Groundbreaking, brilliant, best film ever!!

Rating: Null/10 (11 March 2002)

I have to say that the Matrix goes down as one of my favourite films ever. The film is pure excellence in film making. There are so many levels to interprit this film, it is an action sci-fi firstly, with an excellent storyline but in the two hours or so of running time if you read between the lines the film offers so many philosophical and religious undertones its frightening, I can watch this film many times and not get bored because you always pick up something new if you look close enough. I realised a few references in the film for instance Keanu Reeves as a messiah figure.
The script, aside from the undertones, is exceptional. The story is excellently drafted out and there are great twists. Also the Wachowski brothers direct the film with such style it is simply amazing. The film at times comes across like a manga cartoon and you can tell that these guys are fans of the Japanese cartoons when you see the lighting and angles etc that are used occasionally. They really have created a tense and eerie visual delight. The musical score also adds to the impressive visuals.
Of course the big selling point of the Matrix to most are the groundbreaking effects, from the creation of bullet time to the excellent wire work and computer generated effects such as the chilling scenes as Neo awakens in the real world. Despite all these technical flourishes that will drop jaws I did not feel that the special effects were the best thing of the movie. For me it was the way the story pans out and the pacing of the movie as well as the amazing cinematography that create a dark manga styled world.
The cast are all good, Keanu Reeves is a little on the stoic side but his character is suited to that trait, other than a slightly wooden exterior, Reeves is good through the whole movie and impresses in the stunning action sequences. Carrie Ann Moss is very good and very sexy, clad throughout most of the film in tight leather, she kicks rear with grace and beauty. Also good is an impressive Hugo Weaving and the show stealer, Larry Fishbourne as Morpheus.
To the action sequences now, and for action junkies these scenes will live long in the memory. The kung-fu fights are shot brilliantly and the choreography is some of the best non hong kong ever put to screen bar Drive. The four principal actors do the fights themselves despite not knowing any martial arts and the fights also include excellent back breaking stunts and wire work as well as some visual effects. For me though the best action sequence was the lobby shoot out which is one of the best gun fights ever to grace the big screen, the destructive brilliance of the scene was amazing as Reeves and Moss take out a group of security gaurds while rubble is flying through the air. The scene is definately a mild ode to master John Woo, who the Wachowskis are fans of. The end battle is not a let down either.
I would have to say that the film starts off really superbly, more as a tense thriller than action orientated, although there is still action. The atmosphere built up is tense and the film really draws you in. After Neo has met morpheous and goes to the real world, discovering what the Matrix is, the film kind of lost something for me, but still even then is a ten out of ten flick, and of course that is where the kung-fu and effects really kick in and the action builds up. I feel this film is so good that the sequels will be mild let downs especially with the direction the story must take after this films ending. Until the second film can be judged I will watch this when I feel like it and leave you by simply adding 10/10