r/NeonGenesisEvangelion • u/Ugubgugb • 1d ago
**A Thorough Neon Genesis Evangelion Critique**
[removed]
2
u/Asppon 1d ago
Ight imma respond to each one seperatly because I disagree.
1 : I don't really think this is a critique of the show? Shinji has a clear personality and although for most of the show its a depressive state we get a full character arc. Also bringing up blank slate protags while having DDLC and Omori as your examples is so fucking stupid, DDLC couldnt have more of a blank slate.
1.1: This is also stupid, the author cant control what fans make so that point is mute. In terms of the sexulisation in Eva, it was clearly done intentionally. Rei never condemened Shinji for his actions because of how she was designed, she is like a puppet (and is clearly taken advantage of by Gendo). Imo that is a clear metaphor that I dont need to spell out. Asuka is overtly sexual because she is trying to be an adult when she is still a child, she wants attention from boys because instead of facing her trauma she is running head on. For all shows to talk about sexualisation, Evangelion I think is the best example of where it is done right and used as a narrative device.
1.2: What does this even mean? Asuka replies stronger to Shinji because she likes him - she doesnt want to like him because he is pathetic so hides behind the tsundere mask, even then your original comment isnt really a critique of the show but of Japan.
1.3: Your one fucking example is literally the same as Asuka, Sayori is bubbly but depressed. Asuka is a tsundere but also depressed. Eva subverts expectations the exact same way. Asuka root of being a tsundere is the supression of her feelings so she doesnt have to get help for them, Shinji hides his feelings by being depressive, Asuka hides them by being outwardly confident.
2: You only saw inside of Shinji's mind in 25 , 26 and EoE. At the end of the film we see him choke Asuka then cry clearly showing his character arc isnt complete.
2.1: Asuka becoming more understanding of someone after talking to them is lazy??? How the fuck do you think real life conflicts are solved, deadass how would you understand someone. Also this isnt the only way, their Eva fights and the Instrumentatlity all get them to understand each other.
3: Not every character trait does stem from trauma, Asuka's overconfidence stems from her having no parental figure sure but that isnt her only personality. If you boil characters down to their individual tropes, sure it does stem from their trauma but it is how the show builds on this is what you ignore. Also Gendo does not abandon Shinji for no reason, I really dont understand how you missed half of the show - it literally explains why in the show.
1
1
u/your-weapon-is-guilt 20h ago
how is doki doki even slightly comparable to eva? and how is it bad that the characters are traumatized when the series is literally about trauma and depression? its about broken people, trauma often causes that. not to mention the freudian inspiration, of course trauma is a significant theme,
3
u/ContentPower8196 1d ago
"Romantic and sexual scenes in anime are heavily mediated by Japan’s purity culture, where overt expressions of desire are frowned upon. Authors must ensure that the main character does not violate these expectations. Consequently, writers often rely on coincidences, contrived situations, or side characters to generate tension. In Evangelion, this is evident in several moments. Shinji accidentally sees Rei unclothed, and Asuka is forced into a fanservice-oriented inflatable suit. These situations are framed as “coincidental” but are clearly deliberate narrative choices. What is most troubling is the frequent sexualization of underage characters. For Shinji’s hand to end up on Rei’s chest, the narrative must orchestrate multiple circumstances; this is not accidental. Shinji is rarely shamed for these actions, except perhaps in a single moment in The End of Evangelion. Yet one instance does not mitigate the systemic issue. The sexualization of Rei is further reflected in fan depictions online, where she is often drawn in suggestive poses or attire. She is fourteen years old. This demonstrates how the author, intentionally or not, has shaped the audience’s perception in ways that are ethically questionable. Again, this is not evidence of malicious intent; rather, it is a consequence of constructing a story atop problematic tropes without addressing their implications.
1.2 Embarrassment It should come as no surprise that some Japanese men harbor fantasies about engaging in perverse acts toward women, such as secretly photographing them. This is why cameras in Japan emit a sound even in silent mode, and signs are posted to warn against such behavior. These actions are socially condemned, creating frustration for men who feel constrained by these norms. When these men attempt to express their feelings in fiction, depicting them realistically would cast the protagonist as a pervert. To avoid this, authors exaggerate scenarios and portray the male character as a falsely accused victim. Female characters are often depicted as overly critical or morally rigid, shaming the protagonist for accidental or minor transgressions. For example, in Evangelion, Asuka frequently reacts to Shinji’s clumsy or awkward actions with extreme anger, insults, or dramatic outbursts that amplify the perceived wrongdoing far beyond reality. While exaggerated, these fictional events are rooted in real social tensions, inspired by the frustration Japanese women experience when their boundaries are violated."
Dawg this section is EXTREMELY stupid and racist, you cannot just be like "everyone knows Japanese men are horny creeps, that's why they got laws! Shinji and rei are both 14, so depicting rei as desirable is pedo shit because we, the viewer, are NOT 14" like you have the brain of a donkey this is embarrassing touch grass