“No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” Welcome to Harbour Highlights, a series of cult and classic films, handpicked by the staff of Harbour Lights. For July, Lewis takes us down the rabbit role to 1999’s groundbreaking The Matrix. After proving their worth as directors with 1996 noir thriller – and previous Harbour Highlight – Bound, the Wachowskis went back to their dream project – an ambitious science fiction that mixed cyberpunk aesthetics, philosophical debates and kung-fu action. Led by Keanu Reeves and a cast including Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving – all of whom turned their characters into instant icons – the film hit the cultural zeitgeist like a slow-motion crane kick, changing cinema forever. Over a quarter of a century, three sequels and countless imitators later, The Matrix stands as an undisputed masterpiece whose stunning visuals, propulsive action and thumping soundtrack has lost none of its impact. Free your mind and see it back on the big screen, where it belongs.