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My Thoughts on Assassination Classroom
I thoroughly enjoyed this anime, and I found it to be a pleasant viewing to wrap up this class. The series follows a group of outcast students who are tasked by the government to kill a mysterious and powerful entity who will serve as their teacher for a school year unless they fulfill their mission. The show provides a fun coming of age story that incorporates many relatable feelings towards the rigorous nature of school and the hardships of growing up. Ultimately, the class and their new teacher bond over the experiences and the knowledge and wisdom he imparts to help them complete their assassination, move forward in their education, and succeed in life. Koro Sensei shows his students that no matter how people view you, you have the potential to obtain something valuable by being diligent in your education.
Throughout the show, there is a conflict between Class E and the rest of the classes at the junior high school. The students in Class E are looked down upon heavily, humiliated for being the outcasts of society and worthless, and painfully discriminated against in their academic existence. The leader of the school makes active attempts in keeping the status quo of inferiority of Class E. In spite of this, Koro Sensei inspires the class to grow beyond their labels of underachievers and instead take pride in what they do. The students use these pieces of wisdom to push themselves in their studies, and develop in their assassination training. I like his message a lot and I think Koro Sensei provides invaluable advice to students who need reassurance in themselves that despite difficult circumstances, they can achieve greatness. Koro Sensei fulfills the teacher’s purpose by giving the children the tools they need to succeed.
Other aspects of the show I enjoyed was the dedication to competition and the relatability of the characters. I found myself feeling the dread that marks the end of term exams, which become arenas where students showcase their hard work in order to not only prove themselves to one another, but also validate themselves in their own eyes. Koro Sensei’s instruction about failure also was particularly powerful. The fears and motivating factors of failing to apply oneself and be worthy of talent, and also meeting competition by rising to the occasion, are all aspects of education that I still grapple with. I felt that the series provides valid and useful sentiment that can empower students to succeed.
I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on Assassination Classroom. What really resonated with me was the idea of the underdog rising to the top, as we see with Class E. It's so easy for society to label someone as a failure, and to see the students struggle to overcome those labels was truly inspiring.
I also appreciated the emphasis on competition and the pressure that students feel to succeed. It's a feeling that many of us as students can relate to, and I found myself invested in the students' successes and failures. Koro Sensei's message about failure being a necessary part of growth was a powerful one, and it's a lesson that I think everyone can benefit from.
Overall, I found the show to be a fantastic anime that delivered on both entertainment and important life lessons. The characters were relatable and endearing, and the story was engaging.
Assassination Classroom (ep. s1-1,5,16 and s2-11)
RATING: ★★★★★
I watched the first two episodes around two years ago, then kind of forgot about it. So, it was good to pick it up again. If I'm being honest, I didn't watch the episode for the second season, because I do want to watch the whole show and not have spoilers for the second season. My analysis is as follows:
At first glance, it seems like just another school-based anime, but it delves much deeper than that. The story revolves around a yellow, octopus-like creature named Koro-sensei, who has destroyed 70% of the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth unless he is stopped. The government tasks a class of misfits with the job of assassinating him before the end of the school year.
One of the main themes of Assassination Classroom is the idea of redemption. Koro-sensei is portrayed as a villain at first, but as the story progresses, we learn about his tragic past and his genuine desire to help the students improve themselves. He becomes a mentor to them, teaching them not only academic subjects but also important life lessons, such as the value of hard work and perseverance. Through his actions, he shows that anyone can change and become a better person, even someone who was once considered a monster.
Another important theme in the series is the concept of individuality. The students in the class are all misfits and outcasts in some way, and they have been labeled as such by society. However, through their experiences with Koro-sensei, they learn to embrace their unique qualities and use them to their advantage. The series emphasizes that it's important to be true to oneself and not to conform to society's expectations. It's a message that I found to be especially relevant in today's world, where people are often pressured to fit into certain molds.
Overall, the anime tackles important themes such as redemption and individuality in a unique and engaging way. I will definitely keep watching it now that I've finished watching more than just two episodes.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Cyberpunk Edgerunners adeptly executes its story in a cyberpunk setting.
We are thrust in media res with a violent scene of a cyberpsycho. It immediately sets the tone of a dark world. Later, David’s walk to school further expands on the world: the degeneracy of society.
Night City is presented as a cruel world once everything starts to come falling down for David. It is an extreme case of money running the world. For example, if you are not a policy holder, then you will not be rescued during a life threatening situation. I cannot help but compare it to the US healthcare system. It really questions when the significance of life is reduced to the same extent in Night City. This further exemplified by David’s impersonal transaction of handling his mother’s remains.
The Arasaka Corporation is an all-encompassing presence throughout Night City. Even David’s mother wants him to climb the corporate ladder because it is supposedly the only path to survive. However, this is refuted when David literally is on top of Arasaka Tower and has no choice but to fall down to his demise with Adam Smasher. Arasaka Corporation can be likened to how capitalism is all-encompassing. There is no exteriority or alternative for capitalism: it is simply an inherent force in the system.
Except, Lucy’s dream to go the moon was a possibility for paradise, but it was nothing without David, unfortunately. The system has snatched away David forever, and by extension, Lucy’s dream.
Cyberpsychosis is an interesting concept, which is creatively depicted. It is a result of the high mental stress of cybernetic implants. This serves as a limit for those trying to make a name for themselves. In short, long-term success can only be attained as a corpo. Also, the only way to deal with cyberpsychosis is to take immunosuppressants; there is no cure, except removing the implants. And in the end, if you fall off the edge, you are targeted for disposal. This could be a critique of a scenario where people with mental disorders do not have access to proper care.
P.S. the music is fire.
I completely agree with your analysis of Cyberpunk Edgerunners. The opening scene with the cyberpsycho sets the tone for a dark and violent world that is cruel and unforgiving. The portrayal of Night City as a place where money rules everything and even basic necessities like healthcare are only available to policy holders, is a stark critique of our own capitalist society. David's journey through the ranks of the Arasaka Corporation shows how the pursuit of success and power can ultimately lead to one's downfall.
The concept of cyberpsychosis is intriguing and adds a layer of complexity to the story. It raises questions about the limits of technology and the toll it can take on one's mental health. The lack of access to proper care for those with mental disorders is a poignant critique of our own healthcare system.
And yes, the music is fire lmao
Cyberpunk Edgerunners (ep. 1,2,6,10)
RATING: ★★★★★
As a fan of cyberpunk-themed media, I enjoyed this a lot actually. I had been meaning to start it and thankfully we picked it for our class choice and I was forced to haha.
As for the analysis of the show based on the four episodes we watched: one of the main themes in the show is the use of technology and its impact on humanity. In episode 1, we see how technology has advanced to the point where it's possible to upload a person's consciousness into a virtual world. The character of Shade is forced to confront his own mortality as he realizes that his physical body is dying. This raises questions about the implications of immortality and the ethics of transferring one's consciousness into a machine. In episode 2, we see how the corporation Zentek is using technology to manipulate people's emotions and behavior. This raises questions about the responsibility of corporations and the consequences of allowing them to have such power.
Another theme in the show is the concept of morality in a world driven by technology. In episode 6, we see how the character of Lizzie is forced to make a difficult decision when she learns that her father has been killed by the corporation she works for. She must choose between her loyalty to the company and her loyalty to her family. This raises questions about the morality of putting profits above people and the consequences of such actions.
Finally, the show explores the idea of what it means to be human. In episode 10, we see how the character of Chie struggles with her own humanity as she realizes that her memories and emotions have been manipulated by the corporation. This raises questions about the nature of humanity and whether it can be defined by memories and emotions alone.
Overall, the show was pretty interesting and I'll probably end up going back and watching the whole season throughout.

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Perfect Blue Review
Review: 7.8/10
This was a very interesting watch. I guess I can check off watching a rated R movie for school. The thing about this show besides being very intense, is that all that happened is actually true. Things that happen in this show can and may have happened to many people in the film industry and Hollywood. A lot can be talked about with this show.
First off, the biggest theme that stuck out to me was identity disorder. We first see that Mima is a pop star singer that wears cute dresses. She knows what her job is and what happens outside her job. The rest of the movie Mima changes her job and enters the acting world which is seen by her agents as the "next big thing" for her. In this new world she experiences a lot of new things. I feel like she was questioning whether she should leave the pop star singer role being torn between her old career that she loved and this new acting career. She is also struggling with all the new stuff in the acting world. I think the role to play a rape victim in the show just added to all the stuff she was going through mentally. I think as an actress you need boundaries and going into a role like that right away is just terrible especially if you don't know what the scene entails and if the film makers and other actors have the best intentions for you in general.
I was talking with my friend who knows someone that got sexually abused and it has the victims thinking less of themselves, nicely put. It is much more worse than my words as we saw in the movie. Now going forward, Mima begins to loose touch of reality. The movie begins to cut scenes and transition from dream to reality so much that when you thought it was reality it was a dream and vice versa until you're confused yourself. I think they did this to have the viewer experience what Mima was going through and what people who go through the same things experiences. If this is really the case this movie deserves a higher rating. I do not know the full story but apparently Heath Ledger experienced something like this with his role as the Joker in Batman. He was one of the best if not the best actor to play Joker but he couldn't separate his role as the joker from his own personal life. From what I heard this ultimately lead to his death.
The stalker was super creepy and the fact that her agent tried to kill her at the end and killed others I am assuming was a shocker. I guess she was never on board with Mima's decisions in acting. But to go and kill people around her and someone she was close with. I can't imagine the things Mima was going through.
Can someone please explain the hospital scene and the last scene. I was so confused when it ended like that. Why was she all smiley and happy? Is she good now or what? I would also like to add that there were so many dudes in the audience as a pop singer which kind of concerned me straight from the start. I was on board with her acting if her fan base as a singer is mostly guys. It was a little sus.
Anyway, I actually think I might recommend someone watch this movie but probably only if they bring it up. This actually comes in second for this semester of how intense it was. Behind Barefoot Gen of course.
I completely agree with your thoughts on Perfect Blue. This movie was challenging to watch in that the emotions it made me feel were all over the place, and the themes presented were both thought-provoking and terrifying. The concept of identity disorder was the most prominent theme to me as well. It was difficult to watch Mima go through such a significant career change, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her as she struggled to find her footing in the acting world. The scene where she played a rape victim was particularly difficult to watch, and it showed how important it is for actors to have boundaries and for filmmakers to prioritize their actors' well-being.
The way the movie transitioned from dream to reality was also a clever way to put the viewer in Mima's shoes. It was interesting to learn about Heath Ledger's experience with a similar struggle while playing the Joker, and it's a reminder of how important it is for actors to take care of themselves mentally and emotionally.
Overall, it was an amazing, but disturbing, psychological thriller.
Perfect Blue (sub)
RATING: ★★★★
Such a heavy movie. It was a rewarding watch, though. From what I gathered, Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that delves into the themes of identity, self-doubt, and the price of fame. Throughout the movie, Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who decides to leave her group to pursue an acting career, faces a series of unsettling events that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
One of the most striking themes in Perfect Blue is the idea of identity. As Mima transitions from being a pop idol to an actress, she struggles to define who she is. Her fans and the media have a preconceived notion of who she is, and she feels pressured to conform to their expectations. This struggle is exemplified in the scene where Mima imagines herself as her pop idol persona, fighting with her new acting persona. It's a poignant moment that highlights the internal conflict that Mima is experiencing.
In addition to exploring identity, Perfect Blue also delves into the cost of fame. Mima's decision to leave her group and pursue an acting career is met with resistance from her fans and the media. Her every move is scrutinized, and her privacy is invaded. This obsession with her personal life eventually leads to a stalker who believes he is in a relationship with her. The movie shows how the pursuit of fame can have dangerous consequences, and the toll it takes on a person's mental health.
The portrayal of self-doubt is highly significant as well. Mima's decision to leave her group is not met with support from her friends or colleagues. She's constantly second-guessing herself and questioning whether she made the right decision. This self-doubt is amplified when she begins to hallucinate and can no longer distinguish between reality and fantasy. The movie presents a haunting portrayal of the toll that self-doubt can take on a person's mental health.
In conclusion, Perfect Blue was a compelling movie that tackled some very relevant themes, such as ones addressing mental health issues. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the complexities of the human psyche.
Sensōron
I don’t read much manga myself, believe it or not. Besides a few entries here and there that are either best enjoyed through manga or content I’m too anxious to wait for, I often prefer to watch anime. Though I know my way around manga for the most part, I have to say that Sensōron was quite dense. It was quite different from your average read because it felt as if the main character was talking to you directly. There was a very short yet loose narrative about a publication studio but that was only used as an analogy to segway into the real bread and butter of the manga: nationalism.
Each country has nationalism and there are often times when people of a certain country either make up stories or bend the truth to either make themselves look better, or others look worse. This is a main topic of the manga. The idea of false depictions of events are talked about thoroughly in the manga. When Poka-Q, a worker for the boss, takes too long in the bathroom, the boss sprays bug spray in the room to make him leave and justifies his actions by making up white lies about Poka-Q. Through these means, his employees believe him. This action mimics the idea of brainwashing that occurs globally. In the manga, brainwashing in Japan occured by convincing a lot of the youth that Japan was always in the wrong because of WWII’s events and deserved to be demeaned. The boss argues that many of the facts and images used throughout history to justify Japan’s inferiority and the sanctification of places like the US may have been forged or taken out of context. He uses the Nanjing Massacre as a common example of photos taken out of context that justify an event he deems has no real evidence.
Though I won’t comment on the events directly, the argument here can be universally applied. It’s a straightforward message of “don’t believe everything you see and read.” Oftentimes, you must fact check yourself and the sources you find online due to the massive spread of misinformation. With tools such as photoshop, image editors, and other facts, images can be skewed to prevent telling the complete story. Furthermore, like the boss’ example, evidence may be used in situations where they are not directly tied yet are passed off as legit and directly tied to an event. You must be careful what you trust. Furthermore, with artificial intelligence growing rapidly and voice modulations becoming an ever present idea, even voice recording and videos may be the subject of fact checking as any form of “evidence” can be faked in our day and age. The boss also talks about this idea of “evidence” which I found interesting. He critiques the idea that without evidence, you can’t always trust or believe something. However, sometimes the evidence may just be some testimonies or accusations by people who are making things up. The question then becomes, do you trust this form of evidence or not? This is a big problem we face in our society where any form of accusation can have serious consequences on a person’s life, despite the accusations and potential “evidence” being forged or taken out of context.
It's interesting how the manga addresses the issue of nationalism and the manipulation of information to make one's country look better or others look worse. It's a topic that's relevant not just in Japan but globally, especially in our age of easy access to information and the spread of misinformation.
The boss's actions in the manga, spraying bug spray in the bathroom and justifying it with white lies, is a reflection of how people can be brainwashed into believing false information. This is a reminder to fact-check sources and not believe everything we see and read online. The boss's argument about the manipulation of evidence is also thought-provoking, as it raises the question of what we can truly trust. This is a crucial issue in today's society, where false accusations and misinformation can have serious consequences on a person's life. It's a reminder to be vigilant and critical of the information we consume, especially in this age of rapid technological advancements.
Sensoren (manga)
Definitely a very interesting manga that aims to challenge existing perspectives of Imperial Japan during World War II, and I found it to be both fascinating and troubling.
As I read through the work, I found myself becoming increasingly skeptical of the author's motives. While the manga raises some valid points about the use of information to further certain goals and the harshness of majority rule, it largely serves as an example of revisionism and, at times, flat-out misinformation.
The author attempts to frame the West as the real bad guys and downplays the atrocities committed by Japan during the war. This leads to some truly unhinged perspectives, such as the author's claim that photos displaying Japanese war crimes are fake, comparing them to UFOs and ghosts.
Despite the warning of its right-wing origins, I was not prepared for what the manga presented. Assuming the author truly believes in what they wrote, Sensoron seems to be attempting to capture younger audiences in order to return to a more nationalist way of thinking. The manga is highly controversial in the sentiment it promotes and the evidence it brings forward to support its argument.
One of the most interesting parts of the manga is its critique of Japanese individuality, which the author claims was stolen by the state. They argue that the country's education system has led the youth astray by emphasizing having a strong identity, and that the individual has become detached from public life, with no sense of civic duty and only focused on self-interest. While this may allude to differences between generations, it seems to be a larger critique of Japanese culture as a whole.
Overall, I found Sensoron to be a troubling work that raises questions about how history can be interpreted and manipulated to fit certain agendas or narratives. It reminds us to be critical of the information that comes our way and to always fact-check sources before making an ultimate decision.
Your Name
word count: 355 words 04.14.23
The themes of identity, connection, and fate are explored beautifully in the film, and it's heartwarming to see the characters' connection grow stronger despite being separated by time and space. I do agree that the timeline was a bit hard to understand at first and the main characters could've been well aware of what year they were living in, but I guess the director and the writer of the movie wanted to make it more dramatic for the audience when they showed that the two characters were actually living in separate timelines. Nonetheless, Your Name remains a beloved anime for me and it's a testament to the power of its storytelling and themes (and of course stunning graphics).

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Your Name (sub)
RATING: ★★★★★★★★★★ (yes 10/5)
This was my third time watching this masterpiece of a movie. I felt the same emotional intensity this time as the first time, and this will forever remain my favorite anime movie and nobody will ever convince me otherwise.
Now for the analysis: one of the major themes we see in the film is the clash between traditionalism and modernity. Mitsuha lives in a small, rural town that is steeped in tradition and values the customs of her ancestors. In contrast, Taki lives in the bustling city of Tokyo and is immersed in modern technology and conveniences. Through the body-swapping experience, the two characters are able to experience each other's worlds and gain a new appreciation for the other's way of life.
The film also explores the idea of destiny and how it can be changed by our choices. Taki and Mitsuha's connection is not simply a random occurrence, but rather, it is revealed that they are connected by a powerful force that is trying to prevent a catastrophic event from occurring. As they learn more about their connection and the impending disaster, they work together to try to prevent it from happening, ultimately altering their own destinies in the process.
Additionally, the film touches on the theme of connection, both in terms of human relationships and the connection between people and nature. Taki and Mitsuha's experiences in each other's bodies allow them to form a deep emotional bond, despite never having met in person. The film also showcases the beauty of Japan's natural landscape, and how people can find a sense of peace and connection by being in harmony with the environment.
Overall, Your Name is a beautiful and absolutely stunning film that explores complex themes in a absolutely, visually stunning and emotionally resonant way. Its examination of traditionalism vs. modernity, destiny, and connection makes it even more amazing that the already cute love story that it is.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Watching roughly 3 hours of video game cutscenes felt like it took years off my life, but I found the game to actually be pretty entertaining to watch all the way through. Sure, we skipped some cutscenes and I'm missing some of the context, but overall the game had a pretty interesting world and story. I loved the designs of the characters in this game, they were all very distinctive and cool (Jin is MY GOAT).
But enough about my surface level thoughts, let's get into what I thought this game was trying to say. To me, there seemed to be two prevalent themes. The first of which, is destruction of the environment (which is obviously very prevalent to our recent class discussions). We can see that in a similar way to the events of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Neon Genesis Evangelion, the world has become a mess due to the decisions and actions of people in the past. The people living in the present, have to deal with those consequences, but similar to Nausicaa, are fearful of their future (due to the Sea of Decay, and the disappearance of Titans in each series respectively). We see however that in the end (similar to Evangelion), the heroes are able to have a reset of the universe and end up recreating a new world with which they can continue to live their lives. It fosters hope, as well as a new beginning (although they are definitely very different circumstances). I think that this definitely continues the themes we have been touching upon recently in class. The destruction of the Earth is a very relevant and scary danger to us in the world today, and we need to act to protect it.
The other theme that was prevalent in the story was discrimination (which is a topic we also touched upon in this class!). Throughout the story, we learn that some of the Blades feel discriminated against by humans and Drivers. Since they are Blades, they are used as weapons by the Drivers, and are unable to have any real semblance of self since they lose their memories whenever their Driver dies, just for the cycle to continue over and over again. Because they feel that they are inferior, some Blades are angry at society, and therefore decide to rebel against it. To tear the world down with them, if you would. While this is a very dangerous idea, I'd say it's very logical for someone to think this if they feel that they are powerless to break free from this systematic discrimination.
Overall, the game seemed like it was pretty good. I would love to play it sometime (I've played a small fraction of Xenoblade Chronicles 1).
Watching 3 hours of video game cutscenes does sound like a lot, and I can only imagine how much patience it takes to sit through them all. However, it was interesting to hear that despite skipping some cutscenes, you found the game to be quite enjoyable and engaging. I could feel your excitement when you talked about the character designs, and how they stood out and added to the overall experience.
It was refreshing to read about the themes that the game explores, and how they relate to topics that we've discussed in class. The first theme, the destruction of the environment, is especially relevant in today's world. I appreciated how you drew parallels to other works of art, and how the game ultimately fosters hope and a new beginning. The second theme, discrimination, is also an important issue to address, and it was intriguing to learn about the Blades and their struggles. It's understandable how someone in that situation could feel powerless and resort to rebellion.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (cut scene)
Although I don't frequently watch or play video games, that was an intriguing watch. A story-rich game with interesting characters, gorgeous scenery, and a distinctive fighting system is Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The issues that were covered throughout the narrative, though, were what I thought to be most fascinating about this game. These topics not only relate to the game's setting but also to contemporary social problems.
The idea of identity is one of the game's most important themes. Rex, the protagonist, is on a quest to learn who he really is and what he is here for. As we look for our position in the world and work to understand who we are as people, many individuals can connect to this in our own lives. The game, however, explores this topic further by highlighting how our identity may be impacted by circumstances outside of our control, such as our surroundings and the people we spend time with. This is especially true in today's culture, when the pressure to live up to expectations and conventions may affect our sense of self and prevent us from being uniquely ourselves.
The concept of power and its corrupting impact is another major subject. Jin, the main antagonist, is motivated by a thirst for vengeance and will stop at nothing to get the power he feels is necessary to carry it out. This is a reflection of the distorting impact of power, which permeates many facets of contemporary life. The drive for power may cause people to act in ways that are destructive to other people and the environment, from politicians to business executives.
The idea of hope and its capacity to motivate change are also discussed. Characters in the game encounter several challenges that appear insurmountable, yet they never give up. They are motivated to continue fighting by this hope, which also encourages others to support their cause. This is a strong lesson for us to remember as we navigate the many difficulties our planet faces today, from social injustice to environmental deterioration. Remembering that optimism may spur good change and motivate us to seek for a brighter future even in the midst of hardship is crucial. The world we live in and the difficulties our civilization faces are reflected in
Xenoblade Chronicles 2, in conclusion. It offers insightful understandings of these issues and their applicability to many people's lives through its investigation of identity, power, and hope.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a commentary on environmentalism. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic society riddled with toxins. Things are so bad that they have to wear (oxygen?) masks during the majority of the movie because the air pollution is terrible. The societies we see in the film (Tolmekian and Pejite) insist on fighting one another instead of working together against the issue. They also void themselves of any responsibility as to why the earth is how it is and blame other things (such as the sea of decay) for why things have gotten so bad. This is an allegory for our current society and how we have treated the earth. Most of the damage has been done by big corporations, but individuals cannot be absolved of all responsibility. In the past, the effects of pollution were still being discovered, but even then it is ignorant to think that actions like dumping garbage and toxins into local water sources have no consequence. Even today, despite the various warnings by scientists and activists, a blind eye is turned as the Earth tells of its suffering (most obviously seen through global warming and climate change)
I think it's telling how Princess Nausicaä, a sixteen-year-old, shows more compassion and determination in helping the Earth than others much older. They look up to her because she is the only one who cares enough about the Ohm and the rest of the insects to talk to them instead of firing at them (which is backward in itself- wouldn’t firing at them provoke more anger???) She even sacrificed her life for the baby Ohm, restoring peace between human society and the ohm. This parallels current society, as much of the younger generation is pressured to speak out against the environmental harm humans have caused to the earth.
While watching the movie, Princess Nausicaä reminded me of Greta Thunberg, a twenty-year-old, Swedish environmental activist. She has spoken on climate change numerous times, but unlike Princess Nausicaä, I don’t know if we will receive a happy ever after. She has faced much criticism for speaking out against climate change and companies and lawmakers alike prefer to push greenwashed alternatives and ignore the greater issue instead of actively trying to make a change.
It’s crazy what the previous generations have done to the Earth, and all they've done is dropped the mess in the younger generation's lap with no clear road ahead…
I completely agree with your insights on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as a commentary on environmentalism. The movie highlights the devastating effects of human actions on the environment and how it can lead to a post-apocalyptic society.
The comparison between Princess Nausicaä and Greta Thunberg is a valid one, as both have shown tremendous courage and compassion in standing up for the environment. However, it's disheartening to see how little progress has been made despite the warnings and activism of the younger generation. As you mentioned, companies and lawmakers continue to prioritize profit and short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to irreversible damage to the environment.
I believe that females can indeed be seen as saviors for the environment due to their mother-like characteristics. Women have been traditionally associated with nurturing and caring roles, and it's important to highlight and encourage these qualities in environmental activism. We need more leaders like Princess Nausicaä and Greta Thunberg, who are willing to speak up for the Earth and fight for a better future for all.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (sub)
RATING: ★★★★
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was a nice film to watch, though I do admit I may have fallen asleep in the middle of it. The movie is a beautiful exploration of the relationship between humans and nature, and how our actions can have devastating consequences on the environment. The film takes place in a world where a toxic jungle has taken over the earth, and humanity is constantly at war with itself over resources. Nausicaä, the protagonist of the film, is a young woman who has a deep understanding and love for the natural world, and she becomes a symbol of hope for both humans and nature.
One of the major themes of the movie is the destruction of the environment and the consequences of our actions. The toxic jungle in the film is a powerful symbol for the damage that humans have done to the environment, and how we continue to ignore the warning signs. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are facing the devastating effects of climate change and environmental degradation. It is a reminder that we need to take action to protect our planet before it's too late.
Another important theme in the film how females are portrayed as saviors for the environment. Nausicaä is a powerful example of this, as she possesses qualities that are traditionally associated with maternal figures, such as compassion, empathy, and a nurturing spirit. These qualities allow her to connect with the natural world in a deep and meaningful way, and to understand the needs of the environment in a way that others cannot. This is a powerful reminder that women have a unique perspective on environmental issues, and that their voices and actions are essential for creating a sustainable future.
In conclusion, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a film that explores important themes related to the destruction of the environment and the role of females in protecting it. The movie is a powerful reminder that we need to take action to protect our planet before it's too late.

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My Thoughts on End of Evangelion
This movie is meant to substitute an alternative ending to the original show’s final episodes. I’m not really sure which ending I liked more, as I felt a need of closure at the end of both, and the plot of the film was just as convoluted as the show’s. The movie shows the carrying out of the Human Instrumentality Project and the raid on Nerv by Seele forces. Despite offering a different version of the ending of the story, it echoed many of the same messages of the human yearning to not be alone, and even expanded its theme to include the struggle for survival in warfare, the ethics of sentient life, and the dynamic between reality, dreams, and truth.
Once again, the anime combined many similar elements of other anime we’ve watched. As Nerv realizes their enemy has become their fellow man, who has developed a sort of Grand Narrative to initiate the Third Impact, a brutal battle ensues which sees ruthless attacks on human life through merciless destruction similar to the WWII anime we’ve watched. As the significance of Lilith, the Evas and Angels, and the origin of human life are unraveled, it made me think back to Shin Sekai Yori, in that humanity had to reject beings who were not too far removed from their own species. I also felt some sort of way with the moment in Shinji’s dream sequence in which it is said that reality is where dreams end, and fantasies are a means to get revenge against reality, but it avoids the truth by escaping to the fictional world. This sentiment felt oddly close to a commentary on fan culture, along with the imagery of normal people sitting in the audience of a theater. Finally, the closing moments of Shinji’s dream as he breaks free from Rei’s final form reveals a message that new hearts will change the shape of mankind, and that people must act on their own initiative to take advantage of the opportunities of happiness that are everywhere. I liked this more hopeful ending, and felt it held close resemblance to Eden of the East in which the new generations should take the initiative to improve mankind.
Aspects of the film that remained but also shifted from the final episodes of its series included Shinji’s inner conflict to love himself, humanity's relationship with loneliness, and the power to make dreams a reality. Even in the face of humanity’s certain extinction, Shinji is still distraught, and feels helpless, powerless, and weak. This is contrasted with Misato and Asuka, who literally fight until their dying breath, and they each reprimand him for wanting to run away. Despite this, Misato actually gives heartfelt advice to change Shinji’s defeatist mindset by telling him to figure out who he is, which actually helps him make the right decision later on. Throughout Shinji’s dream sequence, he slowly overcomes his fears and self-doubt. He struggles with the pain of truth and learning to endure it, but realizes that vague reality is even worse. In his confrontation with Asuka, she tells him to learn to love himself before reaching out to others for help. Finally, he realizes that life is about dealing with the pain and allowing himself to find happiness. This newfound inner confidence gives him hope for mankind to better understand itself. Even with the power to eliminate loneliness forever and essentially make his fears nonexistent, he chooses to face his fears head on and give humanity a chance to be better.
I completely agree with your assessment of the themes present in End of Evangelion. The movie expanded on the show's themes of human connection and the desire to not be alone, but also delved into deeper ethical and existential issues, such as the struggle for survival in warfare and the ethics of sentient life.
I found it interesting that you brought up the dynamic between reality, dreams, and truth, as it could be interpreted as a commentary on fan culture. The idea of escaping to a fictional world to avoid the harshness of reality is something that many fans can relate to, but ultimately it is important to confront the truth and deal with the pain of reality.
I also appreciate your analysis of the different forms of masculinity present in the movie. Shinji's inner conflict and struggle to love himself can be seen as a rejection of traditional hegemonic masculinity, which emphasizes power and dominance. On the other hand, Misato and Asuka's willingness to fight until their dying breath could be seen as a form of tough, resilient masculinity.
End of Evangelion (sub)
RATING: ★★★★★
End of Evangelion was a good film that I enjoyed watching. It's a complex and emotional exploration of human psychology, existentialism, and the human condition. Since discussing various forms of masculinity, such as hegemonic and queer, in class, I couldn't help but notice their presence throughout the movie.
One of the dominant themes in End of Evangelion is the idea of control. As I watched the movie, I saw how the characters struggled to maintain control over their lives and their surroundings, whether it was Gendo's desire to control his destiny or Shinji's attempt to assert his will over the world. This struggle for control is a hallmark of hegemonic masculinity, which emphasizes dominance, aggression, and control over others.
However, the movie also explores a more nuanced form of masculinity, one that is not defined by dominance and control. The character of Kaworu Nagisa embodies this type of masculinity. He is gentle, kind, and empathetic, and he offers Shinji a sense of comfort and understanding that he desperately needs. This type of masculinity challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man, and it offers a more compassionate and empathetic approach to the world.
Another theme that is prevalent in the film is the idea of isolation (which was greatly seen throughout the show as well). Many of the characters in the movie are deeply isolated, whether it is Shinji's emotional isolation or Rei's physical isolation. This isolation is a reflection of the isolation that many men experience in society today. Men are often taught to be stoic and unemotional, and this can lead to a sense of emotional isolation that can be deeply damaging.
The movie also explores the theme of vulnerability, which is often seen as a weakness in traditional forms of masculinity. Shinji's vulnerability is on full display throughout the movie, and it is through this vulnerability that he is able to connect with others and ultimately find a sense of peace. This type of vulnerability is often associated with queer masculinity, which challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man.
Overall, End of Evangelion is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the human condition. It offers a nuanced exploration of masculinity that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man. The movie suggests that there are many different forms of masculinity, and that these forms can coexist and complement each other. By embracing our vulnerabilities and our compassion, we can create a world that is more accepting and more empathetic.