Immensely entertaining, intriguingly philosophical and just about one of the best films ever made!
Best of the trillogy obviously.... Just head cannon the rest lol
Had a rewatch of this last night, it has never lost its impact. So stylish, its influenced so many films over the last 17 years and will go on to do so, its definitely a film that made the 21st Century. The cast is perfect, when you read some of the names that turned down the roles originally, I am so glad they did, I cant imagine anyone else on these roles now. The influences from Baudrillard to the Bible all littered throughout, so many layers to this perfect story, and again the look of the film is fantastic. An absolute 10! Watch it!!
[8.4/10] The Matrix plays different to me now than when I was a teenager, which is as it should be. The philosophy that blew my mind in middle school seems a little rote as an adult. The omnipresence of dialing phones as the bridge to cyberspace feels a bit quaint. And the dark heart beneath the prosperity and anti-authoritarian/conformity speeches seem a little outdated when more of that dark heart has been on display in modern society and we’re more worried about unseen pockets of hate that metastasized on the internet than we are about the web as a mean to strike back against the system.
And yet, The Matrix still “slaps”, a word that is appropriately du jour now but likely to become passe in twenty years. While the film’s approach to special effects and adoption of wire-fu became so influential that it became ubiquitous, there is still such tension in every set piece. While the film’s questioning of what counts as reality and choice and control feels a little freshman philosophy class, this is still a film with something on its mind. And the premise of a boundless digital world, controlled by A.I., after our old one was brought down by our own hand, is still enough to power a film like this.
Those factors, and the unmitigated style oozing out of every frame, make The Matrix just as memorable, if not necessarily as deep, when returning to the film twenty years later. The story, which I once found compelling, if not outright inspiring as a teenager, feels a little rote now. Maybe it’s just that we’ve had beaucoup chosen one stories since then, but the whole “you’re him, Neo” routine comes off much more staid and standard when your movie is sandwiched between Luke Skywalker and Buffy Summers on one side, and Aang and Harry Potter on the other.
What’s more, The Matrix is mostly one big long introduction. In an odd way, it feels a lot like a phase one Marvel Cinematic Universe film, where it’s devoted as much to establishing the main character of a soon-to-be franchise as it is telling a plot-driven story from start to finish. Most of the film’s runtime is about what The Matrix is, what happened to lead humanity to this place, and a lot of exposition and ruminations on the nature of experience and truth beyond any full blown narrative developments. We basically get Neo being brought into the Matrix, learning about “The One” and then, in the last half hour of the film, the plot obstacles actually pile up. It’s a personal journey or a pilot more than a full-fledged story on its own.
Beyond that, the acting seems far shakier as an adult than it did when I was a kid. Keanu Reeves’s lines in the film became the stuff of memes before memes were really a thing. While occasionally grazing profundity, the script is full of action movie one-liners and platitudes than even the more seasoned performers have trouble making sound convincing at times. And even Hugo Weaving, whose mannered performance is one of the most memorable in the film, feels like he verges into Shatner-ing at times.
And yet, those elements, which would sink most films in my estimation, are more than counterbalanced by the aesthetic brilliance, the intense fights, the unmitigated style, and yes, the thoughtfulness baked into an otherwise standard “he is the chosen one” tale. It’s striking on rewatch how much of The Matrix is about choice. There are some strong themes about mental liberation, about what we perceive versus what is real, and the way that what we believe informs what we’re willing to see and experience. But choice is at the core of the film’s ethos, about deciding what kind of person you want to be, what kind of future you want to have, despite fate or destiny or predetermination, that permeates the film and emerges in monologues from both the good guys and bad guys.
Plus, it’s just a damn imaginative and durable premise. The Matrix was not the first work to prophesize a digital world, or an omnipresent artificial intelligence, or virtual reality as a refuge from a battered real world. But the film combines all of these elements into a setup that works, with infinite possibilities that can spring from it. As much time as the script spends establishing how things got to this point and what the rules of this universe are, it’s compelling just to learn more about this setting and see its limits and possibilities dramatized before the actual conflict kicks in. Frankly, I’m shocked that, despite the polarizing reaction to this film’s sequels, we haven’t had a reboot or reimagining or late sequel based on the potential to reuse this film’s premise alone.
But even if the premise wasn’t as good as it is, even if the film didn’t have more on its mind than the average actioner, the visuals and direction alone are enough to make it worth giving The Matrix another spin. While some of the CGI doesn't pass the eye test as well in 2019, the writer/director Wachowskis still make all those groundbreaking skirmishes stunning whether or not you can see the seams. Beyond the famed bullet time sequences, which still stand up today, the fight scenes are directed, blocked, and edited almost perfectly. There’s enough cuts to liven up the shot selection, but we get to see enough sustained combat and movement to understand the geography of the showdowns and believe our heroes as masters of their trade. There’s a lot of borrowing going on here from East Asian films that use the same approach, but the Wachowskis deploy it masterfully. The use of the virtual setting and the longer cuts amid the fireworks help find the middle ground between the impossible and the believable that makes Neo and Morpheus and Trinity’s battles so damn captivating.
At the same time, there’s just oodles of style in this thing. There’s the obvious washed out green sheen to everything, an omnipresent color grading that signifies sci-fi dystopia before we’re two steps into the film. The black leather, monochromatic aesthetic feels timeless, with distinct looks for even the more short-lived members of Morpheus’s crew. And the larger than life actions by our heroes and villains -- impossible firefights, wall-walking evasions, daredevil leaps -- are all done with the right amount of slow motion, musical accompaniment, and virtuosity to make the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar seem like the coolest people in the world, whether you’re 13 or 30.
The Matrix isn’t a film with a powerhouse plot or indelible performances (give or take Laurence Fishburne) or deeply-sketched characters. It’s a film with high-minded themes, an outstanding setup, and unbelievable action and aesthetics that elevate beyond less successful fare and make it a stone cold classic. It may not rock my world the same way it did when I was a teenager, but even today, the film is enough to get my blood-pumping at the same time it gets me thinking. That combination lets the film soar even after its innovations have become commonplace, because nobody’s quite topped the Wachowskis in their ability to marry top notch, jaw-dropping action with general audience appropriate but still thought-provoking ideas.
If you love "Matrix" as much as I do, please check:
"The Matrix Trilogy Decoded"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaDqNDLpZa8
Genius work by Mark Passio!
Over 20 years old, The Matrix was such a significant moment in cinema in a year that Star Wars was supposed to reign supreme with the release of the first prequel. Watching it now, it still stands as a hugely entertaining blend of martial arts action, science-fiction dystopia and philosophical musings on dreams vs reality and fate vs free-will. Its influences are far reaching that even at the time it lacked originality to audiences familiar with them. Yet it is the blend of all these ideas coupled with a script that draws the audience into the world gradually before letting loose with superbly choreographed action sequences that make this stand the test of time.
All around a great movie. For those who haven't yet seen this one, keep in mind the age of this film. It really shows it's age no longer high-tech. Get past the fact of age and you'll love this one for the acting and themes.
Still one heck of a movie that doesn't have to hide behind many that came after. It showed you can have both: good action and a deep story with a meaning.
Still one of my favorites. Just the ideas it brings up and plays with is enough alone to forever cement this as a classic. I STILL chew on those ideas. But on top of that it's got great action and effects, that while groundbreaking for the time, actually still holds up pretty damn well. It's a ton a themes, ideas, styles and references thrown in a blender to make a damn near perfect sci-fi movie.
One of the best movie ever made in Hollywood. I can't never get enough of it. keep in mind that it was 1999 and is still great in 2018!
One of the all time best movie of hollywood.
This is one of those movies that will be viewed 30 years from now, and a must-watch.
The only thing bothering me is the lack of character background. For example: 'What are Neo's motives?' It doesn't hurt the movie though.
Oh, and the Revolution ending movie of course...
My number one favorite film of all time!
One of the modern classics.
The Matrix successfully combines the visual spectacle of modern action movies with the intelligence of the older (60's) science fiction movies. And in my opinion it's one of the first and only movies to do that.
The special effects, fighting scenes and overall cinematography (color, detail, viewpoints) may still be some of the best ever. The atmosphere is great, the characters and the acting are great, especially Morpheus and Agent Smith. But what makes the Matrix really special is the combination with a philosophical story.
The question of 'what is real, what is not and who decides' has been handled many times before in books and films (Ubik, eXistenZ, etc.), even in better ways, but not in a blockbuster Hollywood action movie that appealed to the masses on an entertainment level as well as a thought-provoking level.
Modern masterpiece that is worth to watch multiple times.
I finally watched one of the most iconic films ever, after having been wanting to for years. To be fair, I was afraid I was going to be disappointed - that it'd have been overhyped.
But it wasn't, at least not in my opinion.
I was fascinated every second of the movie and especially loved the fighting scenes (they were truly awesome).
I can totally see myself rewatching this movie and still enjoying it, it's really a classic, gotta agree.
this movie will stand against the time!! 100% best there is and best there ever will be. just ahead of it's time!
This is the greatest movie and that will never change
It's cheesy at times but it's flawless at times and more emotional than I remembered it to be.
All I can say is, "The Wachowski Sisters". Great minds.
Still resonates after an almost mind boggling twenty years.
That's one of the most scariest movies ever..Yeah,i don't mean horror but scary.8.8/10 one of the best scenarios ever written,great action scenes,atmosphere and tense since the very beggining!
I Love Matrix. A big movie of ficcion.
VUI die " M A T R I X " !!! BEST TRILOGIE EVER!!!
Take the blue pill and wake up in your bed in a world in which the sequels were good...or take the red pill and see how deep the rabbit hole goes...a world without rules...without sequels
Good storyline, but who cares! Incredible special effects!! Keanu Reeves plays his role well. "Morpheus" and "Trinity" also hold their own. Definite need to see if you want to see some amazing videography.
Blew my mind when I first saw it (what if thoughts galore) and still does. And I want siri to have Agent Smith's voice so bad...
I just watched it and I think I'm having an attack right now due to the movie's awesomeness!
One of if not the best action movie I know!
Gash, it was thought, juicy, full of emotion, yet with great effects and wonderful visually. Neo
15 years later and this movie still looks great. And of course the story is simply epic.
Amazing! If only they continued to follow The recipe.
Love it, even though it is completely unrealistic.. Uploading combat techniques to someone's head? Pah!
One of the most original and best movies I've had the pleasure of seeing.
Absolutely stands up to the times. Loved it as a 13 year old and love it at 34.
One of my favs of all time can tell it was heavily influenced by dark city, just look at the 2 shit sequels
Mind-blowing. Groundbreaking. Epic. Never gets old.
What is the Matrix? Unfortunately no one can be told what The Matrix is, but it’s an amazing and revolutionary science-fiction action film. Utilizing new editing techniques, the Wachowski brothers create incredibly dynamic and intense action sequences on a scope that goes beyond conventional filmmaking. And, the visual style incorporates a cyberpunk aesthetic that sets a dark and mysterious tone. However, what makes the film so compelling are the existential concepts and fascinating ideas that it presents about the nature of reality and identity. Smart and stylish, The Matrix delivers some extraordinarily mind-bending thrills.
Its not so good is boring, the action sometimes was good, was not funny, i was buy on dvd only for collection and i dont now why.
What is the Matrix? I can still remember purchasing my ticket back in '99, that clever marketing slogan at the front of my mind, and strapping in for what would prove to be an unforgettable ride. At the time, I thought it was a stunning accomplishment. An instant favorite. Seen in a modern light, a few of The Matrix's tricks and eccentricities have lost their sheen, but the overall package still works quite well.
I can see why my college-aged self thought so highly of it, twenty-plus years ago. It's intelligent without being snooty, accessible without pandering, hip and slick with only a few whiffs of generational fade. A functionally smart summer blockbuster with hints (and occasional brow-beatings) of philosophical wisdom. It manages a tough balance between an innate grace and the constant risk of overstepping its own reach, brushing past edginess and into the trite. Ultimately, it's too cool to suck, even as its wardrobe has gone out of fashion and its plot has been stripped by imposters.
The action scenes and special effects are largely to thank for that, still sharp and crisp despite so many years. The Wachowskis were wise to insist upon Yuen Woo-ping for the film's frequent fight sequences, given their essential reality-bending nature and Woo-ping's history with the Hong Kong scene. His touch gives those brawls, both armed and unarmed, an unfamiliar air that makes the impossible seem plausible and still sets them apart. The script is generally very good, too, although it sometimes, obviously, thinks a little too highly of itself. Everyone is SO GRIM all the time, which can feel smothering after two hours. Still, its ability to convey and explore some very tricky conceptual terrain, in a way that's both coherent and dynamic, is downright remarkable.
Now into its third decade, The Matrix remains a great time, even if I might roll my eyes at a line here or there. Still an all-timer, though? Well, that's tricky. As a standalone, the movie itself probably deserves an eight, but its style, ambition and lasting influence merits a little extra credit.
Classics from my childhood. Keanu’s performing is really impressive!
Still a well made film and one of keanu’s best XD
10 - Totally ninja!
What a classic!
The first time I watched the matrix I was like, damn that was pretty good. I rated it a 9/10 and thought you know, that's probably one of my favorite movies. I proceeded to watch the rest of the trilogy and thought they somewhat dropped off after the first one. They're not bad just not as flawless as the first in my opinion. After that I waited about a month then decided to show my brother the matrix since he never watched it with me. Once Neo started to fly and the credits rolled I was like. Wow this is my favorite movie now. I proceeded to rate the movie a 10/10. I would recommend the movie to at least 16+ to get the full feel for the movie. If you have a big screen and surround sound that would be great as well. But this movie isn't for everybody. Some people are afraid of the truth.
This is my fav movie ever! Great amazing have such a small meaning compared to its greatness!
Such a cool movie with amazing action and a unique world. Keanu is perfect.
Philosophy & religion combine in a film that largely ignores the main rule of cinema storytelling: SHOW don't tell! Very 'talky' with some standout fight sequences.
Classic. A must watch.
i wish Hollywood would do a Matrix reboot with the main cast.
OK, so I may not like this movie even half as much as a lot of other people seem to, but WOW, do a lot of the practical shots in the remastered 4k HDR version look amazing!
Nobody can deny possibility we've already been living in cyberspace actually without "waking up", or such future.
The most famous bullet dodging action sequence in history.
Great filming and theatrics. Actors great!!!
the an matrix I love the japan anime better. #ShiftvW8
The Matrix is one of the cinema greats...
If you haven't seen it...Watch it.
If you have...just make up an excuse to do it again.
greatest movie ever made i have seen
I give it "great" because of the great effects… only.
Never understood why they made a trilogy out of this. This one is the best of all three!
The original and still the BEST conspiracy mind-bend movie out there. Pays homage to and extends the SF-cyberpunk genre in ways Blade Runner never did or could. :)
The beginning of awesomeness!
My all-time favorite movie. Just cannot shake this off the top!
A classic, recently watched on tv and it grabs without doubt nowadays, sequels are crappy as hell tho...
Nice pic....Gonna watch matrix 2 now.....
Shout by David Given Schwarm2014-12-26T17:31:01Z
This is the Single Greatest Movie Ever Made.