Blue pill, Red pill
On the previous G Note, I shared a Taoist tale that offers us an interesting option to deal with this polarised world we live in.
Today, let's check a more contemporary story.
When I presented these G Notes, I mentioned the term red pills. But, maybe not everyone's familiar with the concept or aware of its importance.
The "red pill or blue pill" is an idea/concept that became popular because of the 1999 movie, "The Matrix".
Before you stop reading, please allow me a few more words...
I know "The Matrix" can be a somewhat polarising movie. It's one of those, that you either love it or couldn't care less about it. Curious… I’ve just used the word polarising…
Anyway, when it premiered, in 1999, it was considered revolutionising due to it's stunning special effects.
I remember loving it, not only because of that, but also because of the wonderfully choreographed action scenes. However, I was young at that time, immature and I missed much of the point of the movie.
"The Matrix", just like many other movies, books or even songs, is something you need to revisit from time to time. It's one of those pieces of Art, that will have a different impact, considering the stage of life you find yourself at.
I'm not much of a guy to repeat movies - i really haven't done it many times. But "The Matrix" was one of the very few exceptions. I've watched it three times, so far.
But getting back to the central point... the "red pill, blue pill" expression refers to a moment of the movie, where Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) offers Neo (Keanu Reeves) the chance of taking a red pill or a blue pill. One will take him back to his normal life and daily routine and the other one, will open his mind to what's happening behind what is perceived as truth - it's what some people would call, an awakening - the possibility of, willingly, becoming aware of a potentially unsettling truth.
And this, is the turning point of the movie. This is when things get interesting. Yes, there are a lot of special effects, yes, there are some exhilarating kick-ass scenes, yes, the photography side of this movie is stunning, but - to me - the real kick in the nuts, is that "red pill, blue pill" scene, which acts as a catalyst to the message of this movie.
still of the "red pill, blue pill" scene from "The Matrix"
If you're not familiar with "The Matrix", there are four movies. The original trilogy and a more recent one, released in 2021. And, unconfirmed news, say there will be a fifth movie.
But, IMHO, the one that is really worth watching, is the first one, from 1999, simply titled as "The Matrix". The other two are cool to watch too if you like special effects and kick-ass scenes. They have some good lines too. And then, the most recent one (2021)... it's just for nostalgia. Nothing new to see there.
Bottom line: the real story/lesson is in the first movie.
The funny thing is: this movie is now 25 years old. Its message was as powerful and meaningful back in 1999 as it is today. That alone, should prove its value.
Which leads me to the important questions:
Have you ever allowed yourself to experience a "red pill, blue pill" situation in your life?
Have you ever taken the "red pill"? How did it change you/your life?
There's some serious food for thought 😉 and, if you want to share your answers, feel free to use the comments box bellow or DM me.
image created with A.I. / © Gonçalo M. Catarino
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