1.the second rennaisance. so innovative in its techniques, and oh so powerful and viceral. yes, it tells of the fall of the human race to the dominance of the planet by AI, but it does it in the most compelling, brutal fashion. in one of the dvd docos on the disc, the director for this piece, says that he uses scenes, plucked out of the history of the 20 century (wars protests, marches the 60s 70s 80s hippie, revoloution era), which seem vaugely familiar to the viewer, as to make a deeper connection, which makes the viewing that much more powerful, and he's right(!), and its genius.
the in-human, artificial voice over is unique, and slightly haunting, and the documentary chronological style is perfect for the plot/story, and never lingers to much on any given period, and has these beautiful, vicerel moments interspread, that u un knowingly get caught up in (the apple morphing into the brain, the child running towards the house etc). (also, a minor point, the scene with the add of the versatron car, and the news report of 01's financial situation, give it more credibility, and style, and depth, so so good).
also, the overall impact of this film is heightened by the almost extreme violence interspread. f87k, i mean the scene where the female cyborg is beaten to death with base ball bats, and the human being ripped out of the warsuit, are so shocking (i could hardly take it wen i first saw it, so disturbibg). so yeh if cant really tell, i loved this cartoon, and would rate it highest, for its innovative techniques, the small details that increase its credibility, and its overall power, and brutility.
2. program. yes, u could say that this episode is purely an excercise in style over substance (especially since its covering familiar territory), but there is a quote in the extra features, that somes up wat is good about this film ;" simulations, even wen u know they're simiulations, you can still be tricked by them."
but anyway, the whole episode, has this epic, otherworldy, foriegn feel to it, wen compared to the other episodes, especially considering the setting. ancient japan? wen i saw the cover, and realised where this was set, i thought i was going to enjoy this episode the least, but it ended up being one of my favourites.
wat i like about this episode, is the production values, and the voice performances. from the opening moment, with the long black blades of grass, wavering in front of the crimson sky, it looks really beautiful, and there are alot of beautiful moments. the whole episode has this intensity to it, while at the same time, a very peacful, and pondorous, and also frantic feel to it.
it can go from really intense, to really peaceful very quickly. like wen the 2 charcters talk 4 the first time in the feild, wen they are jumping over the chasm on the horses, these moments are really quiet and peaceful. then they are juxtaposed against beautiful, stylised, fight scenes, with really beautiful timing (the final lunge by the male antagonist, wen the female punches the programer at the end,), which give it a really stylised, heroic blood shed, jon woo kind of feel, which is ridiculously good to watch. that final moment during, and right before she stops the blade, is one of the most perfrect, intense moments in the whole dvd, i mean come on, u cant disagree, its so sick). combined with a really frantic, score, with a personality of it own, and noted performances from the voice actors, this one is so good to watch.
3. world record.
pretty much wat ive said for pogram. animation is ridiculously good, and unique. unique story telling as well, having flash backs interspread over the duration of the 8 second race works perfectly. and the quiet moments are good too, the last scene with the wheel chair. love the idea , and the explanation of those people who can become aware of the matrix.
4. kids' story. animation is totally innovative, and looks so good in the skateboarding scene, wen it becomes really distorted. the story fits really well with in the setting of a highschool and going thru teenage years(dealing with themes of alienation, not knowing who you are, wat ur feeling, constanly searching).
5. beyond. beautiful and intriguing story of wat happens wen the rules are skewered. great score, and the last scene is so simple, so beautiful , great.
6. detective. everyone raves about this one, but its nothing really overly special, espescially compared to the other episodes. yes the noir angle works well within the matrix univese, but it didnt really feel all that dark, or paranoid, or cold, the way great noirs should. the alice in wonderland theme works well in this particular story as well, but it never reallly goes beyond a simple chase story, when it definately could have.
7. matriculated. this is an episode where u really have to understand the images, and what the realte to, to get anything out of this story, which so many people tend to dislike, and dismiss, after a few viewings, because they cant understand wats happening, it seems random, confusing, so they cannot connect. there is a great explanation of the meaning of this episode, and wat is happening, if u follow this post right here ; http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328832/board/nest/109261133
8. final flight of the osiris. this i rate the least, because it didnt really fit in with all the episodes. i know all the episodes are stand alone, but this felt like it was more apart of the film universe, than the animatrix universe, if ya no wat i mean.
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Degree7
15 years ago
easy_friend-1, you're right on with your list.
Perfectly organized, from top to bottom. I especially like how you placed World Record third, it seems the majority of users here just don't want to understand the amazing revelation behind the story and the incredible purpose it serves not only to the trilogy, but to free will and life itself.
Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to overdose on marijuana... though many have tried.
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