8.1
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix (1999)
Overview
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Female Combat: Yes
Buddhism: Positive
Christianity: Positive
Hinduism: Positive
Viewer Rating
8.1
Overview
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film's central conflict, a rebellion against an oppressive, exploitative system, and its championing of revolutionary liberation and self-determination, align its dominant themes with progressive values.
The movie features a visibly diverse cast in key roles, though these characters were original creations rather than explicit race or gender swaps of pre-existing roles. The narrative critiques an oppressive system but does not explicitly portray traditional identities negatively as a central theme.
Secondary
While not explicitly featuring LGBTQ+ characters, 'The Matrix' offers a profoundly positive allegorical portrayal of self-discovery and authenticity. Its themes of choosing one's true identity and breaking free from societal constructs resonate strongly with queer experiences, affirmed by the directors' own perspectives.
The Matrix, co-directed by trans women Lana and Lilly Wachowski, is widely interpreted as a trans allegory. Its narrative of escaping a false reality to embrace an authentic self, symbolized by Neo's transformation and the 'red pill' choice, offers a profoundly positive and affirming metaphorical portrayal of the transgender journey of self-discovery and liberation.
The film features Trinity, a skilled combatant, who demonstrates proficiency in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, successfully defeating multiple male opponents in close-quarters engagements.
The film incorporates core Buddhist philosophical concepts such as the illusory nature of reality ('there is no spoon'), the path to enlightenment, and the liberation from suffering, presenting these ideas as fundamental truths for understanding and escaping the Matrix.
The film extensively uses Christian messianic symbolism, portraying Neo as a Christ-like savior who sacrifices himself and is resurrected to bring hope and liberation to humanity, aligning with virtues of sacrifice and salvation.
Similar to Buddhism, the film draws on Hindu concepts like Maya (the world as an illusion) and Samsara (the cycle of existence within the Matrix), affirming the idea that perceived reality can be a deceptive construct from which individuals can awaken.
The Matrix (1999) is an original film with no prior source material or historical figures. All characters were created for this movie, meaning there are no pre-established canonical genders to be swapped.
The Matrix (1999) is an original film and the first depiction of its characters. There is no prior source material (comics, novels, or earlier films) that established the race of characters like Neo, Trinity, or Morpheus before this movie. Therefore, no character's race was changed from a pre-existing canonical or historical depiction.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
8.7
8.2
Critic Ratings
8.3
7.3
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