Equilibrium

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Equilibrium

R

Released Dec 6, 2002

1h 47m

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Popcornmeter

40%

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89 Reviews

81%

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250,000+ Ratings

In a futuristic world, a regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Clerick John Preston (Christian Bale) is a top-ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist these rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the one capable of overthrowing it.

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Critics Consensus

Equilibrium is a reheated mishmash of other sci-fi movies.

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Nathan Rabin

AV Club

Though ultimately silly, Equilibrium's shopworn but stylish synthesis of ammo and ideas is surprisingly engrossing.

Apr 17, 2019

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Violent post-nuclear sci-fi is Orwellian.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 24, 2010

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Wally Hammond

Time Out

Bale is too self-conscious an action hero, and although the script may have the virtue of transparent plagiarism, it teeters both dramatically and conceptually.

Jan 26, 2006

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The costuming, set designs, and music (by Klaus Badelt, which is actually spectacular) are far more impressive than anyone might expect.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 29, 2020

Full Review

Leah Rozen

People Magazine

A balanced thriller.

Apr 17, 2019

Full Review

Philip French

Observer (UK)

Kurt Wimmer's Equilibrium is a dreary sci-fi action movie set after the Third World War in a dystopia from which all dangerous human emotion has been drained by the daily injection of the drug Prozium and the burning of art and books.

Apr 17, 2019

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Audience Member

A solid non memorable sci-fi thriller. Nice but no too nice.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

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Daniel C

A terrible movie. Low budget rip off of the Matrix. Extremely weak concept executed as clear as mud, generic storyline and mid tier acting from bale - but not really his fault because how can you express yourself in a movie where everyone is unable to feel? The plot holes and contradictions were infuriating, why are people clearly experiencing anger and pride? If you think this is a 5 star film you probably love Marvel films.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/29/25

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tm11999 M

the critics don't like it because you can see the reality they envision for you now. missed this 23 years ago but like alot of things it can't be erased. the 2025 globalist plan is so silly they are actually trying to blot out the sun because of climate change. you'll be glad you watched this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/25

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie is a gripping dystopian sci-fi movie that stood out for its time in 2002, drawing comparisons to The Matrix with its sleek action sequences and philosophical undertones. Set in a future where emotions are suppressed through a mandatory drug called Prozium, society is controlled with an iron grip to maintain order and eliminate the chaos of human passion. Bale delivers a standout performance as John Preston, a high-ranking enforcer who rebels against the system after rediscovering the power of feelings. The film's intense "Gun Kata" fight choreography and cerebral themes captivated audiences, though its ending left viewers yearning for more. The revolution Preston ignites feels like the opening chapter of a larger story, raising the stakes for an Equilibrium 2 to explore whether society would embrace freedom or spiral into chaos and anarchy without the drug's control.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/19/25

Full Review

Michael V

This movie has always deserved so much more love. It’s a movie that makes you think along with some great fight scenes. Maybe one day it’ll get its day in the sun.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

Full Review

Tom B

A real gem that I missed on release but one that had me messaging friends halfway through. Its john wick crossed with 1984 - dystopian future, government control, gun focussed kung fu, rebels. It is easy to watch with a high body count and expertly led by Christian Bale with some great British actors backing him up. The budget feels low; the acting and scripting make up for it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

Full Review

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Kurt Wimmer

Director

Christian Bale

John Preston

Emily Watson

Mary

Taye Diggs

Brandt

Angus Macfadyen

DuPont

Sean Bean

Partridge

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Sense Offender

1:59

Equilibrium: Official Clip - The Incineration

1:52

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Joining the Resistance

2:05

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Cleric Practice

2:13

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Ludwig van Beethoven

2:09

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Puppy Shootout

2:11

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Why Are You Alive?

2:13

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Killed for Reading

2:13

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Face Off

1:55

Equilibrium: Official Clip - Final Fight

1:43

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Synopsis

In a futuristic world, a regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Clerick John Preston (Christian Bale) is a top-ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist these rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the one capable of overthrowing it.

Director: Kurt Wimmer
Producer: Jan de Bont, Lucas Foster
Screenwriter: Kurt Wimmer
Distributor: Gativideo, Buena Vista International [us], RCV Film Distribution, Amuse Pictures Inc., West Video, Miramax Films
Production Co: Blue Tulip, Dimension Films
Rating: R (Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 6, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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