Cowboy Bebop‘s creator, Shinichirō Watanabe, is well known for his ability to craft stories that go beyond genres and provoke deep thoughts. While it’s mostly Cowboy Bebop that gets the spotlight, one of his most underrated creations can be found in the 2003 anthology The Animatrix. This film, an exploration of humanity’s fall and the rise of machines in the Matrix universe offers one of the most disturbing and thought-provoking scenes in anime history.

The Animatrix (2003): Program | Credit: Studio Madhouse

Despite the thematic depth, some viewers have misinterpreted this scene’s original purpose. At first glance, this particular scene from Animatrix was deemed to be sexist. However, it actually served as a metaphor for real-world dehumanization and violence against marginalized communities.

The Controversial Scene from The Animatrix: The Second Renaissance

Before diving into the specifics of the highly debated scene, it’s important to understand The Animatrix as a whole.