The Matrix Resurrections' Machine Double Agent Is Deeper Than You Realize
Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Matrix Resurrections
Kujaku was a machine double agent in The Matrix Resurrections with a lot more under the hood than it initially seemed. Working as an informant for Niobe, Kujaku first appeared in the latter half of The Matrix Resurrections and soon became a central player in the Trinity rescue mission. Like so many other things in the meta-sequel, Kujaku also added to the jam-packed list of meta-connections to the original Matrix trilogy.
It is no secret that the Wachowskis looked to Japan for inspiration when making The Matrix. On several occasions, they have mentioned Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and the overseas cult hit Ninja Scroll as major influences for The Matrix trilogy. Japan references were scattered throughout The Matrix, like the Japanese characters in the green code, or Morpheus’ samurai sword. Kujaku was another Japan-connection in the Matrix series that came with a philosophical metaphor to boot.
Related: How The Matrix Has Changed In Matrix Resurrections — Theory Explained
Kujaku is the Japanese word for peacock, which was a good fit for a beautifully designed flying machine. But there was more to Kujaku than good looks and a Japanese name. In Japanese Buddhism, peacocks are symbols of wisdom and compassion. Like Kujaku in The Matrix Resurrections, peacocks are believed to steer the faithful away from evil and ward against disasters. In other words, Kujaku was another meta-sequel metaphor that connected to the original Matrix trilogy both through its Japanese and religious connotations.
It is well-known thatThe Matrix universe is rife with metaphors for Buddhist concepts and ideas, the most obvious of which is perhaps the boy who said “there is no spoon” in the first
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