Once of my alltime favourite movies. Drama and Action could go together before the new BSG. But it´s hardly surprising that a movie warning of "soft totalitarianism" isn´t well recieved the media. Make a movie about a clicheed fascist gouvernement seizing power using anti-terror as an excuse and they love you. But a movie talking about how the concept of hate-crimes will lead to policing of thought and you are a heretic.… Expand

one of the best films ever made, original and inovative action, amazing acting and a film that can be watched over and over. It will make you question al the critics who try to discredit the film.

It appears that all the low ratings for this movie are just people that are bashing it, while the good reviews seem filled with inspiration, appreciation, and satisfaction. What are the people making low ratings missing? I thought this movie was one of the best I have ever seen and was absolutely blown away by it. Stunning effects and choreography, incredible depth in the story, extremely believable character development, and an amazing message. Not to mention heart pounding action - this movie literally made me feel like I wanted to stop watching it because it was so suspenseful and absorbing that I didn't want to risk watching it all for fear it might not go the way I wanted it to! Absolutely amazing.… Expand

One of the most underrated films of all time with a deep and ahead of its time story.

those who gave this film 0 are jealous!!!! OK, it has from films like Fahrenheit 451, 1984, etc. some ideas, but Kurt Wimmer was doing this project for 12 years and his final product, Equilibrium, is fantastic movie! so, those who gave it less than 6 can come here and suck my balls!!!!!!!!!

9.5 even. This movie... reigned. Today's reviewers are such a bunch of paid off schlocks. This is THE MOST UNDERRATED FILM of the year, and perhaps the decade. Those reviewers would be giving nines and tens if this film came out before the Matrix. The difference between the two is that the society depicted in Equilibrium is actually possible. The acting, story, cinematography, sound, choreopraphy and set design were each nearly flawless. If you like action and you've seen The Two Towers, then finding a better flick than Equilibrium from the list at left will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. And if you've got a DVD player, and missed it at the theatre, don't rent... buy. Your friends will know who the king is after they pop by for a flick, and that's a guarantee. P.S. Possibly the best conventional action footage ever... I guess I'd better stop before I start naming reviewers who SHOULD BE FIRED FOR BEING IGNORANT MONKEYS. And the best action P.C. game in history is called DEUS EX, and this site would do well to review it. [Ed: Try the search engine: PC - 90; PS2 - 80] (Great site, nonetheless.)… Expand

This movie found itself into my DVD player with great reluctance: I had never heard of ?Equilibrium? and therefore, had low expectations (and isn?t that Diggs guy a model?) I halfheartedly agreed to watch this movie at the request of a friend. I am very happy I watched this: this was, overall, a fantastic movie ? it had great action, a great look, and it made you think without preaching to you. I don?t agree with the consensus of the ?professional? critics: ?Clueless? Obvious script? Matrix rip off?? Few if any artists (i.e. directors) claim to be completely devoid of any inspiration. Why? Because they ARE often inspired by other artists! Maybe Daniel R. was right; the critics ?are just out of touch with society?, or perhaps they did watch a different movie. Does ?Apocalypse Now? suck because it was inspired by Conrad?s ?Heart of Darkness?? Say it with me: Of course not! … Expand

Very nice! Sure Matrix was damn good, but it was one of the trend at that period, only because this movie didn't advertise as much, doesn't mean this is a bad movie at all. True critic make minor stream movies alive! is it's good! Only stupids, just like to COMPARE!!!

Beyond horrible.Take some from old sci-fi movies like Fahrenheit 451, THX1138, 1984, Logan's run, Metropolis etc, add some Matrix. Now write a script the way a 10 year old who has played videogames to much would. Develop an absurd idea that bullets can be dodged by statistics. And make the badguys slay puppies to show how evil they are. Does this sound good to you? Then seek professional help.This is a very dumb movie that thinks it's smart and therefore appears dumber still.… Expand

I thought this was one of the best films I have ever seen. The hidden references to classical works and the amazing fight scenes won me over. I would consider this a "must see".

Say what you want but despite real originality and some silliness Wimmer's anti-utopia is still one of the bests I've ever saw. And anyway nowadays you can't really do anything truly original.

Excellent movie, great fight scenes, and they actually managed to make gun fights amazingly interesting. Gun-kata is actually something i'd enjoy seeing in future movies, even if it is fictional. plot only really became cheesy for about a 10 minute period towards the end, but other than that, great flick.

This movie was asinine. I turned it off after 30 minutes (which I almost never do) because it was incredibly stupid and boring as pretty much every line could be predicted almost verbatim several minutes before they were spoken. This movie attempted to rip off the style of several other much better movies, but it just became a mess. I also don't understand the fascination with "gun kata". Having a guy standing in one position, waving his hands around, while magically hitting every opponent and not being shot himself is not ground breaking, it's idiotic fantasy.… Expand

Equilibrium is the best pure sci-fi action film of the decade to date. Christian Bale's great performance is riveting and dramatically powerful. Obviously, the standout segments are the action sequences, which are simply exhilarating. Anyone who doesn't get a visceral thrill from the final battle (which pits Bale against at least 50 men) must not have a pulse.

One of the best movies of the year.

I guess this is the reason why Critics should find themselves another hobby because they aren't doing their jobs......Come on people, this movie was good and it deserves credit.

After renting this movie, I must say, this was a lot better than I expected. IMO it blew away Matrix Reloaded. I just loved the plot and the action sequences. I can only hope there will be a sequel, or perhaps a prequel. I'm definitely going to be purchasing this DVD.

This is fo schizzle! Christian Bale at his morbid best! I loved it!

MAN! What a low score! I realy liked this movie. It had an awesome coolness and was very slick. And the action sequences are quite possibly the best ever.

Nice story.

A very good movie indeed. Surprisingly smart. A pleasure to watch. One of the best movies have seen recently. The newspapers are just silly.

CRIMINALLY Underrated!! Don't make the gullible mistake of pidgeonholing this movie as a matrix/1984 ripoff. Director Kurt Wimmer already addressed these claims stating that while he did willingly borrow some elements from those films, his dramatic intent was to re-examine several themes that are crucial to humanity while presenting a new take on choreographed hyperstylized action. Did he succeed? Instead of a simple answer, and instead of offering more hyperboles or pompous critical slams like everyone else here, let me just say this: In all of my 22 years of watching films from every genre, making it a near-weekly tradition to go out to the movies with close friends & beloved family members, Equilbrium is the only movie that I immediately bought a second ticket for just so that I could experience it again consequently after it's first showing. And that's just for the action scenes. My friends and I whipped out our cell phones, calling everyone we knew inviting them to come see this pleasant gem that has shined out from nowhere. The ultimate bottom line, stripping away all of the hype and mostly undue criticisms, Equilbrium entertains with it's truly unique, expertly choreographed, jaw-dropping action sequences mixed with passion, art, tight pacing, great acting, and wonderful drama. It's story may or may not be unique to you, but it is touching nonetheless, and if you have any sense of empathy then you will remember it. Is it the best film you'll ever see? Probably not. But honestly now, what movie ever is, universally speaking? It boils down to this: If you're looking for a good time, you will find it in Equillibrium. If you want a film that hits the right notes of the delicate musical balance that is "action & drama" without being hammy or contrived, Equilibrium is your song. If you hate science fiction, enjoy bitching about movies, are too cynical, or have no sense of empathy, look elsewhere (or better yet, stop watching films altogether and find a new hobby). As for me, three years after that fateful first viewing, this film is still near the top of my highly-selective DVD shelf.… Expand

I liked this movie. but its nowhere close to bladerunner. but still I enjoyed it alot. It seems like the director really wanted to make this movie as good as possible and it shows. Not a bad movie.

The Film is complete - you get what you see. It tells a story, doesn't let you down in any moment, full of action, nice effects, nice cinematography, etc.... It is complete.

Great action, Bale carries the movie. Guards and troopers look a little too stylish. But the clerics are dead on.

This was one of the best action movies I've ever seen! It has some of the feel of The Matrix but the action was more believable. Christian Bale was AWESOME! The story was good, a little slow at times but good. It had depth and heart which you don't see much in action these days.

Awesome movie. Those who rated it low, simply doesn't understand it. I'ts not a movie for everyone, but if everyone was able to understand it, we where in a better world.

An enjoyable film overall. Only faults I can find are the similarities to the Matrix (which cause a great amount of De ja vu) and some of the fight scenes get a bit brainless, but it's great fun.

This movie is severely underrated. In my opinion, this movie is one of the better sci-fi or action movies I've ever seen. But then, Star Wars: Ep. 3 got a 68 on metacritic, and it's garbage.

Wow, Roger EBERT gave it a good review? Roger Ebert is also the premier elevator of pop garbage movies to pseudo-intellectual status. This movie is a steaming pile of cultural backwash re-digested by the hackneyed screenplay writer whose only major accomplishment was to insert every distopian cliche ever written since the 19th century. This movie pretends to think while not having a single original thought. It also insults the audience with its excruciatingly obvious flogging of the already overtread plot points. This society destroys art? Well, how can stupid moviegoer me possibly understand how awful it is to burn paintings? OH NOEZ the Mona Lisa, now I KNOW this is a big deal, because anything less than the Mona Lisa being destroyed and my phillistine brain will just want to smear dung and shout at the screen, but since you showed me the MOST famous painting IN THE WORLD, NOW I am able to understand it. Wouldn't they have found the Mona Lisa a long time ago? Wouldn't the only art left be a bit more obscure so they'd miss it? Does Sean Bean HAVE to be reading Yates? Nuff said.… Collapse

I must concur with my fellow viewers. I fail to see what the movie did poorly. It unapologetically lifts from 1984, F 451, and Brave New World, but then this is if anything positive. The action is creative and superbly performed, the plot is actually rather nuanced, and the acting is surprisingly good. This just continues to prove that The Onion's AV Club is the only critic worth reading. Equilibrium does a fine job at what it tries to do, and the premise behind it is more relevant now than ever.… Expand

I haven't seen a movie I've enjoyed this much for quite a while. It wasn't the most well done movie ever. However, the entertainment value of the film was worth the price of admission. As for the critic (Elvis Mitchell) from the N.Y. Times who gave it a 0, why don't you stop using words like "stupider" before you start telling other people how stupid something is. Just a suggestion. … Expand

Smart, and action packed, now that is a winning combination. Definitely worth the money.

All these critics are haters of this film, and i'm not sure why. well its probably because they are paid to hate films. either way, its unfortunate because this film was amazing for what its worth. its got a half decent story and tantalizing fight scenes. who could ask for anything more. its no matrix, but most definitely it is underrated with a metacritic "32". (btw, taye diggs didnt have to be in this movie, casting really messed up with him. christian baye rocks!) go see it because its a cool film to see and not because the critics are bashing it and hopefully you won't regret it. your choice...… Expand

Christian Bale did a superb job acting in this Sci-Fi action flick. Apart from the amazing action sequences and emotional undertone, the plot was geniously thought out. While I watched this film, I could parallel parts of Fahrenheit 451 and Gattaca, which just added to my intrigue for the way the movie would be done. All together, I was enormously happy that what I expected from Christian Bale, he delivered. Once again, he has shown his true colors as an amazing actor and I hope that he finally gets the credit he deserves. Plus the fact that he is amazingly gorgeous and can kick major ass helps a hell of a lot too ;)… Expand

Many of these professional reviews just cement my belief that some critics are so jaded and cynical that they can't enjoy a movie at face value. The Matrix, better than Equilibrium? Please. Regardless of the fact that the story in Equilibrium, patchy as it is in places, is far more viable than that of the Matrix (using human electrical fields as energy sources? Please... I'm sure those superintelligent robots should have been able to think up more efficient energy sources), the acting is better, the action/choreography is better (Keanu Reeves moves like a three-legged turtle compared to any of the actors in Equilibrium), and the directing, in my opinion, is better. The only thing in which Equilibrium was lacking, as far as I could tell (because I didn't get a chance to see it a second time... only in theaters for a week? What the hell?? Thank god they pulled it out of theaters to make way for "Just Married"), were some of the special effects shots, namely the panoramic CG shots of the city. Of course, that would be unavoidable given the small budget they had to work with. In short, an excellent film, and one I will be picking up on DVD on its release date.… Expand

Cool flick.

Gun Kata is amazing and its a deep thoughful movie.

Very underrated. This will be a classic, on a par with A Clockwork Orange, and 2001, A Space Odyssey. Not without its need to suspend reality, but very stylish, well done and doesn't take itself toooo seriously... and that's from watching it on tape. I will be looking for the dvd.

This is a very underrated movie. The acting was good, with lovely, very controlled acting from Christian Bale. I disagree that Matrix or Matrix:Reloaded was better than this film. This film had conflict, and actual, concrete emotion. I remember one of my other gripes with Matrix Reloaded included my irritation with their fixation on Wire-Fu. Suggestion to American moviemakers: Stick with what you do best. Play with the guns, and leave the martial arts to us Asians. Anyone wonder why Japanese moviegoers laughed their ass off as they watched Trinity suspened into the air for a split second, only to do a very pansy kick to her opponent's chest? In Equilibrium, the Westerners stick to what they do best: gunfighting, and the movie presented gunfighting in its absolute sublime: Gunkatas, or the art of gunfighting. The gunkata scenes are elaborate, fast, and not dumbed down to cater to a stupid audience. Suggestion: Buy the DVD! … Expand

I love this movie!

It's obvious the critics are just out of touch with society. They all just jumped on the band wagon of bashing the movie in pathetic attempts to make themselves look clever while bashing the movie. Most everything that is made now days is inspired form something else. This movie had heart and action. And a musical score that puts most others to shame. After reading all these reviews from other "critics". I am now fully convinced that critics don't know anything.… Expand

Scores only for the gunkatas action. Storyline's dumb.

Just plain cool. Look past all the 1984,Brave New World crap and enjoy it. Suspension of disbelief? Hey, why not.

This movie is very well done. From the visuals to the action to the overall FEEL. Fast paced and there are MANY moments where you are left thinking that was THE BEST action shoot-out scene EVER conceived!! Better than Matrix Reloaded.

Despite the very low Metascore, I really enjoyed this movie. People slate it as a low-budget Matrix ripoff. I view it as a film which doesn't tell a particularly new or original story, but does it with a lot of panache and some ace action sequences. Not to mention that the Gun Kata is much cooler than Bullet Time ever will be, because it's just feasible that in the future it might become a possibility. The setting is great, with the sterile monochromicity and rigidity of Libria contrasting sharply with the "home comforts" enjoyed by the resistance. Christian Bale puts in a characteristically good performance as a Grammaton Cleric (the Librian elite, enforcers who seek out and destroy all perpetrators of "sense-crime") who is so used to not feeling emotion that, when he does, he finds it almost too much to bear. The only problem I have with the film is the "Hollywood happy ending" - a film of this sort should have a depressing or inconclusive end for maximum impact. Otherwise, an enjoyable and stylish sci-fi action flick which should satisfy people (like me) who thought The Matrix trilogy was too ambitious for its own good. … Expand

Only just got around to watching this film, and without sounding like a "cynical critic", I would have to say that this film is shockingly bad. Pretentious is a word that gets banded around far too much these days, but I'm pretty sure that this film is a good definition of the word. Inspiration is all well and good, but if you have read and understood even one or two the works that this film cobbles together so hap-hazzardly, then you should be able to see exactly why the plot is frankly stupid. All that leaves is a film with an overtly serious tone, but no substance to back it up. I love gun battles as much as the next man, but when it's blatently tacked on to appeal to the Matrix market, you have to wonder what the point is. I could have forgiven the pathetic storyline if it had been at bit more fun, but it's just po-faced pretention at every point. Enjoyable? Sure, but only if you have no taste. I think a lot of people on this site have shown why film critics get paid to do what they do. They know more about films than most of you. I'll stop being a "cynic" when people start making more effort.… Expand

What a mess.
I could go into detail and explain pretty much what's wrong with this movie, but I simply don't have time.
I just have no idea how this movie could appeal to so many people, in a positive way. "At least it's entertaining", well, it's not. One of the dullest things I've seen in my life. It had potential, a couple of minutes into the opening scene, went downstairs after that.

This is the dumbest movie I've seen in years. There's nothing redeeming about this; it is every post-Matrix "omg cool" dystopian sci-fi cliché I could ever hate rolled into one ball of crap. If you pay movie to see this movie you deserve to be slapped.

The action scenes were nice, and the story had potential, but there's so many things that conflict with common sense that it made my head spin. Such as why kill people that regain their feelings instead of just juicing them up with more of that drug? You'd think that'd be easier. :P

A clichefest for those too lazy to read or watch the classics from which all of its ideas were stolen.

This is one of the best movies ever. It's action scenes outclass the Matrix by at least 2x, if not 100x! The plot, character development, characters, and ending all outclass The Matrix (which was a great movie.) My favorite part is the ending! One of the best endings ever, because it says what we all feel, and gives us what we truly want: Pure Ownage.

This is an excellent rendition of the potential of totalitarianism today. I have to agree with some other users, that the "critics" are truly in denial about society. Take a hard look at the world today, know anyone on anti-depressants or Ritalin? Do you feel world news is uncensored? If you feel that world leaders and nations aren't manipulating emotions for political/financial gain or profit, you are truly in denial as well.… Expand

So bad. I watched as one watches a train wreck. Silly, stupid trying to pass off as intelligent. The only reason I give it a 2 is that the look of the film was pretty cool visually and the fight scenes were well done. The plot is idiotic at every turn. I really cannot understand how anyone could give this movie a 10. It would be interesting to see what other movies those folks rated so highly. The Matrix, which for some reason is constantly mentioned in relation to this movie is 100x better. Perhaps the connection is the dark costume that both leads play. Christian Bale is pretty good, but seriously folks don't waste your time with this one!… Expand

For a surprisingly large group of talented actors, this was pretty much a steaming pile. The premise behind the movie was beyond juvenile and rife with inconsistencies. Why would a repressive future society need to so clearly mimic the aesthetics of Nazi Germany? Why is art equated with emotion? Is emotion what REALLY defines humanity, is emotion REALLY what is the source of conflict in our society, rather than calculated rational decisions in the struggle for power? Is the movie self aware enough to realize the irony inherent in the actions of the principle actors in regards to the premise of an emotionless fascist society? Conceptually flawed, is the action enough to redeem this movie? In the end the answer to all these questions is no, as the action is mediocre and the acting transparent, the plot predictable and the conclusion forgone within the first few minutes of the film. I'm a big fan of SF movies, and will champion any movie that truly reveals something about the human condition, extrapolates an interesting society or scenario, or can engross me to the extent that i will suspend my disbelief and accept the premise that is being presented to me. That a movie like this gets such high marks from viewers profoundly disturbs me.… Expand

Reading the critics' reviews, I am astonished by the vacuity and triteness. Apparently they hate dystopia themes because they fail to produce any kind of intelligent criticism. It contains a clever dystopia premise with solid acting and innovative---if unrealistic---action sequences. Once again, if you hate dystopia themes then just admit it upfront. Don't pretend, though, that this movie is "mindless" because it copies other dystopian themes. That is a mindless statement, for sure.… Expand

really? there are people who called this a "cult classic"? i'm all for a good action sequence, but even if this film hadn't blatantly ripped off the matrix, even if it had spent more then 27 dollars on special effects, even if this movie had better effects than "Avatar" it would still be one of the worst action films i have ever seen. This film makes Japanese animes about robots seem like incredibly well thought out voyages into the nature of mankind. But then again, this film is probably aimed at that very same demographic of perpetual adolescence.… Expand

I am seriously considering never again opening Metacritic. I mean what sort of nonsense ratings are those? Are these critics retarded or what? This is an amazing movie and deserves at least an 8!

Critics keep mentioning the plot and the themes which are the weaker aspects of equilibrium. This movie was incredible for me because of the performances "christian bale" "emily watson" "sean bean" , the superb novelty and excellence of the martial arts and action sequences, and the crisp sharpness of atmosphere. Alot of criticism is aimed at bcuz its based in a dystopic future world and its "done before" but dystopic setting should be thought of as a genre rather than a plot so i don't think it has to be new and original all the time. Also note that it came out in 2002, soon after the first matrix movie. So it's a bit unfair to say that it copied the matrix when a lot of work would have already begun on equilibrium. Most pple would have watched it years and years after it was made, bcuz they saw christian bale in batman. Equilibrium is always in my mind christian bales greatest performance. And Gun kata a semi-realistic martial art that has spawned a real-life niche in itself.… Expand

Equilibrium is an underground Sci-Fi film with a huge cult following. If you ask any other Sci-Fi geek, they'll probably have Equilibrium in their top ten list, but I couldn't tell you why. The film is vintage Sci-Fi, with a semi-original idea, unfortunately, the cast just didn't pull it off. I've never been a huge Christian Bale fan and this movie is a prime example of why. He's given a role that suites him perfectly and he mumbles and relies on the rest of the cast to carry him. In the future, emotions and things that evoke emotions are outlawed, and Bale is one of the men responsible for enforcing these laws, but he soon turns to the other side, when he accidentally feels an emotion for the first time. Bale is a cold guy to begin with. He never shows much emotion even when his role calls for it, so aside from Keanu Reeves, he was the best choice for this role. The story was a little out there and the effects were over the top, but it's Bale himself who puts the icing on the turd cake. He's completely dependent on his fellow cast members and the ridiculous special effects his character is given. Maybe I'm just not that bright, but I really don't understand why so many people are so obsessed with this movie. The cast wasn't anything special and the story was okay at best.… Expand

entertaining and great action scenes. christian bale does a wonderful job portraying a devoted cleric who begins to doubt his original beliefs, abandons them, and eventually fights for them. very good end fight scene.

After watching this movie, I was completely shocked at its metascore! Thank god the users have got it right! This films goes up there in my favourite films of all time list. The story is really good, I don't know why some people were bad mouthing the story, it was really interesting and executed nicely, job well done right there. The action itself is fantastic, I've only watched it recently so considering it was a 2002 film I was definitely impressed.… Expand

Great movie and super action.

I'm going to have to side with the general public on this one: it was indeed a good, and more importantly, fun movie. I think critics, in their pursuit of pure analytical commentary of movies, have forgotten the magic of the movies : having fun. Sure, the story was a little inconsistent, overused, what have you, but me and my friends had a blast watching it.

Psycho cool!!!!

My esteem for Roger Ebert has risen yet again. How could the majority of critics not liked this film?? No, it isn't extremely meaningful, but it has style to spare, and Christian Bale is great in it. Furthermore, the post-Matrix special effects are incredibly cool. A definite recommendation for Matrix fans or anybody else who wants to explore sci-fi / utopian ficks. JUST SEE IT!

Best movie i seen in years good pump up with very satisfying ending.

The story may not be the best, but the action and choreography was more than stellar, and makes up for the mediocre plot. Critics were too unkind to this modern action cult classic.

A low budget masterpiece. The story, the passion, and the fantastic action made this movie epic. Some people may think that this movie is a rip off of the Matix, but the story is completely new and origional. The visuals may have been low budget....but so what.....they didn't over due the graphic's like The Transporter 2 did. The scenery was fanstatic. After all that, the fighting was unbelievable. The combined martial arts with gun fighting...and pulled it off perfectly. I recommend you see this movie, enjoy, tell your firends, then watch it again, it's just that good!… Expand

Very good mix of Mind & Body. Style and substance.

Excellent, excellent movie! High production values, beautiful directing, and amazing proformances from Bale and ensemble. I love this movie. I can't see how these so called "movie critics" can nail Equilibrium for it's lack of orginality when it takes a different approach on famous subject matter. Yes 1984, A Brave New World, and Ferenheit 451's ideas of disutopian civilizations are present in this film but that doesn't mean that it's not a good movie. It has a heart and brain which is something haven't seen in action movies in a long time. See this film! I can't believe that the "critics" can vulgarly punish a movie that uses ideas from works of literature, when they seem to love every movie that tarantino makes, which are all carbon copies of Asian cinema. Resovior Dogs = City on Fire. If you let people like this steal whole movies and praise them for it then you should give Equilibrium a good review as well.… Expand

Overlooked by the critics and unknown to the public, this beats out Matrix for its philosophical and direct content. Christian Bale makes sense out of this message. His acting is superb.

When I first saw Equilibrium, I wasn't very impressed. It seemed like just another movie with an odd story. But then after seeing it over and over at friends houses, the story slowly fell into place. It really makes you think. The only thing I didn't like about it was the scene where he goes into the dark room and shoots but doesn't have ANY shots fired at him. And the story has some parts that make you go "What?!" Waaay better than the Matrix. And in the last half of the movie I was stuck into my seat. Great.… Expand

Great Movie. Didn't quite understand why the reviewers bashed it so much,for a movie with such a low budget,it actually turned out to be very good,i don´t think it has anything to do with the Matrix at all because even its futuristic views are different,all in all don´t pay attention to the critics and watch it,it will be worth it

This movie was well shot and compared to many other hack n slash sci-fi action movies, the plot/script had some thought put into it. Contrary to the negative comments of the press. I, as a viewer and person, consider it a well done movie. What do you most of the comments have to back up their negatives? Reviews on other, past movies. Review a movie based on itself and you have a good movie.. not because you care to think about other movies in its place. Encore.… Expand

What is wrong w/ the critics? This is one of the best pictures made! Figures!

Brilliant. Don't trust the critics...trust yourself. This movie rocks. Hard.

Great movie...might not make you think a whole lot but the action and it being something different makes up for it.

The 'professional' critics seem to be bashing the story rather than the actual film. It was good, silly fun. Not all movies have to be well scripted with oscar-worthy performances to entertain you. Ironically, Transformers got double this films score yet it was minus the fun. Bizzaro.

I laughed when i saw the critics reviews,because they didn't actually say why it was bad, just that it was bad.I believe this is because they cant face society may 1 day be like that.I appreciate to seeall the good reviews.Makes me think how biased their opinion is. Away from the critic bastards it was a superb film..hert stopping plot with excellent action sequences.

Definitely undersold as far as the critics are concerned. The movie is highly entertaining and is well worth your $8.50 if you have any appreciation for action or sci-fi.

I think critics must really be bored or eager to despise anything, when I saw this movie I intensely enjoyed it. I may be the only person on the planet but I liked it better than the matrix. Unlike the Matrix you can actually pull a lesson from this movie. While some people state this movie as a cheesy rip-off it only makes me laugh that there pedestrian lifestyle permits them from enjoying this. While they say it copies many films I feel just plain bewildered. 1.Half of the movies it copies I have never heard of meaning they probably suck. 2. The fact that it can take those sucky movies and combine them with newer ideas to make them better I think is an accomplishment. ANYWAY go see this movie you might learn something, or at least get some intense action sequences.… Expand

Good Stuff.

Equilbrium is an awesome mixture of "1984" and "The Matrix" combined. This movie is definitely a must-see. Christian Bale really rocks as the main character Cleric John Preston. I would like to see it again just for the action scenes.

I just put it this way to my wife, who agreed: "The Matrix was good overall, and had 3 or 4 scenes where you were thinking, 'damn that's cool!', and Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions had 0. Equilibrium, with a Ray Bradbury storyline (it's based on Farenheit 451) and a Matrix feel, is very good overall, and has at least 3 or 4 scenes where you say 'damn that's cool!', effects and coreography-wise." Equilibrium was an indy with about 1/1000th the budget of any of the Matrix films. Makes it that much more impressive and goes to show what the Wachowski brothers should know: more CGI and budget does not a better film make. … Expand

An excellent movie that was unfairly slated by the critics. It is a real shame because it stopped me from going to the cinema to see it. Is now recieving a well deserved audience on DVD release.

My friend (yeah I know I do get alot of movies sugested to me) suggested this movie to me. I had no complaints, and after I watched it, I'm glad he did. Equilibrium is about a future where the goverment distributes pills to block peoples emotions so that there would be no more wars. People who don't take the drugs are usually killed by the Ministry and their clerics. One cleric was about to take his pills one day when he accidently knocked them over, he then goes to Equilibrium, the factory that makes the pills, to get some more. However, before he has a chance to reach it, he starts to feel emotions. He decides to try to hide his emotions and secretly try to topple the goverment. The story really doesn't sound that original but I can't remember where I heard it before. People may call this movie a rip off of the Matrix but what I have to say is this, what the hell do you mean? The matrix is about the world being a computer and it is filled with kung fu action (not very good kung fu at that) equillibrium is about emotions and has some of the best gun fight scenes I have ever seen. The characters seem deep but they really are a bit shallow. As I said before this movie has the best gun fight scenes I have ever seen, although there were only about four fight scenes which really dissapointed me. Overall I don't see why people hate this film so much. They must be obsessed with the Matrix and can't look past their own foolishness to see that this is one really good movie.… Expand

A thought provoking movie. I loved every minute of it. As usual the critics were wrong.

The simple fact that critics get bought and paid to yay or nay movies has everything to do with this. It is a cult movie. The critics don't like it, so only the most hardcore of movie goers will understand it. A few years down the road, the hardcore movie buffs will have shown this to their friends, and the DVDs will sell much more populously. Thus, the director will have found that he really has made some profit and an underground following and will be forced to make a sequel- or at least release a collector's edition with many special features. It's not about the critics. It's about the quality and passion that it brings. Adrenaline flows everytime a Clerick pulls out a gun. It was based off of Fahrenheit 451, and it does a good job of being so. We don't need wire-fu or $193429342598634273 special effects. The only thing that is needed is a storyline that makes you feel and some really good action. Here you go.… Expand

The back drop and set up of the society is a poor rip off from various works. However, the cast, visuals, and plot twists held out until the very end when the movie becomes a bloody mess followed by a bullshit hollywood ending. The film did not stimulate my mind too much, but it took its place in my imagination right next all the ideas it was based on so whenever i think about 1984 i add some action scenes inspired by this movie to make it more interesting.… Expand

Have to say it's a great movie. Should be in most people's collection. A simple yet apt story for the world we see, and a great bit of acting by Bale.

Equilibrium is a fabulous sci-fi action thriller with a great story, great acting, and some of the best action sequences ever, period. If you ask me, this beats both Matrix movies.

I just rented it. The movie kicks ass. I'm gonna buy it now.

The action sequences where some of the best I have ever seen. I think the critics must have seen a different movie because I thought this one was very entertaining and had a great story line.

A great film! Much better than the matix, and with a very interesting plot and lesson about human nature.

One of the best movies I have ever seen. Smoothly blends drama and action, making a sweet movie. the story is great, even it is not quite original. Action is exciting, and surprises. The only problem with this movie, is the low budget. It only aired in 300 theaters across the US. If it had aired in more, it would have been a major blockbuster. A must see for every movie fanatic, action lover, and drama people. Christian Bale at his best!… Expand

Although not perfect, I do appreciate this film. It masquerades its true purpose and style by disguising itself as a matrix rip-off, and critics seem to have been easily fooled. This film is indeed art regardless of the frequent action.

I have to say it's a great move from the usual - yes mind numbing sci-fi may not be everyones perfect movie but move past that to a great plot great acting and an overall great feeling for viewers at the ending.