The Matrix

The Matrix is a 1999 American science fiction action film written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving. It depicts a dystopian future in which reality as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality or cyberspace created by sentient machines to pacify and subdue the human population, while their bodies' heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Computer programmer "Neo" discovers this truth and is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, which involves other people who have been freed from the "dream world" and into reality.

The Matrix is known for popularizing a visual effect known as "bullet time", which allows a shot to progress in slow-motion while the camera appears to move through the scene at normal speed. It also contains many references to the cyberpunk and hacker subcultures; philosophical and religious ideas, such as Jean Baudrillard's Simulacra and Simulation; and homages to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, spaghetti westerns, and Japanese animation.

The Matrix was first released in the United States on March 31, 1999, and grossed over $460 million world-wide. It was generally well-received by critics, and won four Academy Awards as well as other accolades including BAFTA Awards and Saturn Awards. Reviewers praised The Matrix for its innovative visual effects, high production values, and for bringing aspects of Hong Kong action cinema to a Hollywood blockbuster; however, the film's premise was criticised for being derivative of earlier science fiction works. Despite this, the film has since appeared in lists of the greatest science fiction films. The success of the film led to the release of two feature film sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Its franchise was further expanded through the production of comic books, video games, and animated short films.