I can’t believe it’s 25th anniversary! And man this movie still holds up, just came back from the theater and those graphics are still just as amazing as I remembered.
Great movie! Such a classic!
My Only Movie worthy of a review. Hell Yeah!!!
"You ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're awake or still dreaming?"
Getting more relevant by the minute, it's quite easy to become a conspiracy theorist after watching The Matrix. The sci-fi twist is absolutely brilliant and the world-building is solid. Sooo much green that it could be considered a St-Patrick's day movie. Very rainy damp movie (and i'm not even talking about Trinity's hair).
Hugo Weaving gives a great performance as agent Smith, his explanation on what his motivations are shaped him into becoming the perfect villain for this movie. Laurence Fishburne is excellent when it comes to doing the explanation of the rules of this world, he was also great. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss give alright performances, nothing great, they certainly look good and move well in action sequences. They elevate a little more as characters in the last 15 minutes of the movie but it wasn't quite enough and a little too late.
The first half didn't have that much action unfortunately but the third act makes up for that x10. The action looks fantastic with inventive choreography and probably the greatest uses of slow-motion in history?! It creates some visually stunning shots. The special effects look awesome and nice score to go with the action also. I'm a sucker for the octopus/squid robots. Awesome third act and ending. Definitely one of my favorite action movies!
I fell asleep watching this so will have to rewatch :(
"The Matrix" is a science fiction action film that tells the story of a young software developer named Thomas Anderson (played by Keanu Reeves) who is hired by several powerful companies. He soon learns that the real world he lives in is actually a simulation of a digital world by a global artificial intelligence called the Matrix, created to control humans and cover up the real truth for them.
One of the main positive points of the movie "The Matrix" is its visual design. Its stunning action scenes and innovative special effects were well received by the audience. Also, the film's dark and shadowy visual style revolutionized the acting, music, and outstanding sound effects of The Matrix and had a profound impact on cinema and music.
Besides that, the movie "Matrix" also raises important philosophical and social issues. The film interestingly and sarcastically tackles questions about truth, reality, human excitability and the power of choice. Also, this film is social and critically refers to issues such as dominance of systems and social control.
But, some criticisms have been made to the movie "Matrix". In some cases, it can be objected that the story of the film is complicated and hard to understand in parts and needs more focus. In addition, the characters in the film, especially Thomas Anderson, can seem shallow and lifeless at times.
However, "The Matrix" with its combination of different genres, deep philosophical views and attractive formula of action and science fiction has made a large number of viewers become enthusiasts and fans of this film.
"The Matrix" is a science fiction action film that tells the story of a young software developer named Thomas Anderson (played by Keanu Reeves) who is hired by several powerful companies. He soon learns that the real world he lives in is actually a simulation of a digital world by a global artificial intelligence called the Matrix, created to control humans and cover up the real truth for them.
One of the main positive points of the movie "The Matrix" is its visual design. Its stunning action scenes and innovative special effects were well received by the audience. Also, the film's dark and shadowy visual style revolutionized the acting, music, and outstanding sound effects of The Matrix and had a profound impact on cinema and music.
Besides that, the movie "Matrix" also raises important philosophical and social issues. The film interestingly and sarcastically tackles questions about truth, reality, human excitability and the power of choice. Also, this film is social and critically refers to issues such as dominance of systems and social control.
But, some criticisms have been made to the movie "Matrix". In some cases, it can be objected that the story of the film is complicated and hard to understand in parts and needs more focus. In addition, the characters in the film, especially Thomas Anderson, can seem shallow and lifeless at times.
However, "The Matrix" with its combination of different genres, deep philosophical views and attractive formula of action and science fiction has made a large number of viewers become enthusiasts and fans of this film.
"The Matrix," directed by the brilliant Wachowski siblings, is a film that stands as a paragon of science fiction and action. Seamlessly marrying high-concept philosophical musings with high-octane action, it challenges both the mind and excites the senses. The film's exploration of reality versus illusion, as well as its commentary on technological dependence, echoes the existential ponderings of Descartes and Baudrillard, offering audiences a heady dose of intellectual stimulation. Its visionary, bullet-time special effects not only revolutionized the genre, but also cinema as a whole, influencing a myriad of films that followed. The performances, especially Keanu Reeves as the iconic Neo, are remarkably engaging, making the characters resonate beyond the spectacle. Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus and Carrie-Anne Moss's Trinity further enhance the narrative with their compelling portrayals. In all its stylish cyberpunk glory, "The Matrix" transcends its genre boundaries to deliver an exhilarating cinematic experience that is profound as it is entertaining. It is a film that boldly questions our perception of reality and our place within it, all while offering a thrilling, unforgettable ride that continues to be a benchmark in its genre, even after all these years.
Theme- 9.5/10
Rewatchibility- 8.5/10
Acting- 9/10
Kinematography- 10/10
Time- 9/10
Total - 46/5 = 9.2
One of my favourite films of all time. It was very innovative at the time
This newest remaster looks fantastic. So glad they restored it without the "green everything"
Effects/plot line actually pretty unreal. Gotta love the fight scenes. Watched w Fer, then w Nick/Reb
It’s a really entertaining movie and I can see why it was such a hit back in the day. I just think it really shows its age, which is too bad. Still had a great time, but I’m not really compelled to watch the rest.
"The Matrix," released in 1999, is widely considered to be one of the most influential and groundbreaking sci-fi films of the past 25 years. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film tells the story of Neo, a hacker who discovers that the reality he knows is actually a simulated world controlled by sentient machines. Keanu Reeves delivers a strong performance as Neo, and is supported by a talented cast including Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. The film's unique blend of action, philosophy, and science fiction made it an instant classic, and its impact can still be felt in the genre today. The film also benefits from a memorable soundtrack and a standalone storyline that keeps the focus on the characters and their development. Despite the franchise's subsequent sequels not living up to the original, "The Matrix" remains a must-watch for any sci-fi fan.
Matrix, estrenada en 1999, es ampliamente considerada como una de las películas de ciencia ficción más influyentes e innovadoras de los últimos 25 años. Dirigida por los Wachowski, la película cuenta la historia de Neo, un hacker que descubre que la realidad que conoce es en realidad un mundo simulado controlado por máquinas inteligentes. Keanu Reeves ofrece una gran actuación como Neo y cuenta con el apoyo de un elenco talentoso que incluye a Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne y Hugo Weaving. La combinación única de acción, filosofía y ciencia ficción de la película la convirtió en un clásico instantáneo, y su impacto aún se puede sentir en el género en la actualidad. La película también se beneficia de una banda sonora memorable y una historia independiente que mantiene el enfoque en los personajes y su desarrollo. A pesar de que las secuelas posteriores de la franquicia no están a la altura del original, "The Matrix" sigue siendo una visita obligada para cualquier fanático de la ciencia ficción.
I'd have to watch it, again and again, to allow myself to rate it. 'till then I think I will leave it like this, without rating because it's also that kind of film that has an impact and a story and a philosophy too good to be labeled with a number.
Don't like this kind of movies very much ! but this one is a classic and is Gooood !!!
Like Plato's Parable of the Cave in a future world.
It's still a masterpiece.
"I'm trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it."
I've never been great at philosophy, but my head is exploding at the many different philosophical questions the film explores while still keeping even footing on all of them and keeping them from a messy disaster, largely because as the quote above states outright, it's like an intro course, a 101. The movie only shows the start, but you have the choice to dig further.
And the movie completely gives as much as you're willing to put into it. There's ideas of body and gender dysphoria, made clearest at its inclinations of body horror and the control of what you are perceived as by others, made both physical and mental. What do you define as real, the realistic scientific hypothesis or something more spiritual than that? The Matrix entails the systems of control and its chains, describing itself as a political government controlling force (Rage Against the Machine in the credits makes this completely unsubtle), but it's also mental self-imposed limitations, with clear Zen inspiration, as well as a social control of who you are. The physical limitations to break the boundaries (learning martial arts) is still not as important as the mental limitations, that ultimately removing the obstacles (revolution) is not necessarily physically violent but a mental choice of enlightenment.
And again, somehow this does not end up a mess. Even its biggest thread, the one it hammers home the most, fate and free will, still stands tall throughout. Neo does not have to be The One, it's up to himself whether he believes he is or not. That the motivation you have does not have to align with destiny as it's prescribed, and the path you choose to walk down is still completely up to you. The call is not binding.
It's crazy, also, how much this movie works with the theory of gender identity, if you're willing to read it that far. The body horror isn't just for show. When the truth of you being a slave to others' concept of identity is learnt, you can at once find your body a prison, chains putting you down, finding your body horrifying and terrifying, made physical through the lens of sci-fi as metal lumps on your skin, a perceivably permanent mark, and you have to come to terms with your physical self.
Ultimately, even physically going against that boundary is different from the mental dysphoria, that it alone is its own self-imposed limitation. You can learn everything about how your body works (the programs to learn fighting and anything you need to know), but it ultimately does not remove how you define yourself mentally and how you are capable of changing.
This movie fucking owns is what I'm trying to say.
You can choose not to engage with any of its readings and be totally fine. Visually it is a stunning film strung well by its Hong Kong influences, with great wirework. I think the best fight scene that shows how well put together the choreo as well as edited is Smith vs. Neo, how it understands fundamentals like showing a punch twice for effect, while grounding the fights in its airy spirituality.
Wachowskis really love catching the eye with pan shots, both vertical and horizontal. Thinking of the one take of them behind the walls as they vertically climb, claustrophobic but still visually interesting.
This whole film does a great job of making the frame claustrophobic. Good example is in the office where Neo sees the agents and crouches, keeping the whole cubicle in frame.
It can't be said how much visually this inspired so many things later that I came into contact with before this movie. A list would be longer than my lifespan, especially its influence on how guns are used in fiction period, but I think the craziest one I noticed this run around was how Half-Life 2 uses a sequence near the end of the film of Neo running away from the agents up a staircase through an apartment, almost completely visually re-created in HL2 when running from the Combine in nearly the same scenario. Inspiration begets inspiration, considering how greatly well read the film already is, taking stuff from Baudrillard and Alice in Wonderland in equal measure.
I firmly approve of Don Davis' work on the score. The horns here are great, and the Matrix theme now with its blaring at the start fading into the code is recognizable everywhere. Also when the violins get furious.... it bangs. Soundtrack, on the other hand, good-ish? I'm completely down for the credits Rage Against the Machine song, having bars like "Departments of police, the judges, the feds / Networks at work, keepin' people calm / You know they went after King / When he spoke out on Vietnam"... but it also goes right into a meh Marilyn Manson song... also Marilyn Manson.
It's not nearly always like that, it has some good big beat and trip hop music throughout, like the seamless transition in the rave from Massive Attack to The Prodigy, and the Rob Dougan song with the red dress scene is good.
The characters themselves are pretty good although this movie does take the approach of more motivations as symbols than fully fleshed out characters, such as Cypher being the blatant rejection of truth (ignorance is bliss), and while Trinity does have her own agency to a point something feels off about the romance, and whether or not it earns the possible true love's kiss it spins.
I'm not sure why people dislike Keanu's performance so much here. To me the common man not becoming super emotional on the outside as much as through his motivations in his actions works well for what eventually becomes a spiritual figure throughout the trilogy, or so I've been told. Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving outperform everybody else though. I will die before forgetting Weaving's "Smith".
There's so many layers to the film, even if small, to unravel here, but overall easily worth my time to come back. Gender dysphoria, government control, Zen/Buddhist/Taoist influences, Alice, communism... the movie was made for me. And it fucks.
BEST MOVIE, this will forever be an amazing movie, the second film is also good but the 3rd and especially the forth are quite controversial and definitely not the best in the series. But I highly recommend you watch this movie if you have not as this is one of the best sci-fi action movies out there.
54 | I hate to say this but this movie is clearly not for me. It very unfortunate, I had a high hope before for the Matrix because of it cool concept but the execution is to cringe for me. It has overused slow-motion that made it feel trying so hard to show a cool action scene. My other problem about The Matrix is Keanu Reeves performance who has emotionless facial expression in the entire length of this movie. The forced love relationship is what makes it even worse. I guess I already ate the blue pill and in my reality, The Matrix is a bad movie with good concept.
•••••••••••••••••••••••
Rating: 53.44
Plot
25%: 2.3
50%: 2
75%: 1.5
100%: 0.8
Favorite Character
The Matrix raised the bar and pioneered in crazy special effects and action scenes for any future action movie to try to achieve for years to come. This film was a masterpiece. The acting was subpar and story line wasn't half bad, but the real gem was all the action this film packed. It was extremely fun to watch. The Wachowski brothers did an amazing job creating something special here.
I absolutely love the concept, but the execution is somewhat lacking in my opinion. Also I'm just utterly confused at what Neo can and can't do, this is some soft magic if I've ever seen any. Don't get me started on that forced love plot, y a w n.
This was one of my favourite movies when I was a kid, I remember in elementary we had name tags on the first day and I told them my name was Trinity.
The OG Matrix movie is iconic and pioneered a lot of specail affects and modern cinema.
Seeing the philosophical side of the movie probably helps shape someones fondness (or dislike) of the film! but even for the sci fi plot it stands alone.
Follow the white rabbit
PS Keanu is bae
ill say it again this movie is literally so ass like wtf is wrong with you people
this movie is actually ass stfu
I guess it's OK? First act was a lot better than the 2nd and 3rd. Action scenes were just kinda lame. The bullet time and black trench coats were really more cringe worthy than anything. Reminds me a bit of the fourth Alien movie.
The Matrix film series
The Matrix (1999) https://trakt.tv/movies/the-matrix-1999
The Matrix Reloaded (2003) https://trakt.tv/movies/the-matrix-reloaded-2003
The Matrix Revolutions (2003) https://trakt.tv/movies/the-matrix-revolutions-2003
The Matrix Resurrections (2021) https://trakt.tv/movies/the-matrix-resurrections-2021
[HBO Max] Few films have achieved the balance between science fiction with a visual design that has marked the genre, with philosophical approaches about what is real and what is fictional (a premonition of fake news) and about destiny of the human being. Even today its messages work (including the transsexuality metaphor) and its structure is just as strong as a stand-alone film as it is as part of a trilogy.
It is indeed very queer. Fishburne and Weaving are the highlights, so naturally they’re not in the latest one. I can appreciate the subtext, its influence, how it made many people feel seen, and how it wears its influences on its sleeve. On the other the Wachowskis did yellowface and Lana is still rocking those godawful dreads, so. You know, it’s fine. I’m a bad trans, but it’s not revelatory or important to me like it is for others. It’s hard to look past its influences, those it’s influenced, and not think they did it better. And it’s impossible for me to look past the Wachowskis’ history.
I have to confess that I never got the philosophical depth of this film. The setting and premise are captivating to say the least, but it eventually comes down to the usual crap about destiny and true love saving the day. Believe in your heart….typical ‘90s stuff. Even though there are interesting ideas along the way, they would never get fully developed despite the multiple sequels.
On the other hand, the impact of the action scenes is undeniable. Let’s forget about the pedestrian camerawork and direction for a second - the whole idea of adding oriental animation and cinema influences to the postmodern pot proved itself successful and unexpectedly refreshing for its time. The concept brings along cringe-worthy lines and over-the-top antics, but that’s part of the game. It’s like the Hollywood remake of a Hong Kong action flick mixed with an anime live-action. Not to mention that it generated a whole series of gimmicks that would get overexploited through the years. Even though it may not have aged well, I still find it an entertaining blockbuster worth checking out.
3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘The Matrix’:
It would be unfair to rate this film anything lower than a 10. It was revolutionary. It was insanely original. And it was next-level stylish. Purely iconic.
One of my favorite scenes, that was surprisingly action-free, was with The Oracle. The actress was superbly subtle and her character’s interaction with Neo was fantastic.
I was super impressed by the way such a complex story was introduced. The first half of the movie was basically a lesson, as we learn along with Neo. And it was ingeniously and intriguingly explained.
This movie deserves an 11/10!
A milestone in a cinematography, after which the action and sci-fi movies were never the same as before. After 22 years in 4K Blu-ray, things are looking still very good. :)
I wanna be in the matrix it looks so cool who wouldn’t honestly
Innovative in many different ways, though it also pioneered a lot of shit (from bad imitators of its style to synthetic looking action scenes to the over the top stuntwork that’s found in every blockbuster nowadays).
Not that I’m holding that against this film, it actually gets most of these things right.
I really like the action, cinematography (the green tint for the Matrix was a great choice, which I believe was something they added in later cuts), music, story and characters in this.
The philosophy stuff is a nice side dish, it’s not as overbearing or overcomplicated as in the sequels.
It’s also not nearly as deep as some people pretend it is, just complex enough where it gives a lot of people the impression that this is some mindbending, experimental filmmaking, when in reality it’s not.
It’s just a very well executed action film that’s a little more conceptual than most of the stuff that came out around that time.
The acting, however, is a bit of a mixed bag for me.
Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving are excellent (which is odd, Hugo Weaving is hamming it up big time and that shouldn’t work given what the other actors are doing, but it does), but the two leads are very stiff and often miss the mark in selling their dialogue.
I imagine that must’ve been the big trade-off for the Wachowskis; Carrie Ann Moss and Keanu Reeves are great with the action stuff and a lot of what they do is in camera, but they’re not the greatest actors.
Taking that bullet was the right choice in the end, though.
8.5/10
I recently had the chance to rewatch this piece of art in theatre, and it was just mind-blowing, the story and the music was just amazing, I invite everyone who have the chance to see it in a cinema to do so because the experience is so different from watching it on a normal screen. Now to talk about the acting in it, I felt a bit of awkwardness as I always had this idea that the actors did an incredible job in this film, I'm not saying otherwise, but it just wasn't as incredible as I thought it was, some lines felt really cheesy but giving that it's a 1999 film it's understandable that the dialogue isn't very cool. The CGI even at 2021 is still very acceptable and very enjoyable at moments, which shows how great the job that was done on that film is. Overall, one of my all-time favourite movies.
Trinity: The_One.exe has stopped.
Tech Support: Have you tried turning it off and on again?
"To deny our own impulses is to deny the very thing that makes us human."
What can I say other that this is a cinematic masterpiece for what is was going for. I love everything about this movie. On my rewatch I realized that it really was ahead of its time in so many departments. Dare I saw it hits even harder while watching it these days? The only thing that's slightly annoyed is that my fiance fell asleep while we watched it and it was her first time watching it!
Honestly, I'm pretty disappointed with myself. I didn't really had much fun with it. I can understand why it was the hit it was 20 years ago, but watching in 2021, after being exposed to hundreds of copycats - whether better or worse -, makes it difficult to enjoy the ideas present in this movie to the fullest.
20 years ago, I would've loved the twist at the end of the 1st, but nowadays? Not really. It's neither that impressive nor that well executed imo. The 2nd act was definitely where I had the most fun and the 3rd act rather messy. The themes were interesting, but again, not that appealing anymore.
Great movie! I saw it again today and it didn't age at all. It is still incredibly contemporary. The new reading and reinterpretation that we can now do about the film is interesting, taking into account that the two directors are trans women now and, possibly, at the time they made the film, they were already going through that process.
forced love plot kinda lame and really tries hard to be overtly philosophical it just comes off as goofy lmao. pretty enjoyable if you just chill out with it. just a western isekai when it boils down to it.
A brilliant plot, an excellent film.
Rewatching this after what must be 10 or 15 years since I last saw it, I was impressed at how great this still is.
It's now become pop culture, sure. But to have had enough time where I couldn't even tell you what happened during the sequels is such a blessing. I think I took the blue pill!
The things that stood out to me straight away...
-Low budget but they make it work. The CG is still adequate and doesn't detract from the film. The practical effects (especially that shoot out in the hallway) still looks amazing.
the cinematography of the film and film location dressing is every movie Terry Gilliam wanted to make but always failed to when up to bat. What a brilliant visual treat, especially the first 20 minutes in the dark streets.
Keanu's acting is very wooden. Carrie-Anne is gorgeous. Laurence is deft at the two sides of Morpheus (in matrix and out). Joey Pants is the gift that always delivers...
some of the scenes on the craft felt a little Sci Fi channel cheap and poorly acted.
there's a little pacing issue just prior to the Morpheus rescue that I felt. Some lagging, a little disinterest from my part before the massive setpiece kicked in.
However, this has to go down as the introduction to one of the greatest tales in all of cinema. A shockingly original and bold action film with futurism and scifi in abundance... Just a home run.
8.5/10
I have watch this at least once a year since 1999 I still get the chills… I still get exited… by far my favorite movie of all time
The Matrix set the standard extremely high when it comes to sci-fi action movies. It makes you question reality itself. It's very deep, and philosophical while having nonstop action. The Matrix is unique, extremely well thought through, has a great story, and some of the coolest fighting sequences. It's definitely a must see.
The Matrix is one of the best science fiction movies, not only today but in the history of cinema. It has marked a whole generation and revolutionized the industry itself, it was innovative in its time by changing the way in which the visual effects of that time were faded.
Personally, the first time I saw her she was still a child and I was surprised by both the plot and her action scenes and it has not lost its effect every time I look at it, it still causes me that emotion with Neo's final fight
the best firm to me
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.
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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All I can say is, "The Wachowski Sisters". Great minds.
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!
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!
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!
Nobody can deny possibility we've already been living in cyberspace actually without "waking up", or such future.
I Love Matrix. A big movie of ficcion.
The most famous bullet dodging action sequence in history.
One of the all time best movie of hollywood.
Great filming and theatrics. Actors great!!!
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.
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
Immensely entertaining, intriguingly philosophical and just about one of the best films ever made!
the an matrix I love the japan anime better. #ShiftvW8
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!!
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.
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
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!
I hate Neo's voice so damn much.
One of if not the best action movie I know!
It is a master piece!
fck yeah
I give it "great" because of the great effects… only.
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!
Awesome stuff!
Gash, it was thought, juicy, full of emotion, yet with great effects and wonderful visually. Neo
One of the Best movies ever made!
15 years later and this movie still looks great. And of course the story is simply epic.
Shout by David Given SchwarmBlockedParent2014-12-26T17:31:01Z
This is the Single Greatest Movie Ever Made.