JPT1311

[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.

[wonviiii]

Hello! I like your take on the film's social order hanging on by a thread. I also commented on a similar aspect of the government's lack of action. I noticed that their greed was what was leading them to gear out of control, because they prioritized the development of Tetsuo and the secrecy of the Espers rather than actually helping with societal issues like the tax reforms and the violent crime rates. In other words, their drive to gain control of the "power of God" and be at the top was blinding them to more present issues. Even as they discuss in the round table different things to prioritize, no one really directly states anything about what the people's needs are. So I agree with you that Akira comments on the need for authority to unite, but not only that, they need to unite and listen, not to greed's words, but to people's words.

[wonviiii]

Akira- Blog #27

Set 31 years after World War III, the plot serves as a commentary on systems of greed, neglect, and lack of ethics by those in power. Tetsuo and Kaneda are two members of a biker gang who become entangled with the government after an accidental collision with a psychic test subject. Tetsuo, in turn, gets taken in and experimented on, resulting in him gaining psychic powers as well. What I found most interesting is the dynamic between Tetsuo and Kaneda and how it triggers many of the events. Before that, I think it is crucial to understand the climate of this time and the pressure exerted on young children. In their high school, all the kids are told that school is their last chance to be able to keep living and that if they cannot adapt to living in a group, it’s the end of the road. Tetsuo, bullied and weak, is frustrated with himself for never being able to fight and always having to be saved by his friend Kaneda. Kaneda, on the other hand, takes pity on him and wants to genuinely be of help to him, not knowing it’s the very thing that triggers Tetsuo. So, now that Tetsuo has gained the power to be able to fight back, he loses control. He feels unstoppable and relishes in his situation, taking many lives. Ironically enough, though, towards the end, as he is transforming due to the uncontrollable power of Akira, he calls out to Kaneda for help once more. He, who rejected his help more than anything, reached out his hand to his savior once more, finally realizing the consequences of being at the top. I really liked this dynamic; however, beyond that, this film really emphasizes the greed of those in power, not just Tetsuo’s, but specifically the government’s. Riots are going on, people are plagued by unemployment, violent biker gangs and protests, lack of educational order, and yet the government is solely focused on trying to keep their experiments undercover and gain control of the power, the very thing they call “the power of God” and the very thing that had triggered World War III. This greed to be above and to be the most powerful sickens society as it crumbles under their direct feet due to a lack of actual implementation of laws and good regulation. Instead, they enforce violence on the protesters to quiet them and, in a way, ignore them too. In my opinion, I feel as though Akira is not just a “weapon” that caused destruction but a direct metaphor for greed and the consequence of treating humans as tools for progress (it may also be a direct reference to the destructive power of the atomic bombs that struck Japan and the effects on its people afterwards). Apart from that, the visuals from the film were so stunning, and I actually love Kaneda’s red motorbike so much, it’s to die for!

[stephst]

VIOLET EVERGARDEN

Violet Evergarden is a story that cuts deep. Set in a world that’s just emerged from a devastating war, it centers on Violet, a young girl who was once a soldier and is now trying to find out who she is without a uniform or orders. She becomes an Auto Memory Doll—someone who writes letters for people who can’t find the words themselves. Through this job, Violet starts to connect with others and slowly, painfully, begins to understand her own emotions.

What struck me most is how this anime handles the long shadows left by war—not just on nations, but on individual people. Japan has a complex history with militarization and emotional expression, and Violet’s journey reflects that struggle. She’s trained to follow commands, to suppress all feeling, and when that structure disappears, she’s left adrift. This isn’t just a Japanese issue; it resonates globally, especially in places where people return from war, abuse, or loss and don’t know how to live as anything but survivors.

Personally, I found parts of Violet’s emotional journey painfully relatable. There have been moments in my own life where I’ve felt disconnected, like I was going through the motions but not really feeling anything. Watching Violet try to figure out what “I love you” means hit hard. It reminded me that healing isn’t linear. It’s awkward and slow and sometimes doesn’t look like healing at all.

The anime also ties in beautifully with some of the emotional theories that I'm exploring for my essay, like Sara Ahmed’s idea that emotions are not just personal—they’re social, shaped by history and relationships. Violet is learning not just how to feel, but how to belong. And in doing so, she helps others heal too. That’s what makes this story so moving—it’s about learning to be human, one letter at a time.

[wonviiii]

Hello! This was so beautifully said. Especially how you described the feeling of finding love and what it is. It isn't a linear path, but rather a slow and awkward process. I wholeheartedly agree! I also loved how you connected it to Japan's complex history with militarization and the effects it has left on the individuals. In a way, Violet also represents the exploitation of youth in war settings. She was merely a child when she was taught to kill and placed in a horrible environment. She was also an orphan, and her only companions were other soldiers who were most likely also not in their right state of mind due to the war effects, so it's really disheartening to see how such a young girl was stripped of her childhood and her ability to learn what love is.

[wonviiii]

Violet Evergarden: Recollections- Blog #26

Goodbye, mental health. I cried so hard, this is not okay, what was that ending, no, what was this!!! The whole movie was so cruel to me. This was so beautifully written yet so soul-crushing, and I feel broken inside, blurry eyes typing this right now. On a different note, this film talks about the consequences of war, not during it but after it has ended, and how it has affected its soldiers, specifically, this story is about Violet Evergarden. Once, known as the “major’s dog,” she had her humanity stripped from her at a very young age, as she was molded into a soldier who only knew how to follow orders. She was considered more machine than human, an emotionless tool of war that obeyed without question and lived solely to serve her superior, Major Gilber, whom she clung to as her sole anchor of feeling. However, following the war, Violet struggles with her purpose. Without orders to follow and without Major Gilbert, she feels hollow and useless and even asks to be discarded. Instead, Claudia Hodgins gives her a job at his company as a letter writer, where she trains to become an Auto Memories Doll. She is precise and efficient, gaining full marks in grammar and typing, yet she does not manage to graduate due to the lack of emotion in her letters, a crucial aspect of letter writing. As the story progresses, she learns what feelings are at the cost of herself. She finally realizes that she has been burning up inside all along due to the horrors she had to commit and the lives she’s taken while mindlessly following orders. She burns in her guilt and self-hatred, even attempting to commit suicide as she questions whether someone like her has the right to live. Cluadia tells her, “You can’t erase the past, although, just know everything you’ve done as an Auto Memories Doll won’t disappear either.” All the letters she’s written that have helped unite people, all the emotions she conveyed, the “I love you” she dearly wished to learn, it can’t be erased; she can redeem herself, of course, she has the right to live. What really got to me was her job at the end, where the sick mother made her write a letter for her daughter’s upcoming birthdays (50 years, 50 letters), since she knew she wouldn’t be there for her anymore. That part just….why!!! Even thinking about it just makes me cry again, it is so touching, and I really loved this film. The power of letters as memory holders, the learning of emotions and love, the concept of redemption, and the depictions of the horror of war were all so beautifully done that it speaks to the heart... and my tears. 

[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.

[wonviiii]

Hello! I love your take on mental health being a main theme discussed in the show. Personally, I focused more on the shifting perspectives between Gojo and Geto and how they changed as a result of exploitative systems of society, not so much on the mental health aspect of not only sorcerers but also non-sorcerers, who, in part, are the main cause to why the curses gain a physical state due to a lack of control. It's really interesting (and heartbreaking) to me, with this information, that Geto's solution to end these "negative feelings" is to kill every non-sorcerer...because in a way it gives in to the underlying themes of mental health leading to collapse until the point of no return.

[wonviiii]

Jujutsu Kaisen- Blog #26

YAY! Honestly, I'm really hyped to see Jujutsu Kaisen made it on the list as I’m a big fan, especially of this arc, because of the character dynamics displayed. Specifically, the complete switch of ideologies between Geto and Gojo makes this arc so intriguing to analyze. In the beginning, Gojo is incredibly arrogant as he believes his status as the strongest absolves him from any responsibility and wonders why he should save the weak due to how exhausting it is. However, Geto disagrees as he believes that jujutsu sorcery exists to protect non-jujutsu sorcerers. Despite this, as the series progresses, they exchange these ideologies completely. Gojo begins to carry the true weight of his power and chooses to protect others exactly because he’s the strongest. On the other hand, Geto can no longer believe in non-sorcerers due to having witnessed the ugliness of the masses over and over and over until he broke, especially present during the village scene, where two young sorcerers' sisters are deemed as monsters, accused of murder. After killing 112 villagers in a moment of rage, he ultimately decides to create a world of only jujutsu sorcerers; in other words, he declares to wipe out all non-sorcerers completely. In this shift, the weak, whom he once saw as admirable for their perseverance despite needing protection, are now seen as undeserving, cruel, and the direct cause of the cursed energy encompassing their world. On a more globally relevant perspective, the show does comment on the exploitation of youth. Jujutsu sorcerers, no matter how young, are seen as disposable tools thrown into battle without regard for their lives, as their sacrifices are all for the “greater good.” Even the strongest, Gojo, and the most unassuming, Geto, suffer from this cycle of trauma and exploitation, showing how no one is truly safe. I especially really like Gojo’s quote regarding this, “But apparently it's not good enough for just me to be strong. The only ones I can save are those who are already ready to be saved by another.” He is caught in a system that weaponizes their existence until it breaks them apart…All in all, the Gojo and Geto break-up arc is too sad :(

[wicckim]

Hetalia: You Would Not Believe How Huge This Fandom Was in the Late 2000s/Early 2010s

I was in middle school when this anime was in its prime, in fact, this was the largest fandom present at the anime conventions I first went to. This anime was the anime of discussion, the only thing I remember being as big as this on the convention scene was Homestuck that followed some years after. People would be dedicated to role playing their character/country, and I had never understood its popularity then, and still am not sure I quite understand even now after rewatching a bit of the series. It's not my cup of tea (or plate of pasta, I guess).

Watching Hetalia really puts you on a rollercoaster of quirky, sometimes uncomfortable, viewing experience and history lessons presented as anime comedy. It’s an anime that discusses serious topics without taking itself too seriously. The series’ concept heavily relies on personifying entire countries as characters and throwing them into situations ranging from WWII skits to food arguments, which is undeniably creative, but it also walks a tightrope between satire and stereotype. As Annett’s article "World Conflict/World Conference" argues, Hetalia is more than just chaotic nation-boys bickering, but that it’s also a reflection of how fans engage with national identity and historical trauma, sometimes critically, sometimes passively. As someone who experienced the fandom at large in person, it became clear to me that it could be harmful to perpetuate a medium that portrayed off putting stereotypes or maybe even prejudice towards other countries, particularly to outside, objective viewers not familiar with anime. This anime was definitely one that, at the height of its popularity, may have given off the wrong impression on what anime is about and/or what morals anime fans may personally adhere to. I appreciate Hetalia’s ability to make learning history a bit more “fun” by offering a narrative perspective of historical facts and providing a figure to connect with for each nation, but it’s aim to do this did not put the appropriate amount of focus on the problematic undertones associated with the personalities of these characters as these nations. 

In these early episodes, we see characters like Italy portrayed as bumbling and helpless, Germany as strict but caring, and Japan as quiet and efficient. These are all exaggerated national stereotypes, and often they're played for laughs. But the article points out that Hetalia doesn’t just mock these stereotypes, it sometimes reinforces them. Watching this in dub was especially problematic, as accents for these countries are over exaggerated and some of the dialects chosen may misrepresent the nation in favor of that stereotype for the sake of comedy. It’s easy to see how people of these cultures could be offended by these representations, especially if the fandom was perpetuating these stereotypes without doing any critical analysis or critical engagement on what they were meant to represent. 

So yeah, Hetalia can be problematic. It presents nations as one all-encompassing personality, erasing the internal diversity and complexity of each country. The anime simplifies history, sometimes dangerously, like showing Nazi Germany as a moe character (perceived as cute, innocent or vulnerable which assuredly is not an accurate homage to this time period in history). Despite this, Annett makes a poignant claim to refute how bad this might look to the outsider: the fan community surrounding Hetalia doesn’t just passively accept these portrayals (not most of them, anyway). Fan discourse often discusses what feels offensive or inaccurate, oftentimes creating alternative takes (fanfiction was huge at this time, and often gave people of different backgrounds opportunity to contribute more in their perspective or shed light on otherwise overlooked cultural impacts), and reflect on how they might relate to these caricatures both personally and culturally. 

Episodes 1–19, while brief episodes, depict national personalities in silly scenarios but under the tone of humor, and eventually emerge real power dynamics and histories. Especially in the way colonial histories and wartime alliances were represented, these events are brushed over or extremely softened. It enables the viewer to become oddly attached to a character meant to represent an entire nation of people, and with that, comes some complicated feelings toward the messages being represented by the anime. Fans grappled with enjoying a series that relies on national stereotypes and simplifies complex historical events, such as colonialism and World War II. They had to ask themselves how to reconcile their enjoyment with the show’s political and ethical issues, especially when it portrays controversial figures, like Nazi Germany, in a sympathetic light. On a constructive note, these conversations allowed for cross-cultural dialogue, as fans from different backgrounds share perspectives and challenge each other’s assumptions. Annett describes the fanbase as a “fictive collaboration across difference,” where people become more self-aware of their own emotional responses to the anime. I saw this exemplified most when people would role-play their country when they were cosplaying, taking constructive liberties on what a country might do or say based on their emotional contexts or need to maintain historical accuracies.

[wonviiii]

Hello! First of all, I found your point about the dub so interesting! I watched the series in sub and you don’t exactly see, or rather, hear this detail, so learning about how problematic the dub was when over exaggerating accents was really shocking, even if it’s for the sake of comedy, it does feel rather….strange, perhaps targeted. I also strongly agree that this may be problematic, not just because of the stereotypes presented, but because of how people watching the show may start perpetuating these stereotypes themselves instead of learning and researching the country. On another note, I also thought the oversimplification of history may be extremely dangerous because it erases the harsh realities of wars and disputes, making it seem like these countries weren’t that bad. So I definitely believe this show shouldn’t be taken too seriously, otherwise it’d be too problematic.

[wonviiii]

Hetalia: Axis Powers- Blog #25

Hetalia: Axis Powers is an extremely satirical anime that personifies the countries as characters, using stereotypes and exaggerated traits to explore international relationships and history. I remember watching a few episodes of this back when it was really popular, but never truly finished. However, from the very first episode, we can already see many stereotypes presented and discourses between the countries explored. America is cheerful and outspoken, not letting anyone disagree with its opinion, yet England is quick to jump in and disagree, causing them to argue, which reflects tense relationships perhaps stemming from the American Revolution. France is in its own world, portrayed in elegance, as it disagrees with everyone on the basis that they are distasteful. Italy is also portrayed to be in its own world as it yells out the iconic line “pasta!” after Germany’s serious order in the courtroom. Japan, on the other hand, is portrayed as polite because it seemingly agrees with everyone always. So, we can see how most of the characters were based on cultural stereotypes which may be harmful to a certain degree because it isn’t just poking fun at these stereotypes but in a way enforcing them as a representation of the country itself, even if it may not be true. As the Axis Powers start forming their alliances, cultural differences emerge, showing overall dysfunctional and chaotic dynamics which drive the comedy of the show, but also give in to underlying messages of cooperation between different countries. While the show does dwell on a mainly historical depiction of the countries, it isn’t exactly accurate and instead exaggerated to drive the comedy of the show forward, which may lead to some misunderstandings from viewers who may not know much about the country depicted. In terms of nationalism, I feel as though the different countries represent different types of nationalism. For instance, America is portrayed as overconfident and obsessed with heroic deeds, which may stem from propaganda and a more patriotic idealism. This portrayal, in a way, critiques feelings of national superiority as it can blind a country to other perspectives and ideas.  On the other side of the scale, Italy represents a more culturally nationalist sentiment as it is more interested in culinary and art ideals. It doesn’t take pride in its military, which contrasts with Germany, who strongly takes nationalist pride in its military. Overall, Hetalia seems to critique the idea that nationalism is a noble thing because, instead, it often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings between countries due to cultural differences and ideologies. Despite this criticism, I feel as though perhaps using historical narratives in a comedic way may feel insensitive to some viewers, as it takes harsh realities from history and simplifies them for comedic effect, but it was a fun and lighthearted watch. I do wish Spain had appeared more in the episodes because I wanted to see how they portrayed my country, haha.

[lapspps]

Your Name.

One of my all-time favorite animes, this movie is about two main characters that switched bodies. Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu have to find each other to get their souls back to their respective bodies, but this quest is more than just getting the bodies back to normal. For them, it’s something deeper.

The movie mainly addresses the power of fated love and its struggles. Foucault talks about this from his article of power relations. He said that power relations are “intentional and nonsubjective,” and are “imbued with calculation.” What Foucault said sums up the plot of the movie. Tachibana and Miyamizu found themselves in their bodies, and somehow they feel connected. However, not everything is smooth for these two. In fact, Foucault mentioned that power relations are always filled with “points of resistance.” Tachibana and Miyamizu find themselves in a race against time in their path of trying to find each other, with no recollection in between their body swaps. Thus, they have to try to pick up the pieces of where they had left off to meet each other, and simultaneously save the village from the comet. When I think about their situation, I thought of something similar to Romeo and Juliet’s. Although the conflicts differ from each media, the main concept still applies. Furthermore, this applies to real life circumstances of destined love, including busy jobs, schedules, etc. It can be hard to balance daily life with dating, and even though it is burdensome, hopefully it will work out. 

Additional real life issues that the movie addresses are monolithic gender and job stagnation. Miyamizu said that she wanted to be a boy in Tokyo… and she did. This is because she is disillusioned with her current status as a shrine maiden because of the expectations brought upon her. What is interesting about this is that Miyamizu’s frustration reminds me of Aggretsuko. We know Retsuko’s work situation, venting her anger at a karaoke and other things. The difference is that Miyamizu actually got what she wanted, and she experimented doing different activities while being stuck in Tachibana’s body (vice versa too with Tachibana). And I think this experimentation is similar to what the main character of Wandering Son did when exploring her gender identity. I brought these issues up because they can apply to frustrations of people being burdened of trying to live up to cultural, societal, and gender expectations like Miyamizu did. 

What I love about this movie is how emotionally tense and heartfelt of the interactions between Tachibana and Miyamizu. For those who are still single (like me), we can learn from this movie is that there is always that someone who will love you not matter what you are, and it all takes is patience and knowledge to create a relationship.

[wonviiii]

Hello! I completely agree with your analysis, it is well-written and thought-out. Similar to you, I also loved how emotionally tense the interactions were between the two and was especially fond of the red string of fate concept that they had going in. It's one of my favorite ideas ever, the idea of connection transcending all that we know and see. I also found it really interesting how you connected Your Name to Aggretsuko and Wandering Son...it never crossed my mind, but you bring up really good points. Your comparison to Romeo and Juliet was also really fun to think about, so I really like how you compared the film to different media, it's really intricate and cool!

[wonviiii]

Your Name- Blog #24

The story centers around two strangers, Mitsuha, a high school girl living in the countryside, and Taki, a high school boy living in Tokyo, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies on random days of the week. Ironically, Mitsuha longed to escape her life filled with traditional rituals and political agendas before the body swap and wished for her to be turned into a hot guy from Tokyo in her next life. Her wish came true when she woke up in Taki’s body. As they learn of the truth of their body swapping, they begin to communicate with one another through notes since their memories of each other fade with each awakening back into their true bodies. As they adjust, they begin to shape one another’s world. Mitsuha helps Taki become more emotionally present (which is perceived as a more feminine trait by the characters in the film) and sets him up with his coworker, while Taki brings Mitsuha’s courage to life (a more masculine trait), making her more approachable to her classmates. However, one day, the body-swapping suddenly stops, and Taki decides to take matters into his own hands by going to visit her in person…only to discover that the town where she was from was destroyed by a comet three years ago and she is dead. The truth then comes to light, they weren’t just separated by space but by time too. He realizes his feelings for her, and his determination drives him to go to the sacred mountain he had gone to when he was in her body. There, he drinks her ritual sake, and the body swaps begin once more, giving Taki the chance to save her before the comet strikes the town. At a certain point in the film, they manage to meet at twilight, where they cry out and reach out desperately, trying to write down each other’s names before fading apart again. But just as Mitsuha is about to finish, she disappears. The action of Taki only writing the words “I love you” in her hand ends up becoming a mishap in which they both forget each other’s names. However, their feelings remain imprinted despite the fading of their memories, and they each carry their duties in the name of this other “someone.”  Years later, it is shown that the disaster was averted thanks to Taki’s intervention and Mitsuha’s determination to carry out the safety procedures, even going as far as to stand up against her father. However, Taki is withdrawn with the feeling that he’s always searching for something, for someone. Yet, he doesn’t know what or who, and it haunts him. That is until he crosses paths with her again in Tokyo. They run towards each other and then begin crying as they ask each other, “What is your name?”   

A detail I loved in the film was the concept of the red string of fate, which is encapsulated by her braided hair band that is later passed onto him. In the scene, where Taki drinks the sake and sees flashbacks of Mitsuha’s life, his wrist is also connected to hers with a long red string, showing how deep their connection is, as it even transcends time and space. I also found it beautiful that there is an emphasis on the value of feelings over a concrete action of connection. In other words, how their names hold little to no value compared to the feelings they share because even after their names are forgotten, they still reach out to each other and build a connection. I’ve always loved watching this film, so having the chance to watch it again was so nice. I thankfully didn’t cry this time while watching it, but trust me…tears were shed the very first time I laid eyes on this film….!

[animeblogforclasswooooo]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

I was actually familiar with the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 game going into this assignment. Moreover, I actually own the game, but never finished it due to the long cutscenes. It was a little torturous for me to watch all of these scenes, but it made me interested in the game again. The big critique that I saw towards the end was how humanity is the worst monster of all. This being in how humans strive for more and more power at the expense of the environment around them. This game was interesting as it felt like it did not really give an answer to this problem. Even when Klaus, the architect, recreated humanity humans ended up being the same as before. No real change had happened and they were no different than their predecessors. This left me a little confused as all that work to further humanity ended up being wasted. I felt like the message then was to be happy with who you are and try to be the best that you can be everyday, but that felt a little hollow. The conflict with Blades and Humanity was also interesting to see. This conflict being how humans are dependant on blades in how they protect them, but also in how they turn into titans as well. Moreover, in becoming titans they grant humanity islands to live on above the cloud sea. However, the conflict being that humanity abuses blades and that blades should be the true rulers in the relationship. The argument that Malos had was interesting in how the only way to save Earth was to destroy it. It did not feel like the right answer, but also did not feel like a wrong one in a weird way. It was an interesting concept as I had not really thought of the environment when playing Xenoblade the first time. I'm glad that I was able to watch it and come back to the game.

[wonviiii]

Hello, it's so cool that you own the game! After watching all the cutscenes, I felt the need to search for the actual gameplay on YouTube cause I'm really intrigued about playing it myself. On another note, your analysis was really interesting and you are so right about how the environment is affected as a direct cause of human greed and power-hungry agendas. I also agree that Malos' take wasn't entirely wrong. The only way for a world to be free of immorality and "vermin" is to destroy the world, because human nature is unfortunately never changing in a way, no matter how much time passes, selfishness will take shape in different forms. However, I also think that destroying the whole world is a bit unfair, given that there are still good people, relationships, and connections. To destroy the world means to destroy everything (innocent lives, children, animals, plants)...so in a way, it's a rather conflicting subject with really no solution, rather than to hope for the best.

[wonviiii]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2- Blog #23

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 shares a similar narrative to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind as it reflects on what it means to be human, to hope, and to fight for an uncertain future. The world is dying out, clouds stretch endlessly, and the last offer of safety lands atop titans that are soon crumbling too. However, it wasn’t always like this. Humanity once lived in a paradise called Elysium, with their creator, the Architect. Yet, one day they were cast aside…abandoned. Rex, the main character, is a young boy who lives as a salvager and dreams of going to Elysium and restoring peace. “Could the Elysium really exist? A land of plenty, atop the world tree…if such a place did exist, perhaps we could all live in peace without fighting.” Yet the world seems to laugh at his “childish” ideology of a world where humans can coexist. Instead, they fight over land and resources, sacrificing everyone and everything for more power, more money, and more something. His world reflects ours, except in the far future, after it has already crumbled and will crumble even further until the point of no return. What I found most beautiful was the nature of memories that is discussed in this game. If a blade loses its driver, it winds up temporarily unconscious, waiting for a new driver to resonate with it. However, its memory gets zapped as it is reborn. To this, different characters have different perspectives. Pyra believes it’s a blessing, blades are eternal, and bad memories are picked up, so being able to forget is for the best. However, Jin, one of the main antagonists and personally my favorite :P, says that the accumulation of memories is what allows all of life to grow, change, and evolve. However, blades are fleeting. When they return to being cores, their memories are wiped out, causing their growth to be snatched away forever. "How is that fair? Why are blades merely tools?" This is what drives him to want to erase all of humankind from the world. “Every corner of the world is defiled by such vermin.” He argues. But then, he says something contradictory. That humans haven’t changed a bit in 500 years. If the concept of memories allows for growth and change, how come nobody has changed? How come everyone is still greedy? Still power-hungry? Still destructive? Rex calls his hypocrisy out towards the end, which is a bit hilarious as he tells him, “You lot are the same, aren’t you? Didn’t you say you wanted to destroy the world?” They aren’t that different from the people they so call vermin. On the other hand, Ornelia, Jin’s previous owner, shares a more humane perspective, that for humans, being forgotten is a fate much worse than death, elevating the importance of memories. Humans struggle so hard to make a mark in the world exactly because their lives are fleeting, yet when blades awaken anew, they’ll forget. I just thought the parallels and differences in perspective were so cool to look at.

On another note, the game really emphasizes how, despite the planet being an unseemly place, beauty still exists. It also really resonated with me due to its existentialist questions. “What should people live for? When a person loses something, they cannot help but seek a reason why. Within themselves or in others. They seek a concrete answer to the question of who they are deep inside. Such a lonely existence. But perhaps this is what it is to be human.” Rex, throughout the show, personifies hope. He never gives up, not even when Elysium turns out to be empty, not when Pyra and Mythra vanish, not when Malos is about to destroy the world. Instead, he actually views Malos as someone whom he will befriend after giving him a good beating back to sense. The end draws to a close when we find out that Elysium is not a place in the sky, it’s not “paradise.” It’s the earth they had inhabited all along, except it is one reborn from unity, selflessness, and change. As the titans collapse into one another, creating land, life restarts, and this time with the belief that maybe humanity can do better. So in a way, hope is not the guarantee of paradise he believed in naively at the beginning of the story, but rather the strength to build the “paradise” together. Also, a cool detail is the fact that Myrtha/Prya did not die!! Her core crystal never shattered, so I think her still being alive despite everything really encapsulates the game’s drive for hope. 

[wicckim]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind- Personally I'd Hang Out with the Ohms Before I'd Hang Out with the Tolmekians

Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a powerful film that critiques industrialism while advocating for a deeper, more spiritual relationship with nature. At the heart of this film is Nausicaä, a character whose reverence for all life, especially the Ohm and insects of the jungle, sets her apart from others. While most characters see the toxic jungle and its creatures as dangerous enemies that must be eliminated to support their own survival, Nausicaä understands that nature isn’t inherently hostile. We see this as early as the opening scenes, where she tames an "enraged" Ohm with nothing but a charm and flash grenades, akin to metaphorically using words in a fist fight and still winning that fist fight without lifting a finger. Nausicaä sees that the insects are not offensive in terms of inevitable destruction, but rather, they're responding to the damage done by humanity centuries before. Her compassion and curiosity lead her to discover that the jungle is actually working to cleanse the earth by filtering out the toxic soil and water left behind by a war-torn, industrialized old world.

Nausicaä’s attitude toward the Ohm reflects a pantheistic worldview, one where all life is sacred and interconnected, in my opinion. She doesn't see herself as above nature, but instead she is a part of it, which is a major departure from the dominant mindset in the film, especially among the Tolmekians. Her deep empathy and understanding of the ecosystem reminds me of how many Indigenous civilizations once lived in harmony with the natural world. These cultures were often dismissed as “primitive” by industrialized societies, even though their knowledge systems were rooted in sustainability and mutual respect with the environment. It's interesting to consider that the practice of environmental mutualism leads to higher rates of longevity of those civilizations, but is still so heavily disregarded by the other nations, especially considering that this need for mechanized development and centralizing human-need above all other things is the very reason the world has come to be as it exists in the film.

The people of the Valley of the Wind also embody this harmony. They use renewable wind energy to power their homes and machines, and they harvest resources mindfully, like reusing the shells of dead Ohm rather than harming living creatures. This is in stark contrast to the Tolmekians, whose worldview is rooted in dominance and technology to secure power over others, believing that nature's usefulness is in serving human purposes, and otherwise if not, if harmful and must be destroyed. Kushana and her followers embody this attitude, relying on force and destruction to control the natural world. We see this attitude extended in callousness toward the civilians of the valley during their "unification" of forces, which looks more like a hostage situation, as the attitude towards them from the soldiers is that they are primitive or superstitious, not be taken seriously. Kushana's insistence on using the God Warrior to dominate the jungle mirrors real-world global superpowers, like the U.S., that often turn to weapons and military dominance to maintain control rather than seeking cooperation or diplomacy.

Then there’s the Pejitians, who seem caught in the middle. In my opinion, they reflect the position of many nations today, as they are aware of environmental crises but unsure how to respond, often manipulated by more powerful forces. Their leaders make decisions based on immediate threats or sometimes personal biases or political indifferences, even if those choices aren’t in line with what the people themselves believe. It’s interesting that many Pejitians saw Nausicaä as a savior, helping her escape, even while their leadership opposed her.

Ultimately, Nausicaä presents a vision of nature with its own agency, suggesting that the Ohm's are intelligent, reactive, and even judgmental. This comes up in many instances when the Ohm's are "assessing" the people, "seeing the shape of their hearts". The Ohm don’t just protect the jungle out if animalistic instinct, they act almost as a force of nature's will. Nausicaä’s self-sacrifice at the end symbolizes the need for humanity to repent from its destructive path and adopt a new way of living, one of coexistence, humility, and harmony with the natural living world.

[wonviiii]

Hello! I completely agree with wanting to hang out with the Ohms before setting foot anywhere near the Tolmekians- humans can be so cruel sometimes. I also love your take on how the Pejitians are caught in the middle reflecting many nations today, you bring up a really good point I hadn't noticed while watching. They're quite literally in between saving or destroying, but ultimately it really resonated with me how the people, not those in power, decided in favor of saving the planet by freeing Nausicaa, despite it meaning the destruction of their own selves amidst the air battle.

[wonviiii]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind- Blog #22

About a thousand years after the collapse of industrial civilization, a toxic forest called the Sea of Decay spreads across the earth, releasing polluted spores and seemingly dangerous insect creatures that destroy everything in their path. The people who inhabit this land must cover up because breathing in the toxins will result in death. Despite this, humanity endures and adapts to the hostile environment, yet still retains its ideologies of greed and war against the threatening insects and their own kind. Nausicaa, the main protagonist, is different from all of the other characters in the film in that she is fascinated by the beauty of the forest and is driven to understand it rather than annihilate it. She shows deep empathy with the creatures and plants, even growing a garden inside her base using such species. However, everything changes when a warship crashes near her village, bringing Tolemkian soldiers inside to invade the valley and murder her father as they grab the villagers' hostages with the plan to awaken a giant warrior to fight against the Sea of Decay in the name of “peace” despite their actions contradicting their words. As the film carries on, we learn that the poisonous plants of the Sea of Decay are not inherently toxic; rather, it is the earth itself, polluted by humans, that has corrupted them. In this exchange, we learn that the forest’s real purpose is to cleanse the planet, not destroy it, and the insects/creatures, like the Ohm, are there to protect this process. The film draws to a close when Nausicaa sacrifices herself for her people in the middle of the fierce battle, and the Ohms, a symbolic representation of Earth’s fury, calm down for her and bring her back to life. Society then rebuilds, and nature slowly creeps its way back into the land.

Overall, the film seems to serve as a reminder of the dangers of environmental neglect and war, specifically the consequences of global warming. Nausicaa’s character personifies compassion and functions as an example of what a happy ending would be like if we respect nature as well as one another. A quote that stuck out to me is that “the pollution lies in the Earth itself.” I like the symbolism behind this and how it could serve as both environmental pollution but also human degradation and a lack of empathy towards one another. Despite the inherent danger and a nearly destroyed world, wars keep raging as people brutally kill one another as if they were mere chess pieces just to push personal agendas of grandeur. Kushana, in particular, commits heinous acts while declaring that she is doing so for greater peace; however, is an Earth bedridden with never-ending sacrifices really a peaceful Earth? Once again, the scenery and ingenuity of the film are so beautiful as to be expected of Ghibli movies! I loved Teto so much too, especially when it kept nuzzling around her in care, too cute!

[ianjapanblog]

The End of Evangelion

If you’ve ever watched The End of Evangelion, you know that it’s not just another anime movie—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you questioning everything about the world and yourself. The 1997 film, directed by Hideaki Anno, is the mind-bending conclusion to the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion series. But beyond the mechs, angels, and apocalyptic imagery, it’s a deep reflection on personal isolation, mental health, and existential crises. These themes aren’t just relevant to Japan—they resonate with anyone grappling with the pressure of modern life.

In Japan, where societal pressures often emphasize conformity and perfection, Evangelion serves as a mirror to the struggles of its youth. The characters, particularly Shinji Ikari, embody the isolation and the tension between individual desires and collective expectations. The film’s raw exploration of depression and anxiety reflects the intense societal challenges faced by young people in Japan—issues like overwork, expectations of academic success, and the constant pressure to "fit in." Shinji's journey is, in many ways, symbolic of a generation's desperate search for meaning in a world that often feels cold and indifferent.

Globally, The End of Evangelion speaks to universal feelings of alienation. The film doesn't shy away from depicting intense emotional vulnerability, making it relatable to anyone who's ever felt disconnected or misunderstood. The final scenes, with their surreal and philosophical undertones, challenge viewers to confront their own fears, doubts, and desires.

Whether you’re a fan of mecha anime or not, The End of Evangelion is an unforgettable experience. It’s a film that transcends its genre and cultural roots, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. It forces us to ask—what happens when we confront our deepest fears and try to make sense of an increasingly complex world?

[wonviiii]

Hello! I completely agree with you about the movie/show being an unforgettable experience. I loved watching every second of it, though I may be biased since I do love mecha and darker/philosophical plots a lot, so this one hit the arrow through the heart perfectly. On another note, I love how you talked both about the global implications as well as the national implications for Japan in particular. The analysis was very well thought out, but I feel as though Shinji's self-hatred goes way beyond just trying to fit in. Shinji from the get-go clearly doesn't fit in and this does trigger quite a bit of struggle, but he doesn't really change himself or acknowledge others to fit in the mold, he simply lives with the fact and pushes through. In my opinion, his self-hatred is instead triggered more by the sheer cruelty he has to endure, the physical pain, the action of killing, the action of letting die, his inability to help, his cowardice, the abandonment of his father, his loneliness, and everyone's betrayal. Every little piece stacks up little by little, making him collapse, which is really heart-shattering but also adds a lot to the main theme. Overall, good post!

[wonviiii]

The End of Evangelion- Blog #21

I noticed that a lot of people have a very strong dislike/frustration towards Shinji’s inability to do anything, however, I actually quite liked his character a lot and I feel as though the whole point of the movie was that- the deeply rooted fear and worthlessness of not being able to do anything despite having the complete power to do it. At its core, The End of Evangelion is not about mechs and battles of victory but about the raw, painful reality of human existence. Shinji’s struggle embodies the universal feeling of rejection, the search for meaning, and the difficulty of facing oneself. That, and above all else, he is merely 14 years old, so I find it realistic and almost painfully beautiful that he just sat there collapsing within his mind while the outside world was crumbling. Shinji has been used as a killing machine all for “protection” for the “greater good” of the humans who have been the villains all along and wished for nothing other than to self-destruct. Blood, limbs, corpses. All because of him. I may not be speaking for everyone, but If I was a 14-year-old placed inside a mecha I’ve never touched in the middle of a battlefield and told to fight….incessantly, while I already hate myself…..I’d also lose my mind and freeze on the spot. It’s definitely a breeze of fresh air to escape into a fictional story of overpowered MCS who have plot armor and keep fighting despite the hardship…but Shinji? He encapsulates us. The real us. The real humanity at its core. This is why in the end reality shifts and real people are reflected, not animation. “Do you use a trailer-made fantasy to get revenge against reality? Was that wrong? You were avoiding the truth by escaping into a fictional world.” If Shinji had been the picture-perfect cookie MC who saves the world and springs to action, Evangelion's underlying meaning and biblical reference would have been skewed completely. Moreover, it’s not like Shinji didn’t want to do anything. He physically and mentally couldn’t. Kaworu died, Misato died, Asuka died. If you look at it objectively, yes he technically is at fault because he could have chosen a different course of action. But subjectively, is it really only his fault? Or is it society’s fault that made a 14-year-old kid collapse and shatter in such a way? I absolutely loved this movie so much because it was just so freakishly philosophical and raw. The cycle of destruction and reconstruction was also so beautifully explained and I loved the fact they included the end credits halfway in the middle of the big plot point because it almost left me shell-shocked for a few moments, only adding to the gravity of the situation. The fact that the whole movie revolved around human self-destruction and the quote “man must be the only creature capable of such hatred for its own kind” really tied in with a very morbid and bleak theme, however, it did not lie.  I also really liked that at a certain point, Shinji literally prays with his hands together “No more, no more, no more!” The irony of the situation given the movie is a reenactment of Genesis and a biblical allusion and yet he is praying to a god in a destroyed world, is very chilling. 

On another note, I feel like sex/sexual attraction is used as a metaphor to prove one’s worth in the movie/series. “It’s an easy way to give yourself a sense of self-worth” which may explain why Shinji is so focused on it at times- why he did that in the hospital upon seeing Asuka, why Misato kisses him when he is torn apart by his own despair, and why he keeps imagining and seeing the bodies of the girls around him. Towards the end, a lot of suggestive positions are shown, specifically Shinji and Rei who are lying naked on top of one another. I think these are all metaphors for the instrumentality aspect of the show. It’s a fake world after destruction that should feel good, but ultimately, nothing really happens. It’s empty. They are physically and mentally merged into one, yet it isn’t right. That’s when Shinji realizes that self-worth isn’t all there is to life and for the first time in the whole movie he says “It’s okay.” He’s okay with psychological walls dividing everyone and fear consuming everyone….as long as the world is real, moving, changing. I actually think this movie won my heart and became one of my top favorites of all time. I’ve been meaning to watch the show for a while just never had the opportunity so I’m glad I was able to through this class :)

“As long as you have the heart to live on, anywhere is paradise. As long as there is the sun, the moon, and the earth…it will all work out.” 

[bellak1414]

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Part II)

I enjoyed part 2 of this anime series even more than I did part 1. I feel like I rarely see media with happy endings these days, so it was definitely a treat to see the anime end with a victory for queer masculinity. Further, while I wasn’t a fan of Asuka’s character, I appreciated that the anime showcased hegemonic masculinity in a female character. I felt that this emphasized my previous point that variety is vital when it comes to personality types and the ways in which people navigate and view the world. In the same way that it is important to have sensitive and emotionally intelligent men in addition to the powerful and protective types. I also believe that it is important to have powerful and protective women in addition to the sensitive and emotionally intelligent types. There is no need for men or women to feel a need to perform in a specific way or in a way that feels unnatural to them. There is room for all kinds of personalities.

I believe the anime also emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and how veering away from this and trying to be someone that you are not can ultimately backfire. When Shinji decides to increase the level at which he performs hemegonic masculinity and even goes so far as to state that “Fighting is a man’s job.” He ultimately loses control and finds himself sucked into another dimension, an empty void. He is forced to shut down the robot and curl up in the fetal position in the bath of LCL in order to conserve energy and ensure survival. However, when he finally accepts his queer masculinity towards the end of the anime and understands that he has the right to exist as he is, he is able to join the rest of humanity. He joins them in their completed state. Therefore, we learn that staying true to yourself as opposed to trying to be someone that you are not will have a positive as opposed to negative result. I believe that we can apply this idea to our own world as it is a common trend for children, as they transition to their adult selves, to try to be someone they’re not in order to fit in. However, doing the opposite of this and staying true to themselves is what will ultimately positively impact them in the end. 

[wonviiii]

Hello! I loved when you explained how there is no need for men or women to perform in a specific way that is unnatural to them because I wholeheartedly agree. The beauty of life is that we are all different. I also like when you explained that his performance of hegemonic masculinity leads him to get trapped not only physically but also within his mind as he drowns not only in the LCL but also in his own despair and affirmation to give up life. It really encapsulates the consequences of straying further and further from yourself as you only end up losing yourself forever.