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"What does real mean? Give me a definition of real. If you refer to what we perceive, what we can smell, touch, and see, that real is just electrical signals interpreted by the brain".
This is one of the most profound lines from a film that changed the concept of science fiction in cinema: the shockwave triggered by this film's release (1999) is comparable to only a few others in this genre; two stand out: "2001: A Space Odyssey" in 1968 and "Star Wars" in 1977: and while the first had more critical acclaim than public success and the second vice versa, "Matrix" managed to bring both sides into agreement. Without a doubt, a profound film that is not just about refined special effects and spectacular fight scenes, but also carries ambitious philosophical aims: not just the theme of choice, but also elements typical of Eastern philosophies and similarities with various religions.
In an unspecified future, the human race is governed by machines, making them believe they live freely in the 20th century while actually drawing energy for their survival. Only a small group of people know about this: they call the control program "Matrix" to which their peers are connected, within which people live normally, unaware of what happens around them; only a few people realize something is amiss: among these is Thomas Anderson, a hacker known online by the nickname Neo. According to a group of rebels outside Matrix, Neo is the One who will manage to redeem the human condition in the real world: after contacting him, they free him from Matrix. He will have great abilities, but it won't be easy for him to understand that he is truly the One: only after his death and resurrection by the woman he loves will he be convinced of it, and after destroying Agent Smith, a Matrix control program, he will pose a serious threat to the program itself.
The theme of life in a fictitious world easily evokes several thinkers from the past, foremost among them Descartes: our senses often deceive us, and we could be living in a false world, specially created by a supremely evil genius with the sole purpose of deceiving us; only the fact of thinking makes us aware of our existence.
The character of Neo also provides a great basis for philosophical reflection: it might be too easy and predictable to note the resemblance to the biblical Christ, though certainly not incorrect; another historical figure referenced, in my opinion, is Socrates: like the great philosopher, Neo will give his life for his city, a city that did not want him, that branded him impious (although impiety is not specifically mentioned). In the Oracle's house, there is an inscription that reads "temet nosce," know thyself: this phrase was written outside the temple of the Oracle at Delphi, the same oracle that told Socrates he was the wisest in the world, even though he continued to profess his extreme ignorance: and it was precisely this awareness that made him the wisest among men who mistakenly defined themselves as "wise." Likewise, Neo cannot be told he is the One, because it is a knowledge that must be intimate, achieved in solitude: the Oracle herself tells him that being the One is "like being in love," only those who are truly know. And it is only through the consciousness of being the One that Neo rises above others.
And this is why "Matrix" not only is a great film on a purely cinematic level, but also leaves various paths open for interpretation. Kudos to the directors, the Wachowski brothers Andy and Larry, for creating such a powerful dark atmosphere; kudos to the actors, especially Keanu Reeves/Neo for playing the role of a guide for souls in search of himself; kudos to the producer who rightly bet on a huge success.
4 Oscars ("best editing," "best special effects," "best sound editing," "best sound") testify to the greatness of a film that has rewritten the conventions of the science fiction of tomorrow.
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