“The Matrix” is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by The Wachowskis (formerly known as The Wachowski Brothers) and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving. The film is known for its innovative visual effects and its exploration of philosophical themes such as reality and perception.
Synopsis:
The film is set in a dystopian future where humans live in a simulated reality created by sentient machines to distract them from the truth of their enslavement. Keanu Reeves plays Thomas Anderson, a hacker who goes by the alias Neo. After encountering mysterious messages from a group of rebels led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo learns the truth about his reality and his role in the war against the machines.
With the help of Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus, Neo trains to become the One, a prophesied hero who can defeat the machines and free humanity from their control. Along the way, they face off against the agents, powerful programs designed to eliminate anyone who threatens the Matrix.
Awards:
“The Matrix” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $465 million worldwide and winning four Academy Awards in 2000 for Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing. The film also won two BAFTA Awards for Best Sound and Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects.
“The Matrix” has since become a cultural phenomenon and is regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking science fiction films of all time. It spawned two sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions,” as well as various video games, comics, and novels. A fourth film, “The Matrix Resurrections,” is set to be released in 2021.
| Directed by | The Wachowskis |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Joel Silver |
| Written by | The Wachowskis |
| Starring | Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, |
| Music by | Don Davis |
| Cinematography | Bill Pope |
| Edited by | Zach Staenberg |
| Production companies |
Warner Bros. Village Roadshow Pictures Groucho II Film Partnership Silver Pictures |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. (United States) |
| Release date | March 31, 1999 (United States) |
| Running time | 136 minutes |
| Countries | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $63 million |
| Box office | $465.3 million |