The Matrix Film Review
One of the greatest sci-fi action flicks of all time, The Matrix was a genre-redefining landmark event in film history.
The film, if you don't know anything about it, is better left a mystery, kick-starting as some kind of neo-noir thriller - with kung fu - before going full sci-fi actioner. It takes you on an utterly enthralling, completely unpredictable ride into a whole different world (or two), bending and breaking the rules and conventions of action films thus far, with a rich story, memorable script, iconic performances and genre-defining action, all of which would go down in history.
Beyond the richly layered narrative, The Matrix is arguably best remembered as a series of stunningly realised setpieces which utilised new technology to deliver such effects as 'bullet-time', with action not only slowed down, but also revolved around. Whether the first time you saw space battles in Star Wars, or CG in Terminator 2, or even a John Woo action film, The Matrix was a turning-point in terms of action after which things would never be the same
Its opening sequence was stunning, with Carrie-Ann Moss's black PVC-clad Trinity taking out dozens of cops in a rooftop-leaping escape which introduces not only the skills of the key players, as well as the bullet-time style, but also the seemingly unstoppable 'Agents', who can inexplicably morph into any other individual within the Matrix. Hugo Weaving was perfectly cast as the main antagonist, Agent Smith, whose fights with both Lawrence Fishburne's Morpheus and also Neo himself are spectacular.
Indeed the fight scenes were also groundbreaking due to the fact that this was one of the first films released that showed non-martial arts experts convincingly turned into on-screen fighting machines, shifting the dynamic over what was from then on to be expected from stars in action films, and at once sounding the final death knell of both the conventional Hollywood action men (i.e. the likes of Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and even Snipes and Van Damme) and arguably also of the behind the scenes stunt-men, who soon graduated into stunt co-ordinators and, for much of the team behind The Matrix, even directors (see John Wick 1 and 2, Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2).
The Matrix is an experience unlike any other, with the subsequent decade after its release even generating the fond fan reflection - "where were you when you first watched The Matrix?". Afterwards, it changed everything, with the near 20 years since passing giving rise to two ultimately disappointing sequels and talks of even a reboot, unsurprising considering that generations have been born who potentially would have no idea what The Matrix even was. Which is a shame because of what it is: the very definition of "must-see".
The Matrix 4K Picture
The Matrix 4K Sound
The Matrix 4K Extras
Conclusion
The Matrix 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
The Matrix is on UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as a standalone 4K release and as part of the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection from 16th October 2023.
The Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection pulls together ten classic films from three eras in Hollywood - Classic Hollywood, New Hollywood and Modern Blockbusters - and serves them up in a lavish set with impressive packaging, booklets and memorabilia.
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