Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
This is one of the most popular segments of the Animatrix and this may be due to the fact that several actors from the live action movies do voice acting in here. The protagonist is a boy who seems to feel that something isn't right. Before he gets killed, he manages to get out of the Matrix. There are quite a few parallels here between Neo very early in the first Matrix film and our hero here. Just like the other Animatrix segments, this was written by the Wachowskis and the director here is Shinichirô Watanabe. I do not think the 15 minutes stated here are correct, this was certainly closer, maybe around 9 minutes. I enjoyed watching this one because it actually had a real connection to the live action "Matrix" films unlike most of the others. One of my favorites from the series and I recommend it.
TheOtherFool
If the original Matrix got any criticism at all it was because of it's violence. After the shooting at Littleton, things only got worse (but then again, who wasn't blamed?). Kid's Story, one of the 9 animatrices, to me is more dangerous though.We follow the likes of 'the kid', who finds out the truth about The Matrix (via Neo). He escapes his classroom like Neo his booth, but finds too many agents in his way, so he... jumps...The next scene is at the funeral of the boy, and I was just thinking what a great self-reflecting movie this was (don't believe anything in the movies?), but in the end we find out the matrix really does exist and the boy is still alive in the real world.Sure it's just a cartoon, but committing suicide to escape from the so called real world... edgy... 5/10.
dispet
some have commented that this is plot-light, and in some ways it is, but it doesnt need a plot. this episode of the animatrix is pure philosophy and lead in to a great character in the films. the key to overcoming reality in the matrix is to unlearn everything you know. if you can learn that gravity is meaningless, then it is meaningless, our minds hold total power. and if we can make ourselves believe that death is not the end....well.. brilliant philosophy, amazing, unique animation. great stuff.
PlanecrazyIkarus
The Animatrix is a very entertaining, very interesting experience. But of all the short movies, this is simply the best.What makes it so obviously superior? Is it the swishy-swooshy animation that is incredibly alive and dynamic? Is it the constant mood of bewilderment that seeps through the entire movie? Is it the subtle, yet suitable score? Or is it the story about the most exceptional character in the matrix universe so far?Yup, thats what the story is about - in my eyes. It's not about Neo or Morpheus or Trinity or any of the other cool people we already know (though Neo and Trinity cameo) - it's about the least likely character, the annoying side kick from Reloaded who made some of the Zion scenes so awkward. Watch "Reloaded" without seeing this first, and you may not like his character, or his very presence in the movie, one little bit (I did not). Yet this touching short movie shows a totally different side to him, and hints quite strongly at a powerful relevance for the matrix universe - even if that is not capitalized upon in Reloaded or Revolutions, this character and his unique story have the potential of an own spin-off. Why? Well I won't spoil it, but the ending of the short is quite powerful, creating the ideal finale for a perfect short animated movie.Stunning, absolutely stunning, and easily the best matrix-related merchandise you are likely to see this year!10/10
AD
