Watch
Equilibrium

Equilibrium

2002
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 47m
In a futuristic world, a strict regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions: books, art and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Cleric John Preston (Bale) is a top ranking government agent responsible for destroying those who resist the rules. When he misses a dose of Prozium, a mind-altering drug that hinders emotion, Preston, who has been trained to enforce the strict laws of the new regime, suddenly becomes the only person capable of overthrowing it.
Your probable score
?

Equilibrium

2002
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 47m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 52.11% from 8309 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(8309)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 18 Jan 2024
82
51st
A movie made for those who couldn't be bothered to read 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, but kinda liked The Matrix.
Rated 18 Mar 2009
77
29th
Redundant. The action sequences feel like a video game on easy difficulty, and it seemed to me that they were merely trying to capitalize on the type of action found in The Matrix. The premise is a simplistic dystopia whose potential is grossly underutilized, especially as compared to many other literary and film works that have already explored this. For a movie about "feelings", this one left me unmoved. I still found the movie moderately entertaining (mainly for its ludicrous "gun katas").
Rated 18 Nov 2012
81
75th
Heavy on the philosophy and with wonderful Hong Kong style action visuals. The philosophy is subversive: the film's answer to the question it poses is a pretty unhappy one, what it has to say about being human isn't too optimistic! It's smart and wry, but doesn't have the cheery wit and Hollywood gloss of the first Matrix movie that would endear it to a mainstream audience. As a fan of Hong Kong action cinema, and thoughtful sci-fi where there are no easy answers, I liked it very much.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
62nd
Equilibrium borrows pretty much all of it's story elements from other sources, then dumbs them down a bit. This would make the movie terrible if it wasn't for the pretty sweet action scenes and Christian Bale being awesome. Sean Bean is good as well, in his minor role. Worth seeing for the action as it is quite different.
Rated 27 Apr 2008
55
21st
A movie gutted by performances that completely belie the plot. Emotions are supposed to be almost totally suppressed, but smiling, anger and smug satisfaction abound in this movie. Wimmer ignores the restrictions the story imposed on him and consequently this comes off as a shallow, muddled mess.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
79th
An enjoyable film that celebrates the power of puppies. Who can argue with that?
Rated 26 May 2007
65
62nd
Don't touch my fucking puppy.
Rated 06 Aug 2009
40
2nd
I will never understand everyone's love for this movie. Its an absolute rip off of Matrix/1984/Fahrenheit 451. Gun-kata is for 12 year olds and manchildren and every single action scene plays out like it was written by people on GameFAQs on the fanfiction board. The dystopian future is handled in the most hamfisted way possible its absolutely ridiculous. Bales worst role and I genuinely feel bad for him for being in this movie that settles for banality and out right plagarism.
Rated 01 Sep 2011
60
53rd
Christian Bale racks up a body count of 118 people. That alone is enough for me to enjoy a lot about it. Did I mention Bale smacks down 118 people?
Rated 10 Aug 2014
2
15th
Good lord, this movie is fucking stupid.
Rated 11 Nov 2014
52
24th
Finally a movie that combines everything we love about gunfights with everything we love about ballet. It's like they saw Desperado and said, "What we lack in long haired Spaniards, we'll make up for in elegant vogue moves."
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
97th
To say that this movie borrows heavily from Fahrenheit 451 is like saying Charles Barkley borrows heavily from that loan shark Guido who lurks in the shadows behind Kenny's Sports Bar and Grill in Tuscon, Arizona. But what it has that Charles Barkley doesn't? F-ing Gun-kata, that's what.
Rated 15 Nov 2008
50
21st
too many inconsistencies and contradictions makes this film impossible to work. not so stylish as it aches to be. the symbols are very lame, especially the color red. horrible ending.
Rated 03 Dec 2009
83
77th
This movie wanted me to get a black coat more than The Matrix. I think that's relevant.
Rated 26 Nov 2010
80
78th
Pretty good movie. I'm a big fan of dystopian themed stories and while it doesn't do anything with the genre that hasn't been done before, I still thought it was a pretty good time. Both Bale and the action scenes are truly great, and the strongest part of the script is when Bale is feeling emotions for the first time. Also that dog was cute as all hell. Worth a watch.
Rated 25 May 2012
25
38th
The lamest cool movie? Or the coolest lame movie? guns.
Rated 09 Jul 2020
69
74th
As a side note: for people unable to feel thanks to drugs, they sure do express anger a lot. I guess it is better to not take seriously either, the messages are pretty heavy handed.
Rated 28 Mar 2021
85
73rd
It was sold as a Matrix clone when really it was the first in a series of post-9/11 films dealing with the anxiety that society was heading to a totalitarian regime. The Nolan-esque conflict pits those with emotions versus stoic people enforcing a big lie. Bale is awesome, with cool fight scenes and a great arc that ends with a fantastic catharsis. It does lose a point for a Fox News inspired backstory that says this world all began because of hate crime legislation. Still, highly underrated.
Rated 16 Jan 2007
90
89th
Equilibrium has a clever mix of many literary works that together make it not only smart, but unexpectedly unique. The style of action only enhances the films individuality and the point that everyone has the right to individuality. Not only is it a very fun action film, but it has a unique point that will lead to it being compared to many futures films. Awesome!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
95th
One of my most watched films, ever. Kurt Wimmer = god-of-made-up-martial-arts-that-kicks-ass-literally.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
59
36th
Cool fight scenes. But it's basically an amalgam of every dystopian novel/movie that's ever been made. Good, but not better than the Matrix.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
25
14th
A sub-par action movie that tries but fails to have meaning.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
35
20th
This movie was better when it was called Fahrenheit 451 and Logan's run.
Rated 17 Oct 2007
98
95th
Great movie with an excellent plot with even better message!
Rated 24 Nov 2007
76
56th
An underdog who never got the attention it deserved.
Rated 11 Dec 2007
35
13th
A blatant attempt to capitalize on the popularity of The Matrix, w/some Fahrenheit 451, 1984, Brave New World, & Blade Runner thrown in. But mixing otherwise good ingredients is no promise that they will blend well. It's heavy-handed, shallow, & predictable at most every turn. Attempts at symbolism come out cliche. Nuance has no place. As a bonus, the acting is either wooden or over the top and the obviously low budget doesn't even provide a plausible futuristic dystopia.
Rated 16 Apr 2008
67
62nd
A cool concept, a good cast, and excellent production design really aren't enough to overcome this film's two huge problems: the laughable absurdity of "gun-kata", and the total failure of the performances to convey Prozium usage. Pretty enjoyable, but in the way carnival food is.
Rated 10 May 2008
54
22nd
The gunfights are fun, but the attempted story is dreadfully tedious.
Rated 05 Jun 2008
65
68th
the story is half "brave new world" and half "1984" with a dash of "fahrenheit 451", and the plot is a little thin. Some of the fight sequences are over the top, and the musical score is very stale. even with all these flaws, christian bale's great performance, solid art directing and the final showdown sequence redeems the movie. A true spiritual successor to the Matrix. and btw, Bale is probably the only person who can pull off that white suit.
Rated 07 Dec 2008
100
95th
1984!
Rated 16 Jan 2009
67
49th
Borrows most everything from other sources, as others have agreed as a group. A sub-par movie that is carried by Bale. Decent and it won't be remembered by me in the future as anything even slightly memorable.
Rated 15 Mar 2009
9
1st
this movie has the worst story line in the world! The action is just plain dumb period! Do you think doing a flip when 50 guys with machine guns are shooting at you is going to stop them from hitting you?? the people who mad this movie do!
Rated 22 Jun 2009
80
81st
Definetly one of my favourite movies from Bale. The story is dark and believable as a sci-fi future world. The action in exciing and unique. Bale carefully balances being void of emotion without seeming to robotic. I love the 1984 overtones.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
77
69th
Pretty retarded premise. Pretty awesome movie. Some people say that Christian Bale plays the same person over and over again. I wonder if this is the film that got him typecast.
Rated 04 Jan 2010
94
98th
Terrific dystophia. Very dark, just as it should be. Reminds me of 1984 at times and has partly the same background and emotional problems. Christian Bale played a terrific role and the action scenes in which he was to be seen were just marvelous! Immediately on of my favourits!
Rated 18 Jan 2010
50
43rd
Ahh Equilibrium. A movie so dumb, they named it twice. Also known as Cubic, this Matrixy take on 1984 is stupid as hell, but Bale does his best to keep it together. It has puppies and Emily Watson, but still... Gun-Fu, Kurt?
Rated 03 Mar 2010
76
56th
Has fight scenes that rival the Matrix and it's Big Brother plot will satisfy you enough.
Rated 18 Sep 2010
95
94th
This is a really cool movie. The plot is excellent, the action is well done. The acting and cinematography is great. I liked it more the second time around.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
68
65th
Amazing production and effects for a smaller film, a Fahrenheit 451 meets V for Vendetta = perfect audition for Batman kinda deal. :)
Rated 09 Oct 2010
40
31st
Even though pretty much all of the characters are supposed to be without emotion, the actors portraying them are unable to keep a straight face. The action scenes are fairly well done, especially one near the ending, but they are too few and far between to keep the film exciting. The most memorable thing about Equilibrium is the fact that there is a really cute dog in it. The dog actually only plays a small role, and yet still manages to be the most entertaining part of the entire production.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
40
5th
Total bullshit - you need to have lobotomy if you want to enjoy it...
Rated 24 Feb 2011
78
74th
1984 fifty years later. Pretty decent, but ending is predictable.
Rated 15 May 2011
10
97th
I seriously had no idea what this movie was about when rented it but boy was I amazed . Sean Bean and Christian Bale are ofcourse great actors , but in this movie Bale exceeds all my expections . Not only does this movie has action that will make you speechless , the story itself intrigues me . The movie can make you laugh and cry at the same time . Brilliant action scenes , a good story and great acting : Equilibrium .
Rated 14 Dec 2011
73
37th
There is nothing really new in this film but it is still quite enjoyable. Christian Bale is well cast in the lead role, the whole movie revolves around his character. If you are a fan of stories like 1984 than you should check this one out.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
50
13th
I found the premise to be almost laughably bad. The fight scenes were pretty much the only thing that got me through; however, the ending was decent. The acting was pretty bad, even Bale was a bit wooden. Definitely didn't live up to the hype I've heard about it.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
91
99th
Yes I know it's basically Fahrenheit 451 meets the matrix but it's still a hell of a fun ride and not early as stupid as people might think. Well acted with an interesting take on a relatively classic if standard story.
Rated 25 Oct 2012
50
25th
I love how seriously this film takes itself, the atmosphere provides a stark and hilarious contrast with the stupid dialogue and absurd action scenes.
Rated 12 Jan 2013
70
47th
Despite a flawed premise and a weak plot, I thought it was still very entertaining.
Rated 18 Jan 2013
100
97th
An underrated masterpiece. I could go on...the stylistic features such as the action scenes, the surprising emotional core, the superb acting - especially Christian Bale, who possibly cannot be matched in several aspects of the film - and the beautiful depth of the storyline. There is more to this film than you will expect - it's just so beautiful in more ways than one.
Rated 20 Feb 2013
66
50th
It borrows heavily from many iconic sci-fi books and movies, but I didn't mind that. The action is pretty cool. And Christian Bale is the badass you expect him to be. It's a fun movie and one you should see, even if it won't be remembered as a masterpiece of the genre.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
60
47th
Decent movie. I think it could have been a bit more clear early on what the fuck was happening though.
Rated 03 Jan 2014
37
15th
Equilibrium is a reheated mishmash of other sci-fi movies.
Rated 16 Feb 2014
71
73rd
A good sci fi picture with excellent choreography and drab visuals to emphasise the dystopian nature of the world. A little preachy though in its message.Good acting.
Rated 03 Apr 2014
9
21st
I'm an INTP so obviously I didn't like this.
Rated 01 Jan 2015
70
56th
A solid Christian Bale-led sci-fi flick. The supporting cast is uninspired, and the story is quite lacking in depth; yet Bale does really well with his role and the interesting premise. The fight scenes are also really nice and reminiscent of The Matrix Trilogy. Its a solid flick.
Rated 30 Jun 2015
55
24th
Forget The Matrix, this evokes much older dystopias, like those of 1984 or Slan: a crumbling yet sterile urban setting subject to the whims of a reclusive dictator. The premise is an utter gimmick--"emotions are forbidden on pain of death" is as pure as oppression can get. The cast is strong enough to leave one wishing for more substance than the film provides. The "gun kata" is introduced with some fanfare, but it ultimately proves meaningless, although those action scenes are pretty cool.
Rated 13 Jul 2016
60
25th
Smack dab in the era of Matrix rip-offs, Equilibrium was extremely cool if you were between the ages of 12-20 in 2002. It is silly and akin to a video game now.
Rated 11 Jan 2017
94
81st
Sleeper hit, take notice. This film flew so far under the radar its a crime. Great action, interesting plot, and karate-guns. Throw in a little totalitarian governmental structure and a ninja bullet-faucet Messiah and you've got yourself a film. A damn enjoyable film. This movie came out before the matrix
Rated 04 Aug 2017
62
49th
A generic dystopian plot and too many cues from other movies mar an otherwise competent, well-acted action movie.
Rated 13 Sep 2017
64
61st
Well made futuristic sci-fi thriller (especially for a supposed 20 million dollar budget). The whole look and the effects are all quite well done. The action scenes are good, the script is a bit far fetched, but that's ok. I actually prefer Wimmer's Ultraviolet, which is another of his futuristic stories.
Rated 01 Feb 2018
80
62nd
Rock solid futuristic action movie with social commentary. Just the right amount of twists and preaching. Only some logical fallacies keep this from a better rating. Oh, and Christian Bale is the man.
Rated 16 Apr 2018
72
43rd
why the fuck sean bean played so few? yea i said that. suck it!
Rated 09 Jul 2018
50
24th
High-powered trashy action movie: flamboyant editing, stylish plays with light and shadow, good score. The acting and plot are both mediocre.
Rated 12 Oct 2018
100
0th
Two words: Gun Kata. Kind of Matrix meets V for Vendetta, this unassumingly low-budget film is a great watch for all levels of attentive involvement.
Rated 25 Feb 2019
75
27th
Ridiculous fight coreography
Rated 16 Dec 2019
78
79th
a nice distopic tale before v for vendetta. all prozacs to trash bags mates.
Rated 02 Jan 2020
64
26th
Gloomy and oppressive MATRIX/1984 hybrid is technically well executed, but needlessly convoluted and unclear regarding the "rules" of the dystopic world it invokes; as noted by others, the passionate propaganda espoused by the Big Brother here seems unnecessary in a world robbed of emotion! Bale, trapped in a post-Bateman portrait of scowling intensity, is always watchable, and a well-stocked supporting cast does its best, but we've seen the same essential story too many times before.
Rated 25 Nov 2006
6
55th
A Matrix wannabe but still not bad.
Rated 06 Dec 2006
25
14th
Awesome fight scene, AWFUL PLOT.
Rated 10 Dec 2006
75
44th
Nothing particularly new here but still a fun ride.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
90
94th
Stylish and fun. Bale is always great to watch and the story's pretty well done.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
80
66th
Matrix - like? Yeah... but not.
Rated 03 Jan 2007
70
25th
weak story, but some good action.
Rated 12 Jan 2007
60
47th
Good action flick with a decent setting, as long as you don't try to look past that.
Rated 20 Feb 2007
85
71st
Good stuff.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
55
49th
Good film.
Rated 25 Feb 2007
40
0th
Simplesmente um roteiro porco, mal elaborado, e, logo, inverossímel. Não posso entender como um trabalho de tamanho mal gosto possa ser cultuado por alguém que se diz cinéfilo. Posso apontar diversos lapsos vergonhosos dessa bodega; mas conservo minha humildade em reconhecer que as cenas de ação são maravilhosas, e evoluem sempre de forma a revigorar a exibição. Kurt Wimmer se mostrou um criativo coreógrafo de cenas de tiro; um diretor razoável, com bons momentos; mas um roteirista esquálido.
Rated 16 Mar 2007
80
60th
Ripped off plot but amazing action sequences. Kiss your ass good bye matrix.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
78
50th
It isn't the "Matrix Killer" its DVD case proudly proclaims it to be, but it was pretty slick and a LOT better than the director's next, "Ultraviolet".
Rated 01 Apr 2007
90
89th
Great action movie.
Rated 01 Apr 2007
5
1st
As far as gimmicked works are concerned, this joins the canon with the likes of R. Kelley, Ray Jay Johnson and Steve Urkel.
Rated 16 Apr 2007
66
69th
Equilibrium is a good film but does have some flaws, mainly due to the emphasis on hidden meanings which seem to be entirely abscent. The action was also mixed with a disappointing ending fight scene, things only picked up again for the final showdown with rather contrived enemy of "The Father". Close, but not quite.
Rated 02 May 2007
50
18th
Somewhere between 1984, The Matrix, and Fahrenheit 451. I don't remember a whole lot about this movie.
Rated 27 May 2007
82
89th
One of my all-time favorite films. If you can suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours, permit the obvious inspiration from 1984 and temporarily ignore dir. Wimmer's subsequent film this movie will not only thoroughly entertain you with its comic-book type action scenes but also reach out to chill your bones with this pale, emotionless world. It is a story about a man who must revitalize his world - how can it not be good?
Rated 20 Jun 2007
65
44th
I wanted to like this movie, but they didn't develop the dystopian society or characters beyond the very simple premise. The Gun-Fu was cool, and Christian Bale does the ultra-serious face well. However, it's never good when a movie reminds me of that Aeon Flux abomination...
Rated 11 Jul 2007
2
33rd
Poor man's Matrix. Kind of lame and derivative.
Rated 12 Aug 2007
84
50th
The plot can be a little convoluted, but the action scenes in this movie are top notch.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
51st
Slightly better than the average dystopia, but the end is a letdown.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
46th
Christian Bale is sick and gun-fu rules
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
64th
Not bad...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
64th
Plot is a little weak, but the action scenes are a sight to behold.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
86th
Sure it borrows liberally from Fahrenheit 451 and 1984, but that doesn't make this a bad movie by any means. In this day and age we can always use another warning about totalirarian governments trying to crontrol our hearts and minds through deception. Oh, and the gun-fu invented for this movie is totally badass! :)
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
41st
It might've deserved a little more press than it got, but this is basically just Boondock Saints in the future. With one guy. And a dystopia. This comparison is getting worse the more I think about it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
20
2nd
If you haven't read 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, or any of the other futuristic dystopian stories, do that, and then forget that this film ever existed. Gunplay is fun to watch, but there are much better ways to demonstrate that than hiding behind a complete ripoff of a plot.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
52nd
Beats the Matrix for sure.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
57th
1984 meets The Matrix. A sleek little dystopian sci-fi thriller that would have rated higher than this if not for slipping a lot in the last 15 minutes.
Rated 21 Aug 2007
94
89th
Christian Bale can do no wrong. And this movie was just plain kick ass. Gunkata? *brilliant*
Rated 02 Sep 2007
90
76th
90
Rated 03 Sep 2007
95
84th
Not many movies I've seen surprised me in a positive way like this one. Totally amazing movie. Sorta 1984 Matrix cocktail. You won't regret it. Promise.
Rated 04 Sep 2007
52
34th
Very stylish and action-y, but it's kind of more of the same when it comes to the Dystopia Future stuff.

Collections

(42)
Compact view
Showing 1 - 24 of 42 results

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...