Little Buddha Conquers The Matrix

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2003)

Minor spoilers herein.
Never before have I seen a movie so influenced with buddhism (or vedanta for that matter). Keanu's role in Little Buddha was almost further from oriental mysticism than this one. Well, almost.
Here, Reeves portrays Neo, the Buddha (or Christ for that matter) of the machine ruled world of the near future. Yet the story works on multiple levels. It is the stuff mythology is made of. As in such ancient texts as Ramayana of India or Jesus' Sermont on the Mount, both the exoteric as well as esoteric explanations are possible.
My personal view of the esoteric text is such: Neo gets the awakening when he's chosen to 'destroy' the Matrix. Matrix is a concept close to Maya of Buddhism and Vedanta. The illusion that what is perceived by the senses is reality. Yet it is not so. However this has to be experienced in person. Morpheus, Neo's Teacher (Guru), is close, but not quite there. He feels Neo is the One. The Oracle feels that Neo is also close but may have to continue his quest for Reality in his next life. Yet the kiss (obvious symbol of Love), given to him by Trinity, produces Neo's Nirvana, which signifies the end of a Matrix ruled, enslaved mind. The agents of the Matrix, which IMHO symbolize the minds inner demons - all the thoughts that bind the mind into seemingly endless slavery, are hereafter helpless and must fall ultimately, conquered by the strength of the Enlightened One. ...But can be also enjoyed simply as a great combination of Kung Fu and Sci-Fi. :)