The Matrix (1999)

Genres

Action | Sci-Fi

Directors

The Wachowski Brothers

Country

USA

Cast

Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Gloria Foster, Marcus Chong, Paul Goddard, Robert Taylor, Julian Arahanga, Belinda McClory, Anthony Ray Parker, Matt Doran, Ada Ncodemou

Storyline

In the near future, computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) joins Rebel warriors Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss) to fight the Matrix and set humanity free.

Opinion

Years ago, when I first heard of "The Matrix", I was expecting just some other sci-fi flick from another decade, but I still gave it a chance because of Keanu Reeves - I've always had a crush on him - and I absolutely loved it. Many years and views later, I still think it is an intriguing, entertaining and philosophical film as well as one of the best sci-fi films ever made.

The most striking thing about the film is arguably the idea. The story is simply pure genius, it is compelling, everything works like a well-oiled machine and the fact that is set inside a computer leaves so much room to the imagination and basically to whatever the writers wanted to do.

But it's more than an engaging and solid story. "The Matrix" is one of those few sci-fi flicks that actually has a deep meaning and addresses very current issues, in particular, us, humans, creating smarter and smarter machines that will eventually be our downfall. It's quite scary how this is more current nowadays than it was 18 years ago when the film came out.

The film does not just criticise our need to do that, but it also makes us realise that we think we are free but we are not. We are actually prisoners of a system that tries as much as it can to keep us from being who we want to be and to do whatever it pleases us.

If you have never seen it - if that's the case, what are you still doing here? Go watch it! -, don't worry, you won't be bored with philosophical questions as the Wachowski wonderfully balanced those with spectacular, jaw-dropping acting and special effects. Seriously, the action sequences are breathtaking and so intense and well choreographed, you'll want to see those on repeat all day long.

And lastly, there's the cast. Although the acting is that great, there's something about the cast that I love. Keanu Reeves is excellent as Neo, Laurence Fishburne does great as the mysterious Morpheus and so does Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity. My favourite, however, will always be Hugo Weaving and his creepy and evil Agent Smith.