Equilibrium (DVD, 2003)

Sci-fi flick with stunning visuals, "Equilibrium" deserves much more attention not only from fans of genre, but also from general audiences. Sure, its flaws are too visible, borrowing Orwellian ideas from other films like, say, "Brazil," but it is not that ideas themselves but the way they are put into practice that really counts, and on that score "Equiliburium" is a winner. (And critics, please let me know, why do you all praise Steven's "Minority Report" which actually borrows ideas from other films of this genre? So, why not give this one a due respect?)

I can understand the urge to compare "Equilibrium" and "The Matrix". Both films feature dark, foreboding cinematography. Both films are about rebellion against a warped reality. Both films feature a reluctant, messianic protagonist. And, finally, both films rely heavily on stylistic, hyper-kinetic combat scenes that can only be described as, well, reverent. That is where the similarity ends because while "Equilibrium" has a few moments of slow-motion it's action scenes are much more original than those of "The Matrix Trilogy". No Wires, just pure crazy choreography which makes the action feel all the more authentic. The environment is also a great deal more organic in contrast to the cryptic automaton of the Matrix.

"Equilibrium", in short, manages to be entirely its own movie. Where The Matrix relies on "bending" the rules of physics in an imaginary construct of a world, "Equilibrium" goes the other way and hypothesizes the "Gun-Kata", a martial arts ballet that allows it's practitioners to predict and anticipate close quarters gun fighting and hand to hand combat. Then, through a series of precise, dance like movements, a person can take on several combatants, using exacting, fluid actions to eliminate his attackers. Given a decidedly artistic presentation within the course of the film, these rapid-fire rhapsodies are exhilarating and oddly beautiful. They glamorize death as an abstract expression of powder bursts and shrieking projectiles. The film features some of the best choreographed shootouts I have ever seen, and ends up putting anything in The Matrix Trilogy to shame.

"Equilibrium" is a film that explores what it theorizes to be the root of all worldly chaos, human emotion. The movie takes place in the near future after a third world war that leaves Earth on the verge of total destruction. From the ashes arises a government that regulates everything and everyone through mind control. The drug Prozium is hailed as the elixir to the world's problems because it suppresses human emotion and thus eliminates the possibility war. All art, music, poetry and any emotion are considered contraband and must be destroyed upon discovery.

"Equilibrium" is not science fiction so much as political speculation. It's that mainstay of movies, the cautionary tale, twisted into a decidedly dense and deceptive action thriller. While it may not always deliver in the thought department, we sure get some wonderful visual flourishes. And if a sci-fi film can stir your imagination, it's won most of the battle.

The creation of the enigmatic weapons battle dance, "Gun-Kata", makes the movie a see at least once exercise in speculative movie making.

I've seen literally well over 1000 movies in my life and, if I had to name a single favorite, it would probably be this movie. Growing up reading a lot of Orwell, I have long yearned for a suitable movie version of '1984'. Well, this is it. I only wish Orwell were still alive so we could hear him heap praise upon this picture. Bradbury's book 'Fahrenheit 451', with the movies 'Blade Runner' and 'Total Recall', also greatly influenced this movie. Elements of each are found in 'Equilibrium', but '1984' dominates as a theme and premise. The depiction of communism, totalitarianism, authoritarianism, with total state control and terror made possible through the use of pharmaceuticals (Prozium), is second to none. Political scientists the world over should rejoice at such a gem portrayed onscreen. The "gunkata" style of martial arts just makes this all the more interesting and will appeal to action movie fans everywhere. Bale, the new Batman, is the best physical actor in Hollywood and you'll see why after you watch 'Equilibrium'. Last, but not least, the (unrequited) love story in this film will appeal to romantics everywhere. I can't speak any more highly of it! Watch this movie NOW. I promise that you will NOT be disappointed!

This is a terrific film that deserves respect. The concept of living without emotion, and a whole society drugging itself to stay that way, makes for a thought provoking dystopian future story. This is also a great film to see if you enjoyed Christian Bale's performance in Batman Begins, The Prestige, or Reign of Fire. I feel it is not proper to compare this film to The Matrix, because Equilibrium uses a different premise from The Matrix, and none of the fight scenes employed wires (This is verified in the director commentary). I highly recommend this film

'Equilibrium' incorporates elements of truly great stories, like 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, while developing a unique world.

The plot isn't the greatest. Don't expect anything new about human nature or emotion to be revealed.

This film shines as a visual treat. Made on a ridiculously low budget, the movie pulls off all kinds of nifty tricks. The protagonist is an enforcer of the totalitarian regime who gradually begins realizing his humanity and joins the Resistance.

As the highest ranking Tetragrammaton Cleric in Libria, John Preston (Christian Bale) is a master of the gun kata, a (entirely made-up) martial art designed to deal maximum damage with dual auto Berettas.

Also an expert with the katana, Preston engages a rival cleric (Taye Diggs) in several memorable sword fighting confrontations.

Watch this movie for fun fighting and you won't be disappointed!

This is a movie that is like farenhiet 451 meets a realistic matrix. For those of you who dont know farenhiet basically its set in the future where literature and art is forbidden and detroyed because it provokes emotion and therefore can cause crime,war ect.

The story is the Cristian Bale character after a rountine bust finds his friend and work partner in the criminal side of town reading a book (
which is breaking emotion laws.) and is forced to arrest him but the situation escaltes.) Later that day or week as it is hard to tell, The Main character misses his daily dose of Equilibrium (their emotion blocking drugs.) and is quickily discovering emotion. He is soon tasked with contacting the underground resistance to force them out of hiding.

Christain Bale (new batman) is the lead as a top tier specialist known as clerics. They dress in buttoned up dusters and don two big auto pistols. There is a great story and acting plus excellent action. If you don't like the matrix for its impossible moves but liked the style then try this movie.