Nirvana

Watch Nirvana

"This game is so advanced... it's deadly."
  • R
  • 1996
  • 1 hr 51 min
  • 6.1  (6,995)

Nirvana is a thought-provoking science fiction film from 1997, directed by Gabriele Salvatores and starring Christopher Lambert, Diego Abatantuono, and Sergio Rubini. In a future dystopian world, we follow the story of Jimi, a successful virtual reality game designer who becomes incarcerated for illegally downloading music. While in prison, Jimi meets a fellow inmate, a hacker named Solo, who offers him an unmissable chance to escape reality for a while by entering into a new and immersive virtual reality world called "Nirvana". Though it is a forbidden game, Solo is determined to help Jimi play it, and the pair eventually manage to access the game.

Once into the game, Jimi finds himself in an artificial world where he can experience feelings and emotions he never knew existed. He meets a cast of diverse and fascinating characters, including the enigmatic game AI character 'Lazarus' who seems to know everything about Jimi. As Jimi tries to understand the mystery behind the game and the people in it, he embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his own life and existence.

The film takes viewers on a series of elaborate visual and philosophical explorations that blur reality with the virtual world. It creates an impressive and imaginative portrayal of the future and speaks to the growing obsession society has with technology and escapism. Salvatores' vision of the future is the perfect representation of a postmodern expression of loss and isolation, brilliantly executed with special effects and a captivating storyline.

Lambert's portrayal of Jimi is particularly captivating, as he is able to convey the character's emotional journey perfectly. Jimi's experiences within the virtual reality of Nirvana awaken his emotions and take him on a path of self-discovery that ultimately leads him to question his own existence. The movie carefully balances the escapism of virtual reality with the struggles and pains of real life, showing how life isn’t always perfect inside or outside of the game.

Nirvana delivers a unique and thought-provoking story that explores love, loss, identity, and humanity. It has an imaginative narrative and creative themes that are sure to delight both science fiction enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Salvatores' vision of the future is an important reminder for us all to remember the power of our individual spirits and the fragility of the world we’re creating.

Overall, Nirvana is a timeless and unforgettable film that manages to explore deep themes while still being enjoyable and fun to watch. It offers an immersive and exciting dystopian story that will keep you on your toes, with a great performance by Lambert at its center. A true masterpiece when it comes to exploring the relationship between reality and the virtual world, Nirvana is a must-see for lovers of science fiction, virtual reality, and post-apocalyptic movies alike.

Nirvana
Nirvana doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1996
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 51 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (6,995)