Excellent science fiction-action

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 1999)

With special effects to rival Terminator 2 (better but with the same impact) and a plot that is intelligent, original and well told, 'The Matrix' could well be the best Science Fiction movie of the year.(I haven't seen Star Wars Episode 1 yet...).
The basic story is based on the concept of a world where everyone unwittingly shares a common 'virtual' reality and the attempts of a band of outsiders to disrupt/challenge the existing regime. The theme is far from new, obviously, going back to Brave New World, 1984 and a host of outsider 'heroes' struggling against a dystopian future.
There are also some interesting sub-texts :- The ritualistic rite of passage to illumination, the nature of prophecy and perhaps the most searching question "Is it better to live 'free' and in squalor or to experience a better seeming fantasy life ?"
Unlike many effects driven science fiction movies, the acting, plot and dialogue are all top notch and I heartily recommend going to see this film.