Rent The Matrix (1999)

Modern Masterpiece - The Matrix review by GI

The power and brilliance of this landmark film does not diminish even after 20 years. It wasn't the first film to delve into the philosophy of 'I think, therefore I am', indeed most films before and since that have Artificial Intelligence as the basis of the narrative have had this theme at their heart - Blade Runner (1982) and AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001) for instance. But The Matrix also tapped into the growing trend of 'gaming', the idea of immersion into virtual reality and consequently it appealed to audiences very, very well. There's also messages on ecology, on technology, on love and a whole raft of thematic questions that are evident the more you critically analyse the film. The prophetic theme of the power and challenges of AI strongly resonate today and in that regard the film was clearly ahead of its time. It opens brilliantly, like a conspiracy thriller rather than a science fiction film and as it ramps up the action into some fantastic and innovative set pieces it never loses its serious intent. Keanu Reeves is perfect casting here, his restrictions as an actor seem to work for the character just right. As Neo, a notorious computer hacker wanted by the authorities, and as the confused potential 'messiah' who may just be the answer to saving humanity he really nails it. Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss are superb throughout along with Hugo Weaving as the sinister Agent Smith and Joe Pantoliano as the traitorous Cypher. With it's references to Alice In Wonderland, the meaning behind existentialism and the mythological journey of 'the hero' this is a major work, a film so good it still takes my breath away. (The two sequels fail to do any of this and they are a significant disappointment despite some wonderful scenes so don't be too keen to revisit them). If this film has passed you by then I really urge you to check it out. It's a modern masterpiece.

Classic - The Matrix review by JD

This is one of the 20 films that you have to watch. It is as much of a sci-fi classic as The Good, The Bad and the Ugly is a western classic. The plot is so original and so complex that any description would both spoil it and be inadequate. If you haven't seen this already this is compulsory.

A once in a lifetime work of genius - The Matrix review by JD

I just wrote a review on Aliens, probably the best of all sci-fi films.

But as with everything there are big buts making such claims and the Matrix is one mighty big but.

The Matrix blew us all away when we watched it the first time and today it remains one of the best films ever made.

No shakey cam here, just very well drilled actors doing there stuff to one of the most original plots ever devised and bringing special effects to bare of the like never seen before. And on top of that, its also pretty good...

I envy my kids being able to watch something like this for the first time.

And it has to be said, they really dont make films like this anymore!

One of the most phenomenal & genre-defining action films of all time - The Matrix review by TB

This film is the touchstone in many ways of the modern action film. It's staggering special effects which still stand up today, blended with incredible storytelling and performances, are legendary.

The cast is perfect. Keanu Reeves, who had starred in a series of successful action films leading up to it, is perfect as Thomas Anderson/Neo. Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity matches him in every way, a bewitching & lethal woman who can tear down buildings with ease. As the indestructible enemy Smith, Hugo Weaving is just awesome. And giving his usual gravitas and power, Laurence Fishbourne is flawless.

This film, the stunts, the themes, the soundtrack, is all perfect. A masterpiece and one of the best action films ever made.