The Matrix (1999) | Full Reaction
Added 2025-02-08 22:11:59 +0000 UTCLet me tell you... I was NOT READY for this one. From the moment Neo started questioning reality, my brain started spiraling into existential chaos. Red pill or blue pill? I felt like I was the one making the choice. And when he woke up in that human battery farm??? I think my soul temporarily left my body and every conspiracy theory on if we're in a simulation flashed before me.
The action? Insane. The slow-motion dodging bullets? Absolutely iconic. Morpheus dropping wisdom like a philosophy professor who moonlights as a badass? Perfection. And don't get me started on the trench coats and sunglasses again haha. 1999 fashion at its ultimate peak!
By the end of this, I wasn't sure if I was still in the real world or if I, too, was trapped in the Matrix. I spent a solid few minutes just staring at the credits roll through while Rage Against the Machine blared. You all were right, my mind felt absolutely melted but in the best way! Thank you all for the votes and recommends!!
This was a Patreon Choice Winner!
Thank you for your support here.
Watch out for black cats.
End of transmission.
LINK: https://youtu.be/bKT5E1bREdQ
I watched this on Amazon Prime
Comments
A few things... This was created by, written by and directed by transgender women that at the time presented as males. The mythology of the Matrix has parallels with what it feels like to be a closeted transgender person suffering from dysphoria. Neo is putting on a false front at work, presenting himself as Thomas Anderson. The window cleaner squeegy squeak gives us a sense of unease as we see him being grilled for being late. As you said "all I can hear is the squeegee !" Neo’s clothes are deliberately ill fitting. The office he works in has been deliberately designed to have angles that are slightly off. This is how it feels presenting as a gender that you may have been born into, but do not feel comfortable in. Everything feels… wrong. Neo awakens from the Matrix into the real world, a parallel of a transgender person “coming out”. And then Agent Smith continues to use Neo’s “dead name” leading to that wonderful line… My name is NEO ! Technically we all live in a simulation. As Morpheus says "how do you define real. Real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain". We create our own reality "bubbles" based on sensory input and clouded by bias (try the books Quantum Psychology and Hoffman's The Case Against Reality). Something after you have watched the series a few times... the view of Neo being arrested and led into the interrogation is from The Architect's perspective ! The Waschowskis drew from all sorts of mythologies and philosophies, from MANGA, from video games. This was their first major production after their first project, a thoroughly decent and sensual noir thriller called Bound starring Gina Gershon. Unfortunately their future projects were less than successful (Channing Tatum as a space werewolf anyone ?)
pinkdino99
2025-10-14 17:57:19 +0000 UTCNot to be a giant nerd about this, but I have to point out that AI as it is sold to us today has very little to do with actual artificial intelligence. The "AI" we all use is based on pattern recognition and requires our input to function. It learns from our behaviour, or from images, audio, etc, to create something similar. The AI we know from science fiction is, as of yet, still fiction. It is able to think for itself and create something new altogether and could be classified as a different species. Having said that, loved the reaction, The Matrix is up there with my favourite movies for sure.
Pand
2025-05-04 20:08:02 +0000 UTCI finally get to watch this trilogy with you in full! I liked the YT edits but being able to see everything you react to is really nice. I’m excited to binge watch this watch along. Carrie-Anne Moss is so good as Trinity!! I love Keanu as Neo and Lawrence Fishburn as Morpheus but Moss is the glue that holds this first movie and honestly this trilogy together. I couldn’t imagine anyone else but her playing Trinity.
Russell Rutigliano
2025-05-02 02:57:25 +0000 UTCI watched this in theaters, and it blew my 13 year old mind. I saw this at the perfect time in my life. I was already a fan of iconic cyberpunk dystopian media like Blade Runner and Ghost In The Shell and even the classic horror point and click adventure I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream, plus we had just talked about Hilary Putnam's "Brain In A Vat" thought experiment in class. American action movies up till this point were always beefy muscular heroes like Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Bruce Willis, Jean Claude Van Damme, etc. This movie showed that we could have a different kind of action movie star. Plus the soundtrack R U L E D This was 1999, I was going hard on the whole nu-metal/industrial thing that was happening. So many iconic bands/artists and tracks-- Deftones, Rage Against The Machine, Rob Zombie, Rammstein, Prodigy, Monster Magnet All the cool nerdy alternative kids in my 8th grade class had the CD. Never has a live action film soundtrack held so much social currency amongst kids since 1995's Mortal Kombat soundtrack, LMAO.
hurryupmode
2025-02-13 18:20:29 +0000 UTCIt is true that in general the 2nd and 3rd films are not as well regarded and I think the 4th is hated. I do recommend the 2nd for a reason I don't normally recommend movies for: the actions set pieces which are spectacular all by themselves. Cypher is right in one way, Morpheus doesn't really explain what the Matrix is up front, the concept of taking the red pill is to simply find out the truth and based on that I would take the red pill. Like Cypher once I found out the truth I would probably want to return myself, but I wouldn't be willing to kill to do it. Speaking of epic mind fudges, the actors Trinity and Cypher would appear in a movie one year later which was the movie that made Chris Nolan of Interstellar and Dark Knight fame. It is called Memento, one of the most mind blowing movies ever made.
Andrew Roach
2025-02-11 01:37:56 +0000 UTCLoved this movie, but the one weakness I always felt was Cypher's motive. He said a couple times " I don't want to remember anything". If your memory is totally wiped, it's the same thing as death. All that you were... is gone. You wake up with a different personality and no memories, then you truly are a different person. He wouldn't even be able to enjoy his revenge on Morpheus because he wouldn't remember Morpheus. So why screw over the only friends you have and then accept a fate akin to death. Just doesn't make sense.
Glen Roberts
2025-02-10 10:02:39 +0000 UTCWell I personally think each have their own merits of goodness - but I think you'll find that the majority of the fandom likely disagrees with me. I certainly won't try to sway you one way or the other on continuing, but, like I said before, I don't think you get the complete story unless you at least watch this one, reloaded, and revolutions. It's only the fourth one (Resurrections) that I feel is something that is industry generated/forced for the sake of nostalgia. If you continue to watch them, I'll be quite happy to watch them with your reactions. :)
Matthew Murdick
2025-02-10 01:37:45 +0000 UTCKeanu Reeves (Neo), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith) trained for nearly half a year before filming The Matrix. The actors underwent an intense training regimen led by legendary Hong Kong fight choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping. The training included martial arts, wirework, firearms, and fight choreography to ensure they could perform many of their own stunts. Keanu Reeves was even recovering from neck surgery during part of the training but still pushed through. Especially for Keanu Reeves, the training sparked a lifelong interest in martial arts, weaponry, and action choreography. It shaped how he approached action scenes in later films. Instead of relying on quick cuts and stunt doubles, he became known for performing long, fluid fight sequences himself, such as in "John Wick" (2014). I saw someone else recommend not to watch the next two movies in the trilogy, so I'd like to give a dissenting opinion; I think they are great! In fact, the second is my favourite out of the bunch. 🤷♂️
Onno Smits
2025-02-10 01:08:40 +0000 UTCI totally agree with what you're saying about the 4th movie! While there's a reason the highly praised movies are as good as they are, there's sometimes a lot of value that you as a reactor can bring to a story and director's vision that maybe doesn't get as much love as it deserves. The 4th one isn't even bad, it's just.... different. It'll make sense when you get there haha The action scenes in the next two movies are spectacular, and those alone make it an incredibly fun experience to watch. The 2nd movie in particular has one of my favorite action sequences of all time in any movie! I'll let you know what it is once you watch it haha
M1 Maz
2025-02-09 23:57:55 +0000 UTCThat line definitely stuck with me! But also so did him explaining that he doesn't take people out after a certain age because it's too hard to shake off that shock. Wild to think about! Would I take the red pill today if I was handed it?? I honestly have NO clue and would probably take the blue just because I love my life and job and family and... what would I wake up to?? Such an awesome thing to think more about!
Kali Wali
2025-02-09 23:27:37 +0000 UTCThis movie was soooo cool! It really does seem like an endless rabbit hole of symbolism. Trying to process what was happening in this movie was such a fun but challenging thing to experience hahaha. Going into this very blind and only knowing about the Matrix backbend, I wasn't really sure what to expect. But once I started to realize, omg I loved it so much and it was so fun to dive deeper into that mindset of "what if we are in a simulation!? is he the one?? he isn't? HE IS" lol. I didn't realize that Trinity's actress voices Aria!! I'm going to have to listen for that next time, for sure!! 👀 The fight choreography and visuals were soooo good. Especially for a 1999 film! This must have felt so ahead of its time when it released. I can definitely see how it changed action filmmaking forever! This was my first Keanu film! I know him from Cyberpunk and absolutely loved him, but wow after seeing him in this I was blown away! I saw so much of Cyberpunk in him here which made it really enjoyable from the start. But the trench coat and sunglasses sent me hahaha! Total Johnny Silverhand coming out! I loooooove that you made your Cyberpunk character Matrix-themed!!! When I finally get into it I'll probably copy you and do exactly that because it's such an awesome vibe! As for the sequels, I honestly want to just watch them even if they never end up on YouTube! I might get through them more slowly here knowing they aren't as loved. But I'd still like to experience them even if it doesn't hit as hard as this first one! I see a lot of flack for the 4th one hahaha so I'll definitely be keeping expectations low for that. In a way, it'll be kinda cool reacting to a known 'meh' movie! I've been going through such heavy amazing hits lately that maybe it would be fun to review a not so hot one haha
Kali Wali
2025-02-09 23:25:09 +0000 UTCWhen Morpheus explains how they usually don't take people out past a certain age it makes SO much sense! I'd like to think I could handle the red pill, but I probably couldn't at all. I didn't realize the rest of the Matrix movies weren't that great. That makes me really sad! I thought I would be in for a fun ride and didn't realize it was more of a one hit wonder! Dang.
Kali Wali
2025-02-09 23:18:13 +0000 UTCI can't even imagine how mind blowing this movie must have been on the big screen in '99! Also, I still remember my first DVD purchase so I know you were hyped for this one to be that! My first DVD was Fight Club lol I didn't catch that Neo is an anagram for One! As for AI, yeah between sci-fi movies and real advances, it's a bit eerie how it feels like we could be fulfilling a prophecy of sorts 👀 When I worked overnight shifts at the hospital I would deep dive into all sorts of conspiracy stuff because it was fun and passed the time quicker haha. But I remember watching one about being in a simulation and it freaked me out very bad! Pretty sure I started to take a break from those videos after that lol I feel the same way about the red vs blue pill dilemma. If we were truly in a simulation right now, and I woke up in that tank overlooking a dystopian world. Give me the blue pill back, for sure. lol
Kali Wali
2025-02-09 23:15:36 +0000 UTCThe next two may not be an instant classic like the first movie, but think back to when you first watched the matrix and craved more of that world and had more questions than answers. The next two movies do satisfy that. Personally I love revisiting these with someone who has a fresh perspective especially with todays culture and I think it would be a shame to stop with an incomplete picture.
Chris
2025-02-09 22:25:11 +0000 UTCThey have a dozen other tubes and needles, why not a feeding tube... or, like you say, chug it when they're done. Hmm, I just realized though, that would be pretty shitty for Tank and Dozer. "Enjoy your snot, we'll be at Ruth's Chris"
Chris Truex
2025-02-09 17:10:48 +0000 UTCThey'd have to do both, eat in the loading program for fun/pleasure and then hork down snot in the real world for nutrition and since they will feel hungry again as soon as they exit the loading program.
Chad K
2025-02-09 16:11:09 +0000 UTCNot gonna talk too much about the philosophy of the movie or the marketing or anything, enough people are doing that, but I feel you might also really benefit from some supplementary material for this movie. Along with the 3 sequels after this, there's also "The Animatrix" which I personally think is like the next best thing next to the first movie. Its an animated film comprised of several different anthology stories, one major one being the origin of the AI and what happened to mankind originally. Highly recommend as a reaction!!
MorahBieno
2025-02-09 12:52:15 +0000 UTC"He's beginning to believe." Enjoyable to see you watch this iconic movie! Really makes you question the reality of our lives. Especially with AI being a hot topic right now. Crazy it was made in 1999 and they even mentioned AI when this movie was made.
Ultra
2025-02-09 12:14:37 +0000 UTCThe look of shock and confusion on your face is priceless.💚 Takes me back to my first time seeing it.
DirtySteve
2025-02-09 06:06:45 +0000 UTCgreat reaction! I can't wait to see the rest of these movies with you, but I hope you also get to check out other great movies by the Wachowskis like V For Vendetta, Cloud Atlas and Jupiter Ascending.
Mister Lou
2025-02-09 05:46:42 +0000 UTCI second this notion. Big fan of Donnie Darko.
Paul Wright
2025-02-09 04:04:27 +0000 UTCI know there is a huge list of films people suggest, but since you like this, and clearly are intrigued by films with philosophical conundrums, I would highly recommend Donnie Darko (2001). It's not the masterpiece I thought it was when I first saw it back in the day, but it's a very intriguing film with a great cast and an outstanding soundtrack of 80s music. And it has a big touch of the weird and scifi-adjacent in it.
Chris Truex
2025-02-09 03:55:30 +0000 UTCSomething has always stuck with me: why the fuck don't they eat in a loading program instead of horking down tapioca and snot? I love this film, and this was a great reaction. I'll say that, when it came out, I was in high school, and a lot of very annoying people made it their entire personality. The kind of people who call "everyone else" sheep or whatever. Look at how "red pill" has taken such a horrible, toxic meaning now. I think it's a shame, because a fascinating, creative scifi story with some interesting philosophical questions has been used, directly and indirectly, to justify a lot of nasty beliefs and attitudes. That doesn't decrease the quality of the film, or my enjoyment of it. And the fact that the Wachowskis are trans, and there are VERY strong implications that this film was in many ways a trans allegory, is a nice middle finger to the assholes.
Chris Truex
2025-02-09 03:52:13 +0000 UTCThe next 2 are also deeply philosophical and mind bending. Such a great journey! I love Morpheus's description of "a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Knowing something's not right. Not knowing what it is, and not even being able to explain the feeling. Yeah, I would rather know. So red pill. I may have second thoughts or regrets afterwards, but once the shock wore off I think I could accept it. I have my thoughts on why Neo is so different, but it's been a long time since I've seen the full trilogy that I can't remember if it's explained or not. So I won't potentially spoil anything.
Marty McGee
2025-02-09 03:44:44 +0000 UTCYeah but it only stinks in the Matrix. That's how you know.
Marty McGee
2025-02-09 03:37:14 +0000 UTCI forget just how wild of an experience it is to watch The Matrix for the first time LOL. It's been so long... I probably watched this for the first time on DVD back in the early 2000's, and every couple years give them another watch. And each time I've picked up new things! I have to say for your first time, you did a phenomenal job with keeping up with the story, both at the base level, and the deeper meanings behind a lot things! Even pointed out some stuff that I had never considered. Also, not sure if it's been mentioned, but Trinity's actress voices Aria in Mass Effect, and this is the first time I've watched this movie after playing those games, so now I can't unhear it LOL The fight choreography and VFX in this movie are soooo good especially for its time and they only they only get better from here! This trilogy also made Keanu Reeves my favorite actor and Neo one of my top fictional characters! I compare the red pill vs. blue pill question in the Matrix to complacency in our day to day lives. It's so easy to slave away day after day in stagnation, because it's comfortable. There's nothing scary about it. But in facing our fears, and breaking our shackles, we can do so much more in our lives. Even if it's very difficult for a while. So in that regard, I take the red pill :) I kid you not, when I was in college, there was a philosophy class being taught, where the curriculum (including the textbook) was exploring the themes in the Matrix trilogy hahaha. I never got a chance to take it, but it seemed so cool! I did get the book, and it was very interesting. It wasn't about simulations, but more about the concepts of belief, forming our own reality, ignorance, and other prominent concepts in this trilogy I love these movies so much that my Cyberpunk character's build and look right now is completely based off The Matrix LOL. Trench coat, sunglasses and all! While the next two movies do live under the shadow of this first one (much like the Hobbit), they are 1000% worth watching IMO if you enjoyed the world that was created in this movie. The 4th.... it's a weird one lol. It came out a few years ago and is it's own independent thing. It can probably be skipped haha
M1 Maz
2025-02-09 02:57:32 +0000 UTCIts why I called them a mixed bag and better to go on a poll. There are things to like about the sequels sure, but I think the storytelling left a lot to be desired. For me personally, they diminished the first film a bit. But like you said, to each their own.
Farbod
2025-02-09 02:46:29 +0000 UTCI took the red pill a long time ago. I've listened to scientists talk about the Simulation Theory, that everything in this world is not real, but our mind makes it real, just like The Matrix. It is the electrical signals in our brain that interprets everything we see, touch, taste and smell, making everything appear to be real. Everything in this world is made up of atoms and there is a lot of empty space in between them, every physicist knows that, ever since Ernest Rutherford discovered the space in atoms and was afraid to get out of bed because he feared that he'd fall through the floorboards. Electrons inside atoms repel other electrons, making it impossible for other objects to touch each other. So what you are feeling is actually the resistance of electrons. So what is real? I've read about people who've had near-death experience say that everything in this physical world is not real, but everything they saw in the afterlife was more real than here. It's just all mind-blowing, but you'd have to have an open mind. I still love reading about all this. I find it fascinating!
Will Castillo
2025-02-09 02:46:27 +0000 UTCGlad you got into it. I feel like the movie hits harder in today's reality then it did when it came out, and AI was still more a concept or goal than the thing we find in everyday practice today. Your thought about the "scorched sky" was spot on. As for red or blue pill - I'd like to think I would "leave" the matrix, but there's also part of me that realizes that for many (like Cypher) ignorance is bliss, so I don't think I'd know what I'd do until the moment I was given the option. The rest of the series gets mixed reviews among fans, but I personally believe you don't get the full story (and its weight) unless you watch the other two (there is a fourth movie made much later - which I definitely consider "optional")
Matthew Murdick
2025-02-09 02:43:22 +0000 UTCWhile I 100% respect your opinion (and it's a very common one to have), I'd have to say it would be a shame to stop here and not see the full story play out in the trilogy. Kali, above all other creators I've seen, tends to find the positives in anything, even if they're generally not considered as good by the masses. I personally really really enjoyed all 3 movies. Of course, I'm leaving the 4th one out of this.... I see it as a 'spin off' and can be treated as it's own movie and probably skipped haha
M1 Maz
2025-02-09 02:40:56 +0000 UTCYeah... A poll is a good idea. I wouldnt call them bad. But if I could wipe all the sequels from my mind and only remember the first one, I would lol. Thats how much I love the first one.
Farbod
2025-02-09 02:28:55 +0000 UTCHe's not wrong
Lastboyscout73
2025-02-09 02:28:49 +0000 UTCI didn't realize this about The Matrix! I'll definitely be doing a poll to see what you all want to do here next. Thank you for the heads up!
Kali Wali
2025-02-09 02:24:29 +0000 UTCI kinda want to recommend that you only watch the first one. The rest are a very mixed bag. Especially the third and fourth ones.
Farbod
2025-02-09 02:16:03 +0000 UTCWhen this movie came out, it blew my mind. I went and saw it 3 or 4 times in the theater. The visuals, the action, the concept it was the craziest thing I had ever seen. This movie literally changed the landscape of movie making for awhile. As I mentioned before, DVDs were just starting to really become big and I decided to make this my 1st DVD purchase ever. I watched it so many times it's embarrassing. I'm a bit like you have described yourself, if I like something, I watch it many times. Only movies I don't tend to rewatch are ones that have a twist at the end because once I see it then I know the answer to the end of the movie....not as fun. I might give it one more rewatch to see if I pick up on things I missed from before the big twist was revealed. Someone may have said this already but Neo is an anagram for One. Does AI scare the crap out of me? Yes, only because I have seen so many sci-fi movies that cover this possibility and seeing the world today, well I'm legit a bit worried. The brave side of me would like to say I would take the red pill, but the no stress, no drama side of me wants the blue pill. If faced with that question for real.....I'm not sure which one would win.
Lastboyscout73
2025-02-09 02:15:37 +0000 UTCRed pill, too much of a 'truth will set you free' kind of person. For some good lore, Animatrix is really well done.
Scott S
2025-02-09 01:16:59 +0000 UTCAnd of course Agent Smith will be Lord Elrond in LOTR. Another great movie featuring him is V for Vendetta.
Andrew Roach
2025-02-09 00:12:36 +0000 UTCWithout spoiling the next two movies Reloaded & Revolutions, they were made at the same time and released about 6 months apart. Essentially two halves of a whole story. The 4th film came many years later.
KJ Gould
2025-02-08 23:40:29 +0000 UTCAh yes yes, I just looked at the description box and this is definitely the one where he dives deep into it. The Double-Slit experiment is where I started to get very concerned haha
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:22:01 +0000 UTCYES. I believe this guy goes into a really awesome rant about quantum mechanics and how it basically proves that there is a high probability we could be in a simulation right now. Definitely freaky stuff, but also so cool to think about 👀
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:20:36 +0000 UTCThat's really interesting! I didn't realize that the Wachowskis left The Matrix so open to interpretation, but it makes a lot of sense given how layered it all is. So I'm assuming this wasn't supposed to turn into a series like it is now? The idea of exploring self-identity alongside the tension of whether life is predestined or if we can actually shape our own fate is such a powerful theme. Also, the fun fact about Switch is veeeery fascinating! If they didn't cut that it would have added a completely new dimension to the story. Thank you for sharing this!
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:19:11 +0000 UTCThanks! I 've spent some time (a lot of time...) down the simulation rabbit hole and what really freaks me out is quantum mechanics. I'm in no way smart enough to understand and/or work in the field, but things like quantum entanglement is crazy stuff.
Rippan
2025-02-08 23:18:19 +0000 UTCFeel better soon!
The Dingo
2025-02-08 23:16:35 +0000 UTCThis movie was so gooood! I'll be rewatching this weekend for sure lol. Probably tonight since I'm feeling a little under the weather right now 🍵🍿
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:11:26 +0000 UTCFound it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wMhXxZ1zNM This guy has a lot of chilling videos, mostly entertainingly chilling lol. He's fun to watch but this video def blew my mind a bit
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:10:12 +0000 UTCI'll try to find the video I watched about how we could be living in a simulation. It freaked me out so bad. Hang on, I'll find the link
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:09:21 +0000 UTCNow for the bigger question, red pill or blue pill?
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:08:48 +0000 UTCLOL stopppp
Kali Wali
2025-02-08 23:08:31 +0000 UTCGrabbing my sunglasses and trench coat, off to The Matrix.
Scott S
2025-02-08 22:59:33 +0000 UTCit's pretty crazy that this movie is even more relevant today than 26 years ago. It blew my mind 1999 and started my journey into computer science, today I'm building AI models and software for the company I work at.... We for sure live in a simulation.
Rippan
2025-02-08 22:39:58 +0000 UTCAh yes, I was debating what I wanted to do tonight - stay in it is :D This gonna be good
The Dingo
2025-02-08 22:36:01 +0000 UTCThe Wachowskis left the overall meaning of this movie open to interpretation, but did later acknowledge the many Trans themes in the movie such as self identity, on top of heady discussion of whether we live life as a predestined cycle, or if we can make our own fate (similar to other man vs machine movies you may later react to). Fun fact: the character Switch was originally going to be male in the real world, but female inside the Matrix. The idea was cut for unknown reasons.
KJ Gould
2025-02-08 22:34:19 +0000 UTCIf you fart in the Matrix, do you fart in real life? Asking the important questions. 🤣
TheJoeKerr
2025-02-08 22:18:15 +0000 UTC
