Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Many people compared this movie to the "Matrix", which I love, so I decided to add it to my movie collection. When I watched it for the first time I was pleasantly surprised that it was as good as the Matrix and maybe in some ways even better. But it wouldn't be fair to compare the two movies too much since Equilibrium deserves better.

The movie's plot is set in near future after the third world war which nearly destroyed humanity. It was decided that emotions were to blame for the war so they were banned. Whole population is forced to take drugs regularly to prevent emotions. The government uses a religious sect called "Clerics" to find "sense offenders", ruthlessly kill them and destroy anything that can cause emotions. In this regard this movie reminds me of "1984" but "Big Brother" is replaced by "Father" and "Fahrenheit 451" but instead of burning book they burn paintings, books, records...

Movies action sequences are beautifully choreographed and, even though they remind me of the Matrix, manage to be innovative. The "Clerics" are warrior priests who have developed the fighting style which is based on statistically predicting the positions of the multiple opponents in any closed quarter battle. The "Clerics" then practice the moves, which almost look like dancing, that enable them to kill most of the opponent in the most efficient way.

John Preston played by Christian Bale is the best of the "Clerics" and he kills "sense offenders" without remorse or regret. One day he accidentally skips his daily dose of the drug and is for the first time confronted with emotion. Every day since then his emotions are getting stronger and he even joins the underground movement he so diligently fought to destroy. The performance of mr. Bale is excellent. He manages to show the range of emotional conflict his character is feeling with minimum facial expressions but to great effect.

The movie is written and directed by Kurt Wimmer. This is his directorial debut but he has worked as a writer before on movies like "Sphere" and "Thomas Crown Affair".

Even though it can be said this is a Science Fiction movie I believe it is best described as action movie with elements of science fiction. The story primarily deals with the conflict of the individual with the repression of the government. The individual is defined by his emotions which the government tries to limit and control.

The world in which the movie takes place is grim and gray looking city which reminds me a little of the movie "Dark City" but is slicker, cleaner and more futuristic.

Special features on the DVD are:

"Finding Equilibrium" a 4 and a half minutes featurette about making of the movie. It features short interviews with main actors and the director. The featurette offers no background information or any new insight into the movie and plays like a long commercial.

"Director commentary" and "Director & producer commentary" provide more interesting comments. We learn that the movie was shot in Berlin, that the limitation of the budget forced the crew to film some scenes with only one take. Even the director is forced to explain the similarities with the "Matrix" and Neo assuming theological proportions. The biggest regret of the director is being forced to cut the end fight scene between Preston and Father because of time and money constraints. The commentaries a worth listening.

"Sneak Peaks" are trailers of "Kill Bill", "Wes Craven Dracula II", "Invincible" and "Below".

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older