The Matrix Revolutions

The Matrix Revolutions, written and directed by the Wachowski brothers, is the third film in the Matrix trilogy. It was released worldwide on November 5, 2003. The Wachowski brothers, stars Keanu Reeves and Jada Pinkett Smith were present in Tokyo at the opening of the movie.

Despite intially poor reviews, The Matrix Revolutions broke box-office records for its opening weekend, but is dwarfed in comparison with its predecessor. Furthermore, the earnings dropped over 70% in the sophmore week which is considered a poor sign about audience satisfaction. Beyond ticket sales, however, the film's massive themes and fast-paced action expand on the head-scratching aspects of the series, and bring the story to a full resolution.

Warning: Wikipedia contains spoilers.

We pick up where The Matrix Reloaded left off, and are treated to a few new characters as the action winds up. Neo seems to be stuck in a go-between area between the matrix and the "real world", after emitting the EMP blast at the end of the last film. The Oracle has been forced to change bodies, and Morpheus is noticeably depressed after the destruction of the Neb. Agent Smith's program is progressively copying itself through more and more people, and threatens the entire world of the matrix, real world, and source.

Near the end of the film, as Neo and Trinity are heading for 01 (the machine city), their path of travel is diverted so as to escape the onslaught of "squiddies". For the first time in the trilogy, we are given a glimpse of the sun as it appears -- in the real world -- above the smoke barrier, which Trinity describes as being "beautiful". Shortly thereafter, The Logos crash-lands in a black spire, the impact of which causes metal spikes to impale Trinity. Grieving yet steadfast, Neo continues on, and strikes a bargain with the deus ex machina. Neo offers to stop the Smith cancer, which has caused The Matrix to go into a state of disarray, in exchange for peace between the machines and humans.

Neo now has full confidence in his abilities, and faces off against Smith, whose powers have grown since he assimilated the oracle. The match ends when Neo allows Smith to copy himself over to his shell, which somehow results in the destruction of both Neo and Smith inside the matrix, but returns the exiles back to their shells.

The film ends with what some have interpreted as a Matrix "reset", others as a whole new beginning, as a sun rises, programmed by the exile Sati. The hue of the artificial world is no longer a drab green, but a golden red, like the source itself. The new version of the matrix is emptied of all remaining plugged-in humans by The Architect and symbolizes rebirth for the programs. Zion is spared and its inhabitants retain their faith in the prophecy. The Oracle believes Neo is still alive somewhere, perhaps inside the source, and Neo's real world shell is transported on a metal deathbed to his final resting place, in the bright orange light.

The film goes to credits, not with Rage Against the Machine or any sounds of rebellion, but with a huge choral and orchestral suite emphasizing the mythlogical elements of the trilogy. Continuing throughout the credits, the mood of the music is heavy, but resolute, and we are reminded: "everything that has a beginning has an end."

The film has many references to Hindu philosophy, to mention in particular, the concept of karma.The issues of free will and determinism are raised. The lyrics of the closing music are based on Sanskrit slokas.