Neo vs Merovingian | The Matrix Reloaded [IMAX] 

Neo: blocks a whole ass sword bare handed and only bleeds a little Merovingian: "this dude weak as shit"

Best part about this fight: decent length stable shots. Most modern movie fights would have 10,000 cuts. Here, you can actually see WTF is going on

This scene is amazing not only because of the fight itself, but also because of how much Matrix lore is explored here without telling the audience anything, perfectly implementing "show, don't tell". Merovingian is a program from an older version of the Matrix, who lives by collecting other outdated programs and giving them shelter from agents who look for abnormalities to delete. All of his "men" who are fighting here are actually programs, not people. They all exist in human folklore as legendary creatures, because some people actually have seen them, before agents got to them or they flet to Merovingian. We learn Merovingian collects them because "they are hard to kill". And we actually see this, visualized: 1. *The twins are the "ghost" programs,* the most powerful ones, because it's almost impossible to kill them due to their phasing ability. During the chase scene we see they are even more talented in chasing Zionians than agents. 2. In the 3rd film we learn Seraph, who is *an angel program* (very powerful programs, capable of beating agents 1 on 1), was also once a property of Merovingian. We see another angel program here, it's the asian guy in white clothes and black glasses - similar attire to that of Seraph. He also dies last, which proves he really is hardest to kill of all programs Neo fought. Neo can kill any agent with just a few hits, which he displayed before. 3. *Next in the hierarchy of being "hard to kill" are vampires.* There are 3 vampire programs in this fight. All are dressed the same, in black clothes, with black sunglasses. If you played the canon Matrix game, you'll know that the only way to kill them is to impale them, like the actual vampires from the folklore. This is why they get up no matter how many times Neo hits them. Eventually, Neo figures this out, or just impales them by accident and they all die. First guy is impaled with a sword. Next with a trident, and the last one is hit with a spike from the large morning star by the angel guy. 4. *Least powerful are the werewolves programs.* They have no sunglasses, and they're dressed kind of randomly, that's how you can tell them apart from the other programs. Perhaps they do not wear fancy clothes and glasses because they'd be destroyed when they change anyway? Regardless, they are supposed to be more durable than humans, but clearly aren't that tough. Persephone kills Kain, one of them with a silver bullet, which is probably a way to bypass their durability completely, the other two go down when Neo hits them a single time, (one is kicked thru a statue and never gets back up, the other is hit with a mace) indicating they are even less durable than the agents.

Twenty years later, I’m still looking up and watching this scene on a regular basis. Brilliant.

The choreography in this scene is INSANE.. I like how the people that aren't directly fighting Neo aren't just standing around or looking the fight.. the "engaging, falling back and re-engaging" sequence is so smoothly done considering that are a lot of people in the scene

Merovingian: "You see he's just a man". Neo: summons weapons with his thoughts.

This film came out in 2003 and still looks better then films today. Wonderful job.

20 years later and still the best action sequence ever filmed

One thing I love the most about the Matrix movies is how stable the camera is during the fight scenes. Nowadays we get camera's shaking like the cameraman is having a seizure

I love how Neo doesnt sweat or look like he is even breathing, everything he does just looks effortless, really locks down the fantasy of the world they created.

two more brilliant things about this fight scene: 1.: neo ends the fight at the same place where it's getting started. 2.: it's not getting easier for neo during the fight because of the lack of opponnents. it's even getting more dynamic. very well made!

I've always loved the subtle posture change by Merovingian @ 1:05 where he goes from a relaxed, hands behind his back to a more guarded posture with arms when he sees Neo styling on his henchmen.

The music in this is one of the best parts of the whole trilogy.

Neo: "What are you trying to tell me? That I can dodge bullets?" Morpheus: "No, Neo. I'm trying to tell you that when you're ready, you won't have to."

That raised eyebrow The Merovingian gives at 1:32 when Neo blocks that sword attack with his hand cracks me up every time. As if he was legitimately going to be surprised/concerned if Neo didn’t bleed from that bare handed block 😂😂

For any who didn't get to see these films when they originally released, you really can't imagine how amazing these were to witness at the time. There was truly nothing else like them. The first one especially holds up well but I personally enjoy the sequels as well.

The Merovingian just standing there in the background like an 80s videogame boss.

It's insane how much better shot, edited, and choreographed this one sequence is than ANYTHING in The Matrix Resurrections. Look at how the action flows, the camera moves around with the actors. Cuts happen at a reasonable pace and match the action. Aside from the CG ghosts and stopped bullets, everything is practical effects and stuntwork. And this is just one scene, the trilogy is full of great action.

I know I'm like the millionth person to say this, but this whole scene is masterful in its direction. You can see EVERYTHING that's going on. You're never unsure where everyone is in the room. They just let the camera roll for 10-15 seconds before a cut. Even the few rapid fire cuts are steady shots with the camera. Kudos to the directors and cameramen for shooting this so well, and to the editor for making this incredibly easy to follow

This scene was absolutely killer, the way the moves go and how quick they are, and so really looks is amazing

almost 20 years old and still incredible by todays standards, the use of actual people fighting in fight scenes just makes it so much better then going all out CGI which they could have easily done.

I like how, when he stops the blade with his hand, the Merovingian--even if for only one second--is genuinely impressed.

The fact this has 39M views and was only uploaded 3 years ago shows how iconic this fight scene is

20 years later and this whole scene is like a renaissance painting.

Keanu apparently trained for 8 months learning how to stop those bullet with his mind.

Some Fun Facts: Keanu Reeves' stunt double here and the other Matrix movies, was Chad Stahelski. You may know him as one of the creators and the director of the John Wick franchise. Basically, John Wick & Matrix movies had the same stunt team. The Asian dude, with the cream coloured outfit, who gets killed last by Neo, is Tiger Chen. You may recognise him from John Wick 3, he's the guy who gets the knife in the eye. Keanu & Tiger are actually good friends and Keanu has directed a martial arts action movie, starring Tiger Chen, called ''Man of Tai Chi'', he also plays the villain in this and gets his ass kicked by Tiger for a change. Also, the fight choreography here was done by Yuen Woo-ping, legendary Hong Kong fight coordinator who has worked on tons of movies like the Ip Man series, Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill, tons of Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies etc. The actor who plays the ''Keymaker'', is Randal Duk Kim, who also appears in the John Wick movies as the doctor of the Continental, that treats John Wick's wounds in the first & third movie.

The Matrix was such a huge stepping stone for movies! The CGI and Choreography are incredible.

I want to give a shoutout to the music in this scene. I just love how it slowly builds up in intensity stronger and stronger as the fight progresses, and that sudden cutoff when Neo kills the last vampire is just perfect.

Pretty cool how Neo can change reality at will, yet chooses to beat up his adversaries, taking his own time to kill them, just so the fight scene can be choreographed to an exceptional level. He chose cinema.

The cut scene in Matrix slo mo of Neo flipping upside down onto the balcony and everyone else defying laws of physics leaping and running after him is like a beautiful, surrealistic painting. Cinematographic solid gold. Always brings me chills to see it.

What i love about this fight scene is how neo is aware of their every move even when they aren't in his line of sight. Its incredibly well thought out in terms of choreography and in the world building..

Almost everything in this scene is so beautiful and stylish. I'm crying and applauding inside.

Imagine what this guy would do if someone killed his dog and stole his favorite car.

I love how Merovingian is just standing there at 3:35. It just likes the final boss of a video game! :) You have to take care of its crew before killing the final boss

This fight scene will NEVER get old. Absolutely perfect choreography

I was 9 years old when I fell in love with the matrix. I’m basically 30 now, and I’m still in love. These movies were soooo ahead of its time. 🕶️

anyone else came here from matrix 4 to bleech their eyes on some good action fighting? Makes you appriciate these movies even more

*stops bullets with his mind* “... kill him.” Henchman: bruh

3:37 coolest part of the fight and the song, it's just so cool seeing neo going back and forth kicking ass

Still one of the cleanest fight scenes ever even with the exaggerated jumping and powers from the matrix the actual combat is very authentic and proper

"Your predecessors had much more respect" That line implies that the Merovingian has remained active despite The Matrix reloading six times which is interesting

Masterclass in filmmaking. Well prepared actors and stuntmen who are TOP NOTCH in their field. Fantastic choreography and skill to pull off everything that's happening , and there's ALOT!!!. No shaky cam or film cuts. almost like the entire scene was shot once. Wide angles and sweeping camera moves make the fight seem massive.. Just perfect

There's one little moment at 3:11 where Neo, at the end of a swing, blocks an incoming attack without moving his sword; the strength and physical robustness needed to maintain form like that at the end of your own outward movement is incredible. I swear there's hardly a wasted frame in this fight, it's truly remarkable.

Neo: *stops a barrage of bullets* Merovingian: It is obvious that this contest cannot be decided by our knowledge of the force

A rare moment in film where EVERY aspect is exemplary. The choreography, the performers, the camera work, the music, the effects, the sound, the set design, the costume design, everything.

This for me is the best fight scene of all time....... like you can't get better than this

It's top 10 fight scene in the whole movie industry, the music and set-up are just from another level !!!

You see he's just a man Litrially 2 seconds later: Does a 6 meter backflip and uses the force

And people blasted this movie and it's successor. Compared to the crap coming out today, its a masterpiece.

I can’t believe with the amount of swords and knives on the wall, This guy choose a pitchfork 😂

Can we appreciate how, with the exception of Neo blocking the sword with his bare hand, no one landed a single hit on him? (And, even then, that block can't be considered a clean hit.)

Had to come back to this scene after watching the action scenes in Resurrections. The original trilogy was fantastic.

BRO THIS WAS MADE IN 2003!!!! I still come back to this and cant beleive how good this was. Definitely my favourite fight scene in the series.

The year was 2003 & Neo was a super cool hero...😊

This is one of the best fight scenes ever. Very well done and I really liked how Neo used the Sai's. It's not a weapon you see a whole lot of. At least in American movies.

You can tell this scene is an actual love letter to stuntmen. Every fall, every crash is shown on the huge screen, slow mo, focused and makes everyone appreciate the amount of blood, sweat and tears these guys go thru to get this done.

This scene never gets old

Best fight on Cinema History. Period.

This is one of my favorite fight scenes in this movie. Neo kicks ass like a one man army. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Almost 20 yrs, this scene is still so cool

The choreography in this scene is second to none. The music, action, moves, the characters, the actors and the angles, everything is absolutely perfect.

I'll handle them, you'll handle us he took that personal lmao.

Choregraphy, stunts, camera work, editing, sound mixing, music, all absolutely marvelous

Bruh.. that man Keanu honestly a legend...

Best part about this, no shaky camera to hide the mistakes. Everyone in these fight scenes performed flawlessly.

The continuity of the whole scene is perfect, if you see someone get hit, they dont get up later or appear as a background character waiting for their turn, since everybody is attacking with inhuman strength, once hit its one down Also, the fighter in here 2:25, once hit appears later in 2:37 and 2:56 still dismayed until woke up until 3:13 best part is 2:51, this one is one continuous Keanu Reeves using a sword against a trident in an excellent show of abilities But to top it of, when fighting the broad sword bald fella 3:04, Neo manages to connect a cut on his back thats barely shown the result at 3:39, its a moment, blink and you miss, but the cut is still there Maybe the best action scene in american history in a long long while, because it has few cuts in between punches, the usage and movements while using the weapons are superbly flowing and there's a lot of continuity between everyone participating

See? He's just a man. Neo: **PROCEEDS TO USE THE FORCE**

One thing that people don't seem to mention often is how lacking the Matrix 4 soundtrack was. All the iconic action scenes from the matrix trilogy not only had amazing fight choreography but also amazing soundtracks as well. The score in these films makes all the scenes feel so much more epic. The highway chase music, the chateau fight music, the burly brawl music, the final fight between neo and smith? epic music = epic fights.

One of the biggest problems with 1 v many movie fights, they rarely show the 1 being ganged up on, it’s usually 1 or 2 enemies at a time and the defender rarely moves. Here, you see 2-3 rushing Neo at once and Neo reacting by either stunning one to fight the other or constantly changing his location to isolate one at a time. Neo is constantly moving to keep his enemies from crowding him so he can re-identify and prioritize the threats

"You see he's just a man." *Neo proceeds to backflip up 20 ft and literally just use the force to grab daggars 😂

"You see he's just a man" Proceeds to do a 20 foot backflip and use telekinesis

The choreography in this sequence is absolutely insane. One of the best fights in cinema history.

1:40 "All that... For a drop of blood?"

"You see he's just a man" Neo: flies up 40 feet, and uses the force.

I think this is my favorite fight scene in any movie ever

"You see? He's just a man." One second later Neo : *Back flip up to second floor and summons cutlery*

Keanu actually improvised this scene, he was meant to run and dodge the bullets but he surprised the whole crew by stopping the bullets mid air

I saw this in the cinema on its premiere day 20 years ago. I still remember the shakes it gave my 13 year old self

"You see he's just a man" *proceeds to backflip 20ft in the air and telekinetically summon two weapons*

It’s funny when you realise Neo is just a dude playing online with cheat codes

The choreography. The cinematography. The editing. The music. The set design. The costumes. The stunts. This is my all time favourite fight scene.

This and and the highway scenes are the most amazing pieces of cinema history.

Easily the most satisfying fight scene of the entire franchise.

This is a perfect fight scene. Continuous attacks by all attackers instead of the main character fighting one or two while the others are like 20 feet away waiting to jump in… Each attacker is legit trying to kill Neo and they actually look like they know how to use each weapon, especially the spear dude. Best and most realistic spear handling I’ve seen in any movie this far. This scene was edited well and it really focused on why Neo is the One.

It's Oct., 2020 and I'm not bored of this scene even after 17 years.

It's was time when cinema was pure masterpiece

Trivia: the man playing as the keymaker is also the surgeon that helped john wick stitch his wounds

This movie was ahead of its Time

There needs to be more appreciation of the music in this scene, it really ties it all together.

This movie is 20 years old an still looks better than 90% of the modern movies

No matter how many years have passed, I still watch The Matrix trilogy with the same fidelity that I did the first time I watched it.

Neo: *blocks hundreds of bullets by literally holding his hand up* "Okay, you have some skill."

And when I thought Keanu's era has over in the mid 2000s, He's still a living legend in 2023.

Sequences edited with rhythm. Man Oh Man!!, current action films can't even compete. I've watched this fight close to 10 times to get the stink off the 4th.

This is ONE, the best fight scene in history. Each scene filled with complex choreography, close combat, long scenes, unique, all the words. So good.

This is one of the most EPIC fight scenes in cinematic history.

The crazy thing is realizing that A LOT of these scenes are long takes, which is amazing to see such a long fight full of them since just one little screw up from anyone doing all those spins and movements means the shot is ruined and they gotta start over.

one of the most exciting fight scene in cinema history

Keanu Reeves: "So what exactly can Neo do?" Writers: "Yes"

"I have survived your predeccesors, I will survive you." is a super intriguing thing for him to say, implying Neo isn't the first to be "The One".