Equilibrium (DVD 2003)

I have seen this film hundreds of times and i never tire of watching it...it's just brilliant.

I can't find fault with it at all; the casting is superb, the concept is amazing and the whole film is beautifully shot.

The idea of the film is set in the not too distant future in a place called Libria. Citizens of the city have been given Prozium, a drug that erradicate human emotion. Love, anger, hate, mercy etc are all crimes punishable by death.

To ensure these rules are obeyed, Grammaton Clerics sniff out 'Sense Offenders'. One such Cleric happens to be the fantastic Chritian Bale (Preston). Totally unfeeling, merciless and ruthless in his pursuit of none conformers...until he misses a does of his Prozium that is...

The film shows his struggle with this new concept of his developing emotions and his all important job. Closely watched by his new partner, Taye Diggs (Brandt), Preston begins to turn away from his superiors, embracing a new lifestyle and all the trappings that it brings....including love.

It's a fabulous film; loads fight scenes, the gun-kata is amazing. Amazing in every way...well worth a watch!

A REFRESHING AND UNDERRATED FILM. CHRISTIAN BALE IS AT THE TOP OF HIS ART AS THE 'CLERIC' WHO HAS TO UNMERCIFULLY ENFORCE THE LAW. VERY ABLE SUPPORT IS OFFERED BY EMILY WATSON, TAYE GIGGS AND BRIEFLY BY SEAN BEAN. PLENTY OF DECENT ACTION SCENES AND THE ODD SURPRISE KEEP IT MOVING ALONG NICELY. THE EXTRAS ON THIS DISC ARE VERY GOOD AS WELL - ALL ROUND A WINNER.

Starring: Christian Bale, Taye Diggs, Emily Watson, Angus MacFadyen
Director: Kurt Wimmer
Certificate: 15

You could be forgiven for shouting ‘It’s a Matrix clone!’ at first sight of Equilibrium; the atmosphere, costumes and action sequences all seem uncannily familiar to Neo and co. But trust me, this visionary film is well worth your precious pounds.

It is the near future, and the populace of Libria are under the 1984-esque control of The Father. Citizens are given mandatory doses of Prozium, a drug that suppresses human emotions, making them docile, obedient and very boring. And so, there is no more war fuelled by anger and hate, but at the cost of having no love, creativity or Diesel shoes. Cleric John Preston (Bale) upholds these laws by rooting out “sense offenders”; the resistant few who refuse to conform to society. That is until he misses his daily Prozium, discovering new dimensions of feelings and sensations. Now, angered by the execution of his wife years ago and motivated by new love interest Mary (Watson), Preston begins to turns his back on his superiors and fight the shackles of freedom, knowing that his suspicious partner, Cleric Brandt (Diggs), is close behind.

Equilibrium has all the ingredients of a great sci-fi action flick – a morality tale, superb set pieces, and an excellent storyline and vision. With a slick atmosphere (the pitch-black fire-fight illuminated only by gun muzzle flash is superb), most impressive is the “gun-kata”, an ingenious fusion of firearms and martial arts that looks unbelievably cool. Intellectually stimulating yet visually remarkable, the film even throws in some decent twists to boot. Oh, and watch out for a cameo from Brian “It’s a PUPPET!!!” Conley. I was after a taster to whet my appetite before Matrix Reloaded, and I got treated to a three-course meal. Fully recommended.

Like the Matrix? Love weird futuristic societies resembling "1984"? Then ths is for you!

With a fantastic cast including christian bale (later in batman) and sean bean (in just about every good movie) it tempts you right from the outset. However, with martial art style "gun kata"and a thoroughly engaging storyline it lives up to it's own promises.

Seriously, this is some of the best fight and action scenes you'll ever see, and the sheer coolness of them will make you shiver (especially the first display of christian bale's powers)! Visually this film is stunning, with a variety of settings from a bleak slum to a grand and futuristic metropolis. All the actors produce a fine performance, with bale more dazzling than any of his other pre-batman films.

All in all this is the best sci-fi film you'd see in a very very long time - highly recommended!

I know it's stupid to believe that a futuristic society is dumb enough to believe that the mere existence paintings, poems and sculptures can somehow lead to WW4.
I know there's a statue as well as stylish architecture in the headquarters of the people who ban artwork.
I know it's stupid to assume that a culture based on taking a drug every morning is not a very secure or feasible idea.
I know it makes no sense for a culture with no emotions to still be able to fall in love, choose a spouse and desire sex to create children.
I know half the people that Preston attacks are just standing there doing nothing while they wait to get their ass kicked.
I know the sets look cheap.
I know it's stupid that the "police" seem to die because their helmet glass breaks, when they'd probably be smart enough to have shatter-proof, if not bullet-proof plexiglass in the first place.
I know there's no reason random citizens would sit in a square to watch a guy on a big screen giving a speech, re-enforcing what the characters already know.
I know it paints a stupid picture of characters with emotion as looking like long-haired Gothic slobs who do nothing but sit in rooms with paintings and LP records and poetry books all day.
I know the emotionless characters express emotions and crack facial expressions when they're probably not supposed to.
I know Gun-Fu doesn't make much sense as to its practicality.
I know this film is an inspired rip-off of "Fahrenheit 451", "1984", "THX-1138", "Brazil", and "Blade Runner".
................But I love it.
Although it's a mish mash of every "man vs. futuristic oppressive society" film ever made, it manages to pull it off as good as some of its inspirations.
The film's story and message is clear.
The action is fresh, original, readable and gets the adrenaline flowing.
The atmosphere is clearly defined.
The production design is inspired.
Christian Bale and Emily Watson are superb.
The ending is satisfying.

Again part of my Sean Bean collection - wish they wouldn't keep killing him off - Great futuristic film - very violene scenes so not one for the kids.
Worth a look at defo.

this film is outstanding never get bored, its wickedly futuristic ***** beautiful.
the sword fighting are very nerve racking, and very professional

I know this film has been out since 2003 but I have only just found it recently on e-bay. I was intrigued by the blurb written on it and as it was being compared to the Matrix I thought I would give it a try as I am a bit of a sci-fi freak. Well I must admit I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi, it was one of those films that had you guessing at the outcome, there was a lot of fight scenes and violence similiar to Matrix but the film was different in its own right. I loved the ending and have watched it a few times never tiring of it.

There will obviously be comparisons with The Matrix, but the storyline is completely different and Equilibrium has a more straightforward plot. Christian Bale is excellent and the training processes of the 'clerics' is a fascinating concept. Great ending, too.

bought for the family they are massive fans of the matrix and told my husband that he would enjoy this film , they were right he loved it and they all watch it regularly it is set to be a family classic.

The action scenes were good but could be boring in places and if did not concentrate then lost the plot. Acting was good but I would certainly not put this in the same class as the Matrix.

I hired this film on video and found it to be a great futuristic action film and so decided to buy it.

this film is unbelivable. it is very specific in its audience however as it targets mainly action/sci-fi lovers. it is set in a city where nobody "feels" as they are made to belive by those in power that human emotion causes weakness. the main character is not well know but is, however, fantastic in his role. the story line is fantastic as it slowly allows the audience to discover new insites into the film creating a new view of the overall plot every 10 minutes!!! the action is very "matrix" styled but is more realistic in a very unreal way. as a single film it is easier to follow than the matrix but is still up to standard. not a well heard of film in my opinion but SO WORTH WATCHING!!! i have watched this film about 5 or 6 times since purchasing it and in about 2 months i still havent got bored of it. 10/10.... 110% BRILLIANT!!

A mix of the Matrix and the Wall (Pink Floyde)not to everyone's taste but I like it. A dark movie with undertones of Big Brother and Orwellian society. Great photography only a rock sound track would have made it better - Oh nd they includded a puppy too!

A brilliant film for us sci-fi enthusiasts,a mixture of martial arts meets george orwell meets the matrix, absolutely spellbinding.

Excellent DVD, and Excellent Ebay Seller, I'm very pleased. The DVD was sent out quickly and I received it in excellent condition. The DVD itself was excellent, I really enjoyed watching the film. Thanks Very Much xxxx

i realy liked this film, its a bit like the matrix ,so if you liked the matrix collection you will love this,set in the future 1 man steps out of the bubble and starts thinking for himself, great escape from reality!

Fantastic quality, better than the video. Christian Bale was absolutely brilliant in this action packed film, I thought Matrix was out of this world - but Equilibrium rates the best. GREAT MOVIE.

I like the main actor for a start! Christian Bale. At first the film looks like it's just all about shooting people, but keep with it, as there's a good story, and it progresses nicely. I love the special effect fight scenes! There's toughness and human kindness in there aswell, towards the puppy that he rescues and his children.

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Saw this on TV and just had to have it in my collection.
Christian Bale plays a blinder in this movie.
The world is at peace with humans having no feelings due to a drug they have to take.
The action is fast and furious its a great movie

Equilibrium is The Matrix meets Fahrenheit 451. It has a lot of sci-fi movie references: 1984, Logan’s Run, THX-1138, Robocop, Gattaca, the original 1920s Metropolis – you name it. It even steals outright a famous shot from Blade Runner!

If you like those movies, you will enjoy it.

"Equilibrium" is what George Orwell might have imagined had today's mood-altering drug therapy been envisioned by chemists in 1949. I mean that without sarcasm.

This inventive, low-budget science-fiction movie stands on its own, from its bracing, ingenious fight sequences to its literate roots in dystopian fiction.

The action scenes are well choreographed and quite stunning to watch. Equilibrium is a definite crowd pleaser. Besides, as one critic has pointed out: it is difficult to dislike a movie in which the art, poetry and classical music lovers are the heroes .

Again, if you like sci-fi/FX movies, please take a look on it.
Be aware that the "cinema critics" always said this movie is CRAP... but I read the same spots about tones of great movies... sometimes I think they're too SNOB to enjoy any kind of movie.

Have been meaning to add this title to my collection for a long time, I love the film, very stylish and a fantastic story line. This film deserves more credit than it got, mainly due to being over shadowed by the Matrix films

Kick ass movie with Christian Bale so intense, he might explode.
Fantastic entwining of political theories and explorations.
Both thumbs up!