Release: 1999-03-31
Runtime: 2h 16m (136 minutes)
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.
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Genres: Action, Science Fiction
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, more
Keanu Reeves
as Neo
Laurence Fishburne
as Morpheus
Carrie-Anne Moss
as Trinity
Hugo Weaving
as Agent Smith
Robert Taylor
as Agent Jones
Joe Pantoliano
as Cypher
Marcus Chong
as Tank
Ada Nicodemou
as Dujour
Belinda McClory
as Switch
Paul Goddard
as Agent Brown
Gloria Foster
as Oracle
Rowan Witt
as Spoon Boy
Chad Stahelski
Stunt Double
Yuen Wo-Ping
Fight Choreographer
Yuen Wo-Ping
Choreographer
Lana Wachowski
Director
Lana Wachowski
Writer
Lana Wachowski
Executive Producer
Todd Bryant
Stunts
Lilly Wachowski
Director
Lilly Wachowski
Writer
Lilly Wachowski
Executive Producer
James McTeigue
First Assistant Director
Nash Edgerton
Stunt Double
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.
The fight for the future begins.
The Matrix is a renowned science fiction action film released on 31 March 1999. Directed and written by the Wachowskis, this film stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith, and Joe Pantoliano as Cypher. The movie is celebrated for its innovative visual effects and complex themes.
The story unfolds in a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in the Matrix, a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. The protagonist, Neo, is a computer hacker who is recruited by Morpheus to join a rebellion against these machines. Morpheus believes Neo to be "the One," the foretold individual destined to liberate humanity.
Upon its release, The Matrix received critical acclaim for its groundbreaking visual effects, particularly the iconic "bullet time" effect, which allows the action to slow down while the camera moves around the scene. The film grossed over $460 million against a budget of $63 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1999.
The Wachowskis were influenced by various sources, including anime and martial arts films, as well as philosophical and religious texts. The film's themes explore concepts of reality, perception, and personal awakening, drawing parallels to philosophical ideas from figures like Plato and Descartes.
The Matrix not only became a box-office hit but also won four Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing. It has been hailed as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time, earning a place in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Following the success of The Matrix, two sequels were released in 2003, titled The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. The franchise expanded further with comic books, video games, and an animated anthology, The Animatrix. In December 2021, a fourth film, The Matrix Resurrections, was released, continuing the story of Neo and Trinity.
In summary, The Matrix is a landmark film that blends philosophical questions with thrilling action, pushing the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling in cinema. Its influence is evident across various media and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
