“Sooner or later you’re going to realize just as I did that there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”
– Morpheus (The Matrix)
It is sometimes difficult to decide whether The Matrix is an action movie, a science fiction movie, a philosophy movie, a romance movie, or pretty much any other genre that can be attached. It has elements of them all, while simultaneously, having no elements at all. See what I did there? Totally worthy whilst also not really making any point at all. OK, fun is over.
The Matrix is one of those movies that requires the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. I am not saying that you can’t or shouldn’t blink. It is not so outrageously complicated as to require laser-eyed focus. I would advise keeping the blinking to a minimum. Also, an open mind would not be a bad thing to maintain throughout the movie.
Also, don’t feel bad if you need to watch it again because you missed something or things didn’t make sense. The Matrix is rewatchable. The special effects were incredible, it had a wonderful cast that put on a spectacular performance, the action sequences were revolutionary, the dialogue is impressive and intriguing, and any movie that leaves you asking the right questions is a movie worth watching.
The Matrix was a required movie for a philosophy class I took in college and it is easy to see why within the first 15 minutes of the movie. Every question asked is a rabbit hole. Every answer takes you deeper down. Questions about life, reality, and purpose are like the heads of a Hydra. Don’t get me wrong. I love movies that are relaxing and don’t require much thought, but I find myself often wanting my entertainment to take me to new places.
For me, that was what The Matrix was. It was a journey to a place that no other movie had ever taken me. It made me wonder about things I never considered. It makes you ask questions that you didn’t even know mattered and the absence of any plausible answer leads to even more questions. Questions are good and so is this movie. I highly recommend if you have never seen it. Just make sure you are ready to follow Alice to Wonderland.
Journeyman's Legacy 