Original, ground-breaking cultural phenomenon

Rating: 10/10 (23 April 2020)

What can you say? This is THE Matrix.
If you had me choose one movie from the late 90s that best defined the Sci-Fi genre of its era, I would choose this movie. Period. No debate.
The amount of original storytelling and worldbuilding in this movie is insane. This movie also incorporated new techniques such as CGI & special FX that added to the futuristic dystopia that the movie takes place in.
Normally with a high budget film like this, sometimes the plot or themes would get lost in the amount of CGI & VFX. The Matrix did not compromise on anything. This is one of those films that will have you talking about it once you leave the theatre. Its effects on the wider culture are noticeable has this film has been parodied and referenced time and time again.
And don't get me started on the action. Like Neo in The Matrix, this film bends the rules with what we can expect from any action genre. The use of slow-mo, CGI, and fast-paced kung fu fighting is amazing.
5/5. It's original, ground-breaking, and a cultural phenomenon.