The Matrix, the first installment of the trilogy, is a master piece, not so much in terms of movie mechanics, but in terms of story telling. The ideas it brings, not the concept of the domination of the machines, but how that domination is achieved, are stupendous. They are mind breaking.
The first time I saw that film, I didn't know what I was going to see, and it felt like a punch in the guts. I consider myself lucky, because that is a rare thing. Still, it is a piece to catch anyone's breath.
The soundtrack is one of the best ever, bar only The Crow. The costume are perfectly tailored and adapted to the tone of each environments. The mood is excellent, at all time. They even applied a greenish tinge when they are in the matrix, a blueish one in the cold real world, and you'll see only normal colors when they are in the training programs.
The action and suspense will keep you wanting more, the story will light up your mind, and the fight scenes will push you to the edge of your seat.
Some special effects, mainly the CGI, are not aging very well, but the work is still acceptable today.
This is probably one of Keanu Reeves' best performance. He's not a great actor, but the role fits him well. His performance as well as Carrie-Anne Moss' are not as good in the following installments. Hugo weaving is just perfect for the role. Personally, I can't see him playing in any other movie without seeing Agent Smith.
The other installments of the trilogy are barely good enough to tell the rest of the story, and are not even close to the quality of the first one. I will not be reviewing them.
10*/10
