Brandon

The username is a lie

[radiorams]

JJK

More than just a captivating action anime, Jujutsu Kaisen is a potent meditation on trauma, fear, and grief. The idea that negative emotions, such as pain and resentment, can literally materialize into curses is one of the main themes. When you consider Japan's cultural emphasis on repressing emotions in order to maintain social harmony, that idea strikes particularly hard. This concept is reversed in the anime, which claims that unsaid pain festers and grows instead of going away. This message seems equally relevant on a global scale. Mental health issues affect people all over the world, and Jujutsu Kaisen transforms those internal conflicts into physical form. I can relate to the show because it avoids romanticizing loss or suffering. After losing those he cares about, Yuji Itadori is always wondering what it means to live a good life. I believe that many of us experience that internal conflict—wanting to do the right thing but not always knowing how—especially in college when we're still developing our identities. The program also highlights how our relationships—friends, mentors, and even adversaries—influence our development. Seeing the characters persevere in the face of their trauma serves as a reminder to me that resilience is about learning to move forward while bearing the burden, not about being emotionless. Jujutsu Kaisen links this anime to texts about identity and accountability by posing the same queries: Who am I when no one is looking? In a world full of suffering, what am I supposed to do? This anime questions the notion that having power automatically makes one good, much like the readings that examine duty and selfhood. Rather, it emphasizes choice and how individuals choose to behave in high-stakes situations. Jujutsu Kaisen is ultimately about facing our inner darkness and deciding to protect others despite the fact that it isn't just about fighting monsters.

[heyyywydlol]

JJK is an interesting anime, considering the main point of the series revolves around having to find all 20 fingers to eradicate the evil Sukuna. Nonetheless, I agree with the take that JJK is about facing your "inner darkness" and planning to overcome it is for the better for everyone.

[heyyywydlol]

JJK

Jujustu Kaisen is one of the most popular “new gen” anime that has come out within the past decade. The story is about a teenager named Yuji Itadori and how he is cursed with the strongest curse of them all, Ryomen Sukuna. Yuji and his companions spend the show trying to find all of Sukuna’s cursed fingers so Yuji can eat them all. Once he eats all of them, they will execute him, which will then rid the world of Sukuna forever. Things do not go to plan and the characters run into trouble along the way.  

One of Yuji’s mentors is a man named Satoru Gojo; he is the strongest sorcerer ever (besides Ryomen Sukuna). However, he wasn’t always the strongest, episodes 25-29 serves as a flashback to whenever Gojo was a teenager. During this time, you could see how much different Gojo is from his older self. Gojo appears much happier. His best friend, Suguru Geto, accompanies him. Geto is the same man that is causing trouble in the present and is the main antagonist, so seeing him be best friends with Gojo in the past is interesting. The pair is tasked with escorting the Star Plasma Vessel, Riko Amanai, who is ensuring her merging with Master Tengen. Tengen requires merging with a vessel every 500 years to maintain immortality so that they could maintain balance for the Jujutsu world. 

During this mission, Gojo and Geto are attacked by multiple assassins that are hired to kill Riko to prevent the merger from happening. They easily defeat them all, yet once they get to the destination, they are ambushed by Toji Fushiguro, who is the strongest non-sorcerer. He makes quick work of Gojo and “kills” him. Toji then ambushes Riko and Geto and kills Riko right after she makes the decision to not merge with Master Tengen so she could be her own person. Toji then defeats Geto and goes to leave but he is stopped by a revived Gojo who has become “enlightened”. By experiencing near death his powers developed to how they are in the present. Gojo finishes Toji and the battle is won but not only Gojo, but Geto is also shaken by the death of Riko. This event changed their lives forever as Gojo is given more responsibility as the strongest sorcerer and Geto falls into a deep depression which drives motivation to turn evil. 

[radiorams]

Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden: Recollections is a stunning and moving journey that explores the aftermath of war through its characters' silent grief and healing rather than politics or combat scenes. Violet's story reflects cultural values of perseverance, responsibility, and emotional control in Japan, where postwar identity has been shaped by introspection and reconstruction. The difficulty of dealing with loss and the value of empathy are universal themes that the anime touches on. Particularly in a digital age where genuine emotional connection is more difficult to find, the notion of someone writing letters to express emotions that others are unable to verbalize is ageless and universal. Violet's emotional development struck a deep chord with me personally. She begins the story as someone who is emotionally distant from herself and unsure of how to relate to other people, which I believe many people can identify with, particularly after experiencing hardship or trauma. I was struck by how crucial it is to confront your emotions rather than repress them as I watched her gradually come to understand love, grief, and even joy. Her experience served as a reminder to me that healing is a gradual, painful, and educational process. Violet's story fits in nicely with the readings' themes of memory, communication, and the need for human connection. This anime takes that same discussion into a more poetic realm, much like the articles that examine how technology is altering our means of self-expression. Although it may seem archaic, writing letters can be a potent metaphor for expressing emotions. Violet Evergarden demonstrates how empathy and storytelling can help heal divisions, between individuals, generations, and even cultures, even when they are quiet or straightforward. It's about us all rediscovering how to feel, not just about one girl.

[heyyywydlol]

A heartfelt anime that is depressing, yet also uplifting. I love that this anime explores the experiences of trauma and how they can hinder growth. It is not until Violet gets her letter writing job when she finally learns to be human.

[heyyywydlol]

Violet Evergarden: Recollections

Violet Evergarden: Recollections is another anime that resides within the post-war category. Violet Evergarden is a soldier that fought in the war and survived. Post-war, Violet has issues with coming to terms with who she is and what her purpose is. She constantly has a reminder of her traumatic past due to her mechanical arms, since she had lost both in the war. This series is a depressing anime series to watch yet needed to reflect on how the war seriously affected people in real time as well. Violet, being a child soldier, all she ever knew was to follow orders and never learned to feel emotion, feel like a human. This is what makes this series beautiful in its’ own sense, which is learning to feel human again. 

The main theme by the end of the series is the fact that healing from trauma can happen, and in many cases, needs to happen to avoid digging a deeper hole. What I mean by this is that if you do not strive for mental growth and development past events that are as traumatic as war, you will only hold yourself back and wallow in a world of emptiness and sadness. Violet realizes this and finds her purpose throughout the series by becoming an auto memory doll. This job includes writing letters for people who need help expressing their feelings, which is ironic enough, considering Violet also needed help expressing her feelings and just feeling emotion in general. This job is a great fit for Violet and is necessary for her healing. 

Overall, despite the series being more depressing than not, Violet Evergarden: Recollections is an important anime series that focuses on how people cope and grow from traumatic experiences after the fact.  

[benny-notes]

Akira - Not My Thing

Although Akira get’s super high ratings from critics and fans alike, it’s just not my cup of tea. The visuals were bold and detailed and the animation was phenomenal, but the aesthetic of the dirty, steam punky 1980’s dystopia wasn’t appealing to me. There was lots of blood and gore, so much so that it seemed like the animators were trying to add it to as many frames as possible. Watching the scenes where the Espers were making Tetsuo hallucinate that they were giant toys, and the one where Tetsuo mutates into the giant fleshy monster with fingers coming out of fingers was like a waking nightmare.

That being said, I’ll try to comment on some social ideas that the film tackles. There is definitely some commentary on the ineffectively of government. In the film, social order is hanging on by a thread, with gangs running rampant, high instances of violent crime and mass protesting in the streets. The scene that shows the New Tokyo parliament arguing when Colonel Shikishima requests more funding for Doctor Onishi’s work with the Espers shows how deep the social disorder goes. The politicians cannot seem to agree on their priorities, one pushing to route the funding to social programs, another to the upcoming olympics. Name calling ensues while another politician casts doubt on whether Akira even caused World War III. The Colonel attempts to convince the parliament that the threats are real and quick action is required. Other members accuse the Colonel of corruption. As the disorder goes on one of the politicians is shown dozing off and another quietly sips tea. Frustrated, the Colonel finally storms off. Akira paints a picture of the challenges when there's rule by committee. For someone like the Colonel who values decisive action over deliberation, the slow moving and bickering bureaucracy is a source of frustration. In the context of the film, the scene reads as critique of weak corrupt leadership. Without someone like the Colonel to step in, powerful forces like those being developed in the Espers will get out of control. Instead of bickering over pet ideas, representatives like those in the parliament need to understand and appreciate the threat and support their counterparts, rather than nit-pick. Thus, Akira suggests that in the face of a crisis, those with authority need to unite, otherwise society risks crumbling into anarchy with the worst of the powerful filling in the gaps left over.

[heyyywydlol]

Akira left an interesting mark by triggering another explosion at the end of the movie. It made sense in terms of a "cleansing" or a "rebirth" of government, yet seemed a little extreme for being a way to problem solve.

[heyyywydlol]

Akira

For the first class choice anime, the class decided on Akira. Akira is an anime that reminded me of Psycho Pass in the sense of the same use of that dystopian-future feel. Akira is an anime film that tells the story of two friends in a biker gang, Kaneda and Tetsuo. Tetsuo runs into a child with extrasensory perception powers, which include telepathy and telekinesis. Eventually, Tetsuo gains these powers from the interaction with the child. With his powers growing, he eventually becomes noticed and is flagged for the Akira project. The Akira project is a reference to the child that was responsible for the explosion that destroyed Tokyo in the movie. 

This movie also shares similarities with Psycho Pass on the supernatural side of things. Both Tetsuo and the entirety of the city under the Sibyl System are under a supernatural influence, with Tetsuo dealing with government experiments on children and the Sibyl System monitoring what people are thinking, all the time. Each anime shares a similar story arc, with the main characters revolting against their own government to overthrow an unjust system. Akira is a good movie that hints towards the trauma that was left on a post-WWII Japan. 

Another important theme in Akira and Psycho Pass is how Tetsuo finds his sense of self by the end of the movie, like how Tsunemori finds herself by the end of the show. Both Akira and Psycho Pass battle with a higher authority, that just so happens to both be their own government. Akira’s mantra that is pushed by the end of the movie is do not let power go unchecked. Mainly, in this sense, the focus is on the government and their inhumane testing on children. The movie ending with the rebirth of Akira and another explosion occurring is needed, since it is a more controlled, needed explosion to end the vicious cycle of unchecked government. 

[radiorams]

Hetalia

Hetalia: Axis Powers is one of those anime that blends humor with history in a way that’s both ridiculous and surprisingly insightful. With a primary focus on World War II, it transforms nations into strange, exaggerated characters that interact based on actual historical events. Although it appears to be pure comedy at first glance, it actually starts a discussion about how different countries view one another and how history is remembered or not. In terms of issues in Japan, it’s interesting to see how the anime approaches the portrayal of Japan as a quiet, reserved character who often seems detached from the chaos of the others. That reflects how Japan has historically positioned itself post-WWII: reserved, efficient, and trying not to stir conflict. Globally, the anime touches on stereotypes that many cultures carry, and while it's done in a lighthearted way, it does raise questions about how humor and nationalism intersect. Like, where’s the line between funny and offensive when it comes to historical trauma? Although I wouldn't say Hetalia has a direct bearing on my life, it did cause me to consider how nations are portrayed in the media more carefully. It also made me think about how simplified world history can be when it's taught to us in textbooks or even cartoons. I had to remind myself not to take things too literally, but seeing nations as personalities helped me remember some events more clearly. If anything, Hetalia demonstrates how, even through jokes and stereotypes, anime can make world history more approachable. Although it's only a beginning point and not a comprehensive history lesson, it allows people to delve deeper into the actual events that led to the laughter.

[heyyywydlol]

I like how Hetalia brings an exaggerated stereotype to each country-character in the show. This was a good light-hearted twist of an anime to watch, especially after watching something like Barefoot Gen that was placed in the same time period as this show.

[heyyywydlol]

Hetalia

Hetalia is another anime that deals with war, yet this anime has its’ own spin on it. What I enjoyed about this anime is that each character in Hetalia represents a different country and their own stereotypes around the World War era. Mirroring what happened in real life within the different World Wars, the different countries and their stereotypes go through their own arcs reflecting how it went down according to their country in real life. 

Other anime that we have studied that relate to the World Wars would be Barefoot Gen, which is a reflection on how World War II left its’ mark on Japan, both mentally and physically. Though, the only trait that is shared between the two anime would be the time that these two are reflected. 

It could be considered insensitive to make a historical parody of the World Wars, considering how much damage was done to Earth as a whole. Yet, when making this claim, we should take a step back and consider that using parodies is how some people make light of the situation and help them cope. Then again, I can understand if this were released right after World War II the insensitivity, but I enjoyed watching Hetalia for what it is. 

I was always the person growing up to find humor in light-hearted situations to help spark a smile, and I learned I was doing this because it helps to take their mind off the situation as a whole and give them a moment of relief. Even in tough times, there’s still space for joy. That is what Hetalia tries to do for us and its’ audience and succeeded in doing so. 

[ianjapanblog]

Your Name

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) isn’t just a visually stunning anime—it’s an emotional time-traveling, body-swapping love story that hits way deeper than you'd expect. At its core, the film is about connection: across time, space, memory, and even tragedy. While the fantasy elements and Makoto Shinkai’s signature beautiful skies reel you in, it’s the themes underneath that really make this film resonate both in Japan and around the world.

One major theme that stands out is disaster trauma—specifically referencing the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The comet that destroys Mitsuha’s town isn’t just a plot twist, it’s a metaphor for the unpredictable disasters that Japan is no stranger to. Shinkai doesn't just show loss—he explores the emotional aftermath, the desperation to rewrite fate, and the lingering pain of not being able to remember what you’ve lost. It’s heartbreakingly relevant to communities around the world dealing with natural disasters, climate change, or even political instability.

On a global level, Your Name dives into the modern feeling of disconnection in an overly connected world. Despite smartphones and social media, many people still feel isolated or like they’re living someone else’s life—much like Taki and Mitsuha do in each other's bodies. That longing to find purpose, to feel understood, or to remember something you’ve never actually experienced—that’s something just about anyone can relate to.

The film’s ending is hopeful, which is why people return to it again and again. It's a reminder that even if we forget names or faces, the feelings that connect us—the need to be seen, to be known—stick with us. Your Name is more than a love story; it’s a mirror for our deepest fears and hopes, wrapped in a beautifully animated package that’s impossible not to feel something from.

[heyyywydlol]

This was an anime that caught my attention more so than others so far, because it made me think back to when I took my astronomy class and how it could be perceived that the universe is a fabric and everything is somehow connected to something. Your Name displays good surface level themes, such as the ones you mentioned (everyone is looking to be seen and find their own purpose).

[heyyywydlol]

Your Name

Your Name is an anime that is about Taki and Mitsuha. These two high school students swap bodies when they go to sleep, although they do not know each other at all and have never met. It’s funny how they find a way to communicate through leaving messages and notes on their body and whatnot, setting ground rules for what they are allowed to do with each other’s selves. 

Your Name sends across some interesting themes. The first theme I pulled from this anime was that the writers must believe in fate and destiny. In this case, it was destined to happen that Taki and Mitsuha would meet. Despite never meeting beforehand when they were occasionally swapping in and out of each other’s bodies, they became best friends, and even lovers. This raises the question of spirituality, especially with the Shinto rituals Mitsuha and her family would perform. 

From time to time, I’m able to feel a connection that could develop between a person and myself just based on their personalities and interactions with people alone. Though, I could never say that I have gone to sleep and felt a connection with someone I have never met. This is where Your Name’s magic is interesting, because of course there’s a subtle feel to the movie that it could be real and it could happen in real life. 

All in all, Your Name is an anime film that takes aspects of fantasy, romance, and spirituality to tell a love story about Taki and Mitsuha. The unique way they communicate and the spiritual feel to the film make it feel somewhat believable, almost as if it can mirror reality. Your Name leaves its’ audience wondering about the deeper meaning of the film, such as interpreting the world as a fabric of reality, and everyone is connected in one way or another. 

[aperture880]

Blog Post: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind presents a unique and engrossing exploration of human’s relation to nature. It does so primarily by tying its world and messages back to fears of nuclear fallout, which was still a common fear at the time of its release. 

The film follows Nausicaä, a young woman living in the seemingly idealistic Valley of the Wind. The world of this anime experienced a cataclysmic man-made event, creating a seemingly toxic and uninhabitable jungle full of spores. Those in the valley recognize and respect the danger this region poses, taking largely preventative measures to prevent it from encroaching on their homes. The film opens showing Nausicaä harvesting resources from the region, suggesting a degree of cooperation with nature. By contrast, the film’s conflict is sparked by the conflict between the Tolmekia Empire and Pejite. Tolmekia also recognizes the threat the toxic jungle holds, but plans to resurrect one of the Giant Warriors to eliminate it. These warriors are the same bioweapons that initially destroyed the world. The film’s conflict stems from the Tolmekia’s occupation of and subsequent conflict with those living in the Valley of the Wind. In this way, each faction represents different ecological ideologies.

Like many ecological films, this one appears to adopt the stance of nature’s independence. That is, nature acts and will continue to act independently of humans, including healing from their exploitation. Throughout the film Nausicaä discovers that the toxins are only concentrated in the jungle by the soil, and that the plants growing in the region are actually just filtering the toxins amassed by humans. This further ties back to the film’s nuclear symbolism, while also being applicable to pollution more broadly. While this discovery does well to cement nature as not inherently malicious, it may leave the audience lacking in terms of actionable behavior. The film therefore appears to take the stance that at our current level of engagement and exploitation with nature, perhaps the best thing we can do is disengage. Though not necessarily bad advice, it’d prove practically impossible given our current Anthropogenic reliance. In spite of this shortcoming, this is still a compelling and thought provoking anime on the nature of our relation to nature.

[heyyywydlol]

I personally loved when they began to befriend the Ohmu towards the end of the show. Overall, it's a good message to the audience to let nature run its' course, literally and metaphorically.

[heyyywydlol]

Nausicaa

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, or Nausicaa for short, is an older anime created by Hayao Miyazaki, the director that also laid the foundation for Studio Ghibli. Earlier on in this class, we did an assignment on Spirited Away, a film created by Studio Ghibli. They share the same art style, yet two different stories. 

Nausicaa is a princess in a world where Earth has been run over by war. Because of this, like the Fallout series and The Glowing Sea, the Sea of Decay is home to a toxic wasteland full of giant insects. Nausicaa goes on to revive the Giant Warrior to burn away the Sea of Decay but learns that the Sea of Decay is helping break down the toxins. 

A lighthearted message I received from the film was that nature is not the enemy, more so the creatures that inhabit nature are. In this case, the creatures would be people of the past for causing such destruction to the Earth from the war. It’s also a nice narrative to learn the insects in the Sea of Decay were not ever necessarily evil, rather they were only acting out of defense. 

This anime must have been the inspiration for the other anime presented so far in the class, Barefoot Gen. Both anime films show the after-effects of war and the toll that war takes, where Barefoot Gen focuses on the mental and physical toll, and Nausicaa focuses on the physical toll (when relating to the sea of decay). 

Overall, I enjoyed Nausicaa but did enjoy Barefoot Gen more for what it was and the message that it delivered to its’ audiences. I do enjoy what Nausicaa was trying to push as well, that being nature can and will heal on its’ own.

[elizalazuli]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017) and Objectification in Ecocriticism

This was my first time watching cutscenes from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a fantasy action role-playing game. I’ve never experienced anime in this way before, and I found it to be an interesting experience. Overall, I didn’t fully grasp every concept—it has a lot going on (between Blades, Titans, Aegises and their various abilities, the evolution of humanity, and the fall of a past world, etc.). A rewatch might be helpful at some point, or better yet, actually playing the game could give me a deeper understanding.

The story follows Rex, who becomes the Driver of an Aegis and journeys to Elysium to return Pyra (who also manifests as her “sister,” Mythra) to her home. With every new cutscene, the party seems to gain another bodacious, scantily clad female character or some bizarre yet fantastic creature. The expanding crew continues to battle the antagonist, Malos (a Blade), and his team. In Cutscene 167, the creator Klaus reveals the interconnected nature of Blades, Titans, and humans. We also get an explanation of where the current world came from. Apparently, the previous world was in bad shape due to human activity, and Klaus believed the Conduit could offer a way for humanity to escape the damage they’d caused. Instead, the Conduit triggered complete destruction, forcing Klaus to essentially create a new world from scratch.

The nature and power of the Conduit is pretty mysterious. It immediately reminded me of the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which suggests some kind of evolutionary boost for humanity. It also made me think of current technologies like advanced (and expensive) carbon capture systems—designed to reduce the environmental damage caused by carbon emissions. Similar to what’s portrayed in the anime and discussed in The Drama of the Anthropocene, these technologies may just enable humans to continue their destructive habits. They often seem to represent yet another attempt to dominate nature through tech, frequently leading to unintended consequences.

[heyyywydlol]

I loved how Pyra/Mythra had their own arc, and it end up being how the game ended, with them discovering their true form and then sacrificing to put an end to the vicious cycle. I have not played Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but I did notice Pyra/Mythra from Smash Bros.

[heyyywydlol]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an anime video game. Growing up, I played a couple of anime-style games, such as Final Fantasy X. I have not played XC2, but based off reviews I’ve heard, it is most comparable to a modern-day version of FFX. After watching the provided cuts from the link in the class, I can confidently say that the ending of XC2 where Pyra/Mythra give their lives to break the destructive cycle is a great ending with a good lesson to be learned. 

The audience can take away from this ending that we all have the power to choose our purpose in the world. For Pyra/Mythra, their purpose is asserting their own life to protect lives, rather than destroy them. Rex is heartbroken over the decision, of course, yet deep down, Rex knows they had to do what they did to have the ending that everyone deserved. 

Pyra/Mythra do make a return, this time as their own individual beings as a sort of reward for making the sacrifice that they chose to make. A new world is formed, this time without Klaus. This sets up XC3, which, after some quick skimming on how the plot of XC3 goes, is an entirely new story when compared to XC2. Nonetheless, the choices made in XC2 set up XC3 well, even if it’s not a direct continuation of the story. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 2, judging from the clips and the notable characters (Rex, but mostly Pyra/Mythra that are also in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), seems to be a great storyline game that pushes a strong-willed narrative that urges its’ audience to make the sacrifices that need to be made in order to set up success in the future. I enjoyed watching the compilation of mini-clips and believe this is a good game. 

[radiorams]

The End of Evangelion

The End of Evangelion is a violent, disorganized, and emotionally unvarnished conclusion to the Evangelion narrative that defies simple explanations. In contrast to the original series' reflective and symbolic conclusion, this movie uses apocalyptic violence, death, and psychological collapse to externalize the internal conflict. It's obviously a reaction to criticism from the audience, but it also delves deeper into the show's central issues: What does the term "human" mean? Can we choose individuality over phony unity while still enduring pain? The film tackles existential dread, postwar Japanese trauma, and the breakdown of meaning in an overly modern society. Fears of conformity and annihilation are echoed by the widespread death and destruction as well as the disintegration of human consciousness into a single collective soul. The conflict between individual identity and collectivism in Japan seems to be at the heart of this. Both a yearning for connection and a desire to escape the agony of selfhood are symbolized by instrumentality, the process of fusing all souls into one. However, Shinji's ultimate choice to return to a fragmented, personal reality rather than a serene, cohesive dream seems to reject that erasure. Personally, I wasn't prepared for how much this movie affected me. Shinji's despair, remorse, and anxiety about being harmed by others struck a chord with me. Although it is painful to watch, the scenes of emotional and physical breakdown—particularly Asuka's vicious battle and Shinji's breakdown in the hospital—show how trauma, depression, and loneliness can warp a person's perception of reality. It's easy to feel like Shinji in college, where everyone is figuring themselves out and frequently conceals their pain behind busy schedules or silence. Shinji craves connection but fears rejection. Shinji's decision to live despite her suffering is ultimately a peculiar yet lovely message. It's a real ending, but not a happy one. We are forced to confront ourselves in The End of Evangelion, yet we still decide to live.

[heyyywydlol]

I enjoyed your observation on End of Evangelion. Me, personally, I did not like how pretty much the whole show and even the film, too, does not tie up loose ends. Rather, it is up to the audience's interpretation on how they feel about the show and how they would've liked for it to end in their eyes, I'm assuming in an effort to appease the majority. Nonetheless, I respect the anime for what it is and I liked the message of pushing Shinji to self-acceptance by the end of the show.

[heyyywydlol]

End of Evangelion

The End of Evangelion had to be produced for fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion that needed a traditional ending to the show. In their defense, the original show ended on a serious cliffhanger by only focusing on Shinji’s character development. The character development for Shinji needed to happen, and it only set up a perfect platform for a movie to be made. 

At the end of the film, Shinji wakes up on a beach with shrapnel surrounding him. Asuka is next to him, and Shinji begins to strangle her. This could’ve been done because he wasn’t sure if it was actually her or if he was seeing things. Asuka touches his face gently and says, “how disgusting” and then the movie ends. This ending is up in the air for interpretation, but me personally, I believe Shinji only did this to validate if she was real or not without trying to read too deeply into it. 

End of Evangelion was a good film to watch, but there are so many unanswered questions for the fans to just interpret on their own. The Human Instrumentality Project was never explained in full detail. Was the beach scene a new life, or the end of humanity? I believe this show was written in this specific way so that anyone watching this anime could enjoy it how they would like for it to play out in their own head. At the end of the day, I reckon that’s what makes a good film “good” anyways. 

Neon Genesis Evangelion and End of Evangelion are good for what they are, but they do not compare to other anime that has been presented in the show. My favorite ones so far would still have to be Sword Art Online and Naruto. Yet, with many anime, I respect it for what it is and I appreciate the message that Neon Genesis Evangelion pushed, that being it’s okay to be in touch with your emotional, vulnerable side because that is what makes you human. 

[elizalazuli]

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995): Masculinity and Self-Acceptance

[Part 2]

The Part 2 viewing of Neon Genesis Evangelion took an existential turn, highlighting significant character development in Shinji.

In my first viewing and post, I focused on understanding Shinji’s character. I determined he is timid, indecisive, passive, submissive, self-conscious, and childish. His insecurity is evident in how he makes excuses for his behavior and seeks validation from others to derive self-worth. In these four episodes, I paid closer attention to how others respond to Shinji—particularly his failure to align with traditional masculine traits.

I noticed that those around him either grow frustrated with or enable his self-loathing. Asuka (the Second Child) treats Shinji much like Katsuragi did in the Part 1 viewings—calling him a “wimp,” speaking to him condescendingly, and feeling the need to direct him due to his passivity. It almost feels as though traditional gender roles are reversed, with Shinji’s lack of hegemonic masculinity leading the women around him to adopt more dominant roles.

However, in the final episode, we see Shinji’s redemption. He undergoes an unexplained, psychedelic soul-searching experience, confronting what it means to be an individual, to exist, and to navigate the fears tied to both. Most importantly, he faces his self-rejection, which fuels his fear of being rejected by others. One striking quote from this sequence is, “You understand your own shape through examining how different you are from others” (Episode 24, 14:00). This suggests that his sense of inadequacy stems from perceiving himself as atypical compared to the masculine ideal. However, the real source of his suffering is his own perception. By shifting how he sees himself in relation to others, Shinji can ultimately choose to free himself through self-acceptance.

[heyyywydlol]

Shinji's self-acceptance of not being able to, I guess, adhere to societal expectations of being a manly hero is a good note to leave off on for viewers at home. The audience takes in that it is okay to have flaws and accept yourself for who you are, a narrative that Neon Genesis Evangelion ends strongly on.