The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix Poster

The Matrix (1999) is a American–Australian science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It depicts a dystopian 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". The film has since appeared in lists of the greatest science fiction films, and in 2012, was added to the National Film Registry for preservation. The success of the film led to the release of two feature film sequels, both written and directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. The Matrix franchise was further expanded through the production of comic books, video games, and animated short films in which the Wachowskis were heavily involved.


Directors: Andy Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers) , Lana Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers)
Writers: Andy Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers) , Lana Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers)
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne
IMDb Rating: 8.7

Awards:
Won 4 Oscars.
Another 33 wins & 42 nominations.

Movie Review:
This is one of those films, that has so much meaning in it, its unreal! However, the action scenes are incredible, and the concept is original. It starts with Neo (Reeves) living a dual life, one as a computer hacker, one as a standard 9-5 office worker in a technology conglomerate. After a strange dream, Neo awakens & never quite feels normal, always questioning the blandness of his life. Once he is hacked, he is told to 'follow the rabbit down the hole', which is the proceeded by a knock on the door. Once he answers the door, he realizes it is just his friends asking him to join them on a night out. Whilst he initially declines, Neo then spots a tattoo in the shape of a white rabbit, and decides to listen to the earlier message so he joins them on a night out. The film contains everything, from great acting, good dialogue and my favorite is an original story line. The idea that we, as humans, are happy to continue working 9 to 5, whilst questioning our purpose on this planet. Coupled with our increased dependency on machines in the modern age means that the idea that machines will eventually supersede us is not a fairy tale concept. The action is great, with some of the characters now becoming infamous, most noticeably Fishburne's character Morpheus, seen as a sensei- type, but one with an incredibly high intellect, that teaches to ask the right question then look for the right answer. On the downside, this film contained too many action film moments where it was clearly possible to escape a fate, suspect a Judas-type moment, or to act faster and therefore make life so much easier on themselves! Really great movie, which for me beckons the ultimate question: Would you take the red pill, or the blue one?

The Matrix Trailer (1999)