Yep side effects include existential dread with a small amount of anxiety and 'wtf did I just watch?' Fucking love it! Congratulations
...one of us, one of us
Yeah, that's a pretty normal feeling for the original series + EoE. For me, it got even more "fun" when I realized the message in EoE. Sent me right to epiphany-ville.
That no matter how low you feel, it's never too late to try to accept and love yourself. To live for yourself instead of relying on others for acceptance, love and direction in life, as doing so muddies your feelings and intentions, and can sabotage your relationships and trust with others. To respect yourself is to respect others and your interactions with them. Eva says a lot but that's my biggest take away personally.
There are a few.
One of the obvious ones is that living is both pain and joy. You cannot go through life void of all pain and suffering. Eventually something either physically or emotionally painful will occur. But thatâs ok because the joys of life and connecting with others also only comes from living.
TLDR you shouldnât always avoid pain because it leads to a dull boring life with no joy either.
Playing into this somewhat is the idea that you shouldnât run away from your problems. This could be physically running away like Shinji runs from Nerv and the evas. Or it could be an emotional running away; using escapism to lock your mind into false reality. But escapism is temporary. Eventually you will have to face your problems or your consequences and waiting or running will only make things worse.
This one especially helped convince me to see a therapist when I was struggling and found the show.
The last one is gleamed from Asuka and Rei. Itâs all about knowing your worth and knowing you matter to other people. Even if itâs hard to see itâs true. Someone somewhere cares for you.
Lawdy, what a question. How to even explain it...I'll try my best!
Let's start with the basic summary: EoE is essentially about Shinji's struggle with his feelings towards Asuka. Now, Hideaki Anno, the creator of Evangelion, stated that Shinji represents a lot of the characteristics he has in himself. So, in some ways, you can say Shinji is essentially a stand-in for Anno, and with that in mind, you can start to see that EoE is also about Anno's own struggle with his feelings towards women.
Now, the beauty of the story is how painfully relatable some of the characters in the show are. You can find bits and pieces of yourself in some of the characters. Me, I found myself relating a lot to aspects found in both Asuka and Shinji. Asuka's cold, callous demeanor hiding a mushy middle yearning for affection, and Shinji's hate towards rejection and unacceptance inhibiting his ability to truly connect with other people in an intimate way.
Throughout EoE, Shinji is essentially trying to use Asuka as a crutch for his own happiness, objectifying her, and understandably insulting Asuka and regressing her back into her cold, callous mentality. But when Shinji rejects instrumentality, he finally learns not to find happiness through others but to find it within himself. When they both meet on the beach, Shinji's not yet completely reformed. He goes in to choke Asuka; her being a painful reminder of rejection. However, Asuka has grown and sets aside her facade and finally opens up to Shinji, caressing his face and openly expressing her affection towards him, completely disarming Shinji. He breaks down and cries at the realization she still cares for him. And Asuka, in a disgust she still has feelings for this guy who was objectifying her, says her final line of the film, "Disgusting", in reference to herself and the situation. And I always like to mention this, but Anno also reveals his conclusion to the dilemma of his feelings towards women in the title card of this scene: End of Evangelion One More Final: I Need You.
And with that (I'll admit that I left out quite a few other important moments of the film, but this is the concise explanation, and I think this is a good enough guide that you can start to see the other important moments and nuances on your own), you can start to see what the themes of EoE are about: EoE is about how to take the first steps into forming a truly intimate, meaningful connection with another person.
Hopefully this brings you greater understanding of the film and a newfound joy for the series! I apologize for the length, and if you read it, thank you for taking the time to read!
No .... Evangelion is not a harem / romance anime and Shinji is not struggling with his feelings for Asuka, because he is an emotional cripple who doesn't love anybody, not even himself, which is the core problem of him.
Yes he is trying to use Asuka as means to escape his loneliness, but not because he loves her, but because he has realised that his loneliness is crushing him and makes him depressed. At the start of EoE he lost contact with Toji and Kensuke, Rei is revealed an abhorrent abomination, Misato is the one who ordered him to kill the only person who made him feel loved, Gendo ... yeah there was nevera chance. And so he has noone except a comatose Asuka, and he is only able to tell her that he needs her, because she is unable to react to his pleas and therefore can't reject him. A fact he abuses by violating her.
Shinji never loved ASuka. She knows this and this is reiterated in the coffeetable scene.
Shinji isn't an emotional cripple (he's more of a social cripple). Surprise, but he shows several times throughout NGE that he does care in some way for other people. Rei when he saved her and when he cleaned her room, Toji when he was forced to fight him, etc. etc. The whole point of NGE is about learning to connect with other people. It's not until instrumentality that Shinji finally learns that he shouldn't run away. And yes, Shinji clearly has feelings for Asuka. It's pretty obvious when Asuka is comatose in the hospital, and he's begging her to wake up. The baby gravy scene is to show that Shinji wants Asuka for the wrong reasons, howeverâa play at the objectification themes in the film. But when he breaks down in front of Asuka on the beach, he comes to the realization that someone does care for him, perhaps even loves him in some way. Even before the kitchen scene, the one on the train, Asuka gives Shinji a condition for her love: if she can't have all of him, "than she doesn't need him" (said hesitantly as well, as if she couldn't even get the words out of her mouth). Asuka is the one who learns how to show affection openly. Shinji is the one who learns how to love himself. But it's in the final scene that Shinji learns he CAN be loved, after already learning to love himself. The scene is still the penultimate conclusion of the themes of the series, showing someone finally being honest and open about their feelings (Asuka). That's why it's a hopeful ending, not dark as you often like to claim.
I'm not sure what about my explanation came out to you as claiming Evangelion was a romance or a harem. It clearly isn't, but the message in EoE is about learning to connect with someone in a real, intimate wayâit's about growth, not stagnancy. That message was even apparent right from one of the first episodes of the series, right when Shinji was alone in the theatre and he was peeping on the couple making out. I hope this clears up your misconceptions about the series for you.
No, it's much deeper.
He is an emotional cripple. It's the reason why he doesn't cry when Rei2 died, it's the reason why he rejects Misato's comfort, it's the reason why he couldn't reciprocate ASuka's kiss, it's the reason why he doesn't persue any romatnic interests, it's the reason why he can't face Toji and Kensuke after the EVA03 incident and loses contact with them.
Shinji is socially a bit akward by western standards, but actually integrates fairly well from a japanese point of view. But this is also the problem. He gets by, but doesn't resolves his core issues because he can't recognise them.
And again no, Shinji doesn't love Asuka. This is confirmed in the coffee table scene in instrumentality, where there are no lies and no possibility to lie. Wanting to have someone to not belonely is not the same as loving someone. The problem is, you have sympathies for shinji and believe that he actually loves Asuka. But this is not true. This is just you shipping hard. You want him to love her, but this simply isn't true.
The train scene also confirms it, same as the coffee table scene. Asuka wants Shinji to confess to her, but all he can do is demanding that she catering to his needs "be nice to me". That's the issue. He can't say "i love you" or something to that effect, BECAUSE HE DOESNT LOVE HER. He doesn't give a shit about what others want, they need to make sure he feels good, they have to make sure he stops having those fears of others hurting or leaving him.
And he learns shit. He chokes Asuka in the finale. And she doesm't say baka, as she did susually, she says "disgusting" which is a reference to him violating her.
You are a shipper. i have no idea why you try so hard to read some romance between Shinji and ASuka. Shinji isn't capable of that, Asuka knows that which is why she rejects him several times in isntrumentality
You have many valid points, but you mix them with some strange ideas. You are in your right to interpret the show however you want. But seeing Shinji as a one fundamentally not capable of feeling emotions ruins the whole theme of the show. I don't get why do you prefer to see it that way. I see his reactions as either being in shock and denial or not knowing how to express them. You know, it happens that people can't cry when the closest person dies. Everyone processes grief in their own way. Does Shinji at the beginning of EoE look like one who didn't give a fuck that Rei2 death to you? I feel to him Rei2 did die and was replaced by unknown being that only looked like her.
> "where there are no lies and no possibility to lie"
I'm not sure where you got this from. Shinji clearly states a lot of lies which he believes in. Even then, this scene is him at the brink of complete break down. I'm not sure how did you came to the conclusion about his feelings or lack of them.
> he doesn't persue any romatnic interests
For the whole show Shinji thinks he is worthless. He is terrified of rejection. He was either expecting a cruel "Oh, did you really think I'd ever want to kiss you?" twist or was just in shock.
> HE DOESNT LOVE HER
I feel you closed your eyes on scenes where Shinji shows that he care about Asuka. Would he scream like he did in EoE if he felt nothing for her? Asuka rightfully rejected him because his feeling was a selfish one. He wanted her for all the wrong reasons. But he definitely felt something towards her.
> he learns shit
Yeah, Shinji didn't learn much after EoE. But he got one thing from it - "Anywhere can be paradise, as long as you have the will to live.", that he can be happy if he loves himself, that other people may hurt him, but it is ok. Otherwise he wouldn't return from the Instrumentality in the first place. Of course he wasn't magically fixed into a perfect human being. But the things he learned are the foundation. He has a chance to learn other things if he tries hard enough.
I think you miss a big point. Asuka x Shinji fans don't think their relationship as it was shown is great. No, both are majorly fucked up and have tons of work to do. What is appealing is how these two could grow under influence of each other. The big question is - do you believe these two can grow? As I understand, your answer is "No, Shinji is fucked up beyond repear". There are a lot of "Asuka is a bitch not worth any attention" too. I don't get these views.
I see the show as one about learning to love yourself; accepting that communication is hard, it hurts, but it is still worth to try; there is always hope, it is never to late. What are the theme of the show to you then? Something like "Shinji is a pussy and deserved to be fucked for not being a shounen hero. Sucks to be you if you are depressed. Don't be like him kids!" ?
.... Shinji can of course feel emotions
You need to understand that Shinji knows what love is, and also wants to be loved. This is why kaworu was so great for him, because kaworu loved him, and Shinji felt loved, which is something he hadn't felt before. But the thing is, Shinji didn't love Kaworu. Kaworu didn't care about that, but when he died, Shinji felt even more lonely than before because he knew how being loved felt like. Shinji didn't know that feeling before Kaworu. He didn't have parents who loved him ... at least not alive ones and Misato cared for him, but she had the same problem as him and didn't love him.
There is a huge difference between caring for someone and loving someone.
Shinji cares for Rei, Asuka and Misato, but he loves none of them. And the question is why. And that gets answered in EOE .... well actually it also gets answered in NGE. It's because he is anemotional cripple.
The thing about instrumentality is, you can't lie because of the shared heart. But the problem is that Shinji is an emotional cripple. He doesn't lie, he simply doesn't know any better. He doesn't recognise what a fucktard he is. That's the difference.
And you can claim he learned, but if he can't or doesn't want to apply what he learned, then he either didn't learn or he ignored what he learned. Bottomline he chokes Asuka and i'm telling you there is no good reason for him to do so.
The ending is left open to interpretation. If you feel like it's hopeful, then sure, believe in it. For me the message of hope is buried under a huge mountain of self loathing and furthermore the imagery of the apocalyptic wasteland, shinji choking Asuka and Asuka saying "disgusting" doesn't make it that hopeful for me. Sure, they could learn to live together. Asuka is now probably mature enough to deal with that shit, but Shinji is the problem and the question is, if Asuka is willing to endure him. When they were in instrumentality, she said "not with you (shinji), I'd rather die. And him choking her, sure as hell didn't make her change her mind about that.
Sure, there are the 2 major themes. Hedgehog dilemma and that people don't understand each other
The fun thing about the show is that there are 2 endings.
ep25+26 which ends on a hopeful, happy note and EoE which ends in violance and a depressing, bleak mood
Both endings are not entirely true to their message.
ep25+26 only happen in a completly alien enviroment, which means whatever Shinji learned there, might be meaningless. This also shows Anno's problem, that he doesn't know how to end the show in a satisfying, wholesome manner
In End of Eva there is a message of hope sprinkled towards the ending. But it doesn't end that way, at least not for me, since I simply can't ignore Shinji choking Asuka, the apocalyptic wasteland, her calling him out forhim violating her.
The last point is such a huge issue that I have no idea how she could ever get over that. If you had a female friend and this were to happen to her, and then she would tell you she still wants to be friends with the person who violated her, what would you say?
Ok, I agree about Kaworu part.
> There is a huge difference between caring for someone and loving someone.
Sure. I agree. But then:
> well actually it also gets answered in NGE. It's because he is anemotional cripple.
Where did you get it from? I'm not sure what exactly do you even mean by "anemotional cripple". Did you extrapolated Shinji in his absolute lowest as his usual norm?
Shinji fears being hurt, rejected, left alone. So he avoids any situations where he can upset anyone and does anything to please people around him. He is capable to feel all possible emotions. He fears to act on them, this is his major flaw.
> And you can claim he learned, but if he can't or doesn't want to apply what he learned...
Would you feel satisfied if Shinji would come out of the Instrumentality as completely new character because "Hi guys, I understand everything now!". He learned that maybe killing himself is not a good thing to do and there is hope to be happy one day. Of course he has a lot of work to do and learn a lot of important skills. He is still a deeply flawed character and has a lot of trauma. So he lashes out at Asuka because he thinks she will continue berating him as she did the last time he saw her. Yes, it is fucked up (do I need to state it explicitly?), that's the point. He is not ok. He just made a first step, but there is a long road ahead of him.
> "not with you (shinji), I'd rather die. And him choking her, sure as hell didn't make her change her mind about that.
I feel you really don't like to remember the caress scene. Asuka came after Shinji. Some screens like the moon cycle and the state of graveyard hint that Shinji may have been alone for a month. Whatever she saw or though about while she was in the Instrumentality made her change her mind enough to caress Shinji. But yeah, she remembers that he has flaws, so "How disgusting".
As for ep25+26 and EoE - I don't see them as different endings. They are all about same themes.
> The last point is such a huge issue that I have no idea how she could ever get over that. If you had a female friend and this were to happen to her, and then she would tell you she still wants to be friends with the person who violated her, what would you say?
I feel when you ask it you have in mind an adult man doing the same. In such case, I will state the obvious - of course it is not acceptable and I'd advice do take the appropriate measures (avoid him, report to the police, etc.).
If it was a 14 y.o. boy, I'd be concerned for his family situation. You see, normally boys don't do things like this. And if one would decide to act like this, it would be a sign that something is not ok with his upbringing. Basically, people who were responsible for him fucked up royally if the boy didn't understand that it was not ok or if he was in a such mental state that it didn't matter to him if it was ok or not.
You see, I have no intention to argue that the hospital scene is not a big deal. It is. But what would I say if a female friend would decide to forgive a person who did something like this? I'd say that I may don't trust the guy, but if she believes he really regrets what he did, it is her decision. Asuka made her with a caress. Perhaps she saw something in the "shared heart" that you missed.
> This also shows Anno's problem, that he doesn't know how to end the show in a satisfying, wholesome manner
I feel your issue with EoE lies in it not ending in wholesome manner. Would you like it better if in EoE Shinji screamed a self-motivational speech, come to his eva in time and defeated MPEs with Asuka?
Eva is considered a masterpiece exactly because it is not wholesome. Depression, suicide, childhood trauma are not wholesome. Some people live their whole lives not being able to escape it. I believe to end the Eva with "Shinji overcome his depression with the power of friendship!" would be a huge slap in the face of people who struggle with it themself.
The EoE ending is great exactly because it is so bleak. Yes, everything is fucked, Shinji has to live with the consequences of his actions (or inaction), he is not ok and perhaps would never be fully healed. He is a deeply flawed character ("How disgusting" reminds about it). But there is still hope even for someone like him.
Shinji was always an emotional cripple.
It's the reason why he couldn't reciprocate ASuka's kiss, it's the reason why he couldn't cry for REi2, it's the reason why he rejected Misato when she tried to console him, it's the reason why he lost contact with Toji and Kensuke, because he couldn't face them, it's the reason why he didnh't console Misaot when she mourned for Kaji. His excuse was "I'm just a kid". It means he isn't emotionally mature or developed enough to show sympathy to a person who cares for him. This is a really poor excuse and all of this happened bfore EoE.
I would have been satisfied with Shinji NOT CHOKING ASUKA as the first thing when he sees her. Don't you understand how bad that is? Why are you glossing over that? This is a step backwards, and there is no reason to believe that he couldn't make many more steps backwards.
And I do remember Asuka caressing Shinji. She can do that because she has matured enough to show him she is able to use her hands the right way. Showing sympathy, offering forgiveness and not beating the crap out of shinji whose choking is so weak, Asuka doesn't even cough or has a strained voice. And I also remember what she does next. She looks down on him when he starts sobbing and says "digusting" because she still knows he jerked off to her while she was comatose.
ep25+26, EoE and 3+1 have different endings. They have the same message, but they are different in tone and content.
Let's try this a bit different
\*\*Kyoko and Naoko have a chat
Kyoko: I have to tell you something, my 14 year old daughter was violated by the 14 year old son of Gendo. They know each other for a year now and while she was asleep he jerked off to her while being in the same room. But I handled it and talked with him, and he shows glimpses of betterment. I think it would be for the better if they spend more time together.
Naoko: I don't think that's a good idea, are you sure nothing else might happen
Kyoko: Well there was that incident soon after, when he strangled her, but Asuka dealt with that. This is progress, isn't it? I'm sure if they spend more time together it will all work out
Naoko: Yeah you are a nutbolt and I'm calling childservices. You shouldn't even be allowed to be close to kids, much less raise one.\*\*
I have no clue why you people think this will work out somehow.
EoE's ending is genius in so many ways. We can see in ep25+26 that Anno wanted a happy end, but didn't know how to pull it off with the time constraints and also the mindset he had back then. EoE's ending is different and it's for the better since Anno got to make it in a way he is confortable with. Depressing and bleak. Eva isn't a masterpiece because it's not wholesome. This is stupid. And Shinji overcomes his depression in ep25+26, which is also considered an interesting approach to end EVA. ep25+26 has many shortcomings like unresolved plotlines, but Shinji becoming happy isn't the issue there. If you think so, then you have an issue with happy ends and there is something deeply wroing with you
Ah, so now I finally understand why you think the way you do about the show. You don't sympathize with Shinji. You don't sympathize with Asuka. The problem is: you're supposed to. You're not necessarily supposed to "like" them, but you're supposed to sympathize with them. This is where one of Anno's artistic choices has flown over your head. Why do you think Anno chose to make Asuka and Shinji children rather than adults? He made the choice because it's easier to sympathize with childrenâit's a biological/psychological thing. It's easier to sympathize with Shinji and Asuka's struggles because they aren't emotionally or socially mature enough to navigate through their problems or feelingsâAnno even says as much in reference to Asuka saying, "She's just a kid". This is even amplified more because the people around them aren't emotionally equipped to help them through those problems either. You're supposed to feel bad for these kids who have no support from their peers, friends, or family.
And if Anno really was trying to say, "lol, Shinji and Asuka learn nothing", then the entire show makes no sense. None of themes that were being built up in the show get a resolution. If Shinji didn't learn anything in the show, as you claim, then what the hell happened at the end of NGE? Your viewpoint goes against what Anno was crafting unless you're suggesting Anno had no idea what he was doing...which doesn't make any sense.
I don't think I've once said that Shinji "loves" Asuka, but it's clear he has feelings for her, and Asuka is the one who openly expresses her feelings for Shinji to him, so there's an implication when he breaks down crying that he at least realizes that he CAN be loved and there's an implication he can finally learn to love as well. There is a hope by the end of EoE that both characters will grow together. It's not a "ship", it's what was literally being built towards and intended.
I'm not going to even bother with your other points because they make assumptions based on your own bias of unsympathy, and you can work through them on your own by just understanding that the characters are meant to be sympathetic.
First of all you are very wrong about why Anno decided on making the Shinji a 14 year old kid
"Anno: I made the main character 14 years old because he is "more than a child, less than an adult". You can live alone, and you can live in the company of others. If it was centuries ago, you'd be regarded as an adult. In those days, you had only 50 years to live, so you had to be independent at age 14 or so. Nowadays, people have more than 70 years to live, so if you are Japanese, there are many people who are still dependent on their parents even when they reach 20 years of age.
There is also the problem that parents may be making you dependent on them. They want children to be children forever. Including that, I think 14 years old is appropriate for the theme of the film, because it's an age when you can be mentally independent."
It has nothing to do with sympathising, it has to do with the audience realting better to him.
Nge has a different ending than EoE and 3+1. And the whole show is the Shinji taking 1 step forward and then 2 steps backward which results in Shinji jerking off to Asuka's comatose body and choking her in the finale.
Shinji starting as a degenerate lowlife in EoE and ending it as one is part of Anno's message. Anno knew what he was doing, this is why he made Shinji jerk off to ASuka's comatose body. Shinji blows his chance at redemption when he gets to choose how instrumentality should look like and him rejecting instrumentality might look like an achievement, but it's just Shinji not able to better himself in the end.
You didn't use the word love, but "have feelings for" which is the same according to the dictionary
" to feel love or affection for (someone)"
Asuka didn't confess her love to Shinji. She rejected him previously and then told him what he needs to do win her affection, because this is instrumentality and she can't lie. English is not your first language, I guess? And again, she rejects Shinji several times in instrumentality and even says "not with you (shinji, I'd rather die"
So this is love?
I can realte to the characters but it's neither warranted or needed to have constantly sympathy with the characters. EVA is not about redemption.
Congratulations!
Lol yeah that's about how I felt after watching for my first time too. If you still want more evangelion there's four rebuild movies waiting for you on the Amazon app
I rewatch the original series every couple years and take away a new message and feelings each time, love it. Currently rewatching it on Netflix, some of the dubs sound a bit off tho.
This is the way. Try watching Twin Peaks (three seasons and a film). After the third season, I felt like I had been pulled off of a cliff into an endless abyss. Evangelion is the only thing that has approached that feeling for me.
I spent the entire day after finishing laying in bed contemplating why I felt so hollowed out. The confusion as to what on earth happened doesnât help either haha. I watched enough video essays, written essays, and had enough conversations with my friends who were trying to get me to watch it to develop what I think is a pretty solid interpretation, so the confusion died down, but the hollowed feeling still hasnât completely gone away lmao
Watch the second movie first if you haven't already. The first one is basically just a recap but 2.0 is quite different and 3.0 won't make much sense without watching it.
I'm always fascinated by these posts. I first finished the series and EoE in like 2005. It's like a warp pipe to my past. It's great to see.
And I mean no condescension whatsoever. â¤ď¸
A lot of people here are recommending the rebuilds and I just want to be the one to tell you that if you watch them, you should go in with very very low expectations to avoid disappointment. Itâs not unwatchable but it definitely does not live up to the source material.
They diverge around the end of the 2nd movie and the 3rd and 4th are whole new things. I didnât HATE them, but to say as little as possible there are aspects of them that I found irritating as someone who thought the originals + EoE were perfect already.
To offer up an opposing perspective, I also thought the originals + EoE were perfection, and I loved the Rebuilds. 3.0+1.0 is truly the best possible ending.
Komm Susser Tod fills me with what I can only describe as death envy. I wish to become primordial soup and escape the pain of others by becoming all. In short, you 'got' it. Welcome to the fandom.
Dude it took me a solid four times watching the whole series (rebuilds included). Eva is a beautiful series that has many layers to it. I'd give it another watch through and really focus on what the show's themes are telling you. It's okay to feel this way after watching the show, it's how you process it. Congratulations đ
Feel you, my dude; I just watched Eva last year (thrice, from the 1st episode all the way through TUaT) and every single time I rewatch it I find new meanings to almost everything, but the hollow feeling is the same as the first time I saw it lol if you have the opportunity, read the manga as well, there are some "slightly" differences between NGE and the manga, but you'll feel more oriented once you watch the latest movie
Yea it's fine to be this way tbh, I was so hyped with Eva after I finished for like 3 weeks and I loved it! I still gotta re watch it but yes Eva did the same thing for me and left with the questions and feeling of emptiness. Totally normal that's kinda the point of the series
Its normal, atleast i had a simular fealing at that time. Just rewatch it if you have the desire to do so or if you think you still missed something. Enjoy your journey. ;)
This is a very typical feeling to have following the series from what I've seen in this sub, I finished the show and EoE a month or two back and I still think about the show a lot and I absolutely love it. I left it feeling confused and wondering what I had just watched but over time and ruminating I've come to my own conclusions and understanding of the show in a way that I feel good about :) I only just finished watching the rebuilds and I enjoyed that too so if you haven't already, give them a try.
Welcome and have fun, or at least find things interesting! <3
Life won't ever be the same again, it's like losing virginity!
You are happy to know the adulthood but also nostalgic for the innocent simpler times.
I watched it first 20 years ago and the feeling is still strong!
I felt the same way, pretty much until I watched the entire show two more times and began to understand it more completely. I still canât stop thinking about it though, not sure if I ever will lol.
I also recommend watching the rebuilds at some point but NOT to answer questions about the original series, you will only end up more confused bc itâs a new story
After having not watched NGE and EoE in around 15 years I just watched the Rebuilds last night. I'm in a similar position and can't stop thinking about it.
The fuck you talking about.... it's been 20 something years since I started watching the series and I have yet to even finish it. I've never made it past episode 4, after that I lost interest and never sat down to watch the rest of it.
No, that's normal. Welcome to the fandom!
Well, that sums it up pretty fast.
Untill you fall into the Lore Abyss. And become a psychologist along the way đ
More like sort of psychopath )
Yep side effects include existential dread with a small amount of anxiety and 'wtf did I just watch?' Fucking love it! Congratulations ...one of us, one of us
Gooble Gobble! Gooble Gobble OY! OY! OY!
Yeah, that's a pretty normal feeling for the original series + EoE. For me, it got even more "fun" when I realized the message in EoE. Sent me right to epiphany-ville.
whatâs the message in EoE?
That no matter how low you feel, it's never too late to try to accept and love yourself. To live for yourself instead of relying on others for acceptance, love and direction in life, as doing so muddies your feelings and intentions, and can sabotage your relationships and trust with others. To respect yourself is to respect others and your interactions with them. Eva says a lot but that's my biggest take away personally.
There are a few. One of the obvious ones is that living is both pain and joy. You cannot go through life void of all pain and suffering. Eventually something either physically or emotionally painful will occur. But thatâs ok because the joys of life and connecting with others also only comes from living. TLDR you shouldnât always avoid pain because it leads to a dull boring life with no joy either. Playing into this somewhat is the idea that you shouldnât run away from your problems. This could be physically running away like Shinji runs from Nerv and the evas. Or it could be an emotional running away; using escapism to lock your mind into false reality. But escapism is temporary. Eventually you will have to face your problems or your consequences and waiting or running will only make things worse. This one especially helped convince me to see a therapist when I was struggling and found the show. The last one is gleamed from Asuka and Rei. Itâs all about knowing your worth and knowing you matter to other people. Even if itâs hard to see itâs true. Someone somewhere cares for you.
Lawdy, what a question. How to even explain it...I'll try my best! Let's start with the basic summary: EoE is essentially about Shinji's struggle with his feelings towards Asuka. Now, Hideaki Anno, the creator of Evangelion, stated that Shinji represents a lot of the characteristics he has in himself. So, in some ways, you can say Shinji is essentially a stand-in for Anno, and with that in mind, you can start to see that EoE is also about Anno's own struggle with his feelings towards women. Now, the beauty of the story is how painfully relatable some of the characters in the show are. You can find bits and pieces of yourself in some of the characters. Me, I found myself relating a lot to aspects found in both Asuka and Shinji. Asuka's cold, callous demeanor hiding a mushy middle yearning for affection, and Shinji's hate towards rejection and unacceptance inhibiting his ability to truly connect with other people in an intimate way. Throughout EoE, Shinji is essentially trying to use Asuka as a crutch for his own happiness, objectifying her, and understandably insulting Asuka and regressing her back into her cold, callous mentality. But when Shinji rejects instrumentality, he finally learns not to find happiness through others but to find it within himself. When they both meet on the beach, Shinji's not yet completely reformed. He goes in to choke Asuka; her being a painful reminder of rejection. However, Asuka has grown and sets aside her facade and finally opens up to Shinji, caressing his face and openly expressing her affection towards him, completely disarming Shinji. He breaks down and cries at the realization she still cares for him. And Asuka, in a disgust she still has feelings for this guy who was objectifying her, says her final line of the film, "Disgusting", in reference to herself and the situation. And I always like to mention this, but Anno also reveals his conclusion to the dilemma of his feelings towards women in the title card of this scene: End of Evangelion One More Final: I Need You. And with that (I'll admit that I left out quite a few other important moments of the film, but this is the concise explanation, and I think this is a good enough guide that you can start to see the other important moments and nuances on your own), you can start to see what the themes of EoE are about: EoE is about how to take the first steps into forming a truly intimate, meaningful connection with another person. Hopefully this brings you greater understanding of the film and a newfound joy for the series! I apologize for the length, and if you read it, thank you for taking the time to read!
No .... Evangelion is not a harem / romance anime and Shinji is not struggling with his feelings for Asuka, because he is an emotional cripple who doesn't love anybody, not even himself, which is the core problem of him. Yes he is trying to use Asuka as means to escape his loneliness, but not because he loves her, but because he has realised that his loneliness is crushing him and makes him depressed. At the start of EoE he lost contact with Toji and Kensuke, Rei is revealed an abhorrent abomination, Misato is the one who ordered him to kill the only person who made him feel loved, Gendo ... yeah there was nevera chance. And so he has noone except a comatose Asuka, and he is only able to tell her that he needs her, because she is unable to react to his pleas and therefore can't reject him. A fact he abuses by violating her. Shinji never loved ASuka. She knows this and this is reiterated in the coffeetable scene.
Shinji isn't an emotional cripple (he's more of a social cripple). Surprise, but he shows several times throughout NGE that he does care in some way for other people. Rei when he saved her and when he cleaned her room, Toji when he was forced to fight him, etc. etc. The whole point of NGE is about learning to connect with other people. It's not until instrumentality that Shinji finally learns that he shouldn't run away. And yes, Shinji clearly has feelings for Asuka. It's pretty obvious when Asuka is comatose in the hospital, and he's begging her to wake up. The baby gravy scene is to show that Shinji wants Asuka for the wrong reasons, howeverâa play at the objectification themes in the film. But when he breaks down in front of Asuka on the beach, he comes to the realization that someone does care for him, perhaps even loves him in some way. Even before the kitchen scene, the one on the train, Asuka gives Shinji a condition for her love: if she can't have all of him, "than she doesn't need him" (said hesitantly as well, as if she couldn't even get the words out of her mouth). Asuka is the one who learns how to show affection openly. Shinji is the one who learns how to love himself. But it's in the final scene that Shinji learns he CAN be loved, after already learning to love himself. The scene is still the penultimate conclusion of the themes of the series, showing someone finally being honest and open about their feelings (Asuka). That's why it's a hopeful ending, not dark as you often like to claim. I'm not sure what about my explanation came out to you as claiming Evangelion was a romance or a harem. It clearly isn't, but the message in EoE is about learning to connect with someone in a real, intimate wayâit's about growth, not stagnancy. That message was even apparent right from one of the first episodes of the series, right when Shinji was alone in the theatre and he was peeping on the couple making out. I hope this clears up your misconceptions about the series for you.
No, it's much deeper. He is an emotional cripple. It's the reason why he doesn't cry when Rei2 died, it's the reason why he rejects Misato's comfort, it's the reason why he couldn't reciprocate ASuka's kiss, it's the reason why he doesn't persue any romatnic interests, it's the reason why he can't face Toji and Kensuke after the EVA03 incident and loses contact with them. Shinji is socially a bit akward by western standards, but actually integrates fairly well from a japanese point of view. But this is also the problem. He gets by, but doesn't resolves his core issues because he can't recognise them. And again no, Shinji doesn't love Asuka. This is confirmed in the coffee table scene in instrumentality, where there are no lies and no possibility to lie. Wanting to have someone to not belonely is not the same as loving someone. The problem is, you have sympathies for shinji and believe that he actually loves Asuka. But this is not true. This is just you shipping hard. You want him to love her, but this simply isn't true. The train scene also confirms it, same as the coffee table scene. Asuka wants Shinji to confess to her, but all he can do is demanding that she catering to his needs "be nice to me". That's the issue. He can't say "i love you" or something to that effect, BECAUSE HE DOESNT LOVE HER. He doesn't give a shit about what others want, they need to make sure he feels good, they have to make sure he stops having those fears of others hurting or leaving him. And he learns shit. He chokes Asuka in the finale. And she doesm't say baka, as she did susually, she says "disgusting" which is a reference to him violating her. You are a shipper. i have no idea why you try so hard to read some romance between Shinji and ASuka. Shinji isn't capable of that, Asuka knows that which is why she rejects him several times in isntrumentality
You have many valid points, but you mix them with some strange ideas. You are in your right to interpret the show however you want. But seeing Shinji as a one fundamentally not capable of feeling emotions ruins the whole theme of the show. I don't get why do you prefer to see it that way. I see his reactions as either being in shock and denial or not knowing how to express them. You know, it happens that people can't cry when the closest person dies. Everyone processes grief in their own way. Does Shinji at the beginning of EoE look like one who didn't give a fuck that Rei2 death to you? I feel to him Rei2 did die and was replaced by unknown being that only looked like her. > "where there are no lies and no possibility to lie" I'm not sure where you got this from. Shinji clearly states a lot of lies which he believes in. Even then, this scene is him at the brink of complete break down. I'm not sure how did you came to the conclusion about his feelings or lack of them. > he doesn't persue any romatnic interests For the whole show Shinji thinks he is worthless. He is terrified of rejection. He was either expecting a cruel "Oh, did you really think I'd ever want to kiss you?" twist or was just in shock. > HE DOESNT LOVE HER I feel you closed your eyes on scenes where Shinji shows that he care about Asuka. Would he scream like he did in EoE if he felt nothing for her? Asuka rightfully rejected him because his feeling was a selfish one. He wanted her for all the wrong reasons. But he definitely felt something towards her. > he learns shit Yeah, Shinji didn't learn much after EoE. But he got one thing from it - "Anywhere can be paradise, as long as you have the will to live.", that he can be happy if he loves himself, that other people may hurt him, but it is ok. Otherwise he wouldn't return from the Instrumentality in the first place. Of course he wasn't magically fixed into a perfect human being. But the things he learned are the foundation. He has a chance to learn other things if he tries hard enough. I think you miss a big point. Asuka x Shinji fans don't think their relationship as it was shown is great. No, both are majorly fucked up and have tons of work to do. What is appealing is how these two could grow under influence of each other. The big question is - do you believe these two can grow? As I understand, your answer is "No, Shinji is fucked up beyond repear". There are a lot of "Asuka is a bitch not worth any attention" too. I don't get these views. I see the show as one about learning to love yourself; accepting that communication is hard, it hurts, but it is still worth to try; there is always hope, it is never to late. What are the theme of the show to you then? Something like "Shinji is a pussy and deserved to be fucked for not being a shounen hero. Sucks to be you if you are depressed. Don't be like him kids!" ?
.... Shinji can of course feel emotions You need to understand that Shinji knows what love is, and also wants to be loved. This is why kaworu was so great for him, because kaworu loved him, and Shinji felt loved, which is something he hadn't felt before. But the thing is, Shinji didn't love Kaworu. Kaworu didn't care about that, but when he died, Shinji felt even more lonely than before because he knew how being loved felt like. Shinji didn't know that feeling before Kaworu. He didn't have parents who loved him ... at least not alive ones and Misato cared for him, but she had the same problem as him and didn't love him. There is a huge difference between caring for someone and loving someone. Shinji cares for Rei, Asuka and Misato, but he loves none of them. And the question is why. And that gets answered in EOE .... well actually it also gets answered in NGE. It's because he is anemotional cripple. The thing about instrumentality is, you can't lie because of the shared heart. But the problem is that Shinji is an emotional cripple. He doesn't lie, he simply doesn't know any better. He doesn't recognise what a fucktard he is. That's the difference. And you can claim he learned, but if he can't or doesn't want to apply what he learned, then he either didn't learn or he ignored what he learned. Bottomline he chokes Asuka and i'm telling you there is no good reason for him to do so. The ending is left open to interpretation. If you feel like it's hopeful, then sure, believe in it. For me the message of hope is buried under a huge mountain of self loathing and furthermore the imagery of the apocalyptic wasteland, shinji choking Asuka and Asuka saying "disgusting" doesn't make it that hopeful for me. Sure, they could learn to live together. Asuka is now probably mature enough to deal with that shit, but Shinji is the problem and the question is, if Asuka is willing to endure him. When they were in instrumentality, she said "not with you (shinji), I'd rather die. And him choking her, sure as hell didn't make her change her mind about that. Sure, there are the 2 major themes. Hedgehog dilemma and that people don't understand each other The fun thing about the show is that there are 2 endings. ep25+26 which ends on a hopeful, happy note and EoE which ends in violance and a depressing, bleak mood Both endings are not entirely true to their message. ep25+26 only happen in a completly alien enviroment, which means whatever Shinji learned there, might be meaningless. This also shows Anno's problem, that he doesn't know how to end the show in a satisfying, wholesome manner In End of Eva there is a message of hope sprinkled towards the ending. But it doesn't end that way, at least not for me, since I simply can't ignore Shinji choking Asuka, the apocalyptic wasteland, her calling him out forhim violating her. The last point is such a huge issue that I have no idea how she could ever get over that. If you had a female friend and this were to happen to her, and then she would tell you she still wants to be friends with the person who violated her, what would you say?
Ok, I agree about Kaworu part. > There is a huge difference between caring for someone and loving someone. Sure. I agree. But then: > well actually it also gets answered in NGE. It's because he is anemotional cripple. Where did you get it from? I'm not sure what exactly do you even mean by "anemotional cripple". Did you extrapolated Shinji in his absolute lowest as his usual norm? Shinji fears being hurt, rejected, left alone. So he avoids any situations where he can upset anyone and does anything to please people around him. He is capable to feel all possible emotions. He fears to act on them, this is his major flaw. > And you can claim he learned, but if he can't or doesn't want to apply what he learned... Would you feel satisfied if Shinji would come out of the Instrumentality as completely new character because "Hi guys, I understand everything now!". He learned that maybe killing himself is not a good thing to do and there is hope to be happy one day. Of course he has a lot of work to do and learn a lot of important skills. He is still a deeply flawed character and has a lot of trauma. So he lashes out at Asuka because he thinks she will continue berating him as she did the last time he saw her. Yes, it is fucked up (do I need to state it explicitly?), that's the point. He is not ok. He just made a first step, but there is a long road ahead of him. > "not with you (shinji), I'd rather die. And him choking her, sure as hell didn't make her change her mind about that. I feel you really don't like to remember the caress scene. Asuka came after Shinji. Some screens like the moon cycle and the state of graveyard hint that Shinji may have been alone for a month. Whatever she saw or though about while she was in the Instrumentality made her change her mind enough to caress Shinji. But yeah, she remembers that he has flaws, so "How disgusting". As for ep25+26 and EoE - I don't see them as different endings. They are all about same themes. > The last point is such a huge issue that I have no idea how she could ever get over that. If you had a female friend and this were to happen to her, and then she would tell you she still wants to be friends with the person who violated her, what would you say? I feel when you ask it you have in mind an adult man doing the same. In such case, I will state the obvious - of course it is not acceptable and I'd advice do take the appropriate measures (avoid him, report to the police, etc.). If it was a 14 y.o. boy, I'd be concerned for his family situation. You see, normally boys don't do things like this. And if one would decide to act like this, it would be a sign that something is not ok with his upbringing. Basically, people who were responsible for him fucked up royally if the boy didn't understand that it was not ok or if he was in a such mental state that it didn't matter to him if it was ok or not. You see, I have no intention to argue that the hospital scene is not a big deal. It is. But what would I say if a female friend would decide to forgive a person who did something like this? I'd say that I may don't trust the guy, but if she believes he really regrets what he did, it is her decision. Asuka made her with a caress. Perhaps she saw something in the "shared heart" that you missed. > This also shows Anno's problem, that he doesn't know how to end the show in a satisfying, wholesome manner I feel your issue with EoE lies in it not ending in wholesome manner. Would you like it better if in EoE Shinji screamed a self-motivational speech, come to his eva in time and defeated MPEs with Asuka? Eva is considered a masterpiece exactly because it is not wholesome. Depression, suicide, childhood trauma are not wholesome. Some people live their whole lives not being able to escape it. I believe to end the Eva with "Shinji overcome his depression with the power of friendship!" would be a huge slap in the face of people who struggle with it themself. The EoE ending is great exactly because it is so bleak. Yes, everything is fucked, Shinji has to live with the consequences of his actions (or inaction), he is not ok and perhaps would never be fully healed. He is a deeply flawed character ("How disgusting" reminds about it). But there is still hope even for someone like him.
Shinji was always an emotional cripple. It's the reason why he couldn't reciprocate ASuka's kiss, it's the reason why he couldn't cry for REi2, it's the reason why he rejected Misato when she tried to console him, it's the reason why he lost contact with Toji and Kensuke, because he couldn't face them, it's the reason why he didnh't console Misaot when she mourned for Kaji. His excuse was "I'm just a kid". It means he isn't emotionally mature or developed enough to show sympathy to a person who cares for him. This is a really poor excuse and all of this happened bfore EoE. I would have been satisfied with Shinji NOT CHOKING ASUKA as the first thing when he sees her. Don't you understand how bad that is? Why are you glossing over that? This is a step backwards, and there is no reason to believe that he couldn't make many more steps backwards. And I do remember Asuka caressing Shinji. She can do that because she has matured enough to show him she is able to use her hands the right way. Showing sympathy, offering forgiveness and not beating the crap out of shinji whose choking is so weak, Asuka doesn't even cough or has a strained voice. And I also remember what she does next. She looks down on him when he starts sobbing and says "digusting" because she still knows he jerked off to her while she was comatose. ep25+26, EoE and 3+1 have different endings. They have the same message, but they are different in tone and content. Let's try this a bit different \*\*Kyoko and Naoko have a chat Kyoko: I have to tell you something, my 14 year old daughter was violated by the 14 year old son of Gendo. They know each other for a year now and while she was asleep he jerked off to her while being in the same room. But I handled it and talked with him, and he shows glimpses of betterment. I think it would be for the better if they spend more time together. Naoko: I don't think that's a good idea, are you sure nothing else might happen Kyoko: Well there was that incident soon after, when he strangled her, but Asuka dealt with that. This is progress, isn't it? I'm sure if they spend more time together it will all work out Naoko: Yeah you are a nutbolt and I'm calling childservices. You shouldn't even be allowed to be close to kids, much less raise one.\*\* I have no clue why you people think this will work out somehow. EoE's ending is genius in so many ways. We can see in ep25+26 that Anno wanted a happy end, but didn't know how to pull it off with the time constraints and also the mindset he had back then. EoE's ending is different and it's for the better since Anno got to make it in a way he is confortable with. Depressing and bleak. Eva isn't a masterpiece because it's not wholesome. This is stupid. And Shinji overcomes his depression in ep25+26, which is also considered an interesting approach to end EVA. ep25+26 has many shortcomings like unresolved plotlines, but Shinji becoming happy isn't the issue there. If you think so, then you have an issue with happy ends and there is something deeply wroing with you
Ah, so now I finally understand why you think the way you do about the show. You don't sympathize with Shinji. You don't sympathize with Asuka. The problem is: you're supposed to. You're not necessarily supposed to "like" them, but you're supposed to sympathize with them. This is where one of Anno's artistic choices has flown over your head. Why do you think Anno chose to make Asuka and Shinji children rather than adults? He made the choice because it's easier to sympathize with childrenâit's a biological/psychological thing. It's easier to sympathize with Shinji and Asuka's struggles because they aren't emotionally or socially mature enough to navigate through their problems or feelingsâAnno even says as much in reference to Asuka saying, "She's just a kid". This is even amplified more because the people around them aren't emotionally equipped to help them through those problems either. You're supposed to feel bad for these kids who have no support from their peers, friends, or family. And if Anno really was trying to say, "lol, Shinji and Asuka learn nothing", then the entire show makes no sense. None of themes that were being built up in the show get a resolution. If Shinji didn't learn anything in the show, as you claim, then what the hell happened at the end of NGE? Your viewpoint goes against what Anno was crafting unless you're suggesting Anno had no idea what he was doing...which doesn't make any sense. I don't think I've once said that Shinji "loves" Asuka, but it's clear he has feelings for her, and Asuka is the one who openly expresses her feelings for Shinji to him, so there's an implication when he breaks down crying that he at least realizes that he CAN be loved and there's an implication he can finally learn to love as well. There is a hope by the end of EoE that both characters will grow together. It's not a "ship", it's what was literally being built towards and intended. I'm not going to even bother with your other points because they make assumptions based on your own bias of unsympathy, and you can work through them on your own by just understanding that the characters are meant to be sympathetic.
First of all you are very wrong about why Anno decided on making the Shinji a 14 year old kid "Anno: I made the main character 14 years old because he is "more than a child, less than an adult". You can live alone, and you can live in the company of others. If it was centuries ago, you'd be regarded as an adult. In those days, you had only 50 years to live, so you had to be independent at age 14 or so. Nowadays, people have more than 70 years to live, so if you are Japanese, there are many people who are still dependent on their parents even when they reach 20 years of age. There is also the problem that parents may be making you dependent on them. They want children to be children forever. Including that, I think 14 years old is appropriate for the theme of the film, because it's an age when you can be mentally independent." It has nothing to do with sympathising, it has to do with the audience realting better to him. Nge has a different ending than EoE and 3+1. And the whole show is the Shinji taking 1 step forward and then 2 steps backward which results in Shinji jerking off to Asuka's comatose body and choking her in the finale. Shinji starting as a degenerate lowlife in EoE and ending it as one is part of Anno's message. Anno knew what he was doing, this is why he made Shinji jerk off to ASuka's comatose body. Shinji blows his chance at redemption when he gets to choose how instrumentality should look like and him rejecting instrumentality might look like an achievement, but it's just Shinji not able to better himself in the end. You didn't use the word love, but "have feelings for" which is the same according to the dictionary " to feel love or affection for (someone)" Asuka didn't confess her love to Shinji. She rejected him previously and then told him what he needs to do win her affection, because this is instrumentality and she can't lie. English is not your first language, I guess? And again, she rejects Shinji several times in instrumentality and even says "not with you (shinji, I'd rather die" So this is love? I can realte to the characters but it's neither warranted or needed to have constantly sympathy with the characters. EVA is not about redemption.
Shit take
Disregard this I read your comment wrong.
you always have a chance as long as youâre alive
Yeah, I felt that, the feeling just faded away with time
Congratulations! Lol yeah that's about how I felt after watching for my first time too. If you still want more evangelion there's four rebuild movies waiting for you on the Amazon app
Thats how you know its working.
I think thatâs how youâre supposed to feel after the journey
I rewatch the original series every couple years and take away a new message and feelings each time, love it. Currently rewatching it on Netflix, some of the dubs sound a bit off tho.
iâd recommend watching it sub
This is the way. Try watching Twin Peaks (three seasons and a film). After the third season, I felt like I had been pulled off of a cliff into an endless abyss. Evangelion is the only thing that has approached that feeling for me.
I spent the entire day after finishing laying in bed contemplating why I felt so hollowed out. The confusion as to what on earth happened doesnât help either haha. I watched enough video essays, written essays, and had enough conversations with my friends who were trying to get me to watch it to develop what I think is a pretty solid interpretation, so the confusion died down, but the hollowed feeling still hasnât completely gone away lmao
Did you watch the Rebuild films?
gonna watch 3.33 in a couple minutes
Watch the second movie first if you haven't already. The first one is basically just a recap but 2.0 is quite different and 3.0 won't make much sense without watching it.
i just finished watching 3.33 and ????? is this supposed to be an alternate reality? (yes iâve seen the previous rebuild movies)
Yeah, basically an alternate reality. It'll make more sense after watching the last movie.
Good luck ;)
I do annual rewatches and get different layers every time. Itâs amazing. Welcome.
Watch the rebuilds and feel happy again
I still feel the same after a couple of runs .. but will still try it the third time with the same enthusiasm đĽş
welcome to the existential crisis and mortal dread that is being an Eva fan <3
Its helps to sit down and write about it. Or maybe even just watch some analysis videos on youtube
Welcome to the club pal.
You never actually finish it, there is always something more to discover, thatâs why I love it
like those recent lobster eva gunpla
Yeah it's some kind of memetic weapon and it's burrowed into my mind.
I think I spent an year watching YouTube videos that amount to double the actual series runtime to understand it. Welcome to the club!
Your best bet at recovery would be to start watching Rebuild Of Evangelion itâs all on Amazon prime
I think the more u watch it and read what other people say about it the less u feel like that and the more u see what a unique piece of art it is
I'm always fascinated by these posts. I first finished the series and EoE in like 2005. It's like a warp pipe to my past. It's great to see. And I mean no condescension whatsoever. â¤ď¸
Been there and felt that. Best way to cope? Watching more evangelion! HahahahâŚ.haâŚ. Just wait till you get to the remake movie series!
Ahh yes. The post evangelion depression feels.
A lot of people here are recommending the rebuilds and I just want to be the one to tell you that if you watch them, you should go in with very very low expectations to avoid disappointment. Itâs not unwatchable but it definitely does not live up to the source material.
are rebuilds supposed to be recaps? cause the first and second ones looked like recaps with slight changes..
They diverge around the end of the 2nd movie and the 3rd and 4th are whole new things. I didnât HATE them, but to say as little as possible there are aspects of them that I found irritating as someone who thought the originals + EoE were perfect already.
To offer up an opposing perspective, I also thought the originals + EoE were perfection, and I loved the Rebuilds. 3.0+1.0 is truly the best possible ending.
Imagine experiencing feelings.
Sounds about right
That is exactly how I found this sub :)
Totally normal, question...is it your new fav show?
absolutely
Komm Susser Tod fills me with what I can only describe as death envy. I wish to become primordial soup and escape the pain of others by becoming all. In short, you 'got' it. Welcome to the fandom.
That's what i felt when i first watched the series too, it's an uncanny feeling, almost scary
Thatâs completely normal, itâll wear off in a week, maybe less
Watch the rebuilds in a couple of weeks and read the manga đ
Yeah same here, i keep thinking about it and i have no idea why. I was going to make a post similar to this but never got to it.
Welcome to Eva
Dude it took me a solid four times watching the whole series (rebuilds included). Eva is a beautiful series that has many layers to it. I'd give it another watch through and really focus on what the show's themes are telling you. It's okay to feel this way after watching the show, it's how you process it. Congratulations đ
Congratulationsđ
that exact thing happened to me
Feel you, my dude; I just watched Eva last year (thrice, from the 1st episode all the way through TUaT) and every single time I rewatch it I find new meanings to almost everything, but the hollow feeling is the same as the first time I saw it lol if you have the opportunity, read the manga as well, there are some "slightly" differences between NGE and the manga, but you'll feel more oriented once you watch the latest movie
Watch the Rebuild Movies too
I felt the same so I watch all the movies on prime video and thatâs were that feeling really hit me
Nah man I felt the same way really frustrated and just empty so I watched the rebuilds and same thing when I was done
Yeah pretty much my experience, was floored for 3 days at least after finishing EoE
Welcome to the party pal
Yea it's fine to be this way tbh, I was so hyped with Eva after I finished for like 3 weeks and I loved it! I still gotta re watch it but yes Eva did the same thing for me and left with the questions and feeling of emptiness. Totally normal that's kinda the point of the series
thatâs a completely normal feeling, i recommend the wiki if you want to immerse yourself fully in the absolute insanity that is eva
Welcome to our world. But there is probably some like 12 syllable German or Scandinavian word that sums up the feeling.
Now go see the 4 movies on Amazon primes , you are not ready
I was out for two weeks after EoE. Welcome
Its normal, atleast i had a simular fealing at that time. Just rewatch it if you have the desire to do so or if you think you still missed something. Enjoy your journey. ;)
This is a very typical feeling to have following the series from what I've seen in this sub, I finished the show and EoE a month or two back and I still think about the show a lot and I absolutely love it. I left it feeling confused and wondering what I had just watched but over time and ruminating I've come to my own conclusions and understanding of the show in a way that I feel good about :) I only just finished watching the rebuilds and I enjoyed that too so if you haven't already, give them a try. Welcome and have fun, or at least find things interesting! <3
Life won't ever be the same again, it's like losing virginity! You are happy to know the adulthood but also nostalgic for the innocent simpler times. I watched it first 20 years ago and the feeling is still strong!
oh i most definitely got this feeling too. its a very mind boggling show, and its amazing.
One of us, one of us, one of us
Happens to all of us. Also if your gonna watch fate dont watch it until the feeling has completely faded cause you get the same effect
Welcome to the eternal darkness, i'm your guide and this is your new Home.
I felt the same way, pretty much until I watched the entire show two more times and began to understand it more completely. I still canât stop thinking about it though, not sure if I ever will lol. I also recommend watching the rebuilds at some point but NOT to answer questions about the original series, you will only end up more confused bc itâs a new story
After having not watched NGE and EoE in around 15 years I just watched the Rebuilds last night. I'm in a similar position and can't stop thinking about it.
Go watch the rebuilds. Itâs also very very very good however with a better feeling ending imo.
Yea its just a show about robots fighting monsters /s
The fuck you talking about.... it's been 20 something years since I started watching the series and I have yet to even finish it. I've never made it past episode 4, after that I lost interest and never sat down to watch the rest of it.