Movie Poster

You have to let it all go, Neo. Fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind.

# Review

To say that this is one of my favourite sci-fi movies is an understatement. I’ve probably seen this movie half a dozen times and each time I watch it, I can’t help marveling at how cool it is. On my flight to Asia, I decided to marathon all The Matrix films.

In the first movie, the story follows a computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) who discovers a shocking truth: the reality he is living in is but a simulation run by a cyber-intelligence to keep humans docile so that they can be used as organic batteries.

Aesthetically, the film’s cyberpunk look has withheld the test of time thus far. The special effects are a bit dated but still hold up ok; the use of bullet time influenced many subsequent media franchises, from video games to other movies. The film’s influence from Hong Kong martial arts cinema to action anime films is very evident and not only is it done well, it’s done well in a very tasteful manner.

The story is very compelling and touches on interesting philosophical ideas like free will and the rise of AI. The story also introduces some now mainstream ideas such as the red pill. Reeves is fantastic as a stoic and badass Neo. His supporting cast is all amazing as well. My favourites are definitely the dramatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and the very awesome Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss).

# Conclusion

One of my favourite sci-fi films.

# Overall rating: 9.0

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