As the United States takes a closer look at the eastern world, it has become fascinated with many parts of its culture, particularly with Buddhism. For decades now, Americans have praised Buddhism for its mysterious monks, pacifism and overall culture. This love was taken to another level with the writing and production of The Matrix. This movie took Buddhist ideals and retold them in a uniquely Hollywood way. Whether is it the idea of Buddhist samsara or reincarnation, The Matrix has told it in a way that Americans and outsider to the religion can understand. The big connection to Buddhism has to The Matrix is Buddha himself. Neo in The Matrix is Buddha due to his escape from samsara, his reincarnation and his return to help all those trapped in the cycle.

To first understand how Neo is "Hollywood Buddha", one must look at how...