Comparison between "The Matrix" and Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"

"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 …

…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.