An ingenious way of introducing possibly life-changing perceptions of reality, The Matrix pushes one to explore philosophical questions challenging ideas of fate and the “self” all the while entertaining the viewer with crazy action sequences and visual effects. I believe this is one of the reasons The Matrix stands as a movie favorite. Without being a complete esoteric arthouse snooze-fest, The Matrix tackles the whole “Is this the real life… Is this just fantasy?” with some snazzy characters and exciting narrative following the storied “chosen one.” As for what to particularly think or focus on while performing the mental gymnastics of grappling with the film’s philosophical side I can’t say as I believe one benefits the most from these types of experiences when they develop their own thoughts and understanding of how ideas they encounter impact their own life.

So ignoring all metaphysical ramblings that bringing up the phrase “the matrix” inevitably invites, let’s talk about the awesome experience of the other eighty percent of the film that even put this thing on the radar in the first place. Assuming you can get past Keanu Reeves’ signature acting style, The Matrix is beyond exciting as it’s first and foremost an escapist film for viewers. Any engaged viewer would take pleasure imagining themselves in the position of the hero who fights against the system in a world with no consequences and infinite possibility. No really—imagine that. You can fly, dodge bullets, resurrect yourself, and actually rock tight leather. Dream world if a movie could ever capture one. The movie creates a sandbox world that only the exceptional “free-willed” individual can fully enjoy, where all is permissible and nothing impossible. The ability to live outside certain physical and social confines delineated by the world we live in strongly appeals to the idea of independence and self-determination. A sort of rebellion against the dreaded status-quo, the film allows one to celebrate their eccentricities as identity defining and declares it our individual “superpower.” Even a programmer in his cubicle has a special, even empowering, uniqueness to him.

The Matrix is the type of movie where anyone can enjoy the cinematic mass marketing points as well as the underlying implications of the plot. You’re told being different is good and to resist against assimilating is to achieve some higher form of existence. At the same time you can enjoy the film that popularized “bullet-time,” featured, creative combat choreography, and displayed some high quality visual effects all to a pretty sick soundtrack. The plot and cinematography allow the film to stand on its own, and with the complexity introduced by the film’s invitation to more serious introspection The Matrix becomes a complete film that deserves to be called a classic.