus came up with about himself. Also the first time we meet Neo a man calls him (and I quote): «You’re my Saviour man. My own personal Jesus Christ.» It doesn’t get any more obvious than that. Aside from the Christianic elements the film also gets its inspiration from Budhism, Gnosticism (Gnosis = knowledge) but is also inspired by Plato and his analogy of the Cave and Jean Baudrillard’s essay, Simulacra and Simulations. Explaining these elements would make this review go on forever so aside from mentioning them I will not comment on them further.To all the people who doubt the profound nature of The Matrix I can only give one advice: Free your mind and watch the film again. You won’t regret it. If I had to choose a favorite all time film my choice would probably fall on either The Matrix (obviously I don’t expect people to agree but if they do thats great) or The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and I recommend it to all fans of sci-fi and people who like philosophy.10/10 — on my top 3 of best films.

 

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Without a doubt one of the best and most influential movies of all time, the Matrix is the defining science fiction film of the 1990’s and the biggest leap the genre has taken since Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. The Matrix is a ground-breaking motion picture that not only raised the bar for all the science-fiction films to come after it but also redefined the action genre with its thrilling action sequences and revolutionary visual effects.The film tells the story of Thomas Anderson a computer hacker that in the world of hacking goes by the alias of Neo. When he is contacted by the mysterious outlaw Morpheus and having always questioned his reality, he is awakened to the truth that the world he’s been living in is a simulated reality called the Matrix and that he’s nothing more than a slave in this dystopian world, created and controlled by A.I powered machines.The direction and script by the Wachowskis is fantastic, as they drew ideas and inspirations from every other great sci-fi and cyberpunk movie and anime before the film, combining it with stunning action and putting it into one picture that has enough style, substance and subtext that everyone ended up giving their own interpretation of the story. The research that went into the preparation of the screenplay is quite extensive but the manner in which it is presented on the big screen is also very impressive. Every character presented on the film, has a well-defined arc and a purpose, and their motivations are clear.The cinematography is impeccable. It was very innovative in the use of the camera angles and movements, the zooms, the slow-motion captures and the different color palette used to differentiate the Matrix and the real World. The editing is flawless, as it makes sure that every scene is integral to the story and ensures the pace of the film stays ferocious through its entire runtime. Each frame is also packed with so much visual information for the viewer to devour. The visual effects introduced us to the bullet-time effect and their impact can still be felt in today’s movies. The performances are also incredible. Each member of the cast gave their best performances and brought the characters they portray to life, but the one that stands out the most is Hugo Weaving’s disciplined rendition of his character, Agent Smith; a powerful computer program made to search and destroy the human rebellion, in undoubtedly the greatest performance in his career.In conclusion The Matrix is a masterpiece everyone should see. It is one of the most thought provoking, inventive, pioneering, influential and stylish movies of all time and it’s also full of philosophical and religious allegories waiting for interpretation. Immortal for its contribution to cinema and pop culture, its brilliant combination of inventive visual effects, excellent vision and exquisite action easily makes it one of the best, most influential and most entertaining movies ever made.

 

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My review of the best epic Science Fiction Action film, The Matrix (1999) starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong and Gloria Foster.This was be the first movie I went to see in the movie theater with my mom when I was 15.years old, when I read in the magazines about The Matrix I was blown away and I wanted to see it right away. The Matrix is the best action sci-fi films that Keanu Reeves made in the 90’s. It is one of my personal favorite movies. The Matrix is a (1999) American science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It depicts a dystopia future in which reality as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality called «the Matrix», created by sentient machines to subdue the human population, while their bodies’ heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Computer programmer «Neo» learns this truth and is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, which involves other people who have been freed from the «dream world».Written and directed by the Wachowski brothers, this classic sci-fi action film stars Keanu Reeves as a lowly computer programmer who discovers his entire existence, and that of all mankind, is nothing but a simulation in a computer. The reality within a reality is a concept that’s done before… but never like this — The Matrix requires absolute attention from his audience, least you’ll be completely lost in a few minutes. With the help of supporting cast members Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne-Moss, Reeves discovers that inside this simulation environment known as The Matrix, he can control, bend, and manipulate space-time… resulting in some of the most incredibly iconic images to ever grace the silver screen. The slow-motion «bullet-time» effects as they’re known today were groundbreaking and revolutionary when we first saw them 12 years ago. Although Reeves is notorious for his inability to really convey much emotional range, his character here lends itself well to him as an actor. This is a movie that makes you think, makes you gasp, and makes totally forget where the 136-minutes went after finishing it. It’s no wonder this film spawned two very successful sequels, and dozens of copy-cats. The Matrix, «Visually revolutionary, and mind-blowing.» Keanu Reeves plays the main character, Neo, or Thomas A. Anderson and while he is not the perfect actor I think he does a pretty good job in The Matrix. He doesn’t have the longest of lines which was probably a deliberate choice from the directors and it works because this gives him a better opportunity to work on posture and facial expressions and I must say that overall his body language is very good. Very clear and well defined. Laurence Fishbourne plays Neo’s mentor Morpheus and he does an excellent job of it. His lines flow with a certain confidence and style that makes his character somewhat unique and interesting. Carrie-Anne Moss does a good job as well and succeeds in looking both cool and sexy in her leather outfit. Joe Pantoliano, a critically underrated actor does a brilliant job of bringing his character, Cypher, to life. He also played the roles in Underrated Daredevil (2003)and Bad Boys I & II. I can’t say much about him because his character is pretty essential to the plot. Gloria Foster appears in a relatively small role that will have greater significance in the following films and she does a very good job. The best acting is provided by Hugo Weaving, however, in his portrayal of Agent Smith. It is really something to watch him act out the changes in his character. Agent Smith gains some human traits like anger, sense of dread, hate and eventually even a sly sense of humor. Two thumbs way up to Weaving who has created one of the finest screen villains of all time.Effects wise the film is simply stunning and it deservedly was awarded the Oscar for best effects (and was regrettably cheated out of a nomination in the Best Film category) ahead of even Star Wars. The reason that I think The Matrix deserves the Oscar for best effects is simply that the effects in The Matrix are more innovative than the ones in Star Wars. Just take a look at how many times the effects have been spoofed and you’ll probably agree. The effects also help in the symbolism of the film and in creating a very dystopia atmosphere not unlike the one seen in Blade Runner and this works brilliantly. The film looks beautiful at all times and today 16 years later (my God has it already been 16 years?) the effects still hold their ground against new science fiction films. Add the effects to the brilliant editing and you have a visual masterpiece on your hands. Very well done.The film also won 4 Academy Awards including for best visual effects. 

10/10 for one of the best epic American science fiction action film’s in the history movies like this and Aliens (1986) don’t exist anymore. It is one of my personal favorite movies, it is the movie I saw with my mom in the movie theater it is memories on my mom who is no longer with us anymore and I miss he.

 

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20 years after its release, and several years since I last saw it, some reflections on the experience of rewatching The Matrix. In no particular order …1) It still look great. I mean, this is one amazing, stylish looking phone. Very little about the look of the film has dated — the mobile phones, obviously, Neo’s computer, and very briefly a couple of visual effects creak. But otherwise, this looks as amazing at it did on release. It’s sumptuous.2) I think I was one of the many who misjudged Keanu Reeves all those yeas ago. I made easy jokes about his vacant stare and apparent intelligent. From this vantage point we can see he’s been in a good number of successful, intelligent films. It’s also become clear that within the industry he as a reputation as decent, hardworking man who is a pleasure to work with.3) It’s apparent again how literate and cine-literate the film is. I knew this 20 years ago, but since then I’ve seen a lot more films and read a lot more books, and this time around I especially loved the way the film nods its head to other film genres and influences. I noticed a lot of Peckinpah, and did I see a nod to Kurosawa there too? And I was reminded that for an English Literature graduate like me, this is a goldmine of quotes, allusions and references.4) Seen 20 years on, its influence on cinema since is clear. There’s a lot we could talk about here, but I was especially struck by how indebted a director like Christopher Nolan is (keeper of the flame of intelligent blockbusters), especially with Inception.5) I’d forgotten that the narrative ostensibly maintains uncertainty about Neo’s identity until just before the end. I’m not sure this really works — anyone who’s read many books or ever done an anagram will not find that the most suspenseful part of the narrative.6) Despite a run time of 2 and a quarter hours, it never flags and attention never wonders. The film fizzes with kinetic energy and the time flies by. It’s a lean film, without a wasted moment.7) The film is, of course, packed with religious allusions. When I wrote a chapter on this for my BA Theology dissertation, I said I thought the film was neo-Bhuddist (forgive the pun, please), and I stand by that on rewatching. Of course, there’s lots of allusions to Christian and other theology, and The Matrix spawned some really bad reading of film by Christians which has never really stopped. When will some Christians learn to read a film/book etc with integrity and understanding of what the film is trying to do? It’s a spiritually confused mish-mash of a film — but still a gloriously entertaining one.8) All these years later, it turns out The Matrix was somewhat prophetic about the role technology would play in our lives. Humans permanently plugged in to networks? Different layers of reality that are somehow more real than what we think of as real? The Wachowskis saw all that and more coming 20 years ago. Artists are the weather vane of society; we really should learn to pay attention to them.9) Bottom line. I still bloody love this film. I’m trying to work out if I have the requisite strength to revisit the sequels….

 

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(Correction of a reference I made in my review of April 12,1999)1. The feel of «The Matrix»: This is a movie that envelops you, and is reminiscent of two works: a movie and an excerpt from a novel. The first is the 1-hour made-for-TV-film «The Lathe of Heaven,» by Ursula K. Le Guin which was broadcast on Channel 13 / Educational TV back in 1980: after the film, I felt I was a character living in the film. «The Lathe of Heaven» was about a character whose dreams become reality; every time he wakes up, he is in a new future / futuristic setting where everything changes in accordance to his dream.Kurt Vonnegut (in «Breakfast of Champions») had a small sci-fi concept in one of his books called (approximately) «A message from the creator.» In this story, God writes a book to the only person in the world. God tells him that the entire world was created for him, all religions were invented so he could have a choice of religions, and other people were merely robots who had a specific purpose, such as fighting with him. Thus, whatever he does doesn’t matter, since no one else is real but him. The character reads this book, and goes insane, thinking that it is true.Similarly, when you leave «The Matrix,» you wonder what is real and what is a simulation. After the movie, my friend walked across the street blindly ignoring cars, perhaps trapped in the illusion that this was not real. It took several minutes for him to escape this fantasy world. It affected me similarly.2. Personal Reactions: a) Movie was great (tentatively on my list of «top 12 movies» for me). b)I did not like Fishburne’s pockmarked face and grimaces. c)Some corniness in the awakening kiss given to Keanu/Neo, that in my mind, could be traced to reality: people in comas do hear and can respond after what appears to be death.3. Plot Holes: How did the Operator recover from being killed/shot? How did the Oracle know what would happen?4. Political Correctness: a) Two to four black heroes who could easily have been white; b) a possible lesbian; c)a Latino; d)a short person; e)bad white guys(and no bad ethnic types); f) a middle-aged kindly motherly type, g)even a few kids as potential heroes, with one being a guru.

 

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In the late 90s, summer blockbusters were really suffering quality. There were films like Godzilla, Armageddon, deep impact etc. Point is that these summer blockbuster movies only focused on special effects due to the groundbreaking effects of Jurassic Park, and forgot to give us engaging stories and compelling characters, which became tiresome. In 1999, the matrix was released and blew everyone’s mind. The audience were talking about how deep and philosophical, cerebral film it is, something new and innovative. But is it really that? The answer is, to be honest, no. The idea of a society that realize their reality is an illusion and have to fight authorities is not really new. It has been done in TV episodes, satire, books and many other medium. In fact, even anime did that idea before, just 4 years prior (ghost in the shell). The film is very much outdated, silly, pretentious and not as smart as the movie thinks it is.There are major problems with the movie, particularly the characters. The characters are so dull, uninteresting and bland that it is so hard to get invested in them. Morpheus is your typical mentor figure, Trinity is a boring character, with so little expressions to show and have zero chemistry with Neo, the main character. There is no reason for her to be in love with him. There has not been a single scene which indicates they should be together. And as for Neo, he is as interesting as a plank of wood, having almost no personality, poor facial expressions. And to top it off, there hasn’t been a solid proof why he is «the one». There isn’t anything special about him, he doesn’t have any leadership skills, he doesn’t even know what AI is or what EMP stands for.There is also another major problem. And it’s a huge plot hole in the film. Why is there a matrix? Why is this system needed? The humans are planted, so why need to give them a matrix? All they need to do is just find a way to keep the human energy alive. The film is so pretentious, and has this confidence that is smart, but has one of the most cop out endings in a blockbuster movie. Trinity saves Neo with the power of love. How is something like that left in a «cerebral», «philosophical» movie, when it has an ending that belongs in fairy tales? It’s stupid, forced and doesn’t add up.So for all the rant this review has, is the film terrible? Not quite. In fact, it’s a decent movie with some clever ideas and analogies, and props for having a major impact on film making and actually trying to do something different in the action genre as well as blockbuster movies, but it’s not really the masterpiece it is claimed to be. It’s outdated and is deeply flawed. But to some extent, it is understandable why many people love it.

 

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What is real? How do you define real? This question has been explored for its significance in metaphysics in other movies as well. The Thirteenth Floor is one of them and the other is Dark City. I mention these because they were released more or less around the same time as this movie was released. But these two movies do not enjoy the position and the popularity of this movie — The Matrix, why? Look at the box office success of the Matrix. Look at the popularity of this movie. Advertisements have been created based on the themes of this movie. Most people seem to have heard of the movie if not seen it. The Matrix enjoys a prominent position in the top 50 on the IMDb. Even a list of 100 best movies of all times as compiled by a documentary on the Discovery Channel mentioned this movie as among the top 100. The key to the enormous success of the Matrix is the symbiotic combination of two opposing elements. The first one being metaphysics or philosophy and the second element being intense amount of action. The Dark City is limited in its action and stresses more on the metaphysics aspect and so does the Thirteenth floor. When you see The Matrix, you see that there is far more metaphysics and philosophy in this movie when compared to the other two. And when you see the action sequences of the movie, the two movies fade into oblivion. There is so much for the intellectual to busy himself with in this movie. There is a reference to so many mythological places and figures. The character Neo is an anagram of One signifying the One Absolute many cultures believe in and then there is Trinity, an obvious reference to the Holy Trinity. The names of the ships, the numbers on the door, the name of the book Neo takes his CD out from all have a significance, a clue, if that is what one wants to call it. This movie gives enough to the intellectual to study and talk about. And yet the movie does not fail to capture the attention of the average movie goer. The average movie goer does not want to search for hidden symbols, he does not want to discuss the movie for hours and hours. He wants some action and some fun. The movie gives that as well. The movie has a lot of guns, a lot of chases and a lot of fighting. The average movie goer can appreciate the main aspect of this movie without bothering about all the hidden symbols which the intellectual chooses to see in the movie. Yet, he apparently does not deny himself the spirit of the movie and enjoys it. And I believe this is what has made the movie successful — the reconciliation between action and thrill and metaphysics and philosophy. This movie deserves all the praise and success that it has got. My personal all-time favorite. I never get tired of talking about it till date and love to see it with my friends if I get the chance.

 

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The Matrix is a stunning, fast paced movie with lots of great special effects, high action, and a great soundtrack.But…is that all it is?No.  It isn’t.When I listen to people talk about this movie, or read reviews by people who don’t like it, the main problem they seem to have is the the plot, which they claim is mind-numbing, inaccessible, or just plain dumb.  They claim that the reason the movie is so popular is because if the special effects.Those who make these claims are just a little clueless, and the true art of storytelling is lost on them.Here’s why.  Every story that we see on screen, read in a book or on the web has been told before in one fashion or another.  «Jurassic Park» is nothing more than a retelling of «Frankenstein» when you get right down to it. What catches our attention is when the story is re-told in such a different light that we like the retelling without really being called back to an earlier version.  The «Jurassic Park example can work again for this point.  No one sees it as another retelling of «Frankenstein» at all, or at least, they don’t dwell on the issue.  Shakespeare didn’t create any stories….he borrowed from other texts, used other sources, and used words to his advantage.  The whole thing involves what is called «intertextuality», a term that I won’t go into here, but is what I am trying to explain in the brief example of «Jurassic Park.»Okay, stop yawning.Now, the Matrix has done the same thing, and what is funny is that very, very few people have recognized the major source of the story ( I wonder if the writers really know ).  I have heard that it is supposed to be Christian themed, and while there is some imagery in that respect, like a character named Trinity, Neo’s death and rebirth at the end of the movie, the ship’s name, etc. etc. etc., the list can go on.  But it has nothing to do with the story, which borrows very heavily from a philosophy written by Plato, of all people, back when the years were still labeled as BC.Plato wrote a philosophy, the actual name escapes me, but I keep hearing it referred to as «The Cave.»  In this philosophy on the workings of a society, Plato stated that if you were to take four people from the day they were born, tie them to chairs so that their heads cannot move, and place them in the back of a cave where they cannot see the opening, nor have any daylight. They only have contact with each other.  Now, on the wall that they are facing, they can see shadows moving, be it a shadow puppet play, or whatever you can imagine, but all they see are those shadows.  You leave them in this cave for 20 years.  The only life that they know is the chair, and the playing of shadows on the wall.  They will not know the shadows are merely shadows, nor will they know the idea of freedom, and they will now know anything of the real world.  Then, you release one man, let him wander the world for awhile.  He sees that the world isn’t just shadows on a wall, etc etc.  If you put him back in the cave, he will not view the shadows the same way that he once did.  He will also try to enlighten the other three that the images on the wall are only shadows, and that there is a beautiful and colorful world outside their cave.  But they will not believe him, and will even begin to see him as a blasphemer, and an enemy.WHEW!!That’s the basic story in the Matrix.  Neo has been removed from the cave, and has seen the real world, and now knows he has been seeing shadows his entire life, and his mission is to make humanity realize that they are seeing shadows as well, but until that time, he will be regarded as an enemy by those still inside the cave.  The agents are the keepers of the cave, and the Matrix itself is the shadows that we see.  When you see this connection, the story can make more sense to those who can’t quite understand it.And so by blending old, old stories with modern filming techniques and great acting by all involved and fast paced action, there is something to be said about this movie being a work of art, because it truly is.

 

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Overwhelming and spectacular first part from a trilogy with some of the best action scenes ever made . This excitingly original film is full of thrills , cutting-edge visuals, stylist innovations , fights , tension , suspense and groundbreaking races , but also several commercial elements , including computer-simulated violence . This is a dynamic, fast-paced and amusing movie , though overlong . It’s an enjoyable , if somewhat light-headed piece of escapism with state-of-art special effects and straightforward screenplay . Big-budgeted film by the great producer Joel Silver led to break into the booming Sci-Fi/adventure/fantasy market plenty of inventiveness and imagination . Full of action, it’s complemented by rousing scenes , breathtaking fights and struggles are spotlights . It deals with Neo (Keanu Reeves) ¨who is thought to be the chosen one¨ a computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers . One night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss)seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for : Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) who carries him to Oracle (Gloria Foster) . Then Neo is advised by the Oracle about his future . As Neo learns about Matrix , he aware all life on Earth may be nothing more than an elaborate masquerade created by a malevolent cyber-intelligence and he results to be the chosen one . The rebel leaders led by Morpheus estimate that they have little time until 250,000 probes discover Zion and destroy it and its inhabitants. During this, Neo has to decide how he can save Trinity , Morpheus and partners from a dark fate and taking on Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and his hoodlums . Meanwhile , a traitor betrays the group and the events get worse . It is a dark time for the world in this first adventure as the epic war between man and machine reaches a thundering crescendo : The group desperately battle to hold back the marauding Sentinel invasion from overtaking them . Neo, Morpheus and Trinity race against time to get their purports . While the human city of Zion is preparing for the oncoming war with the machines with very little chances of survival.This is an action-packed , booming following with some of the best action scenes ever filmed , plenty of bounds and leaps over buildings , including awesome visual effects by John Gaeta . This thrilling movie contains impressive fights , chills , breathtaking designs , dense philosophy and many other things . From the beginning to the end the comic-book action-packed and extreme violence is continued and it’s fast movement ; for that reason the picture is pretty amusing ; furthermore contains lots of spectacular combats in mart arts style staged by Yue Woo Ping who also made ¨Kill Bill¨ and ¨Crouching tiger, hidden dragon¨ . Contrived beyond belief with spectacular struggles that play like video games , but slickly calculated to please 2000s audiences . Moving and pulsing musical score by Don Davis . Magnificent , glamorous production design by Owen Paterson . Colorful and imaginative cinematography by Bill Pope . The motion picture is stunningly written , produced and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski-The Wachowski Brothers . It’ s followed by ¨Matrix Reload¨ and ¨Matrix revolutions¨ with similar artistic team and cast adding Anthony Zerbe , Harry Lennix, Gina Torres , Harold Perrineau, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nora Gaye , among others in which the the city of Zion , the last outpost of humanity , is defended by valiant warriors against the massive invasion of the machines to save the humanity as Neo , Morpheus and Trinity fight to end the war at another front while also opposing the invasion on the hidden underground refuge .

 

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‘Frank? Larry here. How are you? Listen, Andy and I are writing a new screenplay and we really want to sell this one. I’m thinking of writing a sci-fi piece…That’s why I’m CALLING you, I was an English major and everyone I know but you is an English major. My mother was a nurse, that’s the closest I’ve ever come to science. You’re the only person we know with any scientific education at all…Well, we figure to sell, it has to have computers, and it has to have VIOLENCE. We’re thinking about an eco-techno-cyberpunk-nuclear winter kind of thing with sequel possibilities…Well, something like Terminator meets 2001 meets WarGames with some Johnny Mnemonic and Blade Runner thrown in…It’s, say, about 200 years from now, and the world has been laid waste and taken over by advanced computers. WHY did they take over the world? Who cares? Because they’re bad! What? ‘Colossus: The Forbin Project?’ Never heard of it. Look, it’s just an evil computer, okay? I know computers have no feelings, but it makes a good story…because it does, that’s all. So I have a question: If you had a worldwide computer network, how would you power it?…Huge farms of solar cells—talk about boring…what else?…nuclear power plants…what else?…Look, what about electricity from living things? I’ve been reading about lightning bugs, you know, how they make that light with their bodies? Well, here’s what I’ve been thinking. The human body is the most efficient source of energy on the planet, right?…It isn’t? It’s an energy CONSUMER? Only about 12 percent efficiency? Well, what about the human brain? It produces electricity, right? Electrochemical? Is that different? And it’s the most efficient electricity producer on the planet, right?…No? About the same as a 22-watt bulb? That’s not very bright. What’s that? Neither is my idea? Come on, work with me here! Okay, so what would be an EFFICIENT way to produce power for a worldwide computer network?…Vast facilities containing huge tanks filled with methane-producing bacteria that drive gas turbines…That may be EFFICIENT, but it’s not EXCITING, Frank. You can’t make a MOVIE about that. How about vast facilities containing HUMAN BEINGS who are all plugged into the Matrix…that’s our working title, The Matrix. So they’re all plugged into the Matrix because the computers of the Matrix are using them as a power source in their quest for control of the world…AGAIN with the nitpicking about why? See, we’re thinking that the humans are kept in these vast hives of cells of, like, amniotic fluid, hooked up to tubes that feed them and wires that connect them to the Matrix…They’re fed a nutritious liquid. I don’t know where it comes from, or who produces it! I don’t care and neither will the audience! So the people spend their entire lives floating in these little pods…No, they don’t exercise, they just float…Atrophy? Osteoporosis? How do they have babies? I don’t know, special mating pods! You don’t have to be awake to produce semen; every teenage boy knows that. How are they plugged into the Matrix? Wires, of course, you know, implants…I don’t know who implants them—robots! It does seem pretty far-fetched, but if I didn’t think of those things, neither will an audience…Well, you see, they’re all living in this imaginary virtual world that the Matrix computers have designed to look just like real life in the real world…because the computers have found that the people produce more electricity that way than if they’re just asleep. Why? To sell the screenplay, that’s why! So I figure, if their MINDS think they’re exercising, their BODIES will think so, too. You know, it’s like if you dream you die, you really will die…pseudoscientific claptrap? No, what it is, is SHOWBIZ, Frank. But there is a small population of humans who have disconnected themselves from the Matrix and are alive and aware of the real world. They live in a secret city called Zion and are trying to overthrow the Matrix. How did they get disconnected? What do they eat if the world has been laid waste? Who cares? So they’re looking for The One, who is the human who will have the power to control the Matrix instead of the other way around, and they find him, a guy named Neo. They manage to unplug him from the Matrix, and he awakens to the real world. It’s really cool; we’re going to put in all sorts of metaphysical Zen stuff about reality versus illusion and fate and stuff. Where did we learn about Zen? From our massage therapist…Neo joins them in their fight. How do they fight? No, they don’t blow up the main computer, that’s the neat part: They fight the Matrix in the VIRTUAL world. You see, they can plug back in to the Matrix and so enter and leave the virtual world at will. So they fight enemy COMPUTER PROGRAMS, not the physical computer. How? Get this: Lots of way-cool balletic kung-fu stuff like Jackie Chan and lots of balletic gunfights like Chow Yun-Fat, only computer-enhanced…Lots of mayhem from beginning to end. Why? Because it SELLS TICKETS, that’s why!…The evil computers are looking for the rebels with machines in the real world, too, and Neo manages to block the computers from destroying the rebels in reality by fighting them in the virtual world…Because that’s the way to plan for sequels, that’s why…Well thanks, Frank, you’ve been really helpful. If we sell the screenplay and it gets produced, we’ll get you some free passes. Then you can see all your great ideas on the screen.’

 

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»Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself». This is one of the great sentences of this awesome movie, and also when the real adventure starts; with a great cast,special effects that made a revolution and an excellent story, »Matrix» really is one of my favorite movies of all! I am very happy that neither Ewan McGregor and Leonardo Di Caprio were cast to be »Neo», because I cannot imagine a better Neo then the one Keanu played.One of the things I love about this movie, is all the discussions and the ideas said through metaphors that are applied to our present society as well as many references to famous literary like »Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland», Things like the government controlling us, the manipulation that almost all people suffer and even values like the world’s pollution,religions, and big population that will eventually bring problems or even the destruction of the human race, is discussed in a covered way in the film. (And I need to say, that the debate about what we define as being real or not, is another good thing to make people think about, as well as the information about human behavior, destroying all the living things and multiplying everywhere we go without »balance».)The Computer hacker Thomas Anderson, well known in the web as »Neo», lives an ordinary life working in a respected Software Company. The problem is that he has doubts about the life he is living, and sometimes he doesn’t know if he is dreaming or awake. When he contacts Morpheus, considered by the authorities as one of the most dangerous man alive and joins his rebel army, Neo finally sees the reality that happened in the world:More then 150 years in the future,the world has been devastated and controlled by very intelligent machines, who created a fake version of 20th-century life-the «Matrix»-to keep the human slaves satisfied, while the AI machines draw power from them. Neo is considered by Morpheus »The One», the guy who will lead the humans to overthrow the machines and reclaim the Earth. But Neo needs to learn a lot of things first, and being haunted by the Matrix ‘s»agents» (a computer program that take on human form and infiltrate the Matrix to control everything and kill the rebels) will give him a very hard time.

 

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What is the Matrix? It’s a computer program created by the machines that now control our world, used a means to control our minds while we are used as batteries.In the wake of a war between mankind and machines, most humans now live in this computer generated world, and for the few that don’t, life is pretty hard, living in the squalid remains of our planet.Keanu Reeves (Neo) a computer hacker is trapped within the Matrix, but he has a dream of something more. Growing suspicion of his surroundings and a belief that his life isn’t quite right leads him to the truth, where he is rescued by a handful of freedom fighters lead by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne)Does this seem a little mad? It does to me, but the fact remains that throughout our history millions have fought and died for the idea of freedom, so i guess this is human nature to try and attain freedom, regardless of the consequences that may ensue.Once free from the Matrix, Neo is told that he is the one (a little cheesy), he is the one man that can beat the machines, because he can bend the rules of the Matrix and become more powerful than the programs (agents) who control it, they are governed by rules and he isn’t (now there’s a nice trade off, for living in squalor. If you get bored, just plug in and kick some ass, sounds cool) Using groundbreaking special effects techniques the Matrix takes us to the next level, techniques that we now take for granted and see every day, were born right here.As Neo struggles to believe he is the one, the team continue to pitch battle against the machines in style, as they enter the matrix and fight to bring it down and rise up against mankind’s captures.This movie really is cool, the cast is strong, in particular Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss, the script is pretty slick and the idea is good enough to get us thinking (at very least it acts as a vehicle to carry the visual feast that is The Matrix) For its originality, groundbreaking effects and sheer enjoyment i give it 10/10, even though it does have some tiny flaws.

 

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«The Matrix» has redefined the science-fiction genre. Previous to this movie, most science-fiction movies consisted out of scene’s in space with spacecrafts, aliens, all set in a futuristic world. Most movies that tried to be different from this, mostly failed. «The Matrix» does however does not fail and it redefined the science-fiction genre and has taken it to a whole different and more seriously taken level of movie-making. The movie has inspired many different movies ever since and showed that science-fiction and action elements are a great and spectacular combination. From that perspective «The Matrix» is one of the most important movies for film-making, from the ’90’s.This is a superb piece of movie-making. The Wachowski ‘brothers’ were obviously inspired by the Japanese anime style and they transform that style spectacularly into a life-action movie. Because of the style and flair of the movie, it makes the action look spectacular and even also look as something totally new. The fantastic bullet-time effects were something unseen before and are already alone reason enough why this movie is already almost a classic and certainly unforgettable movie. The style and new effects used in the movie make this movie to be also a refreshing one. It’s an extremely original movie, both story-wise and technique-wise.Especially the action is what truly makes this movie a success. The fight and action sequences are beautifully choreographed. It also all is beautifully shot by cinematographer Bill Pope, who uses some fantastic lighting and camera-angles at times. The musical score from Don Davis is also quite good. Also the costumes and settings most certainly do not disappoint. The special effects are spectacular and also something totally new at times.The cast is not the strongest element of the movie. Keanu Reeves is fairly good as the main character but he lacks some charisma at times. Some goes for Carrie-Anne Moss to be honest. Actors who do not disappoint are Laurence Fishburne, Joe Pantoliano and the fantastic Hugo Weaving in his real big breakthrough role. He is an excellent ‘villain’ because of his look and way of acting.But what really makes and shapes the movie is its story. Yes, it’s complex and believe, not everything makes sense or is explained in a satisfying way but it at least is something totally original and imaginative. The story really shapes the movie and its style and make the action and science-fiction elements of the movie work fantastically together.The movie is great non-stop spectacular action entertaining that doesn’t even get slow or boring even when nothing is really happening. This is mainly due to the imaginative powerful story of the movie. If you don’t understand and/or get the story the first time, just watch it a second or third time. The movie is worth it. The movie uses multiple layers, symbolism and elements from religions and other styles of movie-making. It makes you discover more new things, every time you watch the movie. One of the most original and influential movies from the ’90’s and therefor also an absolute must-see!10/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

 

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The film The Matrix is about the journey of Neo as he travels through the mundane life as a low level hacker and software developer of a large company into the only hero that can save suppressed humans from the «real reality.» Neo’s mentor Morpheus introduces Neo into the Matrix, which is the real reality of how the robots took over mankind and use their bodies as sustenance. Morpheus and his team, including Neo’s eventual love interest Trinity, guide Neo and help him develop into «The One» that can save all. In essence, he is mankind’s savior and the only one that can defeat the army of artificial intelligence. The theme in this popular film is the struggle of human dignity and the search for one’s own purpose. In the beginning of the movie, we see Neo growing incredibly unsatisfied and bored by his daily routine. For a new scene, he follows his clients (who he recently retrieved hacking information for) into a club, where Trinity begins his journey of what his purpose is and what the true reality is. By mentors Morpheus and Trinity, Neo discovers that his entire life was nothing but a front to keep the humans alive, while the cyborgs continue to feed on them while also populating them only as a food source. Throughout the film, viewers can relate to the struggle of trying to find a sense of purpose. Many struggle through hurdles and may find others’ expectations quite overwhelming. The theme that one can succeed and accomplish their purpose leaves moviegoers with a positive note and a can do attitude. One of the high points of the film that is easily forgotten is the point in which Morpheus has been kidnapped by the Agents and is slowly dying as they attempt to hack his brain for codes in order to track the freed humans. Just when we think Morpheus might breathe his last breath, Neo and Trinity arrive with a helicopter facing the opening of the exposed office in the high-rise building. Soon, bullets fly from both the Agents and the team of Trinity and Neo. In this shot, time appears to slow as we see rain fall slowly towards the office floor and we can see the bullet paths as a vacuum of air is created at such a high velocity. This is what makes The Matrix great. It created action scenes and breathed new life into them by changing the way the moviegoer sees it and forces them to focus on details that would be impossible to see at a normal speed frame. It creates a high appreciation for things that we normally would not pay attention to in a typical action scene. The talent of cinematographer Bill Pope is highlighted in scenes such as these, making The Matrix one of the best action films to date. There are two techniques which highlight the theme of the film and keep the story interesting in The Matrix are freeze frame (and slow motion) as well as camera angle. For a majority of The Matrix, the movie was filmed from an objective view and often at eye level. This view helps the moviegoer see the awesome graphics that may have been missed if filmed from a subjective view. For example, when Trinity is first cornered by the local police in the abandoned building, the viewer would likely assume that action is going to take place, but they are unsure of what. Based on many action movies of the past, one can assume it will involve a lot of rapid movement and somebody being hurt and killed, which nothing too surprising, especially at the beginning of the film. On the contrary, in the midst of Trinity fighting the officers, we suddenly see her frozen in mid- air with a kick flying toward and unfortunate officer’s face. The camera circles Trinity as we see cops in mid action preparing to win the fight against the lone woman. However, as time assumes to normal speed, one sees Trinity fighting and the camera rapidly moving around her and her victims. From here, the film takes off in the action-plot film. Another example of cinematic effect would be the slow motion of the last fight as Neo fights Agent Smith. As Neo discovers he truly is the one, he seems to fight Agent Smith with overwhelming calm as the we view from a spectator angle the action that keeps us held to our seats. Neo fights slowly but tactfully in slow motion and ultimately defeating Agent Smith. These techniques help us pay attention to the detail of each action-packed scene, and reminds the moviegoer of Neo’s purpose, which was defeating the agents. His journey reminds us that we all are searching for our purpose in life and must overcome barriers in order to find it. In conclusion, The Matrix is a great film to watch. The theme of human struggle to find one’s own purpose is obvious and can be seen highlighted in the action points. Throughout each physical conflict, time is slowed and characters are frozen to see the detail of each battle. It gives the viewer time to think instead of forcing one to follow a fast motion scene, to focus on Neo’s personal struggle to find his calling. The film is a little dated, but the techniques used to enhance the plot and the action make The Matrix a legend.

 

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When it first premiered in the spring of 1999, I believe few individuals could predict the impact that The Matrix would have, not just on cinema, but on pop culture in general. What began as a modestly budgeted action-science fiction film starring an actor with little thespian acclaim quickly became a touchstone for the popular zeitgeist, and arguably cut into the popularity and impact of the soon to be released Star Wars Episode I. Time has not been kind to the franchise that was The Matrix: the two back to back produced sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, were met with critical derision and public indifference, especially Revolutions, which did not live up to the box-office success of Reloaded. However, looking back at the original film, it’s easy to be reminded of why The Matrix was such a hit in the first place.For those unaware of the basics, The Matrix focuses on Thomas Anderson, aka Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer hacker who is searching out a fellow hacker, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), whom Neo believes will give him answers to several questions he is holding, most specifically the question «What is The Matrix?» Neo eventually meets Morpheus through an associate of his, Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), and Neo is finally told what he may not have truly been ready to hear: The Matrix is an interactive software program that the entire human population is connected to and through which they appear to live out normal lives. In reality, humans are connected to a giant power plant and are held here by a race of sentient machines that have conquered the world and use humans as a power source. To keep them under control, they are attached to The Matrix, but some humans have managed to break free from the machine’s control and are now building a resistance, with the eventual intention of destroying the machines and the Matrix and freeing all humans from bondage. Morpheus believes that one of the keys to accomplishing this goal is Neo, whom he believes is «The One», an individual with the power to control and reshape the Matrix at will, and who will lead the humans to victory.To be completely honest, much of the Matrix is not tremendously new. Many elements are lifted from countless science-fiction novels and stories, and the film’s writers-directors, The Wachowski Brothers, Larry and Andy, were unabashed in their love of particular types of cinema that they liberally ape here: martial arts and action movies, as well as a hint of Japanese Anime. However, as a package deal, The Matrix works stunningly well. While those who have read science fiction, or are fans of the genres of film that the Wachowski Brothers used as their inspiration for The Matrix, may be able to recognize some aspects of the film, most viewers of mainstream cinema would not have seen most of the components in The Matrix, therefore making it a unique experience. Even for those that can pick out the source elements, The Matrix is an entertaining blend of much of the familiar in fresh packaging. It’s difficult to remember now, with all the knockoffs and «homages» in the years since, what a new look and feel The Matrix had at the time. The fetishistic use of black leather costumes, the impressive martial-arts sequences, the elaborate visual effects, most specifically the «bullet-time» super-slow-motion shots and the film’s rather understated religious undertones were not worn out and overused by countless other films picking at The Matrix’s bones. Everything here was new to the mass audience, and that alone could account for a large chunk of the film’s success.Now, with the hindsight of seeing the two sequels, it’s easy to see what a pared-down film The Matrix truly was. While it is obvious that the film has to take time to set up it’s characters and situations, it is a very fast paced film, with very little fat on it. The Matrix glides along, never overstaying it’s welcome in a particular scene and sequence. Many accused Reloaded of being a overstuffed film, but none of that is in The Matrix.One of the film’s greatest strengths is it’s character development. Neo, Morpheus and Trinity are not the most fleshed out characters in film history, but at the same time, they are not shallow. Each is developed enough to give us some insight into them, becoming individuals that we come to be invested in. Neo especially, being the focus of the film, is given the most screen time, and he acts as a surrogate for the audience, taking us slowly into the world of the film, allowing the new environs and situations to unfold in a natural, unforced way.Visually, The Matrix is stunning. It’s production design and visual effects are both noteworthy (the film won the Academy Award for best visual effects for that year), with the ever popular «bullet-time» sequences, as mentioned previously, being the standout. The Matrix also benefits from the decision made by the filmmakers to have the main actors train to perform most of the fighting sequences themselves, giving them all the more verisimilitude, as opposed to stunt doubles.Despite the bad taste left in many viewers and fans mouths by the two sequels, The Matrix is still a powerful and memorable piece of film that is as influential and pivotal as the Star Wars franchise, and deserves it’s place in history.

 

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I made every effort to be open minded about «The Matrix.» I put aside such questions as «Why does Hollywood see Keanu as a cyberpunk? How came everyone is making making a big deal about these fx which you can see in shampoo commercials?» I can honestly say I gave it every chance. The fact that the creators were trying to create fully developed worldview was admirable, and the movies surprises hadn’t yet been revealed.So as the movie rolled, and I got too see one of the worst, most painful movies I have ever seen, I could honestly say it wasn’t me. I enjoy scifi and Hong Kong films, enjoy Philip K. Dick, so I was basically the ideal audience for this film.The plot was so full of loopholes, maintaining suspension of disbelief was impossible. Except for one or two supporting cast members, the acting was lifeless, and the action was unsupported by any motivation. The antagonists were far more sympathetic than the protagonists, whose cold-blooded killing sprees did nothing to endear them to me. Finally the washed out lighting and coloring took away a lot of depth from the images.. when someone seems to leap from building to building, if the buildings look collapsed together, it’s not that impressive.

And the fighting.. when you watch Jet Li or Jackie Chan fight, even when they are obviously assisted by wires, you feel an exhilaration at what they are physically capable of doing. The fights flow, and the character is maintained through out. In The Matirx, there is no real joy or sense of exertion. People punch each other, pull some interesting feats, but without any sense of risk or accomplishment.What people saw in this waste of film, time and money, I do not know. But I include it with the American remake of Godzilla as one of the worst movies I have ever seen. If you want Phillip K. Dick reality warping, see Blade Runner. If you want good cyberpunk anime, see Akira or Ghost in The Shell, or for martial arts, a good Bruce Lee or Hong Kong flick.But don’t waste your time on this.

 

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The Matrix (4K Blu-ray review)The summer of 1999 belonged to ‘Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace’.

Or so we thought!

Twenty years on and its is another science fiction movie that is better remembered.

‘The Matrix’ lived in George Lucas’s movies shadow at the time of release but fans and critics alike hailed the Wachowski brothers film as the true summer blockbuster champion.

A game changer in terms of visual effects and a story that was boldly smart and refreshing.’The Matrix’ tells the story of computer hacker Neo played by the always likeable Keanu Reeves.

The world in which we live in is a lie. Nothing more than a computer simulation designed to trick humankind.

We are fuel for a race of highly advanced artificial intelligence.

When Neo meets Trinity played by Carrie Ann Moss she introduces him to Morpheus played with supreme gusto by Laurence Fishburne, Neo is freed from his dream like prison and shown that the real world is an apocalyptic wasteland.

Awakened humans hide from murderous machines known as Sentinals and back inside the Matrix Superhuman agents hunt down those who rebel against the system.

It’s all a bit complex but supremely entertaining and really rather clever.Twenty years on ‘The Matrix’ is still fresh.

At time of release the visual effects were state of the art and wowed audiences the world over.

The 90’s really was a decade of brilliance in terms of special effects.

1991 gave us ‘Terminator 2 Judgement Day’ and 1993 brought us ‘Jurassic Park’. The Matrix’ finished off the decade by giving us ‘Bullet time’.

The revolutionary use of multiple cameras to capture a three dimensional image as the shot panned seamlessly around whatever was happening onscreen.In 2019 ‘The Matrix is returning to theatres fully restored in 4K.

I do recommend that if you never had the chance to see this movie on the big screen you should definitely book a ticket.

However for as little as £20 in the United Kingdom the UHD HDR Blu-ray can be yours.

If you have a Home Cinema set up then I also highly recommend you purchase this disc.Originally shot on 35mm, Warner Brothers have released a very good transfer. Ok there’s still that layer of grain to the image but in my opinion this only adds to the cinematic look.

The original green tint has been refrained to allow HDR to shine through.

Unlike the recent 4K restoration of the aforementioned ‘Terminator 2’ the transfer of ‘The Matrix hasn’t been given the Digital Noise Reduction treatment.

So grain remains but there’s still an image that’s packed full of detail.

Skin looks natural with every pore on Morpheus’s face clearly visible.

Costume design has real sparkle. The shiny texture of Trinity’s clothing is vibrant with contrast levels becoming retina piercing.

Blacks are inky and HDR allows shadow detail to be nicely graded.

Whilst the picture isn’t perfect, there’s some overblown image quality in some scenes.

Neo’s face when he mans the gun in the helicopter springs to mind.

Sound quality on the other hand can be considered to be almost demo worthy.

The newly remastered Dolby Atmos mix is a belter.

Every speaker in your Home Cinema system will be working overtime.

There’s excellent separation throughout all channels and bass gets really deep.

Sometimes gunfire lacked impact but overall this mix is mightily impressive.

Well worth the price of the Blu-ray alone.Revisiting ‘The Matrix’ was a supremely enjoyable experience.

The 4K Blu-ray is the best way to view the film if you can’t manage a trip to your local multiplex when the movie gets a brief re-release.

This film is and always will be one of the greatest Science Fiction movies of all time.

 

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Neo is a computer programmer by day and a internet hacker by day.  When he is approached by the shadowy terrorist Morpheus he chickens out and gets caught by the secret police.  However later Morpheus grabs him again and shows him the truth – that his life is a virtual reality provided by computers while his body, and the bodies of all other humans are harvested in pods for energy.  Morpheus believes that Neo is the one who will bring down the matrix and return humans to the planet’s surface, however the computers seek to kill the small group of humans who exist outside of the pods.  Neo learns to control the matrix to battle the computers.Has anyone not seen this?  The plot is a perfect set-up for all teenagers who believe their dull lives must be fake and that they can be a gun battling hero.  That’s the story of Neo and it’s well told – we have Neo in the matrix, Neo getting trained by Morpheus and then returning to battle the computer drones.  The story is involving and the effects make it totally convincing.  The plot is clever and never totally falls into action for action’s sake.  Although the first half is far superior is better than the second which does tend to give into the rules of Hollywood excess.The action is fantastic.  After so many spoofs and rip-offs of the effects and martial arts (Charlie’s Angels etc) it’s easy to forget how amazing it was when it was first done here.  Here it is done well and isn’t treated like a joke like it was in Charlie’s Angels.  The plot being set in the matrix means we can accept the effects as part of a VR creation and take them seriously without thinking they are OTT.  The only thing is that the action is so attractive that it’s almost sexy – but should we find two trench coating wearing people walking into a building and killing dozens attractive?That aside it’s cool to see wire work put into Hollywood movies (and done well too).  Reeves is cool and is suited to the role.  Fishburne is even better – how does he keep those glasses on?  Carrie Anne Moss is good but falls into the role of love interest later on.  Pantoliano is good and Weaving is slimy as one of the computer sentinels.The plot is good and opens itself to a nice religious interpretation that isn’t very well hidden.  Neo is `the one’ who has come to save mankind, Trinity is a character etc etc.  How this sits with the violence is anyone’s guess but it makes it quite a nice distraction.Overall this is very enjoyable and very well scripted.  The only down side is that the fantastically choreographed fights and gun battles really glamorise violence to a worrying degree.  However if you’re watching an action movie then that’s what you accept otherwise don’t watch.  For me – I can’t wait for the sequels.

 

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First I have to say that I enjoy computer games (Max Payne — a game featuring bullet time — is my favorite single player shooter although there are others technically better like Far Cry and Half-Life 2; this is for people saying that this movie is intended for gamers) and I also read books (sci-fi literature included). The Matrix isn’t an acceptable movie overall (for me acceptable is at least 7) and let me tell you where it fails and succeeds: The acting is bad, the only good actor is Hugo Weaving (his monologue with captured Morpheus is nice, the interrogation room, …), Laurence Fishburne and Joe Pantalione are bearable and the rest of the cast is pretty weak. The lack of originality; less than 5% of the ideas in this movie were not done before. The idea that human beings can be good power sources if a catalyst (even the most efficient) is used is ridiculous; one adult can’t light a 60 W bulb under any circumstances; there are a lot of other efficient power sources, but that doesn’t sell, does it ? Although the idea is interesting (the idea of machine domination and what might have been done with it), the script is bad, the lines suck (Kansas is going bye-bye, this hasn’t been done before, Neo I believe, oh my God he is the One, …), it gives me the impression that this is targeted at little children (like many other excessive commercial movies), but considering that most consumers have an undeveloped brain, that is exactly what it is. In the beginning, we have Mr. Smith who tells the old police officer that his men are already dead and they shouldn’t have got involved, but my problem is I can see later that Smith can enter other people’s virtual bodies and I wonder why the hell doesn’t he enter that police officer Trinity is fighting. This makes the whole escape scene pointless, but if it’s cool, we can’t take it out no matter how stupid it may seem. The agents which are after all computer programs not weak humans seem to fail to hit the target, maybe because that is meant to happen to give the rebels a sense of power, to keep them on the edge, to give them the feeling that they can get away with it, the «story» advances because it has to. The fight between Neo and Smith in the subway station is pointless since he could shoot and Neo couldn’t dodge or stop the bullets and there are many other flaws which have already been mentioned here by others, the list can go on and on … The atmosphere is a disco-techno-cyber-kewl garbage appealing to many immature teenagers; it doesn’t have depth, sensation, substance, it’s pure superficial stuff despite all attempts to be philosophical. The Morpheus call at Anderson’s office is another unintelligent scene; the only good thing is the feeling when Neo drops the phone (don’t wonder if it hurt anybody because they are just batteries, one dies, another takes its place). The anarchist message is present: we won’t subject to the laws, we are free people, law enforcement agents suck, … I think Pink Floyd’s «Another Brick in The Wall» is much better at that. The rebels’ excitement when Neo and Morpheus fight reminds me of excited immature children; they should act professionally, measure his brain activity, but no, we get how incredibly fast they virtually move. The special effects are good, good enough to buy the cheap DVD to test your surround audio system; there are other good movies with great surround sound but The Matrix is one of the best at that; this is one of the few reasons to see this movie. The sequels are both under 5 out of 10 and they make this movie worse because they add new flaws and plot holes. For the same reason people rated this 9/10 or 10/10 it also won the MTV Movie Award for the best movie. If you wonder why the rating in my title is so high, that is because The Matrix has some interesting ideas from Smith’s perspective, good special effects for 1999, its stupidity is funny sometimes, Smith is a good character and other minor things. If you think all the Oscars this movie won are rightfully deserved look at the rooftop scene where Neo dodges the bullets, before he drops two guns, when the bullets hit him in slow motion there are no guns and when time comes back to normal flow the guns magically appear and there goes the Oscar for Editing.

 

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The Matrix is the first installment of a «trilogy» of sci-fi movies. In fact, it’s not really a trilogy, in an organic sense, it’s just a movie and its sequels.Anyway, «The Matrix» is a film with good premises, but bad developments. Although most of the ideas of the film were taken from sci-fi writers of the 60’s and philosophers of the past (the idea that we exist as a thought, or a dream, goes back to Plato at least), the script did a good job in putting these ideas together in a modern plot (at least as for year 2000). The oniric influence of recent sci-fi comic books on the film is visible throughout and is what makes the visual appeal of the film.Unfortunately, what could have been a really good movie has been turned by the W. brothers into an average action flick targetted at 15 year-old boys, among which must belong the guys who wrote this flick is the «best movie» they’ve seen. There is almost no acting, and the heros wearing sunglasses all the time is a good way to avoid any sort of emotion to show on their faces. This total absence of emotion is one of the reasons why nobody gives a f..k whether or not everyone dies in the sequels.The W. brothers have a strong tendency to show off : heroes wearing sunglasses and Armani black leather coats designed for yuppies, trendy night-club population, «bullet time» special FX, (ugly) kung fu video game action, heavy metal and techno music during the whole film, etc. All this is supposed to make the film look «kewwwwl». In opposition to the heros, the agent Smith wears a dark working suit : he is not cool (although he also wears sunglasses, but that’s because he is a spy agent).But what really turns me off is the pretense of the religioso-philosophico-technobabble which hardly hides the vacuity of the characters and the serious weaknesses of the script. There are so many other films which say much more with less, that this film looks highly overblown in comparison.I’m not even trying to elaborate on the sequels, which, instead of correcting these problems, show them in their full splendor.In a word, this flick is highly overrated. But hey, who cares ? The «trilogy» has ripped off enough spectators to make the Warner happy.

 

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A lot of people like The Matrix because they think it’s deep. In fact its apparent deepness is its primary selling point, and is what has turned it into a blockbuster and trendsetter. Just ponder over this, because there’s a contradiction here. Whenever has Hollywood hit the jackpot by being profound, either in a philosophical or religious way? Something strange is going on here. A lot of the mystery disappears after we identify exactly what belief the Wachowski brothers are purveying here. It’s Scientology. They are telling us that the power of the mind is able to free us from the matrix of the senses. The scientologists are anxious to free themselves and become thetans – omnipresent and omni-powerful minds.Now, the success of The Matrix tells me just one thing, that people have become closet scientologists. They don’t grapple with the issue of «appearance and reality» in the way scientologists do, but the core belief is there. They might call themselves an atheist, or an evolutionist («We only accept what science tells us»), but that’s only an excuse for not really sorting out what they really believe in. So, along comes a film called The Matrix and it hits a chord. They can identify with Neo because they are aware of a thing called corporate media manipulating reality for them. They are also brought up on computer games, and so it’s not too big a leap to imagine a virtual world completely replacing the real one. I can see how closet scientologists can completely immerse themselves in the plight of Neo and his Christ-like struggle to free humanity from the clutches on the senses and become omni-powerful minds (in the parlance of the film, taking them to promised city of Zion).In that sense, the film is profound, in that it resonates with popular belief so accurately. There is just enough spattering of science and philosophy to take them in. People want to believe in science, but they don’t want to be troubled like Einstein was («Does God play dice?»). The most convincing part of the film is where Morpheus demonstrates to Neo how virtual reality is created. This, and the recurring motif of «freeing the mind» are the only authentic components of the film. The rest is a conventional Hollywood action flick, and one that is totally at odds with the underlining philosophy. Considering the struggle with agent Smith, and the frequent popping in and out of virtual reality, nothing makes sense. This is where real confusion starts to parade as profundity.I always thought that it was only intellectuals who mistook confusion for profundity, but apparently normal cinema-goers do too. Maybe intellectuals and Hollywood action flick fans have something in common after all. They both worship the rational mind. And when rationality delivers a mess, the mess itself is seen as something profoundly rational. Maybe that’s the crowing achievement of the Wachowski brothers. They have composed the «Being and Time» for the masses. But Heidegger’s philosophical book was mostly pretentious garbage, and so is the Matrix.

 

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Like many films, there’s a lot of heated debate about this one. So what can be said? On many occasions, I have heard grand statements from its fans, about the incredible, thought provoking story. The whole ‘What is Reality?’ issue. Well, actually, in Science Fiction, this is a pretty well-trod concept. Oddly enough, the Matrix escaped its SF roots, and managed to be seen by a wider audience who were unfamiliar with SF or its concepts. As a result, there were resounding cries of how original and creative it was. Is it good that it made a few more people think? Yes. Does that by default mean that it did it well? Films such as «ExistenZ», «Dark City», or «The 13th Floor» (from around the same time), all explored the idea of ‘What is Reality?’ in far more depth. They simply didn’t get the same level of exposure. The Matrix wins, because it was one of those lucky films to fill the right niche at the right time. It utilized Computer Effects in a relatively new way for the cinema ‘wow’ factor. It appealed to the all-action, gun-toting, look-cool-in-black leather, fans. It rammed the ‘kung-fu-wire-stunt’ style of action film into over-drive. It had a ‘hip’ soundtrack to appeal to the masses (Which will date it badly in years to come).It’s difficult to criticise The Matrix, because there’s nothing really bad about it, as long as you enjoy, or at least don’t mind, that style of film. What it fails to do, is bring anything else to the game. There’s nothing really fresh or creative idea-wise, here. The characters are thinly drawn stereotypes. The action tends to be about lots of shell-casings rather than anything else. Scratch the surface, and what few ideas there are, aren’t explored to any consequence.It is a perfect example of style over substance, pretending to say more than it actually does. ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ if you will. There’s nothing wrong with a good mindless action film, from time-to-time. Cinema, in many ways at its core, is simply about pure entertainment. There are numerous films of this kind, but the difference is, they don’t pretend to be more than they are. Perhaps that is where the Matrix fails. It sets itself up as though it is exploring some grandiose, thought-provoking topic, and is really just a roller-coaster action film. On rare occasions, some films can do both. This isn’t one of them.If you take it as that, a mindless action trill-ride with a couple of fun concepts, there’s nothing wrong with it, to waste a few hours. If you’re expecting more, chances are, you’ll find it lacking.

 

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I can’t believe that anyone would seriously suggest that this film was even average!  It was worst film I have seen in a very long time.The movie had so little to offer, it is hard to only point to specific flaws:1) Keanu has to be one of the worst actors of our era.  He shows no signs of even moderate intelligence or talent, and as a hero, he comes across as flat and unispiring.  It is hard to believe that his character would have anything to offer that would distingish him from your average idiot.  And in action scenes, it was impossible to tell if he is *supposed* to look silly or if he can’t help it.  No charisma, no flair, just pathetic.2) Very shallow and poor development of an unoriginal idea.  The idea that our reality is not real at all is hardly original.  It has been the subject of science fiction for decades, and a successful treatment of the subject should delve into some psychological depths.  We should be left wondering whether our world truly is real.  Or we should get a sense of how willing or unwilling we might be to face the fact that our world is an illusion.  We should wonder whether it matters if our world is an illusion, or whether reality is what we perceive as real.  Whatever the protrayal, we should leave the theater feeling intellectually moved.  While the film briefly brushed on some of these topics, it was so brief and shallow that no impression was left.  Instead, focus returned to martial arts which had no real purpose in terms of the plot.3) The story dragged as we were forced to sit through an explanation of the matrix that was completely obvious—a couple of visual effects would have gotten the point across in less than a minute with more effect.  While the characters beat the idea of the matrix to death in the dialogue, it did little to shed light into the hearts and minds of the characters.  What was their motivation, from where did they get their drive and courage?  Why were they able to sense the matrix?  None of the answers are even touched upon, and the characters are flat and unrealistic as a result.4) The idea of the matrix is very poorly thought out.  Instead of creating a believable world and believable rules for the matrix, the plot resorts to physical fighting, which makes no sense at all.  The film obviously had no intention of stretching the mind of the viewer, instead catering to an audience of mindless action-addicts. While action might have added to a well-thought out film, it cannot support a film where the premise is psychological or intellectual.5) No sense of despair, darkness, or power from the futuristic scenes. The future world is portrayed so little that we really don’t even have a chance to be overwhelmed by how horrible it could be.  In an attempt to make a happy action film, the dark undertones were completely dropped.The very few redeeming values were: 1) Interesting use of slow-motion action 2) A few nice special effects (no more than an average action film these days) 3) A promising premise.  While not original, the idea has great potential. Several other films, such as Dark City have shown a bit of this potential, and there is a plethora of such plots in books.In short, any thoughtful, insightful, meaningful, or inspired treatment of a potentially interesting idea was completely dropped to show a few almost laughably out of place action scenes.  The fact that people rave about this movie shows that people are willing to swallow the mindless just for some cool effects.  How sad.

 

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For all the people who gives this movie a 10, I notice they are usually *young* and living the poor attention span world of the video game. They have no clue about substance, and thus they worship «The Matrix.» Unfortunately, substance is what the Matrix lacks. It is no secret why the box office has steadily began to fail since the invention of CGI. It has become too easy to do anything you want in Special Effects, thus *substance* is no longer as attractive. In movies such as Jaws, you could not do anything you wanted. The shark didn’t work. They had to use orange barrels to show where the shark could be on the ocean. Thus *substance,* that is, the plot, had to take over where special effects could not take us.Unfortunately, the reverse is true of the Matrix. Special effects can take us anywhere now, and unless there is a really good plot, like in the Lord of the Rings (because the plot had been written in a time when splashy special effects were nonexistent) special effects are not enough to hold a story together. Thus, this is why Peter Jackson’s «King Kong» didn’t hold together as well. Find another novel by another good author Peter. Novels have to have substance, and that is what any movie needs, regardless of the quality of special effects.Another thing that bothered me about the Matrix was the contrived way in which it attempted to immerse us into a paranoid world. In just practical terms, it would take far more energy to run a complete virtual reality world, than *any engergy* that could be derived from a human body. Psst! Next time machines, just get a good waterfall and a hydrolic generator, or even just some wind turbines. Much more efficient, and the wind turbines won’t revolt against you.Seriously. How much «electricity» aka energy can you derive from a human body? I doubt very seriously the energy output vs. the energy needed to submerge all of your «prisoners» in a virtual reality world, would work. Let’s face it, the «machines» would be left with a huge energy deficit.So, I’m sorry, I could not get past that little nugget of factual error. The entire premise left me unable to suspend disbelief.So sorry all those video game lovers who worship this movie. It isn’t «War and Peace,» it isn’t «Lord of the Rings» and it isn’t even «Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?» (aka Blade Runner). It’s just an excuse for guys dressed in black to do cool, splashy, special effects, based on a so ridiculously contrived plot, that obviously the plot wasn’t what really mattered.Tell me the movie is cool, fine. Tell me it’s the basis for a philosophy course and I’ll tell you, you need to find another college.

 

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I really can’t understand all of the accolades that this film continues to receive.  Has the entire world gone insane and forgotten that what makes a good movie is its script.  Has everything become about special effects, special effects and more special effects?   Sure, if you want special effects, this is definitely the movie for you.  If I was writing this entry for the Special Effects Message Board, I would have given it a 10/10 rating. But frankly, I need more than great visuals to have a movie work for me and as this film has nothing else, it gets a 1 rating.I know my rating won’t dissuade the masses from singing the praises of this movie.  I know that my rating won’t stop the inevitable outcome of Matrix II becoming the highest grossing film of all time during its opening weekend. Perhaps the only thing this review will do is lead like minded people in the direction of other movies that deal with similar themes yet actually have characters that you will care about.Let me make clear, that the core concept of Matrix is a great one.  The whole idea of our world being part of someone else’s imagination is something that has fascinated me for as long as I can remember.  When Matrix originally debuted, you couldn’t have paid me to stay away from the theater. Someone had finally put one of the great philosophic debates into movie form and I knew that it had to be incredible.   Instead, the only thing incredible about the film (beside the special effects) was how wrong I had been.There on the screen was a movie without any real screenplay.  No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t bring myself to care about these characters because they just weren’t real.   You would think that in a film dealing with reality-as-you-know-it crumbling around the main characters, that there would be some exploration into how the newly revealed reality affected their psyches.   But that doesn’t happen here.  Instead, we are given a movie where the emphasis is placed upon stocking up on as many guns and other weapons as possible so that the bad guys can be shot and killed.   Give me a break!!!I think what has happened in these type of movies is that the producers are handed a great idea and then spend their entire budget on the actors and special effects.  They don’t bother to spend anything on the screenplay because they have realized that good ones aren’t necessary anymore.  Just give the public some nice CGI and they’ll flock to the theatre. Unfortunately, they seem to be right.   Movies like Matrix and and the Jurassic Park series continue to sell out even though the stories are horrible.  Give us a cool CGI Dinosaur running around a city or make the lead characters do CGI kung-fu moves and we’ll go home happy.   Never mind that we have absolutely no insight into who the main characters are.  We don’t need to care about them as long as they are involved in computerized situations!   (Did anyone actually give a damn whether Jeff Goldblum’s character lived or died in Lost World?)Anyway — my point is that you can certainly make a film exploring ideas and concepts similar to those in these mega movies and still have the audience care about the characters.In the case of Matrix, for those interested in a good «reality-as-you-know-it» type of movie, I would suggest Josef Rusnak’s ‘Thirteenth Floor’ or even better yet, if you can handle sub-titles, Alejandro Amenabar’s «Open Your Eyes».   Both of these movies manage to give you an incredible story, with characters you will remember long after the credits have rolled.  Believe it or not, you’ll actually find yourself wondering about the characters’ futures rather than simply commenting on how cool that CGI generated flip-in-the-air was.Good movies are supposed to leave you with questions. They are supposed to make you think.  You didn’t really have to do that with Matrix, and its a shame because the movie could and should have been so much more than it ended up being.In my opinion, Matrix was a waste of both time and money.  I will just keep praying that one day the movie going public will give up on these special effects monsters and turn back to the days of enjoying movies with plots. On that day, films like «Open Your Eyes» will finally get their due and Hollywood will stop giving us mere eye candy like Matrix and similar ilk.

 

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I saw this movie in the theater back in 1999. It had its moments, but not many. To start, the acting is terrible. Keanu Reeves has the emotive ability of a toaster, and Carrie Ann Moss is about as sympathetic as that sexy sidekick babe in a video game. Lawrence Fishburne comes off a bit better, but his dialogue is the most pretentious, ridiculous garbage I’ve ever heard. I imagine the characters in this film spend about six hours out of every day designing the leather bondage costumes they’ll wear next time they’re in the Matrix.For the first half of the movie, it seems to be interested in questioning reality, which, as the title to my review suggests, was already done more topically in previous films. «The Matrix» is astounded by what it perceives as its own brilliance, but for those of us who have thought of its ideas before, there are few surprises. Some people I know were blown away when Neo discovers the truth behind his reality, but I was waiting for something interesting to happen.»The Matrix» has been praised for its originality, but it suffers from two traditional and clichéd movie formulas. First, Neo is the Chosen One (notice that «neo» is an anagram of «one.» Was this supposed to be suspenseful?) who is destined to save the human race, bring balance to the Force, etc. He dies and comes back to life, like Jesus. Of course, to begin with he was just a pasty hacker in a crummy apartment and an anonymous office job, giving hope to all the spotty teenage geeks in the audience that they too might become the Messiah one day.The second fault is the movie’s reliance on action. Instead of coming up with interesting and exciting ways for two people to fight each other in virtual reality, Neo and Co. whip out their guns and start shooting. The techno music begins, and the audience is treated to several slow-motion kicks and scenes of people dodging bullets. I’m not sure how they manage all this, because nobody ever takes off their sunglasses to see properly. If the villains of the movie really were programs in the Matrix, shouldn’t they be able to manipulate it without having to resort to kung fu? Anyway, I didn’t like this movie. «Dark City» is a better, more original version of the same premise, without the Chosen One nonsense or the martial arts.

 

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Original Review Posted to IMDb 2001. Newer Review Submitted November 27th, 2003.—I watched «The Matrix» for the fourth or fifth time last night, and for the fourth or fifth time I wasn’t able to fully comprehend its wild success. I understand that it is essentially a good film, with very impressive visual effects, and that it has some underlying themes and metaphors for our current world culture mixed with the kind of stuff people go to the movies for…but I can’t bring myself to give it more than 4.5/5 stars. That may be a very good rating, but this is a movie that took me four or five viewings to even learn to really like it. The end seemed quite enthralling this time around, but the beginning of the movie, for me, just lacks a bit of something.The plot: Our world, as we know it, is a computer simulation called The Matrix. In «the real world,» we are all «grown» in long fields where machines of the future look over us and put us into little pods where we are hooked up into the simulation matrix and entertained until our death.As our minds believe we are in this alternate world, the machines use our bodies for sources of energy. A mysterious man named Morpheus holds up a Duracell battery at one point during the course of the film and states that we are merely another one of these. But the film starts with Neo, a man who lives an alternate life—one of honesty and one of crime. He is an Internet hacker and has been guilty of virtually every known hacker crime.But Neo feels that the world surrounding him is somehow wrong. He doesn’t like the idea of fate because it means that he can’t control his own destiny. An so an infamous criminal named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) picks up Neo, hoping that he may be The One, the man whose destiny is to free the minds of everyone living in The Matrix and bring an end to the machines’ rule of the real world.Of course, this won’t be easy, as Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving, who can now be seen in all three «The Lord of the Rings» films) is a computer program loaded into The Matrix—his mission is to stop the uprising and to capture Morpheus and his gang, which also includes Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Cypher (the always enjoyable Joe Pantoliano).Keanu Reeves may not be able to act, but his character is part of the new generation computer freaks and geeks. Needless to say, he fits the part. Laurence Fishburne («Apocalypse Now») is good as the mysterious and all-knowing Morpheus. His character’s lasting image was a bit tarnished by the film’s 2003 sequel, «The Matrix Reloaded,» as an element of him was lost when we found out that he isn’t quite as respected back in Zion (the land of the free).But the real stand-outs are Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity—he’s the comedic relief, she’s a strong leader who falls for Neo. And unlike the Charlies Angels gang, she actually looks as if she could knock out twenty guys and live to tell about it. She’s tough, blunt and the ultimate on-screen tom boy. «The Matrix» currently holds the number 34 spot on the Internet Movie Database’s list of the top 250 films ever made. I’ve certainly seen better films than «The Matrix,» and The Wachowski Brothers, who directed the film, seem to have borrowed a lot of past techinques in filming (the bleak look of «Se7en,» the metaphorical significances of «Star Wars,» etc.). But this last viewing proved to be a lot more fun than previous viewings—perhaps because for once I let my mind make its own decision and avoided it being influcenced by the standing of the film on lists and so on. Expectations were too high when I first saw this film. And they still are. But perhaps a few more viewings will make this movie really grow on me. I sure do hope so.»The Matrix» is the type of film you should witness without prior expectations.4/5.

 

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… I don’t know how long.  Probably that’s why it didn’t do as well as big, dumb, lumbering things like «Independence Day» and «The Phantom Menace», and a dozen or so films I didn’t bother to watch.Much of what you will have heard about this film is false.  You will have heard that the premise is that we’re all prisoners in a virtual reality world; but the premise is not that WE are prisoners in a virtual reality world — it’s a good deal more interesting than that.  You will have heard that it’s hip and cynical; but thankfully, it’s neither.  You will have heard the word «cyberpunk» being used, with the odd allusion to films like «The Ghost in the Shell» and «Blade Runner»; but it’s NOT pretentious, deep-breathing, tawdry angst of that kind at all.  It’s really quite charming once you get to know it.  Beneath all the up-to-the-minute computer gimcracks lies a gentle and trusting heart.The central character is played by Keanu Reeves, and I retract my claim that there’s no use for the man.  Indeed he acts rather well.  Admittedly he plays a character who spends most of the film, and indeed most of his life, with the air of someone who (in the words of another character) isn’t worried because he expects to wake up soon; but being able to do this well is being able to do something well.  Besides, we spend the opening half being at least half as bewildered as he is — even if we’ve read the plot synopsis.  When the set-up is revealed in all its glory I admit that one or two details are a bit far fetched.  But I never felt that my intelligence was insulted in the way things had been revealed to me.Special effects are marvellous.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen computer-generated images look this convincing — usually they disfigure a movie — and there are several reasons why they work so well.  A dark (but attractively dark) style of lighting shows them at their best. Psychological tricks — well-chosen camera angles, misdirection — are used to make us believe in what we see: no-one makes the assumption that George Lucas made in «The Phantom Menace», that software alone will do the trick. And more to the point, a story has been chosen where the kind of technology favoured by Hollywood these days is not out of place.  The air of vague phoniness that computer effects impart, the sense that something is deeply wrong, is exactly what we want in a story where something really IS deeply wrong.Only two things let the film down: the last couple of minutes (and after two fantastic hours I can forgive a little fumble at the end), and a HORRIBLY synthetic musical score, which seems to be there only to make us glad when it stops.  Luckily it stops often enough and it only succeeds in ruining one or two scenes.  I don’t know — maybe this kind of musical pollution has been around for a while, and I only noticed it now because «The Matrix», unlike the brainless action movies surrounding us on all sides, deserves better.

 

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I really cannot understand the hype & gushing praise for this sfx/cgi gloated film.The story is routine — a contemporary mix of Men In Black, Tron and a shedload of other «10 seconds to go before the world is destroyed» movies.The principle idea of a make-believe world called The Matrix, a world where we all live totally oblivious to the fact that this world is totally artificial and controlled by machines, could have been immensely interesting in the hands of a better set of scriptwriters & directors. In any case this kind of story isn’t a million miles away from Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy, a book far more interesting than this rubbish.For the sake of a good story the Wachoowski Brothers (writers & directors) went all gooey for lots of cgi to distract the viewer with the many plotholes and poor character development. The story simply gets in the way of a good sfx. And on and on it goes, each cgi trying to out «wow» the previous effect to the point where you wonder whether this is nothing more than an expensive computer game.People went wild when we saw our heroes climb up walls, jump huge rooftops & dodge speeding bullets in slowmo. But so what? I feel we have become so blaise about cgi that only our imagination limits us to what we think is possible. And the cgi in this film no longer had the same kind of «jaw dropping» effect as one witnessed in Star Wars, Terminator 2 or even 2001:Space Odyssey.Our superheroes, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishbourne & Carrie Annie Moss, looked like bit players compared to the computer bits making up the over indulgent CGIs. Fishbourne tries to come over all cool & hip, but looks fairly average when asked to do anything remotely interesting; Reeves acts just like…well…Reeves, with that usual «no one’s home» expression & designer jackets. While Moss hops in & out of the movie when it looks as if the going’s getting a bit tough for Reeves, resulting in an ending ripped straight from Luc Besson’s 5th Element!This film lives off its own hype & marketing, and already looks dated. Once you’ve viewed the film more than a couple of times and got used to the sfx you then want to look for more depth only to find that its only the sfx that holds the film together.BAD!**/*****

 

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As the world and the movies head into a brand new millenium, old narrative formats have been gilded with all the techno/cyber concepts and jargon that now inundate us in our daily lives.  In no areas of filmmaking is this more true than the action/adventure and sci-fi genres.  Probably the most popular example to date comes in the form of «The Matrix», a film that actually chooses as its setting a never-never land located somewhere between reality and the abstract plane of cybernetics.The plot of the film, though too complex to reiterate here, is actually put forward in a fairly straightforward, comprehensible manner.  What is missing from the film is the essential grounding in reality that makes the audience care if the main characters succeed in their mission (to rescue the world of course) or fail.  Unlike say «Enemy of the State», which managed to grapple with the potential dangers of an over-computerized and mechanized society in a world with which we are all familiar, «The Matrix» takes us to a sci-fi world that never fully engages the audience in even its own reality.  Part of the problem may be that the film’s visual designers settle for the conventional sci-fi view of the future world as a series of dark, cramped, fog enshrouded rooms and corridors familiar to us from countless such movies.  We follow the obviously well thought-out and meticulously explained storyline but find ourselves never particularly engaged in the characters or feel any stake in the outcome of the final resolution. As to the film’s much vaunted special effects, they are, admittedly at times, intriguing, but since computer graphics now make even the most preposterous situations possible on the screen, the audience craves more than simply scattered moments of jawdropping visuals to engage its full attention.  «The Matrix»  borders on dullness quite often during its overlong 136 minute running time.  Perhaps a movie that takes place in a world that really isn’t a world needs a more engaging central character to make the audience care.

 

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For starters, I´d like to say that there are lots of films out there that use special effects to make brutal killings look cool, and I have no problem whatsoever with that. In fact, nothing clears the head better than an hour or two of Arnold Schwarzenegger or Wesley Snipes killing baddies and shouting one-liners. As long as an action movie doesn´t take itself too seriously, nor do the audience have to. But the Matrix is one of those really dumb action movies that aren´t content with serving as eye candy. It desperatly wants to be Thought Provoking and Carry A Message. When you start analyzing that message, you almost get to belive that perhaps the Unabomber or Timothy McVeigh filled in as script doctors. Let´s review the facts, shall we (warning, spoilers down below, stop reading if you really want to be «surprised» by this film): After the initial action scenes, the movie gets rather boring while three important facts are established: 1: That even thou «the Matrix» is a simulation, nearly all the people in «the Matrix» are real people who think they live in the real world, except for a small select group of people who know The Truth.2: That you cannot go from living in «the Matrix» to living in the real world without going though excrutiating amounts of fysiotherapy.3: That if you get hurt and die in «the Matrix» you also die in the real world.And after that those facts have been implemented over and over, the film goes on to show the heroes remorselessly shooting down and killing hordes of policemen, security guards and the occational homless person, «real people» who we have to persume are just performing their choirs and duties in what they belive to be the «real world». All this carnige is justified in the name of a Greater Cause, namely to «liberate» the inhabitants of the Matrix all at once, even though they will have no real chance of survival once liberated. Am I the only one that gets a bit distraught by this?Oh, and in case you actually didn´t know, «the Turner Diarys» is a rather infamous old science fiction novel written by a nazi and treasured by white supremacists.  It tells the «heroic» story of a little group of self-righteous fascist terroists who overthrow the American gouverment by instigating riots and killing all the evil FBI agents, among other things. Add  a bit of trendy cyberspace mumbo jumbo and what have you got? You figure it out.

 

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One of the most overrated films of ALL TIME, if not THE most overrated film of all time. Why people love this movie so much completely baffles me. I realize that different people have different opinions and tastes but even some fellow reviewers here that have comparable tastes to mine praise this film to my astonishment. There isn’t anything great here, so why all the fuss? It’s not original, and if you think it is you didn’t see Dark City or a slew of others….the story is very slow, it’s pretentious beyond words, and the acting is absolutely terrible to the point that it’s hard to sit through without wanting to bite a running chainsaw, all thanks to the abysmally talented Reeves and Laurence Lamprey aka Cowboy Curtis. The ending is also weak, and don’t tell me it’s because they had planned on making a sequel because movies should be able to stand alone…..and don’t even get me started on the sequels. At least they’re not too overrated. I have felt this way since 1999 when it came out and I went to see it in the theater. When it was finally over, I said, «That’s it?!»Let’s go over this piece, shall we? People praise this film for it’s fight choreography, when the people fighting are tools like Fishburne and Reeves. Are you serious? I can’t help but to laugh out loud at Keanu in the dojo training scene with Lamprey. He looks like he’s got a Klingon dagger rammed up his butt! This is the «One»?! I can’t think of anyone more miscast. Actually, I can’t think of a film where he wouldn’t be miscast. True, a lot of my discontent with this film comes from the actors, but even with decent actors I still think it would’ve failed. The story is also sloppy and filled with more useless techno-babble than a quantum-physics book from Brent Spiner’s «Data» from the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. To sum it up, it doesn’t make any sense. People as batteries? OK. For a movie that spouts so much techno-babble at you, it’s not very technical. It’s all a red herring.My biggest problem with the people that like this film is that they praise it for it’s originality when that could not be further from the truth. Do your research or just watch more movies and you’ll begin to realize that this film is nothing more than a long list of rip-offs from others films….and it gets the credit for all of it. This isn’t the film’s fault, it’s the uneducated fans….the same fans responsible for it’s ridiculously lofty rating here at IMDb. I think the rip-offs were intentional personally, and I don’t think even the Wachowski brothers thought it’d be as successful as it was because of it.Criminally overrated….and will not stand the test of time. The epitome of the phrase, «Style over substance.» Just another summer blockbuster.It’s a lot like Pokemon. People like it, but I can’t understand why….and I don’t think they do either. I think this will just be another fad. Time will tell.

 

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After watching a movie which some call «The best sci-fi film of the Millennium» I had this serious and uncontrollable urge to go in depth and examine it to the last piece. You can ask me «Why can’t you just seat back and receive pleasure?» I can. But not when it comes to movie which is called cult.The special effects were good. But the only reason they were made is to create a show. Check out the eXistenZ — I don’t think there were any computer animated effects at all, but you get a full feeling of another reality.What’s really bad is a plot of the film. This is supposed to be a movie were the Good Guys are fighting the Bad Matrix. But what Matrix is bad is questionable. It takes away people’s freedom to control their lives but allows them to live in a bright sunny world, when the real world is dark ruins, ugly closing and food that looks and tastes like plastic. Some people could say that the Matrix is doing a good deed.Not to mention that using a people’s bodies as a batteries is not very effective, you have to feed them and that’s a real waste of energy.Absolutely unnecessary thing in this film is a Kung Fu. If you can bend spoons and duck bullets with the power of your mind, you don’t need any martial arts. It was made only to put some action into film.And the worst thing is a prophecy about the «Chosen-One». Neo was the «Chosen-One» all the time and it doesn’t matter if Trinity would fall in love with him or not. He had his abilities, he trained them and it’s logically to assume that he would get them. But no! He fully gets them only when Trinity says she loves him. Yes, it was in Oracles prophecy, but don’t You think that the things You can do are not depend from what other people think about You? This is really falls apart, and this is a major moment in movie.To avoid any farther damaging of a Matrix fan’s feelings, I must say that this movie is not all that bad. It’s a good show and you can really enjoy it, but please, don’t call it «The best sci-fi film of the Millennium»! Go see Alien instead.

My mark — 4 out of 10.

 

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I’m waiting, like a vulture, for this movie to become dated. And it will. The club scene, the sunglasses, the fashions, the cell phones — oh yes, one day it will all look and sound unbearably corny. And then, we’ll have to actually pay attention to the script and the acting (or lack thereof). And we will realize that this movie reeks.For an action film, it’s remarkably dull, with the first half basically consisting of a looong string of complex explanations. It doesn’t help that Neo is a totally flat character. If I’m to care that he’s trapped in the Matrix, I need to see more of his life there. Sadly, one scene of Neo at work, being berated by the boss, does not a fascinating character make. I also think it was a terrible mistake to make him a programmer, since he already understands the nature of computers and should, therefore, be more receptive to the idea of the Matrix instead of consistently incredulous. And am I supposed to believe that this master hacker doesn’t know what an EMP is?The film is also terribly derivative. Morpheus is an even more gaseous version of Yoda, and Neo is clearly based on Luke (promising young man discovers super-powers and helps rebels overthrow their nasty oppressors). The visual style is ripped off from the Alien movies, as is the snake-like parasite that somehow manages to burst through Neo’s bellybutton without leaving a mark. The evil agents clearly evoke The X-Files, the notion that mankind is enslaved by robots in an apocalyptic future comes straight out of The Terminator, and — most damningly of all — the concept of a virtual reality environment called the Matrix had featured some 23 years earlier in an episode of Doctor Who («The Deadly Assassin»). Maybe the Matrix didn’t consciously rip off all of these sources, but it’s certainly worth noting that this movie is utterly unoriginal in every respect but its action photography (and that will, like all the rest, probably date badly).Needless to say, Reeves is pretty bland, and Fishbourne is just plain embarrassing in his first scene (it doesn’t help that his every dire line is punctuated by a melodramatic bolt of lightning). Only Carrie-Anne Moss’s Trinity comes up smelling like a rose, and it’s good to see such a strong role for a female character — though I think she should’ve been the hero, as she’s got more charisma than everyone else put together.I was quite disturbed by the metal detector scene, as it appears to be nothing more than a particularly violent video game sequence that’s meant to inspire future generations of random crazy shooting maniacs. It’s worth mentioning that the security guards who are so callously slaughtered by Neo and Trinity are not evil, just thralls of the Matrix, like Neo had been merely days before. Why, therefore, does he have no qualms about blowing them all to bits? Tacky, man — really tacky.I enjoyed Joe Pantoliano’s character, probably because he was allowed to have an actual set of motivations and opinions, whereas the other characters are just filler. And you know, a few segments were effective; the Oracle has real presence. But the film is basically a dog, and while it pretends to cast all kinds of light on the problems with modern society, at the end of the day it’s a stupid action movie that raises interesting issues, then resolves them with ridiculously OTT karate battles.As a movie, The Matrix is decent entertainment. As sci-fi, it’s derivative and sloppy. As philosophy, it’s risible, misleading, and poorly informed junk.

 

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I have heard so much about the Matrix and finally watched it for the first time this weekend.Boy, were there lots of action sequences. Lots and lots and lots of action sequences. You can feel the filmmakers just trying to top the last sequence instead of doing something like advancing the plot or developing the characters. Unless you think the action sequence is the be-all-and-end-all of movies, all that action just gets boring after a while. I have nothing against whiz-bang special effects as long as they do something worthwhile to move the film along (the Lord of the Rings films are good at this). But this is just not happening with the Matrix.The Matrix concept itself is thought-provoking. Why isn’t it developed more? The fact that this monumental struggle for the soul of humanity ends up with a shoot-out, a helicopter-dangling rescue sequence and a martial arts fight is almost laughable. It’s like saying the mysteries of the universe can be unraveled by watching beer commercials. If you want to see an ending that leaves you with something worth chewing on, you’ll be sadly disappointed (as I was).As for other elements of the movie — Keanu Reeves, as much as I usually enjoy watching him, was extremely wooden. Fishburne and Moss were good at what they did, but their parts were pretty two-dimensional. I couldn’t get emotionally involved with any of the characters, which is ultimately the fault of the writers. The cinematography and «style» of the film and the sets is pretty cool to look at. However, the whole black clothes and sunglasses motif is just a little bit hokey after a while. And the agents — I swear they look just like the bad aliens in Brother From Another Planet — I kept expecting them to shriek at each other.I look at it this way — people who think that sitting in front of their tubes and playing video games is a worthwhile way to spend their lives will probably love this movie. People who want something more will think it’s pretty hollow. It’s a shame because the concept had a lot of potential, but the filmmakers took the easy way out.

 

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(As an avid film critic and reviewer, I got the chance to see this film among other critics and lucky people in late Feburary.).Andy and Larry Wachowski have done it again. With their chilling, dark film «Bound», which they directed and written, I knew I was going to expect another fantastic presentation. «The Matrix» completely blew me away.I got the announcement about this film over three years ago, and I was curious to see what «The Matrix» really was, but information was far too limited, leaving me only the names of the people behind the magic. However, it creeped up through the neighborhood and slapped me in the face, yelling, «Damnit! Look at me!» Look at it I did, and I am stilling pondering about «The Matrix.»»The Matrix» stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburn, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Joe Pantoliano, among others. I have tracked Fishburn’s acting career since his infamous role on «Pee Wee’s Playhouse» as «Cowboy Curtis,» and I must say, I am amazed once again. Fishburn with the rest of the actors/actresses perform stunningly, and leave you wanting more.But what is this Matrix I keep rambling on about? Well, as Fishburn states, «Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.» That is exactly what you need to do to decipher «The Matrix.»Although I promised myself not to let out too much information on this film, I have permitted myself to blabber on about what this film has done. It has done far past my expectations in technology. The slick movements by the characters, and the martial arts are amazing. Obviously, a lot of work has been put into this film, and work has done it good.Another point about this film that may be brought to your surprise. The actual fight scenes, twirling about, action scenes, and so on, were conducted by the actors themselves, not stuntmen, which also adds another nice touch to realism. The training that the actors must have gone through has to be appreciated from this film.Now, after viewing this film, you may decide, «Oh jeez. I thought I was in for something. This is just another Hollywood show-off of an old, repetitive storyline.» Well, may-be, but «The Matrix» has an insightful and nice touch to its storyline. It brings it out in a unique way that no film has brought before. That is why it stands out.»The Matrix» is a marvel among movies. This may not get an Oscar or two, but it definitely stands out among other films. «The Matrix» cannot be explained unless seen, so for you to discover the mystery behind «The Matrix», you have to see it, to believe it.

 

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I was first attracted to The Matrix by the slick trailers and TV spots. However, I did not choose to see it in theaters until after hearing many outstanding recommendations from friends.  I heard such comments as «man, this movie will mess with your mind!», «I still don’t understand it», «you have to watch it a few times to get it», and many variations on «the special effects are awesome!».  I consider myself to be a fan of mind-benders, and the occasional sweet special effect is always welcome in my book.  So I go and see The Matrix.  In my first viewing, I literally fell asleep.  Now, you must be wondering how a person could possibly fall asleep watching such an action packed film.  It was easy.  The action just doesn’t do it for me. You might also wonder why I would write a review for a movie I didn’t see in it’s entirety.  Actually, I rented it on DVD and sat through the whole thing months later.  I have many large complaints with The Matrix.  Let’s start with the whole «mind-bender» thing.  A psychological thriller this is not. In fact, the fairly unoriginal concepts behind the story are presented in the first 20 minutes or so, and then pretty much never mentioned again. This movie will not keep anyone thinking unless they are incredibly stupid and can’t get past the first 20 minutes.  The special effects and the visuals in general are indeed spectacular.  Good for them.  That doesn’t do a whole lot for me when there is no substance to back them up.  The Matrix, as a whole, is an exercise in style over substance.  In all fairness, it is very stylish.  Here’s the main problem: the movie does about 20 minutes of posing as a psychological thriller (as the trailers would have you believe), and then drops you off into the realm of sci-fi and video game violence. The characters basically just start fighting, running, and shooting things. It feels every bit as stupid and pointless as the next action movie.  The only saving grace is the fact that it is much prettier than the next action movie.  Once again, eye candy is the key to this movie.  Although it seems to easy, I will rail on Keanu Reeves performance in The Matrix.  Well, actually, the only thing that can be said about it is that it was weak (like all Keanu’s performances, I suppose).  Fortunately, it won’t distract most viewers from all the cool explosions, gun shots, and camera tricks.In summation, don’t go in expecting an intelligent movie, you’ll be disappointed.  However, if you enjoy action, special effects, or sci-fi stuff in general, then I find it hard not to recommend this movie to you. I guess when it comes down to it, special effects and action aren’t my thing. I need a little more substance.

 

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`I hate those movies based on special effects with a poor plot,’ I told my friend when he suggested me to go see `The Matrix’ on its opening night. But when I kept hearing excellent reviews of the movie, my curiosity increased, and I decided to give it a try. Well, I was right: not only I did not enjoy the movie, but I also could not wait to rush out of the movie theater.

First of all: the PLOT was truly poor, and it is clear that most of the scenes were designed merely to show special effects, rather than to transmit a precise message (and at least twenty minutes of the movie could have been cut because of this). The first rule of screenwriting is to satisfy the audience’s need for orientation, clarifying since the very beginning who are the characters of the movie, and what is their function. I had to wait an hour to understand that. This method (increasing the suspense of this audience by postponing a real explanation of the characters’ roles) could have been effective, only if they were introduced in a more clear way. I often felt lost, as many key aspects of the movie were clarified too late (i.e. the phone transportation).

The DIALOGUES were truly lame and unoriginal (except for some funny references to the Wizard of OZ).The CHARACTERS were not developed at all. Still now, thinking about the movie, I cannot really say what was a peculiar trait of each character: their personalities did not stand out at all. They were rather divided into the stereotypical `good’ and `bad’ categories.

Still mentioning STEREOTYPES, I think the whole movie was a TT (Temple of Testosterone): the ideal place for the satisfaction of a male audience. Why? Because of great fight scenes, vigorous men with a perpetual grimace who want to either save or `own’ the world, women with big breasts who don’t talk (the woman in red), and strong but yet submissive women driven by sentimentality (Trinity).

What I SUGGEST is to go see it if you like video games and want some entertainment. But if you are one of those persons who want to step out of a movie theater with a new awareness or – even better – a call to action, I suggest you’d save the 8 bucks for a better cause.

 

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If you are some small programmer working for some big company, doing all day the same stupid work you might fall for the idea that your life is not as boring and senseless as it seems (and maybe actually is), but that you are in fact the god and creator of this world. The normal reaction should be: Turn that computer off, take a vacation, maybe seek professional help. You can also make a movie…Matrix is not boring, it`s tense and it has stunning visuals. But like a good video clip does not make the music worth listening to, a whole bunch of special effects do not make a great movie.After watching the Matrix I recognized that:1. I don’t get why super-robots, who overwhelmed the whole human kind, are not able to build some nuclear power plants, despite the fact that they really needn’t care about radioactive pollution. Instead they get their energy from humans, and if you take a look at their body «farms»  you must agree that it looks like they are putting a lot more energy into it than they get out of it… A good movie (even if it’s science fiction) should provide some ground level logic in its story.2. I did not care about the characters. They die? Hmmm, okay. Trinity loves Neo? Uh, why is that? Did I miss something? A good movie makes me feel for the characters and understand their reactions. In this point Matrix is a total failure. Ever watched Brazil? You maybe should if you’d like to see a good «big brother» picture.3. This pseudo religious bla bla. Realize that there is no spoon? I realized that there is something else missing somewhere in the story writers head. Well, wouldn’t be so bad, if there weren’t point 1 and 2.4. This background theme of being something better than the others. Uh, am I really just some role playing games liking informatics student? Or am I the master of the universe? Look in the mirror, decide for yourself…does not look like Keanu Reeves? What a surprise.Watch this movie, it won’t bore you. But if you think your going to see a REALLY good movie, or even a masterpiece, keep away from it. You will be quite disappointed afterwards.Ah, and if you like MTV…this is the best movie ever made. 😉

5/10

 

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Like «Blade Runner», the «Matrix» trilogy has at least two different levels of story. Both are evident, but we, at first, only see the first and less important, which is the Matrix itself and the man-against-machine war. The second level, which is the central plot of the whole thing, is so obvious that it becomes invisible.If you liked this movie more than the sequel, «Matrix: Reloaded», then you, like almost everyone else, didn’t understand it. If you are feeling bad about that, don’t worry, it took me almost eight years to finally understand it, too! Many people liked this first part, the rest hated it, and both didn’t understand it. Interestingly enough, the ones that hated it were closer to understanding it than those that liked it. People that didn’t like the «Matrix» trilogy always talk about the «shallow story» and the «cheap philosophy». As much as they are right about the cheap philosophy, they are complete and absolutely wrong about the shallow story. The «pseudo-philosophic junk» is, actually, junk, but a very important part of the story, and that is so clear in this first part of the trilogy that no one actually realized it. It happens because, taken alone, «The Matrix» is just a fantasy movie, placed some time in the future.The key to realize the greatness of the «Matrix» trilogy is accepting that it is a science fiction, not a fantasy movie. With that in mind, you can find the real villain of the trilogy, then everything will make sense, including the things that make no sense at all in a science fiction movie, like Neo’s skills, both inside and outside the Matrix. The really interesting thing is that the villain openly shows its evilness in «Reloaded», it even explains its reason to do the things it does, but we promptly forgive or forget it! And pay a lot of attention to the dialogs at the very ending, in «Matrix: Revolutions», don’t be deceived or misled by the background, because they present the final results of the main struggle of the trilogy and you will realize who is the winner.So, follow the white rabbit and find out who is the real villain in the «Matrix» trilogy. After that, you will see that almost all speeches in it have two completely different meanings, one that supports a weak futuristic cloak-and-dagger flick, with lots of «cool», but unimportant Greek-and-whatever references, and another that leads to a much darker reality, which will make you love the whole trilogy, or more properly, the trilogy as a whole, not only this first installment.

 

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Firstly the brilliance of this film cannot be justified within a review, every aspect is fantastic and well thought out. I watched this for the first time as a purely action film and I was not disappointed the visuals are spectacular and still are even today 16 years later which is utterly astounding. An example of a film from the same time frame would be The Mummy, with a larger budget and a similar focus placed on visuals it does not come anywhere close to the same standard as The Matrix. The story is equally fantastic, it is beautifully complex and engrossing. The basis of the story is simple enough that the world is controlled by machines and effectively the world that every one lives in is purely a computer generated fantasy designed to give the illusion of living. There are however layers upon layers to the story which you realise the more you watch it. You are never bored and there is always some aspect that is new each time you watch it. There are also different connotations within the film to various philosophies, beliefs and religions, some easily noticeable such as Neo being a Messiah figure and a saviour to all that follow him (like Jesus). Others are maybe not as obvious but the philosophy of «thinking for one self» is also heavily featured in the film, as is the degree of choice we possess in a modern world, therefore posing the question are we truly free? These factors make the film more and more interesting every time, spotting various little factors you may miss. Keanu Reeves as the main character Thomas Anderson/Neo may not be the best performance in the film but his portrayal is exactly what the film required and therefore is brilliant. All the other characters are all also fantastic with stand out performances from Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving as Morpheus and Agent Smith. Fishburne conveys his characters beliefs and wisdom with such ease it is almost soothing, as you are also convinced yourself of his beliefs watching it. Hugo Weaving on the other hand manages to produce a sadistic evil character without really using emotions or changing his voice, instead he uses an almost monotonous tone and his emotions are translated through the use of language which Hugo conveys masterfully. The battle internally with his relationship with both machine and human is effectively shown through the characters language and actions. All the actors/actresses produced great performances and it I could i would praise them all, other notable mentions of underrated performances are for Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity and Cypher, both totally different but equally convincing in there roles. Overall from my point of view I don’t feel there is a more complete film, The Wachowskis have made a film that transcends across most genres making it a film for everyone. I don’t think there ever will be another original film ever that poses so many questions and gets you thinking more than The Matrix. You can almost see yourself as at least one of the characters in the film and have an ability to relate. The most important factor to me however is the fact that it leaves the mystery of whether it is real or not, as you could never technically know. I like the fact is makes you question yourself as to whether this could be possible, obviously some sci-fi films are totally ridiculous and cannot happen but this forever will pose the question.Simply put, to me this film is the greatest ever made and possibly will be for some time to come.

 

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‘The Matrix’ must be one of the most ambitious and highly successful projects of the past twenty years. Its difficult to imagine how this film could have gone from conception to execution, and succeeded with such flying colors. For a long time I’ve avoided writing a review because this was my «Godfather» or «Star Wars» movie, having first seen it at 13 and instantly falling in love with it. I could never be truly objective about this movie, nor could I find a single truthful, objective analysis of it anywhere on IMDb or RT. Roger Ebert’s review was nice, but too harsh.’Bound’ helped me appreciate better how ‘Matrix’ was conceived. Neither of these two films has a single wasted moment. It seems that the Wachowskis build a film by cascading a set of scenes, like a series of dominos, so that each scene projects into the next one. This is of course what all screenwriters do, but as simple as it sounds, it is no mean feat. The most important part of any film, I think, is how you connect scenes, how you work on transitions so as to create meaning and plausibility. What you show, how you show, and most importantly, what you Don’t show. This is extremely difficult. It requires a deep understanding of the cognitive mechanics at work between a film and a viewer. It is, if you like, the most important part of film-making, as important (if not more) than the actual shooting process.The brothers nailed this whole conception business down to the last detail. The editor won an Oscar, but the film was streamlined by the directors for perfect editing. The cinematography and sound design is breathtaking. Joel Silver brought another influence to bear in terms of production expertise. They worked on the formidable design and effects requirements, even bringing in a legendary Hong Kong action choreographer for the martial arts scenes.And then they made casting choices that could not have been better. This film rests on the visual and vocal libido of the leads. It works only because the actors work, because we relate and identify with them. Just watch Weaving and Fishburne scorch the frame in their respective parts; these are their best roles. Moss is visually apt. Reeves is unwittingly perfect for his role, more perfect than anyone could have imagined.Another important part of this film is the self-reference. This film riffs on itself many times in many ways, such as when Mouse asks Neo how the machines could possibly know about the taste of Tasty Wheat. This is essentially winking at the viewer by momentarily snapping the plausibility of the whole idea. Also, this whole franchise is one big stab at the Terminator movies and their enduring popularity. Instead of time travel, we have virtual reality. Instead of terminators, we have agents. Instead of John Connor….None of this explains how they came up with this concept. The keystone of the arch is hidden. There are countless other ‘influences’ here : Phil Dick, William Gibson, Doctor Who, Grant Morrisson’s ‘The Invisibles’ etc. And as with Tarantino, we are unable to say for sure whether it is homage or plagiarism. The innovation lies in the architecture of the whole thing, in the layering, in the flawless integration of so many different design elements to form a seamless, coherent entity. The Matrix is everywhere indeed.This is the only way to make movies.

 

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Calling «The Matrix» a science fiction movie is a massive abuse of the English language. Science fiction presumes a basis in an existing or projected law of science. At least this is the principle which gives substance to the wildest speculations of masters such as Arthur C Clarke (who has a first class physics degree). This film is better categorized as a science fantasy, i.e. one where  the authors use the pretence of science as a fig leaf to disguise the total inanity and incoherence of their project. Even fairy tales work within their own framework of law which gives tension and excitement to the surreal adventures. In «The Matrix» laws are not even made up as they go along, as that would impede the next stream-of-consciousness stunt. It makes a great special effect if a character leaps tall buildings at  a single bound or recoils from a road surface after falling from a 500 foot building. Unfortunately it also removes any possibility of the audience taking him to be even a far-fetched human character, and hence destroys any possibility of genuine thrills. These creatures can survive being run over by a subway train and even death itself. Hence the most risible Lazarus scene since «ET» -Keanu is revived from the tomb by the love of a good woman.You can make tennis easier to play by removing the net and rubbing out the lines; unfortunately you thereby destroy the game.  Similarly The Matrix fails to exist as any sort of half-coherent movie if you want a movie to consist of more than a string of sensational images.Unlike AC Clarke’s work, this screenplay fails to betray even a high school awareness of science in «explaining» its universe, the war between machines and humans, or the rationale for the machines sucking the life force of humans — not to mention the hokey insertion of an old style soothsayer into this «scientific» farago.I give it 2 out 10 — one for sheer chutzpah in raising $60 million on the basis of such a ludicrous script and 1 for set design and special effects combined.

 

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Without a doubt one of the best and most influential movies of all time, the Matrix is the defining science fiction film of the 1990’s and the biggest leap the genre has taken since Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: a Space Odyssey and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. The Matrix is a ground-breaking motion picture that not only raised the bar for all the science-fiction films to come after it but also redefined the action genre with its thrilling action sequences and revolutionary visual effects.The film tells the story of Thomas Anderson a computer hacker that in the world of hacking goes by the alias of Neo. When he is contacted by the mysterious outlaw Morpheus and having always questioned his reality, he is awakened to the truth that the world he’s been living in is a simulated reality called the Matrix and that he’s nothing more than a slave in this dystopian world, created and controlled by A.I powered machines.The direction and script by the Wachowskis is fantastic, as they drew ideas and inspirations from every other great sci-fi and cyberpunk movie and anime before the film, combining it with stunning action and putting it into one picture that has enough style, substance and subtext that everyone ended up giving their own interpretation of the story. The research that went into the preparation of the screenplay is quite extensive but the manner in which it is presented on the big screen is also very impressive. Every character presented on the film, has a well-defined arc and a purpose, and their motivations are clear.The cinematography is impeccable. It was very innovative in the use of the camera angles and movements, the zooms, the slow motion captures and the different color palette used to differentiate the Matrix and the real World. The editing is flawless, as it makes sure that every scene is integral to the story and ensures the pace of the film stays ferocious through its entire runtime. Each frame is also packed with so much visual information for the viewer to devour. The visual effects introduced us to the bullet-time effect and their impact can still be felt in today’s movies. The performances are also incredible. Each member of the cast gave their best performances and brought the characters they portray to life, but the one that stands out the most is Hugo Weaving’s disciplined rendition of his character, Agent Smith; a powerful computer program made to search and destroy the human rebellion, in undoubtedly the greatest performance in his career.In conclusion The Matrix is a masterpiece everyone should see. It is one of the most thought provoking, inventive, pioneering, influential and stylish movies of all time and it’s also full of philosophical and religious allegories. Immortal for its contribution to cinema and pop culture, its brilliant combination of inventive visual effects, excellent vision and exquisite action easily makes it one of the best, most influential and most entertaining movies ever made.

 

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‘The Matrix’ may not be one of the very greatest examples of its genre (like ‘2001’, ‘Metropolis’, ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Star Wars Original Trilogy’, ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens’), but that it is revolutionary in how its visuals and use of sound broke boundaries like had never been done before cannot be denied.It is not a film to be seen if people want character depth or relationship depth, with the forced and underdeveloped love subplot between Neo and Trinity being ‘The Matrix’s’ sole weak spot. This ended up not being that huge a problem for me because everything else is so well executed.Particularly striking about ‘The Matrix’ is its production values. Simply put, the film looks amazing in its audacious production design, dazzling special effects that are some of the most ultra-cool and imaginative to exist, super slick editing and often jaw dropping cinematography. So much more than a film with ground-breaking special effects and use of camera work that broke boundaries.Use of sound was also striking, and how the pulsating and hypnotic music score was used. Andy and Larry Wachowski direct adeptly, while the script is an intelligent mix of complex and well-explored themes, mysticism, philosophy and even Lewis Carroll and the story is often invigorating and intensely taut with a smart concept brilliantly done.Action is superbly shot and edited, and the way it is choreographed is relentlessly intense and breathless in its energy, Kung Fu has rarely been more vertigo-inducing (despite how this sounds, this is not a bad thing as it added hugely to the intensity and paranoia of the story’s atmosphere) on film.Keanu Reeves is in one of his best and most iconic roles and has never looked cooler, certainly has not looked this comfortable for a while before then. Carrie Anne Moss is strong. Even better are an imposingly charismatic Laurence Fishburne (also in one of his best roles), an amusing Joe Pantoliano and a deliciously wicked Hugo Weaving.Summing up, not one of the best of the genre but a mile-stone nonetheless and a great one. Followed by two sequels, both nowhere near in the same ball-park. 9/10 Bethany Cox

 

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At the turn of the century, a software developer named Thomas A. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) works for a major software company during the day. At night, he is the hacker known as Neo. A fellow hacker, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), seeks him out and helps him get in touch with a known terrorist, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). Morpheus shows Neo the real world, which is some time in the far future after AI had taken over. He shows him that he was grown in a field to be a battery for the machines. Morpheus believes Neo can save humanity from the machines. Neo learns how to fight back and goes to see the oracle (Gloria Foster). The oracle tells him what he needs to hear. Then an upset crew member betrays them. He wanted to forget this world and be back in to the matrix. Morpheus got caught by the agents which are extremely powerful software programs. Neo and Trinity go back into the matrix to save him. In the process, Neo starts to break the rules of the matrix and do things which seemed impossible. He is able to survive death and destroy Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), which no one has ever done before. He becomes the one in the process. One theme of the matrix was free will and fate. There were a lot of choices in the film. Neo had to choose to stay in or go out, to trust trinity or not, to take the red pill or the blue, to walk through the door to see the oracle or not, and to save Morpheus or save his own life. The movie will sometimes shoot the scenes from different angles to emphasize choice. One scene of this would be when they zoom in on Morpheus’s sunglasses. It shows one sun glass with the red pill and the other with the blue. It also shows Neo’s hand reaching for one of them. The movie also uses lighting to show choices as well. There is a scene before that, in which Neo has to decide if he wants to trust Trinity. When she asks his to decide the movie pans to her and the screen brightens a little. Then, the movie pans to a dark rainy ally. He has to choose if he wants to go back to his miserable life or to leave that life with her. While Neo was given different choices, he also was destined for things he couldn’t choose. Neo was also fated to be loved by Trinity. Morpheus chose him to be the One and save all of humanity. There seems to be a mix of destiny and choices and each shape the other.

 

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Well, here it is! Yay, after being forced to sit through the boring parts of Transformers, I get to watch one of my favorite films of all time! WHOO!Trinity meets up with Neo, and we see some fantastic acting from our two leads. Sorry for the sarcasm, it’s just true. But the acting’s not too terrible, and it doesn’t really bother me. We are left wondering what the Matrix really is when Trinity leaves. Neo wakes up late for work the next day, and gets into trouble. We learn that his real name is Mr. Thomas Anderson, something that Agent Smith will never ever let us forget.Neo is contacted my Morpheus at his job, and is warned that people (Agents) are coming for him. He is told when and where to go in order to avoid detection. The problem with this scene is that we learn that those outside the Matrix (where Morpheus is) can only view it in code, as the image renderers work for the Matrix. So…how can Morpheus see such specific images from looking at code?Neo tries to escape by climbing on the outside of the building, but gives up quickly, letting himself be taken by the Agents. Next comes a great interrogation scene, where our hero (Neo) and villain (Smith) meet for the very first time. Smith refers to Morpheus, the mysterious man Neo’s been looking for as «the most dangerous man alive.» Neo resists Smith’s questions by asking for his phone call, but Smith asks what use that is if he is unable to speak, and removes his mouth.Sorry, that’s horrifying, I know. Also, it’s probably Keanu’s best acting moment. But, anyways, Neo wakes up, believing it all to be a dream. He’s contacted by Morpheus on a tapped line and told where to meet. The movie should’ve ended right there, with Agents capturing them. But it doesn’t.He almost leaves, but Trinity tells him that he knows what’s down that road. What, the sequels?

Anyways, they remove a tracking device from his navel which was inserted during the interrogation scene. They reach the building Morpheus is in, and Neo and him meet face-to-face. You could say it’s a Face/Off… sorry for bringing up such an awful movie.So, Neo is told that the Matrix is everywhere. That he was born into a prison, into slavery. But, no one can be told what The Matrix is, they have to see it themselves, so Neo is given the classic choice, red pill or blue pill.

(To clarify: Red pill=leaving the Matrix, blue pill=staying) Obviously, Neo takes the red pill, and is then taken to a room where he is shown the cracks in reality and ejected from the Matrix into this nightmare:But, the Machines don’t do that, and Neo is flushed down what is basically a toilet and rescued by Morpheus and his crew aboard the Nebuchadnezzar, an interesting name, but one that I’m not sure what the meaning of is. If someone knows why they chose this name, please let me know. (By the way, I already know about the biblical Nebuchadnezzar, I just don’t know how the story connects.)Neo’s muscles have atrophied, so they have to electrically stimulate them to repair them. The Wachowskis have covered all the bases of his body having decayed from non-use. (As far as I know, not being a doctor.) We are introduced to the vibrant colors of this film: grays, browns, and greens. We learn that, instead of 1999, it’s closer to 2199. Really interesting, fish-out-of-water angle. We’re introduced to the superfluous other crew members, who nobody cares about.

Who’s your favorite Matrix character, little Timmy? Apoc! Shut up.Neo flips out, and Morpheus tells him that they normally recruit young, as older minds can’t handle the strain. Neo is told the legend of The One, a man born in the Matrix who could change anything within it, and that the Oracle prophesied he would be reborn.Next, we learn that one of the memorable crew members, Tank, and his unmemorable brother, Dozer, were born outside the Matrix. Then, Neo has martial arts downloaded into his brain, prompting this iconic Keanu moment:Then, they enter a sparring program, where Neo is taught that those who know about the Matrix can bend or break the laws of physics in order to perform impossible stunts, and that they can’t get tired inside the Matrix, because they’re not really exercising. The kung fu (which Keanu, of course, knows) in this movie is incredibly well-choreographed and thought out, delivering a tension-filled fight which utilizes slow motion in some of the best ways I’ve ever seen it used in all of cinema.Neo moves incredibly fast, and he still doesn’t believe Morpheus, somehow. He’s loaded into the jump program, where he fails miserably, resulting in a clip somewhat like a Wile E. Coyote cartoon.Everyone’s disappointed, but not surprised, because nobody makes the first jump. Neo finds that he’s bleeding in the real world, because his mind «made it real.» So, his mind caused his lip to bleed? Okay. And if you die in the Matrix, you die in the real world. Morpheus and Neo enter another training program, where Morpheus explains that the people inside the Matrix are dangerous because they will fight to protect the system. In other words, they will «Stick to the Status Quo.»This whole exercise was showcasing that anyone in the Matrix can be your enemy. Keep your focus sharp. Eyes on the prize. Getcha head in the game. No, I won’t stick that video in here, I wouldn’t put two HSM songs on one post.We learn that the Agents are the guards of the Matrix, and that no one has survived a fight with them. But Neo can become faster and stronger than them, because he doesn’t have to follow the rules of the Matrix.In the real world, we are introduced to the Sentinels, or Squiddies, which are a killing machine designed for one thing: search and destroy. The ships take them out using an EMP, but have to power down all systems first, in order to remain operational.Next, we get a scene between Cypher (the bald one) and Neo, and Cypher explains that they have to view the Matrix in code. This scene actually makes Cypher a relatable character, and quite possibly the only one (other than Morpheus and Trinity) to really connect with Neo. This makes it all the more effective when he turns evil and betrays the crew to the Agents in the next scene so he’ll be allowed back into the Matrix with his memories wiped, and as someone rich and important, like an actor. They ask him for access codes to the Zion mainframe in return, which he doesn’t know, but he promises them Morpheus, who does know.

 

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My English is not good enough, I know and I apologize for my limited words and language skills, but I tried my best.When 1999’s I was only 8 years old. Because of this movie my brain just got burnt and I became a Computer Engineer.

After this movie I dig into this life and I tried to understand the Universe, Humans, Animals, Computers, Relegions and I was just 8 years old. I started dive into encyclopedias because world was not meet to internet yet. Computer’s was expensive and internet was empty. There was only few web site’s and I still followed and I became a Computer Engineer.Today I’m 28 years old and also today I have watched again. After 20 years this movie still is the best movie I’ve ever seen. It’s a life changer. It’s a guide, It’s a proof…

One way or another humans lives in their brains and all we have just the bioelectric. When we die do you know where it goes? When we got an accident we can lost some of our memorys, or we can lose all of it right? How is that possible if they written in our brain?

Then its just means our memory works like Computer memory. When electricty gone you will forgot everything you remember.

Humans tries to not believe that. People are afraid of being destroyed and they prefer instead to suffer in hell because they want to be exist somehow!

Then tell me if you can lose all of your memory with a simple accident then how you can be exist when plugs out?

YES! There will be an cloud backup system created by god! It must be right? We dont know anything about it!All the books allegedly sent by god are foolish. They all written by humans to control humans. They all are stories!

After 2019 years Jesus and 1448 years Muhammed we have now Technology. If GOD wants to make us a beliver then can do this right now with a simple move! I can not believe after 2019 years! Because I saw nothing!All this books just tries to make you believe to something actually doesn’t exist and because of that all of the written religion books attacks to humans like ;

«To be a believer or burn you son of .itch! I’m exist believe me! Look what i did to non-believers! Do you want to become like them? If you dont believe me I will show you who I am!» Wait what? It suppose a joke! If not then I will prefer to not believe. GOD can not be that simple!Have you ever heard such a ridiculous desire and threat in your life?

Why would a god need you?

To prove himself to something he has created? Atleast what ‘Kur’an, Bible, Torah, Psalter» says that I’m not. Go read it if you won’t believe me!End of the day I Dont know anything about this universe. Like agent Smith says «its like a Zoo».We’re unique! We’re strange! We are a combination of different cells

and everything that makes us; We are a few pieces of code written in our DNA. Such a complex piece of code is in a sperm and that is too small to see with your eyes! But sperm will not become something without the ovary! This issue is just like the following question;

«which came first; the chicken or the egg?»Who created the planet? who has been running the solar system for so many years? Just explain me science; what the hack is Virus? How it can live almost forever without doing or eating anything? How they can activate their selves when we got they in our system?

There must be an architect! Who wrote all the different awesome codes? Also the codes has some failures sometimes right? People can born with missing body parts or something else. Maybe we just broke it or maybe its GOD program failure? This brings us a new question:Did GOD created only first base code or is he still playing with our DNA?

If GOD still do not play with our DNA then its mean we’re not special! We’re just duplicated DNA’s with combination other DNA’s like dogs.

And today human can barely change DNA or dublicate a goat.We don’t know anything right?

We even can not imagine! We can not even describe all of it!

There must be something bigger and smarter then us!I don’t think the architect is involved or communicating with us. He’s just watching and enjoying. Perhaps God only takes the most valuable of us and let others go to the trash. It makes sense! I would do that. There are many unnecessary people. I can’t stand listening and understanding as a human, how can God endure all of the stupitdy?Never surrender! Try to live your life while you can!

 

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Today marks the 20th Anniversary to the The Wachowskis epic masterpiece «The Matrix» and I just got done watching my midnight showing in 4K HDR and I have to say that watching it like this is like watching the film for the very first time 20 years ago today. I was too young to have seen this in the movie theaters back in the day and didn’t watch it fully until I was older. Now it is one of my favorite films of all time.What is the Matrix?That is the question literal office drone Thomas «Neo» Anderson is asking when he questions his reality. He finds out the answer the hard way when he discovers that his reality is a lie, nothing more than a computer generated dreamworld known only as The Matrix, designed by a race of machines in order to keep what’s left of humanity under control and to serve as a power source. When he learns the truth, he follows his destiny as «The One», the one human who would show humanity the truth and free them from the machines grasp.»The Matrix» is one of the most innovative films of the last two decades and it holds up beautifully unlike some other films released in 1999. The film was highly innovative for its slow motion action sequences, kung fu and a special effect known as bullet time where you see a bullet flying through the air in slow motion even leaving behind a ripple effect. While action and special effects hold up nicely, the thought provoking story adds more icing to the cake. The story involves philosophy, noir, religion and the very nature of humanity. It asks the audience questions and it does it in a very smart way under the guise of a summer action blockbuster. Most action movies are dumb mindless fun, but not «The Matrix».The acting is great across the board. Keanu Reeves is stoic as Neo but he does a great job of pulling off the role. Everyone else is fantastic from Laurence Fishburne as Neo’s mentor to Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo’s love interest and action girl. But the best performance goes to Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith. Weaving is menacing and calculating in the role. He plays as a villain that you absolutely love to hate but can still understand.»The Matrix» is a film that comes as close to perfection as possible. There are minor flaws and possible plot holes but the film is so well crafted and immersive that those flaws aren’t substantial enough to tamper with ones experience when watching this film.This film is quite possibly one of the best science fiction films ever made on par with the original «Star Wars» from 1977. Even if you haven’t seen it, please by all means watch it at least once in your life.All I can say now is Happy 20th Anniversary to «The Matrix» and thank you to the The Wachowskis for making this epic masterpiece and allowing it to endure.