no the matrix is not based on a true story, although it wouldn't be too surprising if neo dies in part 3 only to be reborn. it is actually a mish mash or many philosophical ideas such as self determination and the nature of reality, fate vs free will etc, and theology, in particular gnosticism, buddism and christianity and it borrows heavily from greek and roman mythology. e.g. persephone is the daughter of demeter the earth mother. Persephone loves Hades and Demeter and devides her time between the two. this duality explains her actions in the matrix she loves the Merovingian but also helps/loves Neo. The Merovingian were a line of kings/rules who felt the were the decendents from christ. and Neo himself is maybe supposed to be christ, or maybe not. anywho, i'm disgussted with myself for being such a geek so i'm off.
jim