Excellent for the intelligent

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2003)

The philosophical tour continues from the first film's exploration of perception and reality continues to the question of free will. That said, it's not casual movie going. If you don't enjoy thought and want the plot dished out on a silver platter, this movie will drive you insane. One complaint I've seen in many reviews is that it's like sitting through a master's seminar in parts. I agree, except I don't see it as a flaw. The story and thought are revealed in a mix of western discussion as well as eastern teaching through metaphor.
The action is very well done with a high quality than anything that has been seen yet. It continues in the sci-fu tradion of the first Matrix. The style of martial arts is solid chinese (with a Japanese katana to boot). Many of the the fight scene concepts are new (100 Smiths, the spectres, etc) from the first movie.
As the summary suggests, this movie is not for people who are looking for another Terminator. But for those who are tired of the usual fair, it is more than you could wish for.