JPT1311

[stephst]

Jujutsu Kaisen

At first glance, Jujutsu Kaisen is a fast-paced supernatural action anime with curses, flashy fights, and over-the-top abilities. But beneath all that energy is a show grappling with deeply human issues that feel relevant both in Japan and across the world. One of the most striking themes is the way it addresses emotional repression, trauma, and the societal pressure to “just keep going.” In Japan, where talking openly about mental health can still be really tough, the idea that bottled-up emotions can turn into actual curses feels especially powerful. It’s such a smart way to show how pain that goes unspoken doesn’t just stay inside, it can spill out and hurt others, too.

And on a global level, Jujutsu Kaisen captures the feeling so many of us have right now, like we’re growing up in a world that’s unstable and unpredictable, constantly trying to make sense of the chaos around us. The characters are young, overwhelmed, and forced into situations they never asked for, whether it’s Yuji Itadori grappling with death and morality,or Megumi and Nobara trying to define strength on their own terms. Their world is violent and unfair, and yet they still try to protect what matters. That sense of fighting back, even when the odds are against you, resonates with me.

Personally, watching Jujutsu Kaisen made me think about how we’re all carrying invisible burdens, grief, fear, pressure, and how often we pretend we’re fine just to get through the day. The show doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer hope through connection. These characters don’t just survive because they’re powerful, they survive because they rely on each other. In a world that often celebrates individualism, Jujutsu Kaisen reminds us of the strength found in shared struggle. That’s something I won’t forget.

[ellaontumbler]

Hey I really liked your analysis on JJK. I appreciate you pointing out the symbolism behind curses as manifestations of humans unspoken pain and fear. The idea resonates with me, especially in a world where so many of us are taught to hide our struggles and appear stronger than we may feel. I also love how you highlighted the importance of connection, how these characters survive not by being invincible, but by leaning on each other. It's like the show is telling us that we don’t have to carry the burden of the world alone, to reach out when we feel overwhelmed. Great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Jujutsu Kaisen

I have started Jujutsu Kaisen before but hadn't finished it before, watching these episode though definitely made me want to get back and rewatch the full series. In a world where the negative emotions of humans manifest into cursed beings with great powers and taste for blood. Sorcerers, who are able to see these curses and manipulate cursed energy to their advantage, fight to protect humanity from their own undoing. These episodes highlight the relationship between Gojo and Geto. Originally they were best friends, both training to become sorcerers, but Gojo was more naturally gifted in ability. This put strain on the boys relationship, but they were fine until a mission where they failed to protect a girl named Riko. This failure effected the two in very different ways. Gojo realized how much he was needed, how is strength could save so many more lives with proper training. Geto on the other hand felt out of control, he despised the mistreatments of his fellow sorcerers and decided the only way to stop it was to get rid of humans that create these curses. Geto became a user of curses and was removed from the school. Geto becomes very powerful, and filled with so much hatred, losing all his ties with his best friend. Gojo demonstrates the value of teaching and passion towards service while Geto reminds us of the tragedy that can stem from hatred and injustices. This comments on strength and where it comes from. Is one born strong or does he earn his strength? I have definitely lost people very close to me over differences in core morals. It is always heartbreaking, but I cannot be friends with those who do not align morally with me unfortunately.

[dillonchujpt1311]

Akira

Akira is a film that I don’t really know how to interpret. It tackles a number of issues regarding government corruption, intervention, suppression, and censorship while exploring the liminal boundaries that are prevalent behind existential powers - all of which is done so through a rather unsettling dystopian setting. With a jarring exposition filled with plot twists that are reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the film offers a unique commentary on contemporary societal issues through the depiction of theoretical scenarios.

The film is set in a dystopian setting known as Neo-Tokyo, the reconstructed city of Tokyo following the aftermath of an atomic bombing. Neo-Tokyo is nearly filled to the brim with rampant corruption, with violent protests and demonstrations ever-so present on a near-daily basis. Akira follows Shotaro Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang who inevitably becomes wrapped in a government scientific experiment involving Espers after his fellow biker and friend, Tetsuo Shima, is caught in an unfortunate crash. 

At its core, Akira seemingly comments on the presence of the government in a dystopian society run by corruption. It’s one of those films where there’s not really a clear-cut antagonist at the start. However, by the end of it… there still really isn’t one. Arguably, though, the film touches on how corruption can bleed into society through immoral politicians who only seem to care about lining their own pockets. Interestingly, Colonel Shikishima, as brash and brazen as he might be, is Akira’s answer to corruption. It’s not the increasingly prominent protests or the imminent destruction of the city that leads to the downfall of the corrupted politicians, but his own attempt at creating a coup d’etat.

Overall, the film is rather interesting in how it exhibits the presence of corruption. There are other caveats to the film that are addressed through the brilliant characterization of the main cast, ranging from Tetsuo’s battle for identity to Kaneda’s struggle to protect others. Akira is one of those films that seems to leave a lasting impression on you for a long while. That being said, I think seeing it once was enough for me - the Tetsuo mutation scene is something I definitely do not want to watch again.

[ellaontumbler]

Hey, I liked your analysis of Akira. I agree that there is no distinct villain throughout the film. There is so much corruption and layers of wrongdoings that make disaster inevitable. Tetsuo just happened to be the concentration of years of abuse and disaster. Great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Akira

Akira was a very interesting film detailing a Neo-Tokyo after a disastrous bombing. The film comments on the trauma and clear reminders left by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from World War 2 through the tragic stories of individual's post war. Akira follows Tetsuo, who is a clear victim of the hardships following the bombings. Tetsuo grew up alone, with no parents or support and lots of bullying from others and was experimented on by the government. The experiments done on Tetsuo were completely inhumane. He went from being a timid boy to an absolute blood thirsty murderer. While his specific case is fantasy, the negligence and exploitation is the sad reality of so many lives following World War 2, those failed and used by their country. Only when Tetsuo is given otherworldly power is he able to overcome the feeling of weakness carried throughout his life. He lashes out, all the trauma and suffering brewing into anger. This calls to those with similar failures from their government, allowing for some feeling of revenge. We see Tetsuo lose control of his powers and his sanity. He is a product of the society that raised him, and his downfall is tragic. It serves as a reminder to hold checks on power and ethics involved with scientific expansion. While progress is important, the government's first duty is always to protect and look out for it's citizens. Tetsuo's tale is unfortunate and sad to watch. Seeing the crippling effects of the bombings, not just the initial ones often spoken of, but those that stretched for decades after.

[ace-o-spades-777]

Hope Springs Eternal; Violet Evergarden

My god, what a work of fiction. For one, allow me to get out a thought that has been haunting me ever since the introductory credits rolled- Violet’s own name. Now, I understand that it might be a bit of a low-brow assertion to make, but I implore you to follow along with me and suspend your disbelief for just a moment. Violet, the word “violet”, phonetically sounds VERY similar to vio-LENCE, for good reason obviously, as I’m sure you’ve begun to think, seeing as how they share many of the same letters. However, “read” and “read” are the SAME word, but sound radically different, as do “rouge” and “rouge” - a handsome “rouge” and the color “rouge”, respectively. I make mention of this because Violet is herself, very nearly indistinguishable from violence. A child soldier, raised in the ways of warfare, some would argue, even engineered by it, now faces a world that has no need for her any more, a largely peaceful land, fertile, lush and rich with life, perpetually green. This “Violet”, must shed vio-LENCE, and learn to inhabit a world of ever-gardens. Beautiful, no?

The anime’s handling of the innate traumas that come with being a child soldier, the training that one must be subject to in order to survive such an ordeal, time and time again, both physically and mentally, is stellar. When we are first introduced to Violet, it would appear she has no identity outside of being a warrior, her first instinct is to seek her commanding officer, to prostrate herself before his authority and operate, not as an individual who is a member of an armed force, but rather, a tool- a tool to be used in any way seen fit by those who one views as superior. It would appear that war has rid Violet of any desire to be anything but an extension of warfare, greeting her new patrons with a military salute, standing at parade rest when in the midst of being offered a softer, peaceful life, and even addressing individuals in a matter-of-fact way, as one would expect a junior officer to address a CO.

The entire length of the anime chronicles how Violet fails to see any innate value within herself that does not involve violence or her commanding officer in some way- she constantly attributes effectively everything in her life to being the result of an authority’s role in her life, attributing herself no agency whatsoever outside of executing commands, and as such, fails to find any reason to stay alive after the end of the war, explicitly requesting to be cast to the side, as she has failed to be useful.

This parallels the struggles that military members face when returning to civilian life, the rigor and structure of the military, having overridden their psychology as it was designed to do, now has no place in their new world, and the process of shedding something that was ingrained within you by force and then reinforced time and time again over the course of several years is an arduous task, and one that can be likened to taking scrap metal, forging it into a sword, melting it down, forging it again, repeating the process until it becomes nigh-unbreakable, then tossing it to the side, expecting it to become scrap metal again on it’s own.

Equal parts heart-breaking and thrilling, this anime whisked me off my feet, then proceeded to kick me in the sternum- and God save me, I love it all the more for it.

[ellaontumbler]

I did not pick up on Violet's name holding such a meaning. I think your interpretation of such is not only meticulous but very beautiful. It makes lots of sense, a double meaning in a way, violence for her brutal upcoming to Violet the peaceful flower desperately trying to understand the depth of the words 'I love you'. I also loved this movie, watching her grasp intense emotions for the first time had me experiencing the depths of my own from a new perspective. It was truly a beautiful experience.

[ellaontumbler]

Violet Evergarden: Recollections

Violet Evergarden: Recollections was a beautiful movie set after the main show's events. There was a great war that the main character Violet played a vital role in. Violet was more a weapon than person, taking orders and slaughtering many. She had no sense or morality however, seeing only objectives to be completed instead of lives being taken. I believe Violet is meant to represent soldiers thrown into war at a young age, the whole event usually being glorified in the name of nationalism. When the war is over, Violet doesn't know what to do with herself. She is a weapon with no purpose outside of the battlefield, begging to be given meaning. She has no comprehension of emotions, as they were not needed and honestly were discouraged in her past. Adapting to a conflict free world is hard for her as she was not built to fit in. When she is told that she is on fire and her body is burning up from the things she did, she doesn't believe it. Violet simply conducted her duties, how could she be on fire? Only when she begins to heal do the weight of her actions begin to burn. She becomes a Doll, decoder and composer of customers true feelings, out of curiosity. While it does not come naturally to her, she worked hard to understand the meaning of the words, "I love you". Eventually Violet gains emotional intelligence and basic empathy and the weight of all her past actions become unbearably heavy. She completed her duties well, they won the war, yet she is devasted. This is a representation for young boys made to be mindless killing machines like Violet and their re acclimation back into society with these new wounds. Violet even lost her arms in the war, and had to adjust to her physical wounds along with the mental ones. This furthers the narrative previously described, as many young boys lost limbs, mobility or security from the wars and had to learn to adjust. Violet learns to live with her past through lots of hard work and begins finding meaning through her job as a Doll, bringing joy to others one individual at a time.

[jordandytb]

Your Name

Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) may appear on the surface as a romantic, supernatural tale, but it offers a deeper commentary on identity, gender, and memory—concepts that align closely with Michel Foucault’s analysis of power and discourse in The History of Sexuality. At the core of the film is the phenomenon of body-swapping between Taki, a Tokyo boy, and Mitsuha, a rural girl. This swap destabilizes the assumption of a fixed identity and instead reveals how identity, especially gender, is constructed through social expectations and embodied experiences. As Foucault argues, identity is not an innate essence but is produced through discursive practices and power relations.

When Taki inhabits Mitsuha’s body, he encounters the surveillance and behavioral expectations placed on female bodies—highlighting how power is exercised subtly through norms and rituals. Conversely, Mitsuha’s experience in Taki’s body reveals her access to greater freedom, underscoring the gendered nature of mobility and autonomy. This aligns with Foucault’s view that power is not held by a single authority but flows through everyday relationships and institutional discourses.

Moreover, the film’s treatment of memory and tradition reflects Foucault’s idea that knowledge and power are intertwined. The fading memories between Taki and Mitsuha symbolize the fragility of identity when severed from cultural and historical continuity. Mitsuha’s sacred rituals, initially dismissed as archaic, become essential to rewriting fate—demonstrating how marginalized knowledge can resist dominant narratives.

In this way, Your Name becomes a subtle critique of how power governs identity, not through repression, but through the shaping of discourse, memory, and the body itself. Foucault’s framework helps illuminate how the film reclaims tradition and challenges the erasure of rural and gendered identities in modern Japan.

[ellaontumbler]

Hi Jordan! I really liked your analysis of Your Name. I found your points on power's governing abilities to be very thought provoking. Foucault 's ideas on identity are very prevalent throughout the film, demonstrating how identity is given rather than innate. Great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Your Name

Your Name is a beautifully cinematic film following a small town girl and big city boy's journey. This is one of the few anime I have seen prior to this class. Mitsuha is a young girl living in a rural village that she dreams of escaping. Taki is a boy attending school in Tokyo who dreams of one day becoming an architect. When the two begin switching bodies there is lots of chaos. The two are able to gain many new perspectives and being seeing the value in small towns. This experience allows them to literally walk in each other's shoes, gaining unique views on different environments and societal norms, including gender roles within Japanese society. The two's bond begins to deepen throughout with an emotional longing and empathy that transcends physicality, highlighting that true connection lies in understanding and cherishing one another, even across long distances. The two fall for one another, battling against the odds, much like a destined romance facing real world obstacles. The film also touches upon societal expectations and the desire for escape, as seen in Mitsuha's yearning for city life and her temporary experience of it in Taki's body, contrasting with Taki's initial curiosity about the unfamiliar rural landscape. There is a clear push for the small town life throughout this film, embracing family and sense of community. Furthermore, the narrative contrasts the cultures of rural and urban Japan, showcasing the traditional Shinto practices of Mitsuha's shrine maiden life against the stark of Tokyo's busy working culture experienced by Taki. This film was an interesting second watch and where i was able to pick up the more buried themes and meanings.

[lapspps]

Hetalia

Ah yes. Some people find this controversial because of the stereotypes recurring in this anime. Additionally, I have watched the English dub for it, which further perpetuates the stereotypical notion of countries based on the accents. Honestly, I think this anime made me laugh harder than I should have. Comedy aside, I realized that there is an interesting deep twist to this anime.

Hetalia depicts the countries during between World War I and II. Interestingly, the main characters are actually the countries of the Axis Powers: Italy, Germany, and Japan. Particularly, the anime focuses on the shenanigans of countries, with chaos unfolding in country meetings to the Axis Powers getting stranded on the beach. Though it might be vague in terms of historical context, it somewhat did give us a slight perspective on what the countries are actually doing during those wartime events. Moreover, the anime also gives us the state of the countries, and a little bit of history on how the countries came about. Though I have to say, there are may be some historical inaccuracies in some of the episodes, so I recommend consulting history books and primary and secondary sources relating to WWII.

With that in mind, there are also criticisms on the characters of Hetalia. As I have mentioned before, there are stereotypical characteristics of the countries being depicted in the anime, with Italy being a wimp, for example. This is very controversial especially when it comes to the depiction of Korea as mentioned in Annett’s article. As expected, South Korea did not take it too lightly as the anime stereotypes the country, resulting in the anime banned in the country. I think this situation represents a problem of overgeneralization of people from other races. For example, I had my fair share of that when I was a kid because most of my classmates think that I was “booksmart” because of my appearance. Luckily, I did not mind that, but I cannot say the same for other Asians. Thus, I can see why most people find this anime controversial and at times offensive. The English dub does not help either.

Anyhow, another thing struck out to me is the queer masculinity existing within the human countries’ interactions, especially Germany and Italy. In most episodes, Italy tends to be comfortable around Germany, since they tend to get along well. Also… France exists. He appears as a… “gay European” to the viewers. I also remember in episode 7 that France is scared of Germany, which illustrates the point of queer men being intimidated by hegemony — whether it’s masculine or not. 

Despite the controversy surrounding the anime, I did find Hetalia very amusing and enjoyable to watch. Stereotypes aside, at least the countries have character to them. Moreover, there is some possible yaoi content within this anime, creating a bit of a fanbase dedicated to it. Oh, the English dub also helps my viewing experience as it makes the characters diverse and multifaceted and gives the anime more personality. 

[ellaontumbler]

Hi Jeremy! I really liked your analysis of Hetalia! While definitely not the most historically accurate, still fun for history nerds to dissect. I also thought the feminization of countries like France and Italy to be a bit interesting. The anime being banned in Korea is a bit funny as it is clearly a stupid show, but is still understandable seeing how they were portrayed. Anyways, great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Hetalia- Axis Powers

Hetalia was an interesting anime that I had never heard of before. The show basically represented the nations of the world as young men leading up to the Second World War. However, the intention of the show is clearly to mock each country in a variety of ways and is not meant to be taken too seriously. I have always had a thing for history, so this show struck my interest and I will probably go back and watch the rest another time. Understanding the historical events being poked fun at made the show very entertaining; you could see the exaggeration, the playing of stereotypes, and depictions of real events buried beneath the silliness. While this anime can be fun, I could see the negative effects on an individual with less perspective on world history. Without prior knowledge, it could be hard to pick the truth from entertaining embellishments, therefore reinforcing harmful narratives. The show also portrays an entire nation of people as one individual, which can be problematic. Germany is definitely the center of focus on this debate. World War 2 was a horrific time in Germany's history, yet in the series, Germany is portrayed very matter of factly, ignoring these events. This can very easily seem as though the show doesn't see the Holocaust as worth mentioning, especially considering we are made to sympathize with Germany regularly. Now, not all Germans were Nazis, but to portray German power at this point in history, is to portray Nazi Germany, and to ignore or brush over that fact, is definitely blame-worthy. I did still enjoy the series and got lots of laughs out of it. I think the bets thing we can do as a society is to stay informed of history and approach shows like this with a grain of salt.

[jj-fink]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 honestly surprised me. At first, it just felt like a fun, over-the-top anime-style RPG with cool visuals and dramatic cutscenes. But as I kept playing, I started noticing how many real-world issues it touches on, especially when it comes to environmental collapse and survival.

The world of Xenoblade 2 is literally built on the backs of Titans, these giant creatures that people rely on for land, resources, and life itself. As the Titans begin to die off, entire communities are forced to face their own extinction. It made me think about how tied we are to the environment in our world too and how easily we take that for granted. It also reminded me of some of the fears in Japan around climate change, natural disasters, and even the long-term effects of things like nuclear power. But honestly, these aren’t just Japan’s problems. We’re all feeling the effects of a fragile planet.

What stuck with me most, though, was the theme of hope. Rex’s determination to keep believing in something better, even when things get bleak, really hit home. I feel like that kind of mindset is something a lot of us are trying to hold onto right now, especially when the news feels overwhelming.

One thing that connected to the readings for me was how the game explores the idea of power, especially through the Blades. They're these powerful beings that people depend on, but they’re also misunderstood and often used without care. That reminded me of the tension in Japan’s history between embracing modern technology and being wary of its consequences.

Overall, the game felt bigger than just a fantasy adventure. It made me think about the choices we make, the systems we rely on, and what it means to keep going when things feel uncertain.

[ellaontumbler]

Hi Jordan! I really liked your analysis especially your emphasis on the themes of hope. Rex's unwavering hope is very admirable and so necessary for a mission that difficult. Hope is something that has been nearly lost in our struggles with the environment today. Most individuals feel it is out of their control and therefor have given up. This hope within a seemingly small individual however can evoke so much change, especially once it starts spreading. Great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an open-world RPG game set in a time where the world no longer supports life. The world has turned into an endless array of clouds leading to deep sea. Land, animals and plants are pretty much extinct. The little life that is left have taken salvation on the backs of the titans, a gift from the architect who is attempting to revive the dwindling human race. Here we find the protagonist, Rex who is a young boy living on the back of a titan he calls Gramps. The titans unfortunately are mortal and Rex witnesses the population slowly dying off. This is terrifying as that is humanities only hope for survival for the time being. Rex is offered a job from the chairman, paying more money than he has probably ever seen. We then go along on this whole journey of trying to locate the safe haven of Elysium, a paradise where land and nature flourish in open space. One notable character is Klaus, the architect previously mentioned. Once a scientist in the ruined "old world," Klaus triggered the destruction of his universe when attempting to harness the power of the mysterious Conduit. Klaus’s failure to control the Conduit mirrors the unintended consequences of human attempts to dominate nature. His misguided attempt to create salvation through technology resulted in catastrophe, much like how real world solutions to environmental problems, such as carbon capture systems, often seem to be extensions of the same mindset that caused the damage in the first place. These technologies promise a fix but are based on the idea of controlling nature, rather than living in harmony with it. Klaus’s plan to restore the world, though flawed, leans toward the idea of reintegration. His goal is not domination, but cooperation, (a method we as a society today should be attempting) using Blades and Titans to find balance between humans and nature.

[stephst]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Even just watching it on its own, Nausicaa feels incredibly relevant, both to Japan’s history and to what’s happening around the world today. The story takes place in a world recovering from an environmental disaster, where a toxic jungle is spreading, and people live in fear of it. I loved how Nausicaä approaches everything with compassion and curiosity. Instead of wanting to destroy the jungle or control it, she tries to understand it. That message feels deeply tied to Japan’s own environmental struggles—like the aftermath of nuclear disasters or pollution in the past—but also has this universal quality that speaks to global issues like climate change and how disconnected we’ve become from nature. It’s easy to fall into a mindset of control or destruction rather than empathy and coexistence. In that sense, Nausicaä felt more like a real-world role model than just a fictional character. I love that the film doesn’t push a loud message but instead lets us quietly reflect on what it means to live in harmony with the world around us. From a personal point of view, it reminded me to slow down and be more mindful of how I listen to others and navigate conflict. There’s something very grounding about the way this anime approaches peace, even in the middle of chaos.

[ellaontumbler]

Hey Stephania! I really liked your take on Nausicaa of the Valley. I agree with your point on Nausicaa's compassion, trying to understand instead of destroy what she fears. Coexistence is definitely something today the world needs help with. Greed will be the death of the modern world at this rate. W can all learn something from how Nausicaa approaches problems. Great analysis!

[ellaontumbler]

Nausicaa of the Valley

Nausicaa is a film stressing the need for balance between humanity and nature. Nausicaa is the princess of her quaint village, and is very in tuned with nature. She sees the good in everything and is at her core selfless. Nausicaa values life and kindness over any sort of personal gain. She is a near perfect character in my opinion, the type of individual we should all take inspiration from. Nausicaa is adored by her villagers as she does not use her title for power but completely for good and views everyone as real people that she makes real connections with. When compared to Princess Kushana, a more traditional power-holder who advocates for the destruction of the toxic jungle, Nausicaa's villager says, "you are nothing like our princess". Nausicaa doesn't see nature as an enemy to slay but instead looks for ways to live in harmony. She cares for those who do not have a voice like the baby ohmu and saves humans from nature in humane ways. Kushana on the other hand sees nature as something to be conquered, not as a separate entity but simply as an obstacle. This mindset almost leads to the destruction of humanity once again. She attempts to awaken the great warrior" found deep beneath the ground from hundreds of years ago. Her goal is to annihilate the entire toxic forest and all insects and ohmus inside that she views as threats. The problem with her logic is that the toxicity of the forest is at the fault of humans, from performing the same acts she is trying to carry out. Also, the insects and ohmus do not attack unless provoked, they simply protect their homes, so it is a bloody unfair fight. Nausicaa's tender curiosity and adventurous qualities end up leading her to discovering the world's natural healing and filtration process. This information along with some understanding is what can potentially save humanity in their world.

[chiikawawarrior]

#20: End of Evangelion

I remember a friend telling me that this movie was what was actually happening, while the end of the show was what was happening in Shinji's head, so I kept that in mind while watching. When interpreting it like that, I can't say it made that much more sense to me. I'm still pretty confused by a chunk of it, but after another friend explained it, it definitely clarified some things for me.

In one scene, Misato tries to bring Shinji to the eva, she again, like many times before, tries to police Shinji's masculinity, only this time by giving him a kiss. She even tries to promise even more inappropriate things after in order to make him follow hegemonic masculinity. Aside from being extremely inappropriate, it doesn't seem to encourage Shinji in any way and he stays on the dock. Only when the eva breaks out of there by itself is when Shinji enters it.

Another scene of this movie that stands out to me is when Shinji chokes Asuka in his crash out in his mind, allowing Seele to finally break that barrier and succeed in their plan of merging humanity together as one. He gives into that hegemonic masculinity by choking Asuka, the one who performs perfect hegemonic masculinity, but to do so is to betray his queer masculinity, which is what allows Seele to succeed. At the end of the movie, he is seen choking Asuka again, attempting to conform to hegemonic masculinity, but after Asuka shows him compassion, a trait that's not masculine, he stops while Asuka calls him disgusting, supposedly returning to each other respective masculinities. Towards the end of the movie, where Shinji is faced with Rei and Kaworu, they basically tell him that it's up to a person themselves to regain their individuality in a world dominated by a homogenous society, which I thought was interesting.

[ellaontumbler]

Hey, I really liked your analysis! I agree the film was very confusing and I had trouble understanding the context fully. I resonated with your thoughts onteh choking scene. It was so brutal, not just because it’s violent, but because of what it says about Shinji’s struggle with masculinity. You’re totally right when he chokes Asuka, it’s him snapping into that toxic, hegemonic masculinity he’s spent the whole series rejecting.

[ellaontumbler]

End Of Evangelion

The End of Evangelion isn’t just an alternate ending, it’s a full-blown emotional trip. Where the original series finale spiraled into a sort of abstract, this drags Shinji through a visceral, grotesque climax that refuses easy redemption. And honestly, It’s all the more powerful for it. Shinji hits rock bottom here, hard. He’s not just struggling but he is completely shattered. There is no heroic last stand, no sudden burst of courage. Instead, we see him curled up in fetal position, sobbing, or worse, paralyzed with a gun to his own head, unable to even pull the trigger. Misato’s dying plea for him to "live standing up" is painful in context because Shinji can’t. He’s so consumed by self-loathing and fear of rejection that he’d rather dissolve into nothing, fall into the void than face the pain of human connection. That moment where he masturbates over Asuka’s comatose body isn’t just shocking it’s a raw depiction of how loneliness can twist into something ugly. He hates himself afterward, but that self-awareness doesn’t save him, as it doesn't in real life, it just traps him further. The final climax mirrors Buddhist enlightenment in the worst way. Humanity merges into a single, consciousness no more pain, no more individuality. But Shinji, even after everything, chooses separation. He’d rather endure the agony of existence than lose himself completely. This does demonstrate a kind of growth, he’s still broken, still terrified, but he’s choosing to stay broken rather than escape into false harmony. Visually, it’s breathtaking. The Third Impact sequence with its eerie chants, floating Rei heads, and Eva Unit-01 crucified in orbit. It feels like a religious apocalypse by way of a mental breakdown. And that’s the point. This isn’t just the world ending, it’s Shinji’s psyche exploding outward. The live-action flashes of empty theaters and flickering film reels hammer home the meta-question, Is any of this real, or just Shinji’s nightmare? The film doesn’t offer answers, but instead allows for viewer interpretation. I love when media does this as fans theories tend to be extremely imaginative and fulfilling in pace of concrete endings at points. This is a film about failure, about the cost of refusing to heal. Shinji doesn’t get a happy ending, just a bleak, unsure open road. And maybe that’s why it sticks with us, because sometimes, standing up isn’t about triumph but about choosing to keep going, even when you’d rather disappear, about continuing the walk in to the bleak unknown.

[the-animated-world-of-kay]

True Otaku

Anime fandom is massive, diverse, and, let’s be real, sometimes chaotic. Whether you’ve been watching since childhood or just discovered your first series, there’s always a conversation about what it means to be a "true otaku." But what does that even mean? And does it really matter? Let’s break it down.

First, let’s address the term "otaku." Originally, in Japan, it wasn’t exactly a compliment. It referred to people who were so obsessed with anime, manga, or gaming that they were practically shut-ins. Over time, though, the term evolved—especially in Western fandoms—where it became more of a badge of honor for anime lovers.

A "true otaku" is often seen as someone who deeply loves anime, knows their stuff, and lives and breathes the culture. But here’s where it gets complicated: Who decides what makes someone "true" in their love for anime? Is it the number of shows you’ve seen? Your knowledge of obscure facts? The money you’ve spent on merch? The gatekeeping around this term can be frustrating, and honestly, unnecessary.

The anime community isn’t a monolith. There are casual viewers who enjoy a few mainstream series, long-time fans who’ve been watching since VHS tapes were a thing, and dedicated cosplayers or artists who contribute creatively to the fandom. There are even scholars who analyze anime academically. Every one of these fans adds something valuable to the community.

The problem with the "true otaku" label is that it sometimes turns into a competition—one where people feel pressured to prove their love for anime. And that’s where gatekeeping creeps in. You don’t need to have watched every mecha anime from the ’80s or read untranslated manga to be a "real" fan. Loving anime in any capacity makes you part of the fandom.

What really defines a true otaku? Passion. Not elitism, not how many figures you own, and definitely not whether you prefer subs or dubs. Passion drives people to create fanart, write theories, host discussions, and cosplay their favorite characters. Passion makes someone excited to recommend a show to a friend or rewatch their favorite series over and over again.

Some people only watch shonen hits like "Naruto" or "Attack on Titan," while others dig deep into niche genres like psychological horror or avant-garde anime. Both are valid. One isn’t more "true" than the other. The best part of being an anime fan is discovering what you love and sharing it with others, not proving your credentials to some imaginary anime council.

At the end of the day, anime fandom is supposed to be fun. It’s a space to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and art. The moment it turns into a stressful checklist of requirements, it loses what makes it special. Instead of arguing over what makes a "true otaku," we should be embracing the fact that anime has something for everyone.

So, if you love anime, you’re already a true otaku. No gatekeeping required. Just enjoy what you love, share it with others, and keep the fandom a welcoming place. Because in the end, the best part of being a fan isn’t how much you know—it’s how much you enjoy the ride.

[ellaontumbler]

Hey Kahlan, I really liked your take on otakus. I have heard of the gatekeeping that can go into the fandom and I like your take of acceptance. It can get lengthy, and in my own experience as always having been a complete novice, I know the feeling. Saying I enjoyed Death Note or Demon Slayer around the wrong person will have them rolling their eyes, saying I'm a trend follower or what not. While I am definitely not an otaku and never claimed to be, it can be hurtful and discourage induvials from taking part if they feel judged by hardcore fans. I think everyone can work on their inclusivity.