Great Movies While High: The Animatrix

I’ve always been a fan of the Matrix movies. To me, the story is rich and the universe is deep and full of opportunity for great stories. One such movie, The Animatrix, explores the Matrix universe through a compilation of nine animated shorts, four of which were written by the Wachowski brothers.

I had first seen the Animatrix years ago and knew it was a great movie. This time around was no different. After a quick smoke I put it on, and from beginning to end was completely engaged.

If your unfamiliar with the Matrix universe, here is a very brief run-down: machines have taken over the earth and enslaved humanity by turning them into living batteries and trapping their minds in a massive virtual reality called “the Matrix”. The Animatrix details the back-story of the war between man and machines and the creation of the Matrix. It also covers events that take place in between the original three Matrix movies.

The Animatrix includes many different styles of animation, ranging from CGI to Japanese and western style animation. Many of the shorts, including “The Second Renaissance” and “Matriculated” are vibrantly colored and mystical (they are also my two favorites.)

In broad terms, the movie is stunningly deep and at times mournful. The short titled, “The Second Renaissance” powerfully captures the anguish and woe of the human race as it is overwhelmed by the machines. Once hailed as man’s greatest achievement, the machines eventually surpass man in almost every way imaginable. When things start to break down, the storytelling excels at making you feel the dread of the coming apocalyptic war.

A scene from “Matriculated”

“Matriculated” is set sometime after the creation of the Matrix and tells the story of humans who attempt to get a machine to convert to their side by it’s own volition. They create a program in the Matrix and when inside commence a strange journey through the virtual realm. The short marvelously captures the wonder of the psychology of a sentient machine: it’s thoughts, fears, and desires.

The other shorts tell different stories from varying points in the Matrix timeline. They all generally deal with the human rebels, the virtual reality of the Matrix, and the machines. Each one is unique and powerfully told.

The Animatrix will leave an impression on you, and after watching it, you’ll have a lot to think about. Watching it while high will of course make it more powerful, but it’s just as good while sober. Whether you like anime or not; whether you know the Matrix movies or not, you will find something to like in this movie. I highly recommend it! Now, I think I’m gonna go watch all the other Matrix movies!

Check out other posts from Weedist’s Great Movies While High series!