Opens Your Mind

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2003)

Even before The Matrix was released 1999, most of the concepts and ideals presented by the movie were already floating around in my mind. I, like Neo, had many questions and doubts about the world we live in. Most of the time, things just don't add-up and it always seemed to me that there was something much bigger than Mother Nature that was influencing, or perhaps controlling, the universe. Being a Catholic, I understand that this higher force is, of course, God. But also being someone who is prone to outlandish theories and conspiracies, I enjoy pondering on the fact that what IF there were something else out there, controlling the System, our minds and, more importantly, our fate.
When I saw The Matrix in cinemas in 1999, nothing really made sense. It was like getting knocked-out after one round with Tyson and remaining in shock for what seemed like days afterwards. It wasn't until the DVD came out later that year that I slowly began to realise the significance and deeply personal meaning this movie meant to me. It took perhaps a dozen additional viewings to fully understand what The Matrix was fully about, and still, every time I continue to watch it, I learn something new.
This movie is not your average cheesey, nerdy sci-fi flick. Despite how ground-breaking the special and visual effects were, they are dull in comparison to the concepts and ideals brought up. The Wachowski brothers, who are the directors, are Catholics (I presume) and to me, this movie is like their expression of their faith to the world. The most important line in the movie is "Free Your Mind". Indeed, the majority of the world's population has their mind locked-up in rusty, uninspirational cages, perhaps explaining why so many people always seem to settle less for than what they are truly entitled to. The history of the world has taken it's toll and people don't know any better than to just jump on the bandwagon and fall victim to the routine of civilisation. People are no longer curious, nor driven, nor innocent enough to believe in something so much stronger than their environment: themselves.
This movie attemtps to show people that all is not what it seems. The world is a solid, unalterable place; the human mind is completely at odds with it. People don't realise the power they have. Though the world isn't changeable, the power their minds have can change how they view the world, thus making it something unique in the eyes of each and every human being.
A person should search within themselves to find their strengths and use those strengths to contribute something to humanity. Every single person was born with a gift, completely unique to the billions of other people on earth. No matter what it is, it is invaluable in playing an important role in the progression of our future.
Neo's gift is the ability to free the human race. The movie is about self-belief. My belief is that there is a little Neo in all of us.