"The Matrix" appears to be a movie of superb cinematography, gravity defying stunts, and an enjoyable, action-filled plot; however, through further analysis, it becomes apparent that it also explicitly parallels Plato's "Allegory of the Cave". In both works, the hero--the chosen, enlightened one--experiences three stages: captivity, enlightenment, and a newfound sense of responsibility. In Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", people have been kept as prisoners in a cave since birth; there they are held captive--tied …showed first 75 words of 561 total…

…showed last 75 words of 561 total…and personalizes the hero's journey by having Neo move from his fantasy world (where he is held captive) into a realization of the truth, and then by giving him the necessary means and desire to spread the news to others (a prominent Christ-like archetype seen in the series). In this small sense, it is different from Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"; nevertheless, the movie is a striking parallel to Plato's allegory, both symbolically and thematically.