We are energy sources that are harvested by computers. Our world is actually a virtual reality computer program called The Matrix; its reality. We live in the 22nd Century and humans are controlled by intelligent machines. As a result of the war between man and machine, the earth is a dark place. The no longer rely on solar power because we eradicated the Sun; their energy source is electricity and heat. Where does it come from then? Us!In order to keep the humans under control and to keep our brains intact and creating energy, the computers created The Matrix.

Due to the hype of he film, it could have been slightly better. The credits at the startled me to believe it was going to be confusing and thought provoking. The Matrix is an action sci-fi film and all there is to it is armour, guns and futuristic machines. There's nothing out of he ordinary and it lacks the human element to give it emotional weight and meaning.The humans who escaped the wrath of the machines live outside of the Matrix, in an underground city (that we don't see) called Zion. A small number of people dedicate their lives to going into the Matrix, including Morpheous (Laurence Fishburne), Trinity (Carrie-Ann-Moss) and their crew, to find 'The One' who can save the human race from the nefarious machines.

It is possible for people in the real world to hack into the Matrix and liberate others. People from the real world who enter the Matrix must do what they can to avoid the indestructible agents, especially Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) Neo's (Keanu Reeves) arch nemesis. 'Real' people can bend the rules in the Matrix as well as Agents but only if they truly believe they can; because anything is possible. The Matrix is just like a computer game where people can jump farther, run faster and be stronger than normal people.

Morpheous, the legendary rebel leader, encourages Neo to open his mind and believe he is 'The One'. His name (anagram of the "one") means revitalization or rebirth. Clearly Neo is a messianic figure. He is the saviour of the human race but only until he truly believes it.The plot in general seems a bit predictable but it also has many twists to it such as the Matrix's rules of zero gravity and bullet dodging. I would definitely say that the twists and turns keep you interested.

In some parts of the film, especially near the beginning, there are some questions that are never answered which can be quite frustrating.Laurence Fishburne carries the proper sense of authority as the human leader whilst Carrie-Ann-Moss makes for a hell of a warrior with a slight hint of feminism with her tight leather suits, cat-like appearance and her svelte figure although she has a boy-like features such as her short hair, muscles and strength, but she manages to pull the look off perfectly.Keanu Reeves makes a lean, strikingly beautiful action hero, twisting out of the way of bullets that elongate like silver beads of mercury. His persona of Neo compliments him well.The characters employ a tremendous array of high quality gymnastics and martial arts stunts unlike anything ever seen in the film industry.

He film makers show off their skills with high-speed photography and special effects to depict characters running up and down walls, delivering impossibly fast punches and kicks, making incredible leaps and sometimes stopping in mid-air.One of the real stars of the film is the phenomenal soundtrack and the grinding visuals that make up for the every growing soggy plot. The music on the soundtrack is sometimes hardcore and heavy; rather suitable for the film.The directors have managed to create a mind-blowing film by using slick photography, unusual camera angles, computer-enhanced stunts and a neo-Goth atmosphere which makes the movie visually dazzling and extremely surreal, but sadly the plot got lost towards the end.The Matrix is probably one of the best comic-book sensibilities of its time.

There's a kind of liberating, almost transforming energy in this film; it lightens you up and sends you out with a heart-warming feeling on the inside.The directors have created a fun combination of cerebral sci-fi elements and stunningly impressive action sequences that make the film well worth while. However, you may get a headache trying to decipher the problematical storyline, but im sure the remarkable imagery will soothe the pain.The film lacked emotional and humanistic values that would have made the film five stars. Overall, I would give this film eight out of ten.