The Matrix itself is something you have to see to believe, and Neo learns about it from Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, who explains quite convincingly that life as we know it is indeed but a dream, a computer-generated virtual reality. However, if the 'real world' is anything like that which the film depicts, I for one would rather stay asleep. It's a true vision of hell; the world is in ruins with terrifying machines running the show. And as if that's not bad enough, all the food is the same white sticky goo.
The Matrix is protected by an army of machine-controlled special agents, led by the ruthless Agent Smith, played by Hugo Weaving. Incidently, Weaving's performance is one of the highlights of the film. When Morpheus is captured by Smith, Neo teams up with Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, and together they attempt a rescue mission, taking with them a rather large number of high-calibre weapons.
One of the nice things about virtual reality is that you can have information downloaded into your brain. So, when Trinity needs to fly a helicopter she just has to have the relevant information sent through, and she's a first-class helicopter pilot. However, this doesn't stop her from crashing the thing into an office building with spectacular results.
The Matrix was directed by the Wachowski Brothers, who, by using state-of-the-art digital techniques have managed to create some amazing sequences involving impossible camera positions, slow-moving bullets and breaking glass.
In places the film waxes philosophical, and uses the dream-world idea to explain a great many things such as miracles, messiahs and destiny. It's quite simple really - since the world is nothing more than a virtual reality, anything is possible - you just have to learn to manipulate it.
If you like comic-book characters, stunning visual effects and kung-fu, don't miss The Matrix.