The Matrix (5 Stars)

Dancer's Top Films #5

Made in 1999, "The Matrix" is a film that's revolutionised films, and not just science fiction films. The mixture of virtual reality, kung fu action and the bullet time cinematography has wowed audiences and critics alike.

The story isn't completely original. In 1984 "Terminator" had already predicted a world run by machines. The difference is in the application of the story. The machines in "Terminator" seek to eliminate the human race, apart from a select few who're required to work for them. The machines in "The Matrix" have put all of mankind into a virtual trance, a dream state. Mankind is enslaved, but doesn't know it. Only those who are particularly perceptive have a feeling that something is wrong with the world. It's not the real world at all, it's a computer simulation called the Matrix.

The film is full of religious imagery. Keanu Reeves plays Thomas Anderson, a computer hacker who uses to code name Neo. An ancient prophecy exists that a man will come who will save mankind from the machines. Neo is told that he is the One.

It's not so much religious imagery as religious hints. Neo is contacted by a mysterious woman called Trinity. He's told that the last free city on Earth is called Zion.

But before you think that it's only Biblical imagery, the prophecies are delivered by an Oracle. That's a name given to women who gave messages from the Greek Gods.

The film has a green tint throughout. When you watch it you might not notice it at first, because your eyes adjust to the greenness. It's just like the people in the Matrix who've grown used to what they see.

Even though Keanu Reeves plays the main character, I think the character who carries the film is Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus. He's the captain of the ship Nebuchadnezzar, but he plays a significant role because of a prophecy given him by the Oracle: he's been told that he would discover the One. How he recognises Neo as the One isn't stated, but he's so convinced that Neo is the Saviour that he's willing to sacrifice his life to save him.

One other way that "The Matrix" revolutionised cinema was the viewing habits. The first DVDs were on the market in 1996, but the advanced cinematography in "The Matrix" made it the film that encouraged people to buy their first DVD player.

Simply put, this is one of the best films ever made. It's a film that enthralls people who don't usually like science fiction films. It's a masterpiece. I feel like my short review doesn't do it justice.

Success Rate:  + 5.4

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