Attack on Titan and the Cycle of Violence

[@Anneevee]

Bros first video is a cinematic masterpiece-

[@yjken9366]

Thank you so much! To be fair, I've been making videos since 2017, but it's in French and on another channel. But it is my first analysis / video essay, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@majeedmamah7457]

@@yjken9366 No wonder. This video clearly shows a mastery of storytelling and video editing. Its incredible.

[@faye6477]

bro is majestic*

[@Tatakae_tatakae1]

Real

[@clayongunzelle9555]

The cycle of violence is a paradox because as much as how genocide can never be justified there is also no justification for not fighting for you life.. It's truly perplexing and difficult to ask somebody to end a cycle when that cycle has already been set in motion

[@shinjite06]

Exactly, if it was so simple we would not be wrestling with this issue millions of years later.

[@KrazyVideoChick]

Wow, I never took the time to realize how Zeke is mainly the reason Floch went from a wuss to (although a prick) a total badass. It's amazing how people who don't personally interact can have such an impact on each other's lives.

[@MarcosAG90]

Reiner is by far the deepest and most complex character, and the one with the most development by far. The figure of redemption and rebirth

[@JustReaganYT]

This thumbnail is AMAZING

[@brianachim2670]

Sadly the cycle will never end because humanity will never change. We're our own downfall and worst enemy.

[@brianachim2670]

@MRX Yeah it was a bad ending. Isayama should of left it open ended.

[@brianachim2670]

@MRX I mean human beings will never stop fighting and wars, it’s in our nature. It’s realistic but not the way it was portrayed because it shows that the Alliance and the Scouts were completely wrong which leaves a bad taste in the mind of the readers.

[@galliards1831]

You cant take away the violence of people - yelena

[@demonslayereren3970]

DNA editing

[@brianachim2670]

@@demonslayereren3970 What?

[@rontu_aru]

I feel like this is one of the first videos I've seen that discusses this theme, despite it being so central to the story. You were able to talk about each character is such a refreshing and nuanced way that I don't see in a lot of other videos, unfortunately. Amazing work!

[@maudiline]

this right here encompasses all i love so much about attack on titan, u explained it beautifully well done!

[@jessieBird96]

30:40 it has always killed me that Zeke and Xavier came so close to the actual solution it was best for everyone which was that the eldians simply get stripped of their ability to turn into Titans.

[@TheCoordinate]

only half way through the video at the moment, but what a strong first video! i love listening to people deep dive into aot!

[@recarras]

Your thoughts on Zeke are something that i myself didnt thought about AND that i didnt see in other channels. You moved my logic, thank you.

[@gamefreak2050]

Beautifully explained, kudos to you for making this video and shedding some of the messages Isayama was attempting to convey thru AOT

[@kairostimeYT]

I'll write down a few of the possible reasons Eren (protagonist/antagonist) did the things he did. 1. Continuing the cycle of revenge ("why did my mom have to be eaten?") 2. To defend the people of Paradis ("my goal is to protect the people of Paradis, the place where I was born and raised") 3. To let his close friends experience long and fulfilling lives ("... so they can live a long, happy live") 4. To save the founder Ymir from her never-ending cycle of slavery (*To you, 2000 years from now*, *From you, 2000 years ago*) 5. Desired people's respect (Reiner said this and he said that he is similar to Reiner; all the main characters randomly start admiring him right after the genocide; indirectly implies that he inserted specific experiences into their heads to make them like him) 6. Had no idea what he was doing (He says that his memories were jumbled and he didn't know what exactly he was doing; he was caught up in the moment) 7. Had to kill every last titan in the world (Eren says something like this several times in Season 1; for some reason, I forgot to include this) The list goes on. Note that I am not just making stuff up either. The show has indirectly/directly implied all of these things at some point. Isayama just said "yes" to all of these things. Hence, the core motivation of Eren is unknown/multiple. Given we don't know how strong the founding titan actually is, I don't know what to ask/suggest which would lead us to an "answer". However, we are left with an ending where we _feel_ satisfied with the possibility that Eren is just continuing the cycle of revenge. Season 4 Eren is so cool and edgy that most of the people adore him. People looked at this show as a badass main character doing impossible things passionately without bothering to ask why or how or whether those things even are badass or just seem badass or worse, made to seem badass. I just read TheAeroAvatar's comment; while idk if Isayama is a confused, self-important fool but Eren certainly seems like one. His head wasn't straight in Season 4 (and that Eren was just the same brat he was in S1,2,3 but given our resonance with him, we concluded that he is a badass). I neither hate nor love the show; I neither approve nor deny the use of genocide in the show. Take none of these sentence as an offense to your opinions or to the show. Maybe, S4 Eren was meant to be this way and people who hated manga chapter 139 because of how it treated Eren were just disappointed because they forgot who Eren truly was.

[@mrminecraftcubeable]

nah 139 just plain sucks

[@kairostimeYT]

@@mrminecraftcubeable You are made to believe that. AOT ending is not bad because it is awful; it is bad because it is incomplete.

[@ozargaman6148]

you really can't fully express the cycle of violence idea without adressing the end of the manga (haven't watched the full thing but it said only anime spoilers at the beginning so forgive me if it is adressed). manga spoilers: the 8 added pages are amazing imo. even when the titans are gone, you can still see war happening in the background. there's literally no better way of proving that the show isn't about titans, but about war and morality. 8 images that close this series better than any ending I've ever saw to any show or movie before. absolutely amazing.

[@gimp7915]

Normal anime or manga ends with a happy ending with no wars or racism that's why I liked the ending

[@ozargaman6148]

@@gimp7915 but that's not how life goes

[@gimp7915]

@@ozargaman6148 all I was saying aot did a original ending

[@ozargaman6148]

@@gimp7915 oh ok I misubderstood you

[@gimp7915]

@@ozargaman6148 it's ok it's freshing to see something new in animes endings

[@heidiluegisland8326]

Wonderful, love your video and the analysis! Especially the part with Arthur Braus, this is such a important moment in the story of AoT, it moved me deeply, and gets often not enough attention, thank you for putting a spotlight on it.

[@thepowerofsand6180]

Bro that Thumbnail is really good, I spent like 5 minutes trying to identify all the pictures. Good job

[@freeze_electric]

Amazing video, nowadays I don’t casually watch longer videos like this but this was super interesting. Insane that this is just your first video, keep it up bro

[@yjken9366]

Thank you very much! This wasn't really my first video, I've been making those since 2017 (but it's in French and on another channel), but it was my first analysis and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@joefoster1072]

Honestly an immaculate video. You put your point across brilliantly whilst incorporating music and scenes from the show in an incredibly atmospheric way. Really great job man.

[@alandavis8207]

cant believe this was your first video it was absolutely excellent. beautiful analysis.

[@yjken9366]

Thank you very much! To be fair, I've been making videos since 2017, but it's in French and on another channel. It is, however, my first analysis video, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@lynesaurus]

Excellent analysis on the most important theme of the story. Thank you.

[@aylasdope]

Holy cow, this is the first video on your channel? I watched this and expected a whole library. Your perspective and script writing are awesome. Definitely subbed to see more! Thanks for the great content! ❤😊

[@yjken9366]

Thank you so much! I've been receiving similar comments, but I've been making videos since 2017, however it's in French and on another channel. Still, it is my first analysis video, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@gabriellebergeron7632]

@@TheAeroAvatar 😂lmfao I saw you in the comment section of another AOT analysis video. "Garbage Braun," as you called her in the other comments, seems to be literally the only thing you care about in the whole show and it's honestly just sad and pathetic that you let that ruin the entire show for you and let it create so much hatred in you towards a fictional character and anyone who likes said character. But hey, at least I get a good laugh from seeing your comments🤷‍♀

[@gabriellebergeron7632]

@@yjken9366 Incredible analysis by the way!! I actually cried a couple times as I was reminded of the sheer moral depth and complexity that this show accomplished, and then you expounded upon it even further. Thank you so much

[@yjken9366]

@@gabriellebergeron7632 Oh wow! Thank you so much!

[@gabriellebergeron7632]

@@TheAeroAvatar I never suggested that you did or even should care😂😂😂 Seriously your comments are hilarious

[@MACKS1313]

Rare really good aot video. Aot is pretty complex so I don’t agree with literally everything but I agree with most. Love to hear other peoples well thought out interpretations of aot

[@daniaaal]

I feel like that’s the beauty of AOT. Fans may have different reasons why they like the show, and Isayama has constructed this intricate world full of complex characters, each with different viewpoints of their own. And I love how Isayama seems to implicitly want the viewers to know that it’s okay to not agree on everything, as long as they try to talk and discuss with one another in a peaceful manner (as much as possible, at least). It’s a piece of literature that’s worthy to be discussed in university classes of history, politics and the arts, to be honest.

[@MACKS1313]

@@daniaaal 100% agree. Although I've heard my fair share of horribly thought out takes on the story but what can you do

[@daniaaal]

@@MACKS1313 oh yeah, to me bad takes are inevitable, even when it comes to the best literatures and shows. I guess we cannot escape from ignorant people haha

[@albygates4263]

Great video, idk whether you read the last chapters of the manga or not since you didn't mention anything about them but you got everything right about the characters and their motivations and beliefs, brilliant analysis

[@yjken9366]

Thank you very much! I did read the manga, but I didn't want to spoil anything, so that's why I didn't mention it. However, I tried to make as many subtle references as I possibly could, so that it all makes more sense when it's released in the anime.

[@TomKilworth]

Excellent essay, and good job on your allusions to the final part of the manga without spoiling it. I’ve subbed and am looking forward to what’s next!

[@greedyweeb8368]

Very good essay. Great work man

[@sanchitkumar5784]

Great analysis brother, don't ever stop making your English content, your storytelling skills are better than most of the big KZbinrs, I am glad I found you so early. I hope to see more from you!!❤

[@nausheensiddiqui8745]

As someone who has just 300 subs, you've done a phenomenal job. Hope you reach to more people

[@shinzeefy5257]

awesome video!! this video had some amazing points and is content thatd be on much bigger channels. we are all here for you and hope you continue to make more vids like this !!

[@dallascoggins1534]

I love this video. Thank you for it. Put into words in a succinct way stuff I've always felt about the series. I've always felt that Artur braus' forgiveness was the only possible solution to conflict in the series. Aleczandxr has a great video on this called "the unavoidable truth of attack on titan" though it's about kenny and Uri's relationship mainly.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Excellent video, great analysis, especially the part about the symbolic role of the forest (that many idiots made fun of in season 4, part 2) really impressive for a first video. Love the serious analytical tone, without unnecessary flashiness & overreactions. This is how the Masterpiece that is SNK should be treated

[@loveoflife3081]

I just found this video and saw it was 45min. « I’m not gonna watch a 45 min KZbin vid…” I did..now I’m crying

[@alexvatoussis6001]

Wonderful video! It gives depth to this show in a way that it deserves. Truly, no other show has ever forced me to think about our own world more than this one.

[@alfred5872]

I loved you're pacing and usages of music, the subject was thoughtful and a side of the story I hadn't considered up until now. Good job

[@fabichicken5690]

This is the one of the best Video on KZbin!

[@sana_saint]

Thank you for sharing! This an entire academic paper for a literary criticism class man 🕵🏻‍♀️📝

[@epicurus8431]

This is a VERY good video. It's expert themology and very good analysis. I love this story and you have just explained exactly why.

[@ktsp2538]

How do you only have 7 subs this is good

[@nerdbutgangsta1816]

I was thinking the same thing

[@yjken9366]

Thank you very much! It's my first video on this channel, so that's why, but hopefully it will grow in the future!

[@nerdbutgangsta1816]

@@yjken9366 This is one the best analysis' I've ever seen, seriously great work

[@pediatricpatrick6177]

Bruh your first video is absolutely amazing can’t wait to see what future projects you have

[@yjken9366]

To be fair, I've been making videos since 2017, but it's in French and on another channel. But it is my first analysis / video essay, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@jabread8907]

Excellent Analysis Hope you make videos in the future good sir

[@lukevasquez4247]

I loved your choice of music in each section and the points you made were well thought out and explained. Thank you for your work and I look forward to what you make next

[@tryondola]

More videos like this please! Really enjoyed this and I wish you all the best in your endeavours

[@jonny4712]

Eren’s goal for the rumbling was to end the cycle of violence once and for all, To End humanity’s cruel nature. On the other hand is the team that represents Hope and to stop the Genocide of humanity.

[@triton5336]

They would have failed in both regards however Eren allows them to beat him because he knows already that violence will always be a thing for humanity unless they evolve from it willingly or unwillingly. Eren didn't Believe in the rumbling he actually believed in Armin's hope weirdly because he left the future to his friends who he protected from the world alliance and overwhelming numbers of the The world.

[@jonny4712]

@@triton5336 Eren had to become the world’s enemy so that they may unite as one and see Armin and the alliance as heroes (as they were eldians which the world saw as the monsters, the enemy)

[@gg_sam7847]

I dunno why but I teared up a bit during the Gabi section

[@noahneuteboom2987]

You need to make more videos man this was amazing

[@JackieHunt-yd4ox]

At least he tried to stop his bro from turning a kid into a titan

[@ReinatakaharaVT]

You need more subs dude this video is amazing and a awesome look at the story and what it is trying to convey . I subbed to you loved this dude .

[@wigglebot765]

Incredible vid, keep em coming

[@jebbezjebzz5754]

This is your first video?! Damn!! I’m incredibly impressed and I know you’re gonna be a huge KZbinr with videos that are this good, absolute fire 🔥 keep it up

[@yjken9366]

Thank you very much! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! To be fair, I've been making videos since 2017, but it's in French and on another channel. But it is my first analysis / video essay, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@clovr3430]

Good perspective on the relationship between Floch and Zeke! Hadnt thought about it like that! Keep them vids coming!

[@LuckSMTS]

Very well put video! You earned a new sub

[@danielmilev848]

Great video bro!

[@TheCrowReviewer]

Great analysis, I look forward to what you do next! 😁👍

[@gokulmadhu1906]

This is insanely well made.

[@decafjava8565]

Just found this, excellent analysis. Subscribed. Wow.

[@arcanehighlighter6780]

This was fantastic! I enjoyed your accent also

[@beeble7636]

amaazing video bro

[@KanchiJain17]

Amazing video. You did fabulous work!

[@belthazarthedestroyer4371]

Wow okay I'm really glad I came across this video, I had to subscribe this is so good.

[@redlantern6669]

the causes behind an era of violence can vary, but mental illness always has a roll to play and the rumbling is the consequence of their actions, It does not matter if you were a victim at one point, No one can enslave, kill, and scapegoat forever without someone pushing back. And that someone intends to wipe them off the the face of the world as retribution

[@mynor5249]

Incredible essay, here have my sub. I loved it.

[@Hei6809]

Truly amazing video bro 👍🏼

[@destrokerr]

You earned my subscription bro. Hats off.

[@queenj.shanaye4211]

BEAUTIFUL JOB!

[@ZeroKay]

This is incredible

[@lokoloko339]

Idk why i was expecting pyramids by frank ocean to play when the video started

[@taylorv9739]

Great video man

[@sharingforimprovement155]

Wow. Phenomenal video. subscribed in hopes more will come

[@Aot]

A nice video man, writing and editing wise.

[@fedewyt]

this video is a banger, good job 😭can't wait for part 3 of the anime

[@John-li6sk]

Really good video u should get more then 1 mil subs

[@misterspiggins]

Very awesome & insightful work! Hope to see more of this from you!

[@HammyBurgerous]

Incredible video 🎉🎉👏👏👏

[@aminnowicki8371]

good job man

[@princemehra12]

Awesome Video. It made me think about violence.

[@joeymaybehere3505]

10/10 video glad to be ur 82nd subscriber :)

[@lyricamare6073]

It's so strange I both respect flock and hate he. Usually in media its one or the other emotion but not both at the same time.

[@yassermu]

Awesome!

[@LuisGuzman-pq2wk]

This video explanation is beautifully and the cinematography is A1 great great content my friend

[@MrDJGoodman]

Awesome work.

[@AbhijeetSingh-nm2ll]

Awesome❤

[@monde8951]

Wow.. Holy crap, Bro u honestly made me want to rewatch the show. This is an absolutely amazing video. Wat's ur favourite OST from the show BTW?

[@yjken9366]

Thank you so much! I think my favorite would be either The Other Side of the Sea, EL○, or From You, 2000 Years Ago (I'm probably forgetting some, that's just off the top of my head).

[@monde8951]

@@yjken9366 ah ELo is such a good track and an amazing remix of the original theme song of show

[@yjken9366]

@@monde8951 Idk if you read the manga but if you did I really hope they use it for the next episode iykyk

[@monde8951]

@@yjken9366 really? I was actually kinda hoping they wud us Into the Night for that scene, especially the vocal section of the song

[@yjken9366]

@@monde8951 Could work, but EL○ would be way more tragic I think Anyway we'll see

[@endlord_1.185]

Very good video, i hope your channel grows!

[@shashwatsingh35]

The moment you realise it's just his first video. 🤯

[@yjken9366]

To be fair, I've been making videos since 2017, but it's in French and on another channel. But it is my first analysis / video essay, and I'm very glad you liked it!

[@shashwatsingh35]

@@yjken9366 Commendable efforts keep it up...looking forward to more.

[@raviolijoji7609]

fantastic analysis

[@uhrtmyfillins951]

That… Was… Amazing

[@projectkepleren]

while keith wasn't mentioned in this video and his story was very short overall I felt lie nevertheless he had a presence too in the story And personally? when you see both grisha and keith story side by side, it puts into perspective too "What about people who had nothing to do with the cycle itself, trying to intervene with it." which you DID bring up in the video For me, it's the idea that people have never lost their free will to act, never did. Freedom was always there, and special people do exist, we're just not those people who can make the changes to history and fix the fundamental issues that put us in the position we are in

[@rcedits5104]

Nice Video 👍

[@nerdbutgangsta1816]

Great video

[@arnaldojunior8924]

Really great video But you have committed small mistakes here and there Eren is not an antagonist, he can be called a villain, but he can't be an antagonist because he's literally the protagonist. The antagonist is someone who opposes the protagonist, but Eren is not opposing him himself directly Anyway, I can see how well though your video was, really a genuinely great idea done with passion I wish you the best!!! You've earned a new subscriber

[@kairostimeYT]

You haven't read manga chapters yet. Even by your definition, he could be called as one.

[@bobcrip9816]

Merci Beaucoup!!!

[@mateoalvarez1337]

Swear I’m not a hater but how did u miss hange being a literal description for the cycle of violence. The entire her becoming the new torturer after interrogating the guy that killed the religious leader of the walls

[@yjken9366]

I didn't namely mention her, but I did use her as a visual example at some points in the video. I used excerpts of the scene you mention with Sannes, as well as when she lost her composure and almost killed Reiner in the aftermath of the battle of Shiganshina in S3P2. So no, I didn't miss her 😉

[@vanilla_gunpowder7275]

brilliant

[@loganshalloe5927]

My bro, you made a very nice thumbnail (and hopefully the vid will be very nice too). But it is a bit cluttered, I'd recommend getting rid of either the text or the Eren face in the back, for simplicity's sake (if you're interested in updating it)

[@yjken9366]

Thanks for the advice, and hopefully you enjoyed the video! It's true that I went a little overboard with the thumbnail... I still really like it though! The thumbnails for the next videos should be less cluttered, when I eventually finish them

[@loganshalloe5927]

@@yjken9366 cool cool. This was really great, explaining my feelings about this show's main theme better than most other videos I've seen. Great work, subbed :)

[@jagnestormskull3178]

Reiner brings up an interesting question - what is the line between justice and vengeance? Reiner committed war crimes (and yes, _Attack on Titan_ has laws of war, see the scene where the Warrior Candidates are in the trenches and Falco gives medical attention to an enemy soldier) of the utmost extremity, so what punishment does he need? Even if Reiner has escaped the cycle of vengeance, it would be a grave miscarriage of justice for him to go free, right?

[@lumoc.]

Do more videos on AoT

[@yjken9366]

Maybe in the future, but I don't want to stick to only one universe. I take it you liked the video though, so thank you!

[@prashil3k594]

Excellent video! 1. However I don't think Floch is seeking 'revenge' exactly. It's survival. Revenge is just the fuel that ensures survival in his head. His principle is "it's us or them" This is clearly visible in his final March. His last words were: "the one to save Eldia will be me"... _Save_ Eldia, not destroy the world. It's a small nuance but I think an important one. 2. Eren wouldn't be bored in a world without violance. Boring won't be the right way to describe his belief. Similar to Floch's point-- Eren's urge to always fight (or seek violence) is a fuel to power his primary principle: Freedom. That's how he's always been. He pushes because he demands to be free. That's his birthright.

[@daniaaal]

Thanks for pointing out the nuances! I agree with you on both points. In terms of Eren, I find his character fascinating. His character arc is deeply enriched once Season 4 starts, when Isayama displays even more contradictions and conflicts to the audience. Eren is at the centre of it. At the same time, I believe Eren’s yearning for freedom is a contradiction in itself. He yearns for freedom in its most purest form (to not be chained by anything or anyone), but the price he pays is his unwillingness to let go of his own freedom for others he deems not worthy or as important as his loved ones. Nor does he accept any other paths to his freedom. In a crude irony, he is his own prisoner, symbolised by the puppet design of his Founding Titan form. He cannot escape his own desire for freedom.

[@zachrabun7161]

I agree, while this video is good and offers a valid perspective with good points, it does seem to lack some nuance in regards to the motivations of some of the characters.

[@kairostimeYT]

*Minor spoilers: Read at your risk (even though the risk isn't huge and doesn't outweigh the reward of knowledge/debate)* Honestly speaking, this entire video would be valid if final few manga chapters addressed the extent of powers the founding titans have. With that said, I'd say that this video is just one possible interpretation of the show.

[@destrokerr]

I hope you come back to make another video about AoT now that it's over.

[@titan-framboise3126]

Cet accent français... sublime.

[@yjken9366]

Boh, je pense que c'est pas le plus français des accents français quand même. Je ne sais pas si tu l'as remarqué, mais il existe justement une version en français de cette vidéo si ça t'intéresse

[@titan-framboise3126]

@@yjken9366 Avec plaisir, ça sera pour mes amis non anglophones.

[@oscarjacquot]

Hey YJKen, please make a video explaining The World of Naruto and the Cycle of Hatred.