The Cherry Blossom Cinephile

Citizen Kane (1941) is often hailed as “the greatest film ever made”—a bold title, and one that’s backed up by its number one ranking on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Movies list. So naturally, that’s where I’m starting this cinematic journey.

I’ll be honest: I approached it with a bit of skepticism. How impressive could an 84-year-old film really be? I had my doubts, but by the end, I understood why this movie is still analyzed, discussed, and revered. Let’s take a look at Citizen Kane not just as a major moment in film history, but as a deeply reflective work that explores power, identity, and the pieces of ourselves we choose to share.

A Life Told in Fragments

At its core, Citizen Kane tells the story of a man’s life—fragmented, nonlinear, and full of contradictions. The narrative unfolds through interviews and flashbacks following Kane’s death, as journalists attempt to decipher the mystery behind his final word: “Rosebud.”

But the film never gives us a straightforward answer. Each person interviewed provides only a partial picture, and none of them fully understands who Charles Foster Kane truly was. And that’s exactly the point: no one, not even Kane himself, has the complete truth.

For a film made in 1941, this nonlinear storytelling was groundbreaking. It challenged the way stories were told in cinema and set a precedent that filmmakers still follow today. As viewers, we don’t just sit back and watch—we act as detectives, piecing together a life through the biased memories of others.

Legacy, Perception, and “Rosebud”

One of the most striking themes in Citizen Kane is legacy—how it’s shaped, remembered, and manipulated. Kane isn’t remembered for who he was, but for what others thought of him. His story mirrors the way real-life legacies are often constructed through public perception and media narrative.

This theme feels incredibly relevant today. In an age where branding, reputation, and digital footprints are everything, Kane’s struggle to define his identity and legacy hits close to home.

And then there’s “Rosebud.” That single word, revealed only in the last few seconds, offers a quiet, emotional punch—a glimpse into Kane’s lost innocence and the emotional void his empire couldn’t fill.

Visual Mastery: Deep Focus, Shadows, and Scale

Visually, Citizen Kane is a masterpiece. Orson Welles, alongside cinematographer Gregg Toland, redefined what film could look like. Their use of deep focus (keeping foreground, middle, and background all in sharp clarity) added richness and depth to each frame.

Scenes often show characters dwarfed by massive surroundings, emphasizing their power—or lack thereof. And the use of light and shadow, especially in Kane’s cold, cavernous mansion Xanadu, is not just stylistic—it’s psychological. It mirrors Kane himself: isolated, hollow, and hidden behind ego.

Modern Techniques Before Their Time

What surprised me most was how modern the film felt. The editing is fast-paced, the camera moves with fluidity, and the sound design feels immersive. Despite being over eight decades old, Citizen Kane doesn’t feel like a relic. It’s alive, engaging, and impressively ahead of its time.

A Symbol of the American Dream Gone Wrong

Charles Foster Kane is not a likable character—and that’s by design. He starts as a charismatic idealist but becomes consumed by control. He builds a media empire, but loses love, friendship, and ultimately, himself. By the film’s end, he’s less a man and more a symbol: of ambition without meaning, wealth without warmth, and the American Dream unraveling.

Some critics find his arc emotionally cold. I see it as hauntingly accurate. Kane’s decline is a cautionary tale—especially relevant in today’s world, where identity is often constructed for public consumption rather than personal truth.

Final Thoughts

So... is Citizen Kane really the greatest film ever made?

That depends on who you ask. But for me, it lived up to the hype. It asks timeless, essential questions: Who are we? What do we leave behind? What truly matters in the end?

It’s earned a spot on my “watch again” list—not because it’s flashy or fast-paced, but because it lingers. It’s thoughtful, layered, and filled with meaning. Yes, it’s a slow watch—but an incredibly rewarding one.

Citizen Kane spoke to audiences in 1941, and in 2025, it still has something powerful to say.

Hello cinephiles!

If you’ve been following my posts for a while, you probably noticed that I’ve mostly focused on anime analysis. This focus was largely inspired by my recent Japanese culture class, which offered a deep dive into the themes, symbolism, and storytelling techniques unique to anime and Japanese media. It was a fascinating journey, and I really enjoyed sharing that perspective with you all.

However, now that the class has officially concluded, I’m excited to broaden my cinematic horizons and explore a wider range of films. There’s so much more to analyze and appreciate beyond anime, and I’m looking forward to diving into new genres, eras, and styles of filmmaking.

To kick things off, I’ve decided to start working my way through the American Film Institute’s Top 100 list. This collection includes some of the most iconic and influential films in cinema history, and I think it’ll offer a great foundation for thoughtful discussion and analysis. Expect a mix of classic Hollywood, powerful performances, historical context, and maybe even a few hot takes!

As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you have any favorite films, hidden gems, or must-see masterpieces that you think I should check out—whether they’re on the AFI list or not—feel free to drop a comment and let me know.

So for the final blog post for my JPT1311 class, I will be talking about episodes 25 through 29 of Jujutsu Kaisen. These episodes kick off the "Shibuya Incident" arc and they are an incredible example of storytelling, character development, and animation style. These episodes waste no time, they get straight to the point and throw you straight into the chaos while also throwing in layers of humanity within.

Episode 25 starts us off and sets the tone immediately. From the start, it can be seen that the stakes are higher and tension runs thicker. Character like Yuji, Megumi, Fushiguro, and Nobara offer viewers a comforting sense of familiarity but there still an underlying feeling of dread that was not there previously. The animators of these episodes definitely used their talents to its fullest with how fluid the action scenes were. The lighting and color also blended in a way that made the threat feel real. Gojo is at the center and even he starts to feel the strain of whats happening in Shibuya.

When we get to episode 26, the layers start peeling back to reveal the true scale of the conflict. The antagonists' plan starts unfolding and the city is reduced to a battleground. What makes this the most captivating is how personal it all feels. These fights aren't just fights for survival, they are riddled with guilt, responsibility, and desperation. Yuji's internal battle reappears as he wonders whether he's making a difference or if he's just another moving part in someone else's machine. Other characters like Mei Mei and Nanami bring their own ideology and style of fighting that I believe enhance the concept of worldbuilding without overwhelming the audience.

The action intensifies in episode 27. Gojo's abilities, which have been thought of as borderline divine, are tested. The thing I love about this is that the quiet moments of doubt that Gojo experiences are something incredibly relatable as we all have had a moment or two where we just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right despite everything falling into place. In terms of storytelling, I believe it did a fabulous job balancing the visual with the emotions involved.

While the action intensified in episode 27, episodes 28 and 29 are where everything comes to a head. Gojo's isolation becomes both literal as well as metaphorical and the villains show how prepared they are to tear the world apart. The pacing is quick but with a purpose with each scene leaving an intense emotional impact. As Yuji fights and witnesses unimaginable things, its clear that this series is moving into a much darker, mature place.

These episodes are storytelling at its finest. Jujutsu Kaisen was not afraid to push the boundaries when speaking on topics such as trauma and loss. In these particular episodes, we can see how Jujutsu Kaisen embraced those themes with raw honesty. The emotional impact hits just as hard as any physical punch to the gut which makes these episodes some of the most memorable of the series. Viewers are in for a wild emotional roller coaster ride and these episodes definitely leave its mark.

Have you watched these particular episodes? What are your thoughts?

Where to watch:

Crunchyroll

Netflix

Hulu

Written by Kana Akatsuki and directed by Haruka Fujita & Taichi Ishidate, Violet Evergarden: Recollections is a beautiful tale that follows the journey and story of Violet, an Auto Memory Doll. This film is comprised of poignancy and growth making the idea of "recollections" within the story much more significant. This film is about much more than just looking back, its about learning, understanding, connecting, and healing.

If you're a newcomer to Violet Evergarden like me, she is an Auto Memory Doll who writes letters that express the deepest emotions of the clients who hire her. Prior to becoming an Auto Memory Doll (or "Doll"), she was a child soldier and she now struggles to adapt to normal life. Soon after being discharged from the hospital, she discovers that she doesn't know what "I love you" means so she becomes a doll in order to learn.

The "recollections" we see in Violet Evergarden serve as more than just flashbacks...they are vital to Violet's development throughout the series as well as the development of other characters as well. Through these glimpses, we see what each person went through to shape them, the moments that defined relationships, and emotions that make Violet's unique service essential.

The part that stuck with me the most was the episode where Violet helps a mother write letters for her child's future. The recollections of their moments together, the mother's hopes, the unspoken love...these are all woven into each letter Violet writes. They are more than simply words on paper...they are physical pieces of shared history and precious moments preserved from a mother to her child to treasure for a lifetime. I lost my father in 2022 and this episode prompted me to reflect on the memories I had with him before he passed on. My only regret with this particular part was that I didn't have more tissues handy.

When we think about Violet's broken memories of Major Gilbert, we remember them as being blurry and painful at first. As the series progresses, they become clearer to understand as she interacts and experiences the full spectrum of emotions. Each recollection is a step towards Violet's healing which allows her to understand the significance of their bond and what his final words to her truly meant.

What makes these stories so powerful is because of how raw and genuine they are. They aren't an idealized or sugar coated version. We see the full scope of human emotion; the good, the bad, the joy, the pain, the strength, the weakness, intertwined with vulnerability. These views into the past lets us know that life is a woven tapestry of experiences. Through acknowledging and gaining an understanding of these recollections, we can truly connect and empathize with others around us.

Violet Evergarden beautifully visualizes how remembering, revisiting moments, and reminiscing can motivate growth and understanding. Violet becomes a conduit for these recollections helping her clients, and even the viewer, confront their past and move forward. I found myself connecting with many of the stories within this series so I feel that if this was the goal of the creators, they were right on the money.

Next time you reflect on a precious memory, remember the power it holds. Like the letters that Violet writes for her clients, these memories are so much more than pieces of the past, they are the very fabric that holds us together, to others, and to the human experience in general. In that connection, a profound beauty can be found.

Have you watched any of the Violet Evergarden series? What were your thoughts? Leave your thoughts below...

Where to Watch:

When one thinks of an anime film that left its mark on pop culture, Akira is one of the first that people think of. Written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira was released in 1988 as an outstanding piece of media. The visuals grab the viewer’s attention and the animation isn’t something I typically see in 80s anime but the narrative, depth, and world building is on a level entirely of it’s own. Akira didn’t push the boundaries of what animation had the potential to be...it redefined them altogether. 

The story of Akira takes place in a dystopian future in a place called Neo-Tokyo in the year 2019. This dark, chaotic city was built on the ruins of the original city of Tokyo which we learn was destroyed in an explosion that occurred in 1988. This event led to World War III and now, decades later, the city is on the edge of ruin. Corruption runs rampant within the government, protests are breaking out, and gang violence is as common as walking out the front door. Its within this deteriorating environment that we are introduced to two childhood friends; Kaneda and Tetsuo. 

Kaneda is the leader of a biker gang. He’s confident and he’s always looking for the action. Tetsuo, in contrast, is more timid and insecure, feeling like he’s living in the shadow of his friend. One night, during a fight with a rival gang, Tetsuo crashes into a strange child standing in the road and this child turns out to be an “esper”, a government controlled child with incredible psychic powers that are involved in a secret military experiment. 

After the incident, Tetsuo is taken by the authorities and is studied by scientists in a hidden facility. While studying him, the scientists discover that he may have the same psychic abilities. As Tetsuo’s powers “wake up”, so does his uncontrolled emotions. He breaks out and starts to have horrifying visions, uncontrolled psychic events, and and dangerous passion to make himself more than just “Kaneda’s friend”. Tetsuo’s journey from vulnerable kid to power hungry mad man is tragic and horrifying. 

Desperate to save his friend and understand what’s going on around him, Kaneda joins up with a resistance group working to expose the government’s corruption and experimentation. Through this group, he meets Kei, a freedom fighter who turns into an ally as well as a voice of reason. As they all dig deeper into the corruption and conspiracy, they find the truth of Akira. While Akira was thought to be a person walking the earth like the other espers perhaps, it is discovered that Akira is now nothing more than a collection of body parts that are cryogenically frozen for study buried deep under the Olympic Stadium.  

Now consumed by his power, Tetsuo heads to the stadium on a mission to wake up Akira and become invincible. As his power spins out of control, he leaves destruction in his wake as he fights both espers and the military along the way. As his body begins to mutate, he struggle to control the energy within him resulting in him turning into a massive, fleshy form acting as a physical representation of his inner turmoil. 

As Neo-Tokyo prepares for another disaster, the espers discover that Tetsuo has to be stopped no matter what. They end up triggering another event similar to the original from decades earlier and as it begins to consume Tetsuo, Kaneda is taken in along with him. Kaneda sees visions of Tetsuo’s past memories which gives him a glimpse into the pain that drove his friend down such a destructive path. By the end of it all, Kaneda survives as he is saved by the espers who sacrifice themselves then emerging to a city torn by destruction. Upon returning though, he has a better understanding of what happened and why.  

I feel as if the film ends with a dreamlike sequence. Tetsuo’s existence transcends beyond the physical. Right before the credits start, a voice says “I am Tetsuo” which could represent rebirth or the beginning of something entirely new. The ending is left open for interpretation but it leaves its mark long after the credits end. 

Akira is on a level of its own, even thirty plus years following its release. The attention to detail within the animation is astounding with each frame hand drawn, layered with depth and movement. What also makes Akira stand out is the fact that it was willing to tackle such heavy topics such as identity, government control, and the consequences of unyielded power. The characters are flawed, human, and incredibly relatable. The story itself doesn’t give us any simple answers but I believe that adds beauty and depth. Tetsuo’s downfall is tragic because we see what it was born from; fear, the need to feel seen, fear, and the need to feel in control. 

In the years following its release, Akira has influenced films, graphic novels, and even fashion. The iconic red bike and the sliding stop are often referenced and parodied. Beyond the visual aesthetics through, Akira stands as a mainstay in storytelling and animation. It showed that anime could be more than just action; it could be creative, philosophical, and impactful on its audience. Akira is a cautionary tale that still resonates with viewers even thirty plus years later. 

There are actually rumors floating around that Taika Waititi, known for Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, will be directing a live action adaptation! According to ScreenRant.com, Waititi will be directing with Leonardo DiCaprio listed as producer. With no release date announced as of yet, there is still hope as this is the most consistency seen in over twenty-five years of attempting to bring a live action to screens.

Have you watched the film or read the manga? What were your thoughts?

Hetalia: Axis Powers seems like straight chaos at first glance...an anime where countries are personified as humans who bicker, eat, and recreate history with a comedic twist (look at their names...). Beneath the humor and absurdity though is an unexpected exploration into real world issues such as cultural stereotypes, international relations, and the tangled web of politics beyond borders.

Created by Hidekaz Himaruye, Hetalia started as a webcomic before it garnered popularity as an anime. The show's name Hetalia is a blend of "hetare" ("useless" in Japanese) and "Italia" which makes fun of the gawky but lovable character who represents Italy. This series takes place mainly during the World Wars which portrays the Axis and the Allied powers as peculiar individuals based on stereotypes. In the show, we see that Italy is timid and obsessed with food while Germany is fast paced and intense. Japan is stoic and moves quietly while America is loud and the self declared savior. During my first watchthrough, I nearly fell out the first time Feliciano Vargas (Italy) squealed out PASTAAA! 🤣

Hetalia is a satire at its center using humor and overexaggeration to highlight the absurdity of international politics as well as the irrational nature of international conflicts. A good example of this would be in the way Arthur (England) and Francis (France) constantly argue. This highlights centuries of historical discord. The portrayal of America in Alfred as overconfident and intrusive criticizes the U.S.'s habit of inserting itself in global affairs. Matthew (Canada), often mistaken for Alfred, even comments on crises attached to culture and national identity.

While the show seems reckless with its historical accuracy, it opens the door for viewers to do their own research as well as have discussions of their own about how countries may see each other as well as themselves. It challenges the viewer to think about how our worldview is shaped by cultural stereotypes and history. The communication and interaction between the nations/characters often reflect true diplomatic stresses despite being presented in a humorous way.

Furthermore, Hetalia doesn't just speak on war and conflict. It also talks about colonialism, international organizations, economic issues, and culture. This series shows us that global relations are deeply personal which is often defined by history, misunderstandings, and trauma. By reducing the number of geopolitical events into short episodes between characters, Hetalia makes issues easier to digest especially for younger viewers or those who are just getting into history.

Like many series, Hetalia is not without its controversy. The way it uses cultural stereotypes, lack of empathy towards certain events, and lack of context for certain representations prompted criticism but many fans respond stating that the shows intent was to mock old fashioned, outdated worldviews...not encourage them.

Hetalia: Axis Powers gives an eccentric but encouraging way to look at world history as well as global political dynamics. While this series is funny on its surface, it harbors a peek into how international relations play out in ways that can be seen as all too human.

Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name. is a breathtaking blend of fantasy, sci-fi, & romance but beneath this time bending story lies something that is far more. This film touches on a number of issues from cultural to emotional that affect viewers worldwide.

After watching this film for the first time in 2017 at the recommendation of a friend, I fell in love immediately with the characters, the story, and the overall presentation!

At the very heart of Your Name is the subject of disconnection. This can occur between people, places, time, and even oneself. In the film, we see Mitsuha and Taki long for a meaningful connection even though they live extremely different lives. This can represent how, in the modern age of social media, we are almost given a false sense of closeness and connection. A good example of this is when I moved from Florida to Washington state in 2021. I had the idea that with the age of social media and smartphones, I’d be able to stay connected

….I was wrong.

If anything, I started noticing that some friendships fell by the wayside while other friends kept in contact sporadically. While social media and technology can be a fantastic tool to stay connected, it shouldn’t be relied on so heavily. In the film when we see Misuha and Taki’s memories fading away, that could represent how fragile human interaction can truly be.

Looking at it from a different lens, Your Name can also be seen as a reflection the the ongoing tensions in Japan based around tradition vs modernity. Mitsuha lives in Itomori, a small rural town rich in culture and beauty while Taki lives a fast paced life in Tokyo. While this film doesn’t favor one over the other, it suggests to its audience that they can preserve the old while still adapting to new things. If we look at some examples, this could be as simple as passing down an old family recipe to carrying on other traditions both personal and cultural.

The most powerful metaphor for me in this film though was the comet that hit Itomori. This even is a nod to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku that forever left its mark on Japan. The lack of warning, the pain, the grief, the desperation to undo the devastation, all mirror the trauma that Japanese citizens experience. This also raises concerns about disaster and emergency preparedness as well as how communities cope with such an event.

Being from Florida myself, I am almost religious when it comes to hurricane preparedness but after seeing this film in 2017, it reminded me of the very real concerns regarding not only natural disasters but other types of emergencies as well.

This film also speaks universally on a global scale. We see each of the characters trying to figure out who they are, we see how things outside their control can affect them so deeply, and we also see how important it is to empathize with others. When issues such as natural disasters and climate change impact communities all over the world, Your Name reminds the viewer how important it is to connect, remember, and hope.

Your Name will forever be a part of my all time favorites list! I’ve seen it countless times and I’m sure I’ll watch it so many times more!

If you plan on watching this film, it’s available on Crunchyroll! Be sure to have tissues handy!

If you have watched Your Name, what were your thoughts?

For my second viewing this week for my JPT1311 class, I watched Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. This 1984 masterpiece is far beyond an adventure full of giant bugs and flying. If you scratch beneath the surface of the breathtaking animation (typical for Studio Ghibli of course!) and captivating characters is a powerful commentary on the human relationship with nature. This is a message that resonates with people all over the world today. 

This film depicts a post apocalyptic world plagued by a toxic jungle full of giant, mutated creatures. The Valley of the Wind exists in delicate balance with this dangerous ecosystem, a large part due to their princess, Nausicaa. Her respect and understanding for the Ohmu, the giant insect guardians of the sea, stands in contrast to the fear of other human kingdoms who want to use the toxic spores as weapons. 

The central conflict of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind reflects many issues happening in the world today. Japan knows all about natural disasters as well as the delicate balance so the film’s portrayal of ecological downfall hits hard. With rapid environmental pollution that plagued Japan in the later half of the 20th century, this film serves as a cautionary tale urging people all over the world to keep the earth clean and move toward a more sustainable lifestyle. 

The themes within this film are universal. The fear and lack of understanding that drive the feud between the humans and the Ohmu reflect our own relationship with nature. We see this in deforestation, pollution, and the instillation of fear surrounding various animal species. For some societies in the film to try and control nature reflects modern debates revolving around resources and the consequences of harmful technologies. 

Nausicaa takes a different path. She takes patient observation and she is willing to understand how the ecosystem works. Her belief in the possibility of peace offers an alternative to the destructive impulses of other humans. This relates to the growing movements advocating for conservation, sustainable living, and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of our ecosystem. 

Despite the Tolmekians aggressive motivations, this film has no clear villain which also reflects the complex real world issues surrounding resource availability and environment. This makes one look further than the simplicity and think about the true causes of not just human conflict but also environmental devastation. 

Watching this film, I felt that it was a beautifully crafted tale that spoke on the importance of taking care of the planet as well as one another. The message continues to speak to society today as environmental issues still plague society with examples being global warming, resource availability, and pollution just to name a few. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind reminds us that survival doesn’t come simply from conquering nature, but learning to live in a peaceful harmony with it. This is a lesson that remains relevant all over the world.  

Nature is a beautiful thing that offers so much more than just something pretty to look at so next time you’re at a sporting event, at the beach, or just out and about, be a good human being by throwing your trash away in the proper receptacle. An easy way to remember this is a term I've used for years, “Leave nature the way you found it”. 

While I generally comment on film and television shows, this week, I will be commenting on the cutscenes of the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

*WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD*

Released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a role playing game (RPG) but its far more than just a video game. If you pay close attention to the cutscenes, its a story that weaves existing issues into its narrative. These themes include survival, limited resources, and political conspiracy which can resonate with players all over the world. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 takes place in a place called Alrest. It is a world beneath a sea of clouds where humans live on top of creatures called Titans and each one of these titans holds a specific civilization. As the titans face decline, the available land habitable by humans decreases which leads to conflict over resources. This can reflect Japan’s challenges with limited resources as well as other areas of the world struggling with issues such as food insecurity and limited health resources. 

This game also explores the complexity of international political relations through the portrayal of the nations Mor Ardain & Uraya which are headed towards war because of territorial conflicts. Mor Ardain is headed towards depletion of their resources and they seek to expand into neighboring territories which leads to conflict with Uraya. This parallels real world tensions reflecting the balance of power as well as the impact of expansion. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 also looks into themes such as the nature of humanity as well as the pursuit of a brighter future. Drivers and Blades interactions prompt one to reflect on human relationships as well as societal structures. Rex and Pyra’s bond highlights dependence and understanding emphasizing the importance of alliance despite diversity. 

This game incorporates religious and philosophical undertones as well which is something I did not expect. The concept of the Architect and hearing it being called “The Divine” draws a parallel to a theological narrative. While it does not align with any particular existing religions, the Architect could signify a higher being while Elysium could signify divine paradise. This invites players to think about the topics of creation, purpose, and destiny. These themes resonate globally across all cultures as existentialism is something that many question. 

Long after its release, The End of Evangelion continues to serve as a mirror reflecting the anxieties not only if its time, but also issues plaguing the world today.  

Shinji’s paralyzing social withdrawal, once seen as a character flaw, mirrors the concerns of hikikomori in Japan, in other words, individuals who isolate themselves for long periods. Shinji’s inability to form authentic relationships, his reliance on validation, and his fears speak on issues of increasing social anxiety and the difficulties faced when attemting to form relationships in a time of digital interactions. The rise of social media and online gaming further emphasize these themes. 

The depiction of SEELE’s control through technology and the power of unchecked power resonates with concerns surrounding data privacy. The influence of algorithms and the erosion of self autonomy in the face of powerful, and sometimes oppressive systems make it difficult. A dark metaphor can be seen in The Human Instrumentality Project as it can represent the pressures of globalization as well as the fear of losing one’s own identity. 

The portrayal of the breakdown of society and the failure of established systems mirrors the current concerns of political and economic instability. The sense of helplessness and the search for meaning in the face of overwhelming pressures are things that many can relate to. 

The film’s brutal portrayal of violence and destruction can be interpreted through the lens of conflicts as well as the powerful presence of the media. The search for meaning despite the chaos are also realities reflected within this film. 

Okay so if you’ve read part 1, you know that Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t just an anime about robots fighting aliens. If you look beyond the AT Fields and piloting, you’ll see a look into the human psyche that feels like a slap in the face. As stated in part 1, I watched episodes 8, 16, 24, and 26 and these episodes hit different.  

Starting with episode 8 titled “Asuka Strikes!” introduces Asuka Langley Soryu. Her introduction is about more than getting another Evangelion out...its about throwing an overwhelming dose of ego and competition into Shinji’s already world. Asuka’s confidence borders on arrogance and this immediately clashes with Shinji’s already existing self doubt. Their forced partnership highlights the awkwardness of collaboration when personal struggles threaten to take over. This is a struggle that is incredibly relatable as many of us I'm sure has had to work with someone whose personality is like nails on a chalkboard.  

Moving on to episode 16 “Splitting of the Breast”, things get...different. Leliel traps Shinji in the Dirac Sea, a surreal realm where reality distorts to reflect his inner struggles. This episode is a psychological deep dive in the aspect that the visuals paired with the dialogue force us to face Shinji’s self loathing in addition to his complicated relationship with his father. This is raw depiction of inner conflict, the kind where your thoughts turn against you. This struggle resonates with many especially college students who are just making their way out in the world figuring out who they really are. 

In episode 24 “The Final Messenger”, we see the consequences of prolonged trauma. Asuka, who is already struggling, is pushed to her limit by the psychic assault of Arael. We see the pain of her past coming back, her need for validation laid out in front of you. This is a harsh reminder of how past wounds can impact the present which is a theme that is all too relevant. Gendo’s decision to send out the Lance of Longinus highlights the dehuminizing nature of Nerv’s operations which sacrifices the well being of individuals for the potential greater good. 

And finally, in episode 26 titled “The Beast That Shouted ‘I’ at the Heart of the World” tosses the idea of conventional storytelling out the window. This is an journey within Shinji’s mind using abstract animation. This episode tackles the question of whether or not the pain of existence is worth the possibility of connection. Shinji’s choice to embrace himself, flaws and all, was touching and outrageously powerful. While the ending isn’t the “perfect ending”, it gives hope that self acceptance is possible no matter how “far off” you think you are. 

Written and directed by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion wasted absolutely no time in establishing itself and its unsettling environment. For this post, I watched episodes: 1, 2, 4, and 5, and these episodes draw you in from start to finish. Far from your average anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion leads the viewer into a mecha world full of dread and the damaged psyches of the young people serving as pilots. 

Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!! 

Episode one throws us headfirst into the wild life of Shinji Ikari, an emotionally distant teenager who has been called to Tokyo-3 by his father Gendo who is also emotionally detached. While watching this episode, I made the awful mistake of hoping for a happy reunion of father and son but of course, those hopes were dashed when it was revealed that Gendo only summoned Shinji to pilot the Unit-01. The raw emotional intensity resonates with viewers, especially those who see the themes of familial neglect and exploitation. What struck a nerve for me personally was the realization that Shinji was only called for Gendo’s self serving needs. Rather than protect his son or offer guidance, Gendo throws Shinji into it headfirst completely unprepared. This resonates with societal concerns regarding parental expectations. The pressures placed on young people, emotional detachment within families, neglect, and exploitation are all issues that occur globally with increasing attention being brought to them. 

Episode two titled “The Beast”, delves deeper into Shinji’s inner turmoil. His struggles with the mounting pressure of piloting an Evangelion with little preparation, his fear of failure, and his sense of isolation emphasize the aspect of psychological realism which is defined as a literary approach that delves into the inner lives of characters, examining their thoughts, feelings, and motivations to create a deeper understanding of their actions and the human condition. We see the emotional toll that this responsibility can take on such a young undeveloped mind. Consider that Shinji is only 14 years old. From a realistic approach, a 14 year old’s psyche is still developing and is not equipped to cope with such an extreme level of stress and isolation. This can lead to long term mental health challenges which is a reality that has become a concern for young people all over the world. This includes the pressures faced by young people in Japan as they experience academic, societal, cultural, and mental health pressures that can often feel incredibly overwhelming even for an adult. 

As we move on to episode 4, “Hedgehog’s Dilemma”, we’re introduced to the concept of AT Fields and the loneliness of human existence. This episode focuses on Shinji’s failing attempts to connect with his co-pilot, Rei Ananami, as well as his growing frustration with his inability to form relationships. The metaphor “Hedgehog’s Dilemma” serves as the idea that humans, much like hedgehogs, can’t get too close to each other without hurting one another. This becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. It speaks on the human experience as a whole but it also carries a particular meaning in Japan where social isolation (Hikikomori) and struggles in forming meaningful relationships are significant issues. The struggle for connection in an isolating world resonates across the globe as well. If you recall, isolation was essentially forced upon us during the COVID pandemic and while digital spaces made it somewhat easier, the isolation still took a toll on many people.  

Episode 5, “Rei, Beyond Her Heart”, we get a deeper, but still mysterious insight into Rei’s character. Her cold, detached demeanor leaves the viewer questioning her true intentions. While this episode doesn’t fully dive into her past, there are subtle hints and her relationship with Gendo adds to the intrigue. What stood out most was the portrayal of Nerv’s view of the pilots as tools rather than people. This dehumanizing viewpoint struck a chord with me, especially with my personal connection to the U.S. Naval Aviation community. The emphasis is firmly placed on the understanding that pilots are people first. The recent loss of two pilots brought our small community together not only to honor them for their bravery but also for the people they were. This stark contrast shows the twisted logic seen in Neon Genesis Evangelion where the sacrifices of these young pilots are disregarded. This raises questions about the value placed on human life especially in times of crisis. This is a concern that goes beyond borders being relevant to discussions about warfare and the human cost of conflict which is something that’s been discussed previously. 

These episodes are so much more than just exciting action scenes. These episodes serve as character studies that show just how fragile the human psyche can be when faced with overwhelming pressure and a need for connection in a world that encourages isolation. The mix of battles, psychological drama, and undertones of philosophy takes Neon Genesis Evangelion outside the scope of the typical anime. The ability for this series to give a sense of discomfort so early on sets the stage for the intense story that unfolds. With its unfiltered exploration into universal issues, Its a story that continues to resonate with viewers.