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Equilibrium | Year: 2002 Classification: Shops - GC Test DVD Country: USA Language: English Directed: - Kurt Wimmer Actors/Actresses: - Christian Bale as John Preston - Taye Diggs - Emily Watson - Sean Bean You Should Not Miss These Sensational Action Scenes 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?) Well, I admit the opening chapter of "Equilibrium" is a bit weak, introducing us to the dystopia world after the WW3, but soon you will forget that. The totalitarian government established after the war decided to eliminate anything that might possibly make humans emotional, forcing the people to inject a certain doze of [chemical substance] to be unemotional every day. Moreover, it decrees there should be no more music (not only hip-hops, but classic music), no more motion pitures, and no more decorated interiors. Those who love them hide underground, becoming rebels while the authroity set up a super-cop troop called "Grammaton Clerics." Christian Bale ("American Psyco") is John Preston the best of the Clerics, and dedicates himself to the job until he arrests a woman Mary O'Brien who possessd illegal stuffs. But her strong creed and perhaps beauty make their way into the sleeping heart of Preston, who has been long fighting for his cause. The film's philosophical messages are in themselves not new at all, and director Kurt Wimmer might have kept his idea a little too long. I say so, because today, in the 21st century, it is not this Orwellian society that we are afraid of most. The story has enough twists to surprise us, but maybe one too many, I think, and the wrap-up part of the film feels a bit hurriedly done. However, those are noting before the film's sensational action scenes, which can make up for any flawed part of the film. The "Gun-Kata" fighting deserves special mention, using [weapons] like Japanese swords, and its hyper-kinetic movement is very violent and very beautiful at the same time. Incredible it might sound, but Christian Bale shows excellent action star quality here, displaying the beauty of "Kata"s -- and "kata" means in Japanese "style." Yes, there are lots of styles in "Equilibrium." Other plsyers are also effectively cast, and most unexpected is Emily Watson, who quite naturally becomes the Joan D'Arc-like character. Taye Diggs is good as Preston's partner, and though short time, Sean Bean, cast against type, is also perfect as Partridge who plays a key role in the story. I was quite surprised and satisfied, and even thrilled to see this neglected film, which should have been more pushed. Again I say, its actions are sensational. Not that this is "Matrix"; rather, it is more unique and has its own "kata" = style, which means a lot thes High Quality Acting Many people may find the often slow pace of Equilibrium to be a bit tedious, but I find it to strike a good balance between the silly over the top action of the Matrix and the almost painfully slow drama of THX 1138, both films in the same vein. Of course, this draws from Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, 1984, Metropolis and countless other repressive future society stories, but it is done so with aplomb. Christian Bale's performance in this movie is downright incredible. He should have played Neo in the Matrix as he is a FAR better actor than Keanu Reeves. In fact, almost all of the acting in Equilibrium is well done. Taye Diggs plays his role very well, even flashing his teeth in emotionless fake smiles. If the story does not move you, the action will. Not only is the action superbly original and more realistic than the fly by wire act of the Matrix (more on this in a minute), but the actors performed their own stunts and had to memorize the fight scenes (watch the documentary), which certainly made their roles physically demanding. Many have argued that the "gun-kata" is silly and unrealistic, and they do have a point. But, such study is not totally from the real of realism. Anyone who has studied Japanese sword fighting learns that in order for many people to attack one person, they must be organized or else all they can do is mob him. But the man alone does not have such constraints. Add to this fact that guns create crossfire (you might shoot your comrades) and the "gun-kata" might even be plausible. This combination of ideas make it unique and an interesting study in fighting. Of course, no one can hold a candle to John Preston in the "gun-kata", but that adds to the fun! All in all, it is a highly enjoyable film, offering fresh insights into one of the most classic genres. A must see for true science fiction fans! Equilibrium has been rightly compared to The Matrix, but whereas The Matrix is mass-market science fiction, Equilibrium is exceptionally rooted in the classic, masterful tales of Orwell, Bradbury and Huxley. It is brilliant in its dystopian imagery and script. Characterizations are spot on. And the patiently told story is bolstered by well-timed suspense and incredible action sequences. Ultimately, The Matrix is about mind-bending special effects, and those effects in the end can not cement the often shaky script. In Equilibrium there are relatively few special effects. Yet the action is visceral and thrilling. The pulsing gunshots are profuse and hypnotic, enhanced by variable camera moves and speeds. Imagine a Zen martial arts master, fluid and peaceful in his moves. Now imagine him with two-semiautomatic pistols and hidden supplies of ammunition--this is a Grammaton cleric. And that's all I'll say. The acting is competent and believable. Christian Bale sells the struggle of his character skillfully. Taye Diggs, Emily Watson, Sean Bean, Angus McFayden and William Fichtner gracefully lend their /Manufacturer> Buy Equilibrium at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Equilibrium Search with the Priority Search Engine on Equilibrium This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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