"How do you define real?"

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 1999)

This is one of the very first movies that actually made me think in the theater. "The Matrix" had some very intriguing lines that made you ponder the most obvious things around us. Such as when Morpheus (Fishburne) says to Neo (Reeves), "You believe it is the year 1999, when actually it is closer to 2199..." and he goes on to explain the down fall of our world as we know it to "AI" artificial intelligence and machines. Also, when Morpheus confuses Neo by questioning his definition of "real": "What is real? How do you define real? If to you real is what you can see or touch or smell, then it is simply electrical signals being sent to your brain."
We are born into a world which we do not question or take a 2nd glance at. It is a world based on "rules". It is given to us, therefore we accept it for what it is and nothing more. This is in fact the underlying theme of "The Matrix" and how we go on living our lives oblivious. Making the Fishburne's quote "Do you really think that's air your breathing right now?" very believable.
With all this thinking going on, you are bound to miss some of the best martial arts fighting sequences I have seen to date. Using slow motion to the fullest, the action sequences are given a type of grace, such as when Fishburne is floating in the air in the dojo sequence. This uncut, kung fu style fighting is sure to leave the audience with a smile of pure enjoyment on their faces. In all, this is the best movie I have seen and must be seen more than once to appreciate the plot, the morals, the action, the camera angles, and excellent acting by all 4 main cast members. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is willing to "free their mind".