Equilibrium

OK, I read a bunch of the reviews out of curiosity, while I was at the web site to buy the movie after my daughter sat me down and made me watch it. I am happy to see that so many reviewers liked the film. However, even in reading the positive reviews, I am often left wondering whether we both saw the same movie.First, Equilibrium bears only a superficial resemblance to the Matrix, mostly, I suspect, because the Gun Kata sequences bear a superficial resemblance to the fight scenes in the Matrix. However, 1) the Matrix takes place in a "cyber-dimension" if you will. Neo can do extraordianry things because with the right programming anything is possible in a world where the laws of physics are just a series of zeros and ones. The fight scenes in Equilibrium, although extraordinary, supposedly take place in the real world without time dilation or other tricks, as someone else said, without the cheat codes on. More importantly 2) Matrix is a man against machine story more similar to Terminator (although stated vastly differently) than to the distopian universe of Equilibrium. In Matrix, the great danger comes from outside of humanity, from the machines. In Equilibrium, the danger is in humanity, in the struggle between the individual and the collective. Matrix is frightening, but only like, let's say, a vampire story is frightening. I can't bring myself to stay up nights worrying that my computer is going to turn on me, any more than I worry about werwolves. Distopia I understand, and, yes, I fear it very much. I doubt it will ever appear as portrayed in this film, but all the elements are there, and have appeared over and over again in the collectivist distopias of the real world, from the Soviet "worker's state" to the Third Reich. A matter of degree perhaps, but not much of a stretch. Thus, Equilibrium frightens me far, far more than the Matrix ever could, because it is possible. More trivially, 3) the fashion statements in the two films are not the same, although they use the same color scheme. In case nobody noticed, the clerics in Equilibrium dressed like priests. Which is why they are called clerics and are trained in a place called the monastery. The dictatorship in Equilibrium has obviously borrowed a lot of religious imagery from before the war. Note that I do not believe that the use of this imagery makes this an anti-religious film. There is nothing of christianity here except for the vestments, any more than the evil dictatorship is Khabalist because it calls itself the Tetragrammaton (which is YHWH, the unspoken name of God). I suspect "Father" made use of these symbols because they still had power, and their origin has been lost by the time of the movie. In any event, back to the point, the two movies do not remotely have the same dress code.(If it makes any difference, I like the Matrix, but found its sequels, hmm, stupid is probably the right word. Between the first Matrix movie and Equilibrium, while the comparison is a bit like apples to oranges, I would take Equilibrium hands down.)I also do not understand the constant comparisons to 1984. (OK, maybe I do. They are both distopias, and they both feature a Leader (Father, Big Brother) who seems to be electronically everywhere. So there are similarities) However, if there is one previous distopia to which Equilibrium can justly be compared, it is Bradbury's classic Fahrenheit 451. In both, the oppressor state targets specific cultural attributes and artifacts as much or more than the actual enemies of the state, believing that these objects in and of themselves are a threat. Thus books and puppy dogs are both in danger. More importantly, in Fahrenheit 451, and in Equilibrium, the dogs have their day. The state is unable to eliminate the threat, and, in the end, the oppressed outlast it and survive, though in slightly different ways. One must remember that 1984, brilliant as it was, had no remotely happy ending. It was, to paraphrase Orwell, a boot planted on the human face, FOREVER. That's what Orwell was warning us about, and why he is important. 1984 is a cautionary tale. Bradbury, and Equilibrium, choose to emphasize the resiliance of the human spirit even under grinding oppression. Despite the clerics, despite all the armed police, a resistance flourishes in the world of Equilibrium.Of course Equilibrium is like other tales in its genre. Big deal. There ain't much new under the sun, as Solomon might say. I found it told in a startling, and very emotional, new way.I generally am not interested in the names of actors. After seeing the movie, I still could not have told you it had Christian Bale and Sean Bean in it. When I was told it did, I could look back and say, yeah, that's Boromir and that's the guy from Reign of Fire, so it must be true. I still don't care. Whoever they were, they did a good job.The fight scenes were impressive, but I've seen better. They were definitely novel. Gun and martial art deserve to be more closely related than they are always portrayed. But martial arts sequences are only props to a film. They can be as impressive as one likes, but without a plot I might as well go watch my son at the dojo. In this case, I liked the plot.Or maybe that's the wrong word. I FELT the plot, which, I suppose, makes me a Sense Offender. I'm not even sure I can watch the thing again, because of the deep emotion it produces in me. I would be too apt to cry in frustration or scream in rage. That's what makes a great movie.In conclusion, I can only say that the silliest scene was when Preston shot out a whole row of computer monitors and thus managed to "turn off" the presence of Father and begin the revolution. (As a computer tech, I am all too familiar with folks who think the computer is the monitor, and that box under the desk is merely the hard drive, but I didn't expect to see that in a movie. Of course, maybe in this world they did build the brains of the box right behind the screen. Who knows?) The best scene was immediately thereafter when you see Preston smiling and bloody. It is truly a s**t-eating grin. He FELT that one, alright. Oh, yeah. And so did I.

It's like the matrix meets Fahrenheit 451Thumbs up

I remember clearly in 2002 I saw a trailer for this movie, somehow no one recalls this movie. I on the other hand could not wait for this movie to come out, I actually went to the cinemas to see it...unfortunately it had been taken out already. Anyway, I saw it as soon as it was released on DVD; and let me tell you that when I saw it for the first time it blew me away. The Story, the Acting and the out of this world action sequences.Now 7 years later...It didn't feel the same, the movie however still stands as an exceptional Sci-Fi film, but not as superb as I remember. The problems with the movie are mainly "plot holes" some are passable and others are as big as the Milky Way.The movie's premise is of a world commencing from start after a 3rd World War. According to the brief prologue we are supposed to accept that there is only one last remaining "civilized" society, known as Liberia. In Liberia, every citizen must take a doze of a drug known as "Prozium". This drug inhibits the effect of a robotic/non emotional being. So technically speaking no one can or exhibit emotions..."why"? well according to the story of the movie, emotions like hate, greed, and anger caused War. Yet without Emotions we seize to exist as humans beings, it is an essential part of who we are.shortly in the movie we are introduced to John Preston (Christian Bale) a "Grammaton Cleric" (futuristic officer) he exhibits the persona of a man troubled by lost of someone and himself, his emotions that have been repressed are demonstrated quite well in dream sequences and thoughts. As for what happens...Its quite obvious, he accidentally lets the dose fall on the floor...And voila he begins to "feel"So, pretty much the movie is interesting and contains a potential plot. "So what's wrong with it"? Unfortunately the problem with the movie is the plot holes. As I had said these plot holes are quite noticeable. I will write a short list of some of the most obvious mistakes. Anyhow, the movie borrows alot from Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and even the city looks similar to Fritz Lang's "Metropolis.Now, all of these mistakes are not to be taken as a reason to ignore this movie; on the contraire, this movie has still so much more to offer. The astonishing "Gun Kata" the technique to fight with guns blew me away, it is by far the most original idea I have ever seen in an action movie. Not one scene involving the "Gun Kata" looks bad. The best asset in the movie is Bale, he brings so much to the role, he takes the Semi-Original story and gives it heart and a push that made the film a sleeper hit. This is a sci-fi vehicle at the most, but don't underestimate the directing of Kurt Wimer (who unfortunately directed a weaker film "Ultraviolet) he directed this movie so well for so little money. The entire cast gave a little to the story so we could forget in a way the mistakes in the movie. As well the sets and wardrobe are amazing, Preston's white suit, which resembles the morning suit of Bruce Lee in Fists of Fury, Gives a certain shine to action, it pretty much gives a splendor. With its Mistakes it still worth owning, classic modern science fiction at it's best.Some of the Mistakes***Warning Spoilers Ahead***1) Preston at the end can somehow dodge 1,000 of bullets and still kill everyone with out a scratch.--POSSIBLE EXPLANATION-- Preston is the highest ranking officer, he is pretty much the best...but still come' on..Way to precise2) Partridge is reading a book of Yates; earlier in the movie it's much smaller--POSSIBLE EXPLANATION-- The angle in which we see the book the first time makes the book look tiny...hey it can be possible3) The character of Brent smiles all the time...Supposedly he takes the dose--POSSIBLE EXPLANATION-- Brent could have not taken the dose at all or his smile is a senseless smile..a soulless smileTrust me it goes on and on with plot holes...but it still has alot of heart and potential. The vest is the acting and not to mention the music, which soars so triumphantly. Too bad there isn't a soundtrack. Anyway as I said, It's a must have even if it has mistakes.MY PERSONAL RATING: 3 ½ OUT OF 5

Awesome movie highly recommended

Un classique du genre qui a su influencer par la suite, des blockbusters. Film à petit budget, mais avec de grandes ambitions. Acteurs connues et toujours aussi bons. Niveau d’action hyper intéressante; du jamais vu avec une technique de combat avec armes à feu, sans pareil. Le blu-ray très bien rendu. Les effets spéciaux qui ont un peu vieilli, mais très acceptables. Je le recommande très fortement!!!!

I don't really understand why this film was panned by the critics. I really enjoyed it. Is it the best futuristic film, no but it's still a pretty good story.Set in a future where having emotions is outlawed Cleric Preston (Christain Bale) is tasked with hunting anyone down who disobeys. When he misses a dose of the drug that suppresses emotions he starts to question the society he lives in. I found it enjoyable, it raised some interesting questions. Overall I'm glad a bought this. I'm slowly working my way through Christian Bale's back catalogue and this makes a positive addition to my collection. I love DVDs!. Bale as always puts in a fantastic performance and is mesmerising to watch. Well worth a look.Edit- originally I gave equilibrium a four star rating but after watching a few times since I've upgraded to a five star, love this film.

So i bought this in hopes in would play on my Xbox or ps4 but it would not because its Region A locked while i am on a different region - Tried to get another copy to see if its the same deal there and yes it is. Becareful to buy this its region locked.

BluRay版を購入何度も何度も観た作品で 英語の発音がしっかりしているので 困らなかったてかそもそも 台詞なんてあんまり重要じゃない私が観たいのはガンカタのシーンだけなのだから！この画質でリベリオンを観ることが出来るなんて！

Ce film avec son budget réduit est un chez d'oeuvre qui n'a rien d'un pseudo Matrix avec des scènes d'actions interminables, comme l'affiche essaye de le vendre ! Déjà l'histoire, se définissant dans un futur post-apo mais dans un pays inconnus qui pourrait être n'importe lequel se qui rend l'impression d'intégration au film plus fort, ça pourrait se passer en France voir le début avec la Joconde. Parle d'une société a la fois religieuse et pseudo Nazi (voir le symbole du partie) qui prône le fait de ne pas ressentir d'émotions pour mieux contrôler ses concitoyens en les obligeants a prendre une drogue qui inhibe toute volonté personnel. Et pour cela ils condamne toute formes d'émotions au travers des arts, la littérature ou encore la musique. Le concept de l'individualisme face a la collectivité est un catalyseur hyper répétitif au cinéma, mais ce film va plus loin que ça mais j'en parlerai en dernier. Sans abusé sur les scènes d'actions l'intro en moins de 1mn nous montres les capacités des "Ecclésiastique" comme on les appelles dans le film, capable de ressentir les sentiments des personnes qui ne prennent pas leurs drogues et qui font parties pour certains de la résistance. Les guerriers les plus doués sont formées pour devenir les meilleurs combattant possibles grace a un entrainement qui mélange art martiaux et utilisation des armes a feu, ce qui explique les tenus d'origines chinoise traditionnelles avec un tout petit côté futuriste. La découverte des sentiments par le personnage de C.Bale, a cause d'un incident sur sa dose journalière, se fait de plus en forte et de plus en plus tragique. Les décors sont d'une froideur représentant le monde cynique dans le lequel tout est censé être parfait alors pourquoi se battent les rebelles a l'extérieur de la ville, surnommer l'Enfer, pour protéger des oeuvres d'arts, des meubles et mêmes des animaux tous ça pour vivre comme des clochards ?! C'est ce que notre père de 2 enfants et veuf (pourquoi ?) va découvrir a ses dépends dans un flots d'émotions qui prennent une très grande valeur a ces yeux, quand on le voit regardé au travers d'une fenêtre ce monde soi-disant "parfait" disparaître comme une des plus belles chose qui l'est ressentie dans sa vie, mais ça c'est la fin du film (Désolé Spoil).Sortie en 2002 ce film sous estimé par beaucoup et surtout incompris par d'autres, n'est pas une avalanche d'effets spéciaux et de scènes d'actions, et cela qu'elle soi réussit et impressionante (surtout a la fin) n'y change rien. Ce n'est pas un pseudo-Matrix, pour moi c'est le film qui as révélé Christian Bale, et je pense que son double jeu dans se film a dut incité certaines personnes pour le choix de l'acteur principal dans Batman Begins. 1er film d'un trilogie qui fera de l'acteur une star international et lui permettra de jouer aux côté des plus grands !