Despite the fact that it felt like the film that captured the moment, The Matrix was rated R by the MPAA in a decision that doesn’t seem like it would be the same today.

Passengers refuse to stop watching raunchy R-rated movies on airplanes — even with kids nearby: ‘I did not sign up to be an mid-flight babysitter’ ...

She prefers watching downloads on an iPad that she can block more easily in case she gets surprised by an R-rated moment.

Really, Mangold wanted to be able to deliver the emotional beats and character moments which called for overall heavier themes. An R-rated film granted him this opportunity.