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Plot:
In the nation of Libria, there is always peace among men. The rules of the Librian system are simple. If you are happy, you will be arrested. If you cry, the law will hunt you down. If you read a cont...( read more
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Equilibrium Recent Reviews
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:December 10, 2008''But I, being poor, have only my dreams. I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.''
In a Fascist future where all forms of feeling are illegal, a man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system.
Christian Bale: John Preston
Who doesn't want to see Christian Bale in a Sci-Fi futuristic dystopia where feelings are against the law where he can unleash hell with guns. Like someone seriously on speed this kicks some hugely good choreography and stunt work not too mention shoot outs that will have you in awe.
Christina Bale does some of his best acting and shows a tormented soul that once he starts feeling again, he enters a world of senses that ultimately set him free.Equilibrium is the perfect example why I do not rate lower for derivativeness or unoriginality at certain times. The film is basically high-concept combination of Fahrenheit 451(1966), George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four(original published in 1949, film versions appeared in 1954, 1956 and 1984), The Matrix(1999) and a bit of The Wizard of Oz(1939) thrown in for good measure. What matters is not how original the ideas are (assuming it's not a case of plagiarism), as whether something is original or not is an epistemological problem that tells us more about our own familiarity with other material rather than the precedent status of the artwork we're questioning, but how well the material is handled. The high-concept material in Equilibrium is handled brilliantly.
''Cleric, I can only hope one day to be as uncompromising as you.''
On its surface, after a brief action-oriented beginning, Equilibrium is basically a progression from a fairly complex sci-fi film (meaning simply that it takes a lot of exposition to get up to speed) to a thriller to a gun fu-styled actioner. The progression is carried out deftly by writer/director Kurt Wimmer: who unfortunately hasn't shown the same level of elegant panache in other films I've seen from him, including Sphere(1998) and The Recruit(2003), with all of the genres somewhat present throughout the film. Wimmer is so austerely slick here that Equilibrium sometimes resembles a postmodernist automobile commercial. The transition from genre to genre is incredibly smooth.
The most impressive material on this surface level is the gun fu action stuff, which almost out guns The Matrix in style, if not volume. Preston is so skilled to be an almost invincible opponent. His solitary misstep as a fighter occurs once he gives himself over to emotion. This is nicely related to the common advice from kung fu sensei that emotion lessens one's effectiveness in combat.
''Mankind united with infinitely greater purpose in pursuit of war than he ever did in pursuit of peace.''
Of course a major factor of Equilibrium is the set of philosophical points it has to make about emotion. There are sections of the film that are appropriately dialogue-heavy, and Wimmer is more than conspicuous with these concepts. Just as important as dialogue for Wimmer's commentary on man's emotions are body language and behavior. Some viewers might see it as a flaw that characters frequently show what they consider to be signs of emotions in their comments or behavior, but that's part of Wimmer's agenda. Because it's difficult to even say just what counts as an emotion, and emotions are so wrapped-up with being sentient beings, it would be difficult if not impossible to fully eliminate them, and it's certainly not recommendable. The cast does an excellent job of portraying characters who are supposed to be mostly emotionless but with cracks in the stoic armor continually poking through.
Wimmer has a harsh view of our society's self-medication epidemic--even the title of the film seems to be a stab at the common claim that drugs like Prozac and Xanax are taken to help one erase emotion, or remain emotionless, extremes of mood, or extreme dispositions. The Equilibrium government extends this agenda into the tangible material realm as they also attempt to erase mood swings by eliminating any cultural artifacts that might promote varied moods/emotions. Wimmer seems to see it as a not-too-exaggerated extension of the modus operandi behind Prozac-like drugs.
The other primary theme is one of institutional control. Wimmer has a lot to say about unquestioningly following authorities, and he's careful to show that it's not just governmental authorities that can be a problem. He does this by tightly wrapping religious allegory with his depiction of Equilibrium's government. The leader is known as Father, and the government secret service members are clerics. Those outside of this control are shown as authentic, free, individualistic and happy despite the hardships involved with their embrace of forbidden thought/items.
Equilibrium has amazing visuals, music and action with a final showdown that will leave you satisfied.
Bale shows again that he can do action and then some. A must see.''Be careful Preston. You're treading on my dreams.'' -
MCT:November 24, 2008
"In a future where freedom is outlawed outlaws will become heroes."
A man who dares to feel finds his life in danger in this cautionary science fiction drama. In the future, after a Third World War has decimated much of the Earth's population, a new nation known as Libria rises up under the unquestioned leadership of Dupont (Angus MacFadyen). Believing human emotions and their expression were to blame for the failings of past societies, The Father has decreed that all citizens must take a daily dose of Prozia II, a drug which levels out the emotional landscape, and that all forms of creative expression are against the law; violating either regulation can be punished by death. John Preston (Christian Bale) is a Grammaton, an elite law enforcement officer who tracks down and punishes "sense offenders." One day, Preston accidentally fails to take his Prozia II, and for the first time begins experiencing emotions himself. Preston becomes aware of an underground of rebels who refuse to take their medication and have embraced art and literature, and he finds himself becoming infatuated with one of their number, Mary O'Brian (Emily Watson)
Review
Great concept, unique storyline, excellent acting and perfect execution, Equilibrium gives the Matrix trilogy a run for its money. The movie is excellent in several regards, from the interesting and unique story, mind blowing action choreography and breathtaking cinematography, one can only wonder why this movie didn't get the recognition and applause it deserves. Another factor that piqued my interest is the display of an innovative form of martial arts called Gun-Kata. Never have I seen a gun put into creative use with a slight mix of hand to hand fighting skills and close range gun battles. Very impressive indeed.
Christian Bale, the man of the hour, gives yet another perfect performance as Cleric enforcer John Preston. Support cast Sean Bean, Angus McFadyen, Taye Diggs and Emily Watson gives off some good support acting too which makes it a powerhouse cast and excellent showcase of acting. If you fancy movies like The Matrix, A Clockwork Orange and Logan's Run, then this movie is right up your alley. Highly recommended. -
MCT:October 21, 2008Equilibrium is one of my favorite movies of all time! It's one of those movies that I can watch an unlimited amount of times.
This film has a "Matrix" feel to it, but it neither replicates it, nor imitates it. The only resemblance they bare is the over-the-top martial arts and action... which just so happens to be my guilty pleasure.
This is the first film that I began to notice Christian Bale, and every film subsequently has further convinced me that he is one of the greatest, most versatile actors in Hollywood. He dons a great physique in this movie, as well as superb martial arts skills. Taye Diggs was also extremely effective in his role as Bale's partner.
Usually these types of movies lack a strong plot, but I believe this is what sets this movie apart from others of its kind: an engaging, deep plot. It centers around an anarchical society void of all emotion that seek out renegades who show emotions that are known as "sense offenders." The nation of Libria (as the society is called) trains an elite special forces group known as "Clerics" who are led by Christian Bale (who himself begins to start having "feelings"). Watching Bale progess from coldblooded commander to softhearted libertarian is nothing short of brilliant.
This is a great movie with loads of action. It's very effective on riding your emotions while still being an ultimate action movie. It has a nice mix of gun fights, hand to hand fights, love, and an interesting storyline. There's also a great scene that teaches a mathematically calculated defense maneuvering system for avoiding bullets if surrounded by a circle of gun-blazing enemies... yeah, totally bad ass. Check it out!
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MCT:September 14, 2008
Stylish sci-fi dystopia rehashing stock 1984 principles. Bale is solid and the action is original. Just about hides its low budget.
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MCT:August 31, 2008
In the distant future in the nation of Libra mankind lives in peace. The fascist nation has outlawed all emotions. A man in charge of keeping the peace soon realizes the void that humanity has become. Now a legend in the underground community, the man fights to free the imprisoned emotion of mankind and the survival of mankind?s future.
Equilibrium is modeled in the mold of the Matrix. The difference, Equilibrium is a better story and better acted. Not knocking the original Matrix, but Christian Bale is a better lead character than emotionless Keanu Reeves. The story of Equilibrium is also a more viable and believable than the Matrix. Equilibrium is a cult classic that will have Sci-Fi fans salivating. Equilibrium is near perfect Sci-fi story that will have you wondering where the future of mankind is headed and going. Equilibrium receives five pills out of five for being an instant Sci-fi classic. -
MCT:January 8, 2009
I can't believe I've been putting off such a great movie for so long. The story is set in the future where people are forced to take pills every day that will suppress their feelings, as it's believed that human emotion is the basis for all the wars. However some people form resistances and in a way more wars are caused.
Christian Bale plays perhaps his best role in this movie. He plays a high-up special agent role who are called clerics and they command the armies of police units to find and annihilate resistance groups. Throughout the movie he abandones drinking the pills that suppress emotions and it's really amazing how he portrays the way the feelings gradually come to him.
On top of a decent sci-fi storyline this movie can boast with its impressive, plentiful action scenes. The action includes eye-stunning martial arts, mixed with mind-blowing gun fights, and chipped on top with sword fights.
It does seem though that there is a bit of an error in the plot there since some characters seemed to be getting angry, but that shouldn't be possible if they are on the pills.
Nevertheless, this is a properly awesome movie for ANY sci-fi action fan.
Comments
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hopple2304posted 186 days ago -
In the present time... Afganist were hardly depend what's real world you've going to pursue. I saw another nation fought me like an equal to each and everyone... your viewpoint shall stand up again in time the promise land will be rise soon... nothing is impossible with Him (creator) might the essence you'd made through will be possible to happen in the nearest future. Your wish is my command... I love this stuff folks.
posted 423 days ago -
my favorite part about this movie is that there is a legitimate reason why the main character is so good at fighting. years of training and a complete suppression of emotion is a lot more believable than the matrix, where the main character has never fought before in his life, but is able to surpass those with years of training simply because he is "the one".
posted 510 days ago -
(2002 Director: Kurt Wiimmer)
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition....famous Monty Python line...applies here.....At the risk of being eutahnized for expressing my feelings, I am writing my review of this jarring, unsettling passion play of what life after world war might be like..unlike life at all....everyone drugged on the Prozac equivalent of the time....
Flixster - Share MoviesExcellent for its moving quality to look into the soul of man reunited with his feelings....Eerily reminiscent of the means used by the 3rd Reich. MUST SEE Christian Bale and Sean Bean are superb! HOW did I MISS THIS FILM in 2002?? Had not been introduced to Angus McFadden before this role..
Flixster - Share Movies
Flixster - Share Moviesposted 511 days ago -
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The fact that they created a fighting styles with guns is an incredible add on to fantasy/action sort of stuff, and is the sort of thing that should be used in future action movies. the action and suspense and editing they use in this movie is just incredible, and is far superior to most movies. the story is interisting, and it compells you more to like the charecter i'd say. And to retard over there saying its all been done, a gun kata fighting style definetly has not been done, alot of the sort of action they did in that had not been done, and thats saying something, since almost every possible plot line and plot twist and action sequence has already been done. its about how you do plot lines and plot twists and how you portray the charecters and action, not if some part of it has been done in some other movie.
posted 564 days ago -
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This is a terribly overrated film. It brings absolutely NOTHING new to the table. Flashy martial arts performed by people in Black leather? Done already (The Matrix, among others). Secret Police confiscating and destroying books and what not? Done (Farenheit 451). A dystopian state where the tyrannical government watches your every move? Done (1984).
I feel like the only reason anyone would like this movie is that they are extremely uncultured. Once you've read some books, and seen some GOOD, SIGNIFICANT movies, there's no reason to ever see this garbage.
And Christian Bale is trash, except in American Psycho.posted 594 days ago -
Its a classic.Christian Bale should've been Neo of the Matrix he is far better looking.lol
posted 606 days ago -
i watch this film yesterday and i loved it, it's the best film iv seen in ages and loveing the story line:)
posted 623 days ago
