The
Matrix Reloaded
Over
the course of history, literature has had a tremendous impact on
the world.
Over the last couple of hundred years, no form of literature has
had a greater impact than the form called Science Fiction. Science
Fiction is a form of literature that attempts too seriously predict
certain aspects of the future. A future laced with realistic and
potentially real issues for the people of the time that the piece
is written. Often times those issues are allegorical as much as
physical and/or spiritual and the social issues and concerns of
the time are addressed. In part, good, and quality Science Fiction
becomes a parable.
Movies
have become the most widely used form of contemporary literature
and carries on those same characteristics as the print form. The
characteristics of what makes that literature good is no different
but the way of seeing it in a movie is much different. Because we
depend more on visuals as opposed to words, often times we are forced
to do more interpreting of what we are seeing and hearing. I personally
enjoy layers of thought in a movie of this nature so I can think
of the meaning far beyond the time I have spent seeing the movie.
This forces me to go see the movie repeatedly looking for the deep
meanings. I enjoy great Science Fiction, especially Science Fiction
that looks at the social issues of the time as well as has spiritual
overtones and undertones, becoming as author and friend of the book
The Reality Within The Matrix, Kristenea LaVelle
calls "a futuristic parable." Much like the stories of
Jesus that was laced with meaning beyond the surface of the story
The Matrix Reloaded gives us insight and challenge
into finding our own meaning in life.
LaVelle
best interpreted the first movie of the trilogy, The Matrix,
with a spiritual connection in her book The Reality Within
The Matrix. I had seen the original movie no less than
three times before reading her book and seeing layers and layers
of spiritual meaning behind the story. She even goes over numerous
other symbolic meanings on her website http://www.realitywithinthematrix.com/.
Her interpretations have been discussed recently in the New York
Post and numerous other forms of media around the world ranging
from print to television and radio. Her interpretations are the
most in depth that I have seen and are highly recommended to understanding
this trilogy. The search for spiritual significance within our world
is without a doubt, one of the reasons for the success of this venture.
 With
all of the above being said, The Matrix
Reloaded, is a deep, inspirational,
and thought provoking piece of literature. I will see this
one repeatedly to catch on to all of the meaning that The
Wachowski Brothers have put into this story. From
the God like character of Morpheus played by Laurence Fishburne,
the character reminding us of the Holy Spirit, Trinity, played by
Carrie-Anne Moss, to the Christ like Neo played by Keanu Reeves
we see the mixture of spiritual and reality all through the context
of this story. From the Biblical names like Lazarus to Zion one
can't help but notice the Judeo Christian values being presented.
The truth is that Mrs. LaVelle and others will have ample material
to use to write new books. Whether those views written about, or
even mine, are the actual views being addressed by the writers is
not as important as the fact that we are searching for meaning.
For those searching for meaning however, this movie, and series
will offer ample opportunity to think about the meaning portrayed
in various issues from individual choice, faith, purpose and after
life to many others. One of the beautiful things about this movie
is, is that there is so much intent put in this to address Judeo
Christian values that one who adheres to those beliefs will be extremely
pleased. It is not a stretch to say that this is in part the intent
of the writers, and directors, The Wachowski Brothers, and the producers
Bruce Berman, Grant Hill, and Joel Silver and even some of the actors
like Laurence Fishburne have stated so. They have gone as far as
of recent too specifically speak of the association in various interviews
and comments on various DVD interpretations and features on the
original The Matrix and recent print forms.
 The
movie starts where The Matrix finished, and I will
not attempt to give large degrees of interpretation here due to
the space that would be required. Just as in The Matrix,
the viewer will see innovations in film making that are state of
the art, from set designs, costumes, fight sequences, and special
effects. This movie will establish new guidelines for years to come.
I will say here that Matrix Reloaded, has the best fighting and
martial arts sequences ever filmed, surpassing Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon, and the car chase scene is superb, surpassing the
chase scene in The French Connection and Bullitt.
Each character portrays their roles extremely well and to absolute
perfection. The things mentioned above with the exception of the
acting are beyond what has ever been done in any movie. There are
some twists and turns through out the movie and some meanings, which
will need some mention without giving a spoiler review. The need
for each individual to self examine Matrix Reloaded is one of the
things I would highly recommend. Do not depend on any critic, reviewer,
or movie attendee to do that for you.
 Matrix
Reloaded takes the relationship between Neo and Trinity
much further than the original. We see the love that these characters
have for each other. They want to be with each other all of the
time and are willing to represent the other and be with the other
to the point of supreme sacrifice. I could not help but be inspired
by the love that Jesus and the Holy Spirit must have for each other.
While Matrix Reloaded explores some of that in
a most intimate way, including sexual activity, I must say that
I struggled with that portrayal as well as the portrayal of the
celebration in Zion.
For parents wanting to take children, you might want to note here
that there is nudity here as well as sexual activity and in some
scenes, scenes that resemble orgy activity. While this is not necessarily
the visual images that I would have used, I realize two things;
One is that the movie is rated R for a reason. The other is that
the story is not complete yet and there may be interpretations that
I have not thought of regarding the reason for this type of portrayal.
I only mention this because I know that this will be the number
one reason that many "Super Spiritual Giants" will criticize
this movie for. Is it worthy of criticism on this point? The truth
is probably, yes, but let us hold out on the stones that we throw
until we know the full meaning behind the reasoning.
 Another
theme explored here is the importance of choices. The theme of Predestination
or foreknowledge is explored, just as in the Bible.
We saw this to some extent in the movie Serendipity but at the same
time here, is the concept of choices and the fact that those choices
can change the future. We see this in choices throughout the film,
choices as to which door that Neo will choose? One that follows
the heart and love of another or one that looks out for the perceived
benefit of the world around him? We see it in the choices of the
Key Keeper/Maker; will he subject himself to danger to open the
door that will lead to potential salvation for all humanity? Will
Trinity sacrifice herself to save the one she loves in order to
save the world? While there are choices to be made in life we see
that we are the one making those choices. Just as Neo must make
the choice as to which door to open we must also make the choice
as if we are to open the door. The movie uses the allegory of doors
all through out. I am reminded of Jesus also using in two specific
passages speaking of searching for meaning behind doors:
Luke
13:22-30 - As Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he taught the
people in the towns and villages. Someone asked him, "Lord
are only a few people going to be saved?"
Jesus
answered:
Do
all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will
try to get in, but will not be able to. Once the owner of the
house gets up and locks the door, you will be left standing outside.
You will knock on the door and say, "Sir, open the door for
us!"
But
the owner will answer, "I don't know a thing about you!"
Then
you will start saying, "We dined with you, and you taught
in our streets."
But
he will say, "I really don't know who you are! Get away from
me, you evil people!"
Then
when you have been thrown outside, you will weep and grit your
teeth because you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all of the
prophets in God's kingdom. People will come from all directions
and sit down to feast in God's kingdom. There the ones who are
now least important will be the most important, and those who
are now most important will be least important.
The
other verse:
Revelations
3:20 - (Jesus Christ speaking) Listen! I am standing and knocking
at your door. If
you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will
eat together.
(Both
verses from Contemporary English Version, CEV)
The
comparison here is that we all have our own
individual doors to choose, will we choose Christ
or will we choose our own way? Much like Neo, both of those doors
have consequences. It is important that we base that choice on the
thing we love most though. The twist in Matrix Reloaded
is one that will certainly make the audience think. If we make our
decisions based on the one thing, we love most we can possibly have
a tremendous impact because that one thing we love most is the one
thing that has the potential for change. It is here that something
must be said about many of the discussions about The Matrix
regarding the potential to promote violence.
 My
comment is that the movie represents
a classic battle between good and evil. I believe
The Matrix and Matrix Reloaded
both represent a spiritual battle. A battle where the decisions
that are made are made ultimately, in love. Those decisions are
often made because of the love of one or in some cases because of
the love of many, but that does not change the fact that they are
made in love. It is only the machines, which I believe represent
evil and Satan that
violence occurs. This is one of the ways I believe the movie represents
the classic Judeo Christian beliefs of specifically Jesus Christ.
He did the things he did, the sacrifices, and the things to come,
based on the love of each individual on this planet. The decisions
Neo makes are also ultimately for the good of the earth and the
people caught up in the trap of the Matrix. To
get them to a place of control and freedom does not necessarily
result in all things being beautiful and perfect. There will ultimately
have to come an ultimate battle where evil is defeated for that
to take place. I'll go out on a limb here to say that I believe
that is what the third part of the story will tell, the ultimate
battle that is yet to come where all people who put their faith
and trust in Christ, just as the characters will have to in the
movie, in Neo. There is one will bring ultimate freedom in both
the movie and life. There will be a battle that ultimately brings
that into fruition.
One
of the beautiful portrayals in the movie that might be overlooked
is the story of the Key Keeper / Maker.
In many regards, he represents all of humanity. There is a wonderful
thought here that we all have a purpose on this planet and that
we have specific gifts to carry out that purpose. The concept of
all being unique and with specific purpose is wonderfully thought
out in the movie. We all have a contribution to make in life and
The Key Keeper / Maker is one that also has a specific purpose.
His purpose mirrors each of us in that we can have an impact for
good on the world around us if we use our gifts, and talents, and
stay focused. It should be noted here that while another tried to
access those talents they are only of value when used for the one
who they are intended for. The other uses death while Neo uses life
and love. Neo is the one who those talents are to benefit in the
movie just as Jesus is the one they are to benefit in real life.
1
Corinthians 12: 1-6 - My friends, you asked me about spiritual
gifts. I want you to remember that before you became followers
of the Lord, you were led in all the wrong ways by idols that
cannot even talk. Now I want you to know that if you are led by
God's Spirit, you will say that Jesus is Lord, and you will never
curse Jesus.
There
are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from
the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord,
and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in
all of us and helps us in everything we do. (CEV)
Matthew
7:7-12 - Ask, and you will receive. Search and you will find.
Knock and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will
receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be
opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry
child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give
your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you
are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But
your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to
people who ask.
Treat
others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law of
the prophets are all about. (CEV)
There
are numerous other parallels that could be mentioned. Issues of
false prophets or messiahs
are addressed when we find that Neo is another in a line of numerous
"chosen ones." However, he is different, he chooses a
different path, and he is in the form of a man while at the same
time divine. Does this sound anything like Jesus? He has the ability
to bring the dead back to life, and his power is not just for the
imagined world, it also exists in the real world. Just as the previous
predecessors before Neo kept the people in bondage and slavery,
we cannot help but believe that Neo will be the one to deliver them
from evil and to promise and hope. Rest assured, there will be deception
and war that lay ahead but the purity of the one, NEO while working
with those who love him and are a part of him will ultimately be
the factor that sets the captives free from the Matrix.
The
thoughts could go on and on, and I am sure they will in the forums
but I must give my concluding thoughts.
I do not know the exact details of how the movie trilogy will end.
Just as in life, people will make predictions and be proven wrong
regarding this movie. While the final part of the trilogy is filmed,
many edits and other things can be done to change the ending. That
does not change the truth behind the spiritual connections though.
I challenge anyone to look at this deliverer, Neo, and not see the
ultimate deliverer and savior, Jesus Christ in some form or manner.
While I have not seen the final chapter, or the script I do believe
that if done as well as the first two films, and if answering many
of the questions that many of us have, this trilogy has the potential
to go down as the best piece of Science Fiction ever written. For
that reason, alone I would recommend seeing it, as well as The
Matrix, if you have not already.
On
a scale of 1-10, for the one scene that I still have issues with
I give this one an almost perfect score of 9.
comments
here
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MATRIX
RELOADED 
