"The Matrix", by Wachowski's

It is difficult to find a way to start talking about "Matrix"; and not only because it is one of the most important science fiction works of all time, but above all because whoever wishes to write a well detailed review and touch all its fundamental aspects should write more of a lenghty book; perhaps even this would not be enough to fully describe.

We must therefore dwell on its fundamentals: the directing brothers (now sisters) Wachowski set up an incredibly complex story, which goes beyond the concept of science fiction, genre or stereotype. They do so by intertwining a hypothetical dark future in which humans must remain hidden underground in order to survive and where Machines have taken over the world, “cultivating” humans and using them as living batteries, with another parallel world, “The Matrix". This virtual reality has been ingeniously crafted by the Machines to make sure the captive human brains can stay active for a whole lifetime, and reamain usable as a power source. The protagonist of such events is an unsuspecting every day white collar worker of this digital world who is, at first, totally unsuspecting of living in a sophisticated neural simulation. The fatal encounter with Trinity and Morpheus, who sees in him something special, will force him to make choices and face truths that only “The One” can sustain.

The film is marvellous and can be truly appreciated only by exploring several different and complementary levels: its narrative, which is beautifully interwoven and influenced by Asian cinema, Japanese Anime culture and by a multitude of science-fiction and spiritual works, finds its counterpart in its incredibile visuals.  These are a continuous alternation between a familiar 1999,  its darker version generated within the Matrix and the post-apocalyptic “real world” in which what little remains of free humanity struggles to survive under the constant threat of ruthless hunting machines. 

Many incredible technical innovations were also gifted to us by the Wachowskis: the very concept and camera dances created to make possible the “bullet-time” was combined with futuristic fist-fights and the unique looks of the protagonists to create immortal action scenes. Matrix intimist and Christological digressions complements also perfectly its frenetic action,  combining with the many messages and underlying meanings that the film wants to communicate. "Matrix" is this and much, much more; it is a treasure chest that must be opened and explored in extreme depth because of its hiding jewels and secrets; it is a rare gem in a world that is becoming increasingly standardized and less original, it is the last true masterpiece of the twentieth century and one of the most important films ever made. Watching it brings awareness, because even though superficially can be enjoyed as an entertainig pop work, its deeper meanings cannot but reach our inner self and force us to make a choice: blue pill or red pill?