The Animatrix

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Kevin P An incredibly creative and visually striking anime reimagining of the Matrix. The Second Renaissance shorts are a harrowing and fascinating explanation of the origins of the Matrix that culminated in some truly disturbing violence and manipulation of human physiology to create a new bio energy source (even if the narration can get a bit pretentious & misanthropic at times with some leaps in the timeline and some potentially exploitative visual recreations of 20th century war crimes & even snuff films). Regardless of some issues, it's a visual experience like no other and will stick with you. The Program short is another visual masterpiece with an epic samurai fight simulation with great choreography and some stunning vistas in the bamboo forest and on the rooftop. It ends on a solid twist ending that rewards those paying attention. The World Record short was a weird one with bizarre talking animations. But it has a ton of chaotic energy that gets your blood pumping and showcases how even the Matrix can have limits holding back the pure willpower of the human spirit that pushes the boundaries of the human body. Kid's Story was a fun and nostalgic high school story with a unique chalky art style that culminates in an exhilarating chase sequence across the school. Beyond was such a clever and relatable slice of life story about a group of neighborhood kids mistaking a matrix glitch for a "haunted house" and using their imagination to play with the warped physics to their hearts content. The animation is simply yet gorgeously smooth. The detective storyline was chill with its hard hitting noir style and as the titular detective tries to track down one of the film protagonists. The Matrixulated story is easily the strangest and confusing, but starts to make more sense upon rewatch. The character designs are odd, but the visual set pieces are so colorful and narratively compelling with a unique storyline about giving robotic sentinels their own matrix to discover and understand human emotions. Lastly, (or firstly, depending on which viewing order you get to watch it), Flight of the Oasis is the only CGI story. It starts off with a pretty entertaining and sensual sword duel, followed by a decent matrix adventure. One more faithful and familiar to the live action movies with decent CGI animation. Overall, the Animatrix is an amazing spinoff that greatly expands the universe and lore, experimenting with different animation styles and time periods to give us a truly creative and unique experience that rivals the original as the best of the Matrix series. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/22/25 Full Review Andrew P. Love it. It brings the trilogy all together and gets you psyched to watch the movies! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/25 Full Review Tyler G Very uneven. Some were awesome, the ones that dealt directly with Matrix lore- the renaissance parts in particular. But some parts were just plain boring and contrived. Uneven animation quality. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Audience Member Cant believe this is over 20 years old and i'm only seeing it now. A must see for people who appreciate true art and a must see for free thinking invividuals. Completely blows away any recent sci-fi animations i've seen. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review Lana P A Brilliant 1.5 Side Story To Set Up The Underrated Matrix Sequels Especially The Matrix Reloaded Revolutions & Resurrections Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/09/24 Full Review Will S "The Animatrix" is an absolute gem that complements and expands the Matrix universe in ways that are both creative and visually stunning. This anthology of animated short films dives deep into the lore, offering a richer understanding of the world beyond the main trilogy. Each segment, crafted by different directors, brings its own unique flair, resulting in a tapestry of styles that is as diverse as it is captivating. From the hauntingly beautiful "The Second Renaissance," which provides a chilling backstory to the rise of the machines, to the adrenaline-pumping "Final Flight of the Osiris," every piece adds depth and intrigue. The animation quality is top-notch, varying from hyper-realistic CGI to traditional anime, keeping the viewer engaged with its sheer variety. One of the standout aspects of "The Animatrix" is how it seamlessly integrates different storytelling techniques. Some segments are philosophical and introspective, like "Matriculated," exploring themes of consciousness and free will. Others are action-packed and exhilarating, such as "Kid's Story," where the protagonist's escape from the Matrix is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The voice acting and sound design are equally impressive, enhancing the immersive experience. Each story is accompanied by a fitting soundtrack that underscores the emotional and thematic elements perfectly. What makes "The Animatrix" truly remarkable is its ability to stand on its own while also enriching the Matrix saga. Fans of the original films will appreciate the deeper insights and additional context, while newcomers can enjoy the anthology as a collection of standout science fiction shorts. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/23/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The Animatrix

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