The Matrix (1999)

Rating: ****
Release Date: 3/31/99
Producer: Joel Silver
Written and directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Martial Arts Choreography: Yuen Woo Ping
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lawrence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano

Wow. Nothing can prepare you for this film. It's a revolutionary breakthrough in cinematography and special effects, and perhaps even more importantly, it brings genuine Hong Kong kung fu to American theaters for the first time ever, thanks to the magic of master choreographer Yuen Woo Ping. Under his instruction, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Lawrence Fishburne all genuinely look like martial arts pros. Utterly incredible. The story is an engaging and engrossing mind fuck where the human race has been defeated and enslaved by the machines of the future. Reeves is the one who can give the humans the strength to fight back. And that's all you really need to know. The film is a beautiful and breathtaking example of style over substance and creates a magically horrifying and completely immersive world. Highly recommended.