Imagine receiving mysterious messages that tell you everything you know is a lie, you are told to question what is real and what isn’t, and you’re needed to save the world. Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) lives a double life as a computer hacker. Better known by his secret identity, Neo, he has explored the dark depths of technology. He is met with the pressing question that no one seems able to solve, “what is the matrix?” The alluring Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss) leads Neo to a mysterious man named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) who claims to have all the answers. Neo is given the choice to choose the blue pill and continue his dull old life, or choose the red pill and discover the truth about life as we know it. After choosing the red pill, the last thing Neo expected was to wake up in a pod hardwired into a power plant to provide energy for the computers controlling his life. After discovering the truth about life, Neo must work to defeat the computers and free humanity. 

“The Matrix” revolutionized multiple parts of the film industry. Movies were forever changed after the use of extraordinary special effects. The scene “The Matrix” is most known for is when Neo dodges bullets at lightning fast speed while the camera captures the scene in slow-motion and a 360 degree view. This effect is called bullet time, also called the Matrix effect or time-slice. Cameras surround the subject and are activated in rapid succession, creating the illusion that the camera is moving faster than the subject. Many cameras are used to give the impression of time slowing down or standing still without as much 3D computer work or editing. On the Matrix set 120 still cameras and 2 film cameras were used to create a smooth and seamless shot. 

Despite fighting being common in action films, “The Matrix’s” fighting scenes were unique and groundbreaking. The directors used Chinese martial arts to provide additional action, show fighting from different cultures, and distinct fighting techniques. The martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping used the actors’ natural style and strength to determine the stunts they did, this gave each character a unique fighting style. For example Woo-ping designed specific moves to suit the character Trinity’s deftness and lightness. 

The most impressive part of “The Matrix” is how the film revolutionized the genre and was mind blowing. The science-fiction mixed with cyber-punk genre was practically created by “The Matrix.” Few, if any movies before held the same wild concepts in such a realistic manner. The mind blowing idea of life as a simulation emerged with advancing technology, and gave an entire new perspective on life. Even though countless movies, shows, and games have used this same idea since then, “The Matrix” pioneered it. 

With such an amazing story idea, the producers needed the right cast to pull it off. The castsers did an amazing job finding actors that suited the role they were playing perfectly. Keanu Reeves does an amazing job capturing Neo’s brilliance and uncertainty at the same time. His character interacts perfectly with his co-stars. Trinity, played by Carrie-Ann Moss, executes her role with the perfect combination of glamor, mysteriousness, and being a badass. Trinity was one of the first very strong female leads in an action film. One of the other actors who played their role perfectly was Laurence Fishburne, playing Morpheus. Fishburne was the ideal man to be an inspiring mentor to Neo while also being shrouded in mystery. 

“The Matrix” is a pop culture icon that has exceptional special effects, martial arts, plot arc, casting, mind blowing concepts, and revolutionized the action genre. This film was released in 1999, so it is no longer available in theaters, but there are many sound effects that are far better with a good speaker system. So call up your friend that has a huge tv and surround sound, and enter the world of “The Matrix!”