The most stylish movie ever made

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 1999)

I was about 12 the last time I left a theatre and wanted to go back in and watch the same movie again, right then and there...until The Matrix. Non-stop plot progression (character introductions last about 5 seconds) coupled with some of the best fight sequences I've come across and almost seamless special effects combine to make this an intense, thought-provoking movie. Morpheus' "born into bondage" monologue strikes disturbing bells even without the matrix. Creditable performances from all the main characters, an internally consistent plot and, unusually, science that didn't make me want to throw up in disgust made my suspension of disbelief not just willing but unnoticeable. Sets, costumes, lighting, cinematography (I loved the "freeze the frame yet rotate the camera around the main subject" technique and thought it could have been used once or twice more); everything hangs together beautifully to create an often dark and oppressive atmosphere which perfectly complements the story.