Understanding REI AYANAMI in Neon Genesis Evangelion

[@kris1123259]

I love how Eva focuses in the bureaucracy and stuff. It makes the world feel real

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. Some of the greatest subtle worldbuilding I've ever seen.

[@JamietheEmperor]

ong

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

​​@@timberw0lfstudiosThe Jet Alone episode showcases more show-don't-tell worldbuilding to establish the growing conflict and disparity between NERV and the remaining defense agencies. You see how NERV is the only group there with its own massive VTOL aircraft while everyone else is using traditional helicopters. NERV's table in the conference hall is the largest, with more refreshments despite having only TWO representatives in attendence alluding to how much funding and resources they have at their disposal.

[@maybeblakemclemore]

fun fact: the giant rifle used by rei and shinji is based on the soviet PTRS-41 anti tank rifle from the second world war. as a gun guy i've always been impressed by this series and it's attention to weapon details like the USP .45 misato has and the G11's used by the NERV grunts

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Anno is clearly a war tech nerd, and his love and appreciation is on full display throughout the series: such a delight.

[@byttercandy]

That’s such a cool detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@redactedgamersgd1788]

Am more impressed with the inclusion of Steyr ACR as the "Pallet gun" used by EVA-01

[@ComfortZoneComic]

❤

[@badbunnyky]

"subtlety is a wonderful thing and not present here" honestly, while i agree that a lot of the metaphors aren't hidden or subtle, i think they are still sometimes easy to miss just because there is so much going on, so much new and confusing information, that it is hard to catch everything in a scene. in the scene where gendo's glasses warp, it's a tense moment, and the shock that gendo is withstanding such extreme heat to save rei takes attention off the metaphor of love being blind / his view becoming warped by his love for rei. which i think is sort of brilliant, the fact that meaning is so layered in at every shot of this show is just incredible

[@spacegoji1954]

7:44 *Screams geometrically* 🔷🔷🔷

[@mechajodzilla]

Everytime I say I've had enough Evangelion analysis video essays some one comes along and knocks it out of the park. I'm so glad you've made a part 2.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad this managed to scratch the itch you didn't realize you had!

[@nickbundt]

Gainax's love of western cinema is pretty easy to see (series: Abenobashi, episode 12) and for Anno especially, Stanley Kurbrick. Like, all of Eva is just directed like 2001: A space Odessy. It would be extremely silly to say they didn't use a few techniques about framing and lateral movement from Western cinema. So, I totally agree with your argument and pre-emptive counter argument on that topic. 😄

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you! For a while there I was worried to be the only one who saw the connection. Glad to know I'm not alone in that perspective. I definitely see connections between Anno's work and that of Kubrick, Brakhage, and others. Thank you for the feedback and support!

[@melfox4578]

Babe wake up, new NGE Analysis by Timber Wolf just dropped🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Glad you're excited! XD

[@melfox4578]

Also currently rewatching the series after seeing your analysis of Act one will watch 3rd episode tomorrow

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Fantastic! Hopefully you're catching new details even I missed! You'll have to let me know if you are.

[@Googaliemoogalie]

Did you notice how every other helicopter is a normal helicopter, and NERV's is a futuristic type thing that shows how big their budget is. It's a small detail before the other characters mention it

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Great detail!

[@JabamiLain]

Kaworu was the equivalent of Lucifer. He did not want to obey the divine order, but like any angel, he felt compelled to, so he asked to die, as struggling against your birth programming is excruciating. That makes me question if some of the angels, particularly the one who attacked the Magi and the ones who entered Asuka and Shinji's minds, could actually be attempting communication, albeit unsuccessfully because of their Eldritch nature. I mean, Rei tried as well (Yui knew she didn't belong here anymore because she actually liked the synchro she acquired). But she managed to get ambitious. We humans are truly scaredy cats. They had two angels in their possession (one of them Lilith, who fools the Angels for them to not find Adam) and yet they refused communication.

[@Im_notAwake]

Why i see u everywhere 😭

[@dunngunkadoid]

Your videos are well worth the wait as this is absolutely the most enjoyable analysis and conversation about Eva I have seen. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts, perspectives, and talents online with everyone.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank YOU for enjoying it! I'm so glad others are finding the content fulfilling, and it feels amazing to connect with others over such an incredible topic. Thank you for the feedback and support; it keeps me going as an artist and creator, and I'm so excited to keep discussing the things I love.

[@Kevdawg516]

Was going to comment but this summed up my exact feelings! Great content man

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much!

[@Tychaios0]

So many little details in "A Human Work" like Misato's reaction to Second Impact talk and Ritsuko's scheming glances that build up the characters and atmosphere even before you know the truth. Stuff like that and the breakfast scenes go so far to ground the series which is vital for the emotional examinations of the cast. Another great video, looking forward to the next. I can wait on discussion of Asuka...what I'm really eager for is Kaji's introduction.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You're absolutely right: A Human Work really does ground the series, and does wonders developing the cast. I'm excited to get talking about Asuka and Kaji, although truth be told I think Kaji deserves a separate video all to himself. Thank you for the feedback and support, it means the world!

[@randomguyontheinternet7940]

To add lnto Ramiels appearence: His body reflects the world around him like mirrors. This might also represent how Shinji reflects on Rei and Gendo's mutual care for one another. We also see Shinji reflected in Rei's eyes when he saves her. Although this is used to remind the viewer who she is looking at and thinking about it could also be how Shinji is apart of her, a reflection of her (albiet scarce) humanity. They both work together to defeat the angel and mirror eachother throughout the episode. The angel'a design represents this. This sounded a lot better in my head.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Ooooh--I think you've got something there. I like that interpretation, that the Angel is reflective in the same way that Shinji is for much of the time preceding its appearance. I like it!

[@Azizi_5423]

Just listening to you increases my mood :-) God bless you too...

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, I'm so glad to hear that! Glad these videos are brightening days.

[@nirgunawish]

one of few channels where i can sit through 30 mins easily

[@timberw0lfstudios]

That really means a lot, honestly; thank you so much. I'm glad to know I'm providing meaningful and engaging content for others.

[@yuotubeaddict]

So excited to watch this with my wife when I finally get her to watch Evangelion

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, awesome! Yes! Definitely see if you can get her hooked on the anime! I'm glad to know I've become part of the franchise of "Videos to Watch after Evangelion" for you!

[@Atheismm]

Me after I finally get a wife

[@Swack]

Dude, you're such an underrated creator, this is mad interesting stuff. And congrats on opening a YT membership! I'd love to be able to support once I have reasonable means to do so.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad the content remains up to standard, and I'm excited to keep talking about the stuff I love with others! Thank you for the well wishes and congratulations, and trust me, I completely understand the inability to support creators the way we want to. Don't worry about it. Your viewership and constant encouragement is more than enough. I mean that.

[@Paladin0023-Rimworld]

There's little more for me to say other than well done. I am always pleased to find another work to add to the curate. Just the same, I will be looking at your other works as well in hopes of gleaming further areas of excellence. Overall, I wait in baited breath for what's to come. Thank you, for continuing the dream that is Evangelion. God Bless.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

As always, my friend, thank you for enjoying the content and providing constant feedback. Your support means the world to me, and I'm excited to continue discussing this incredible series. God bless you.

[@PDocDanny]

10:04 Damn, brother. This show is great. I love animation. I want rewatch all my favorite animated works and look for crazy awesome details like these. The whole dead space above the head thing fills me with inspiration. Edit1: 10:26 That’s beautiful. I mean that’s the whole show right there. Shinji’s gotta get to a point where he trusts himself. I can relate to that. Rei’s indifference being a help even if it doesn’t seem like it comes back in The End of Evangelion. There’s a part where Shinji asks Rei “Is it okay that I am here?” He’s basically asking for validation. Rei says nothing, and Shinji lets out a big scream. When I first saw that scene, I was so sad for him. It was probably the most depressing moment for me, probably because of the big scream (you can understand why I thought a big scream meant big bad. It’s a reasonable reaction). This boy has been through so much. Why are you gonna leave him hanging at his worst point? After thinking hard about it, that was the right thing for Rei to do. Telling him “No” would obviously be bad because it further feeds his self-hatred. Telling him “Yes” would be just as bad because it would feed into his obsession with others’ opinions. By saying nothing, Rei allows Shinji to come to his own conclusion-to be his own supporter. He obviously doesn’t register that in the moment, but it’s good for him. It’s like how it’s good for an addict to refrain from their addiction. It won’t feel good in the moment, but their quality of life will be restored *eventually*. I just need to find good things about every other scene in EoE and then I might get over the trauma it gave me. Edit 2: 11:56 Another interpretation I can think of is the lore stuff. Lilith’s egg/moon!!! I like the reproductive interpretation too cause Rei is both kind of Shinji’s mom and kind of humanity’s mom. I love my mom. Edit3: 12:52 Once you actually know what’s going on (you know, by rewatching the show) it becomes clear just how unsubtle this show is at times. I love the meaning here. Rei is warming up to Shinji by associating him with Gendo’s kindness. It’s so gratifying seeing Rei find real kindness in Shinji who loves her for her rather than Gendo who uses her for his own purposes. I think you could definitely point to this scene as the first stepping stone towards Rei’s amazing “I am not your doll” moment in The End of Evangelion. Edit4: 13:15 Aawwwwwwe! That’s so cute. I’m gonna cry ;v; Edit5: 14:57 Shinji really does grow through this series. That doesn’t mean he won’t backslide, but it’s nice to remember that he does get better through the show. He’s a human not just a punching bag. I completely forgot about all that. Edit6: Wait…RITSUKO SABOTAGED THE ROBOT!!! THIS IS ALL HER FAULT! Edit7: 20:28 Yeah that’s always a possibility. Maybe there’s no intended meaning to anything in Evangelion. But that’s not really what it’s all about. This is art! Art is all about reacting and discussion. As a viewer, you make something like Evangelion meaningful by experiencing and interpreting it. There are ways for artists to imbue meaning, but it always comes down to the viewer in the end. Through these video essays, you, Timberw0lf, have displayed your view on Evangelion. That’s more art! And here I am interpreting your interpretations. All art! Basically, what I’m saying is this: interpretations of art are inherently valuable in themselves. You don’t need a wildly purposeful work of art to get wildly purposeful interpretations. There is so much meaningful stuff I could say about Grown Ups 2, but that movie is not very purposely made. Edit8: I just noticed…is that a horse made of crystals up on your shelf? George Washingtoooon…

[@gabrote42]

Always new things to learn about this awesome series. 14:01 Testament to the shift in the series that no fanfiction remembers this version of Gendo, or that Rei is able to smile at all before a given Point Of Divergence. It could have been so nice if there hadn't been a crestor breakdown. But maybe it wouldn't have been as iconic. 14:21 The basis of relationships is understanding, and most understanding requires information 18:14 I see that mentioned so little I completely forgot it happened. Hilarious 26:04 Perfectly valid. Too bad that Anno hit a dead end with Rei, because I prefer her over Asuka

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely! I continue to learn more even as I research and write these videos.

[@gabrote42]

​@@timberw0lfstudios You replied so fast I didn't even get to edit my comment with my second viewing obvservations Xs.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Whoops! Guess I can be a little too quick on the keyboard sometimes. XD Thank you for the specific feedback, I really appreciate it. I remember on my first viewing thinking that Rei wasn't all that interesting or important, and I couldn't understand why the community loved her so much, but after rewatching the series I realized just how wrong I was and how much depth her character really has. I don't think Anno necessarily hit a wall with her character; in fact I think her tragedy is wonderfully nuanced and proves a fascinating point regarding free will, love, choice, circumstance, and belonging. Hoping to cover all of that in a future upload, of course.

[@gabrote42]

@@timberw0lfstudios I mean Anno literally said in an interview at a convention (IIRC) that he had no idea how to progress her chatacter beyond Ramiel and that's why he focused on Asuka. I still think she's an amazing character and my preferred love interest

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely. I'll keep researching into her character and see what I can find; she deserves more attention.

[@daniel.cabbage]

oh my, I cant wait to rewatch the whole thing after your analysis.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

That means a lot, thank you! I'm excited to keep covering the series!

[@wiiloverandproud]

I clicked so damn fast😂 Amazing series, can’t wait for more!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm glad you enjoyed! Seriously, knowing I'm putting out content that excites others warms my heart to no end. Thank you for the support and love; I'm exciting to release more!

[@theBlankScroll]

6:39 one thing i only noticed afrer rewarching this, when Shinji us on top of Rei, theres a very "angel power" rainbow effect above them.

[@Samlem14]

Beyond excited for this video. Loved part 1 and was waiting patiently for part 2. The editing is top notch so far. Excited!!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm glad you're enjoying it! Hopefully the rest of the video lives up to expectations!

[@Samlem14]

@@timberw0lfstudios10 minutes in and as an editor I love how you are making very interesting talking heads with just like 6 frames on animation. Honestly a really smart idea and may have to steal. But by far my favorite part is the actual writing. Hearing my favorite show being talked about in the way I always wish I could talk to people about is a really cool thing.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Oh my goodness, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoy it! Part of why I started this channel was because I felt inspired by other creators doing incredibly simple but poignant and thought provoking work; if I can inspire others in the same way, I think I must be doing something right. Thank you so much for all the feedback and support!

[@bungus87]

I love these. Being walked through the series with your knowledge of and enthusiasm for cinematography, shot composition, editing, etc as accompaniment is fantastic. Thank you for showing me an in-depth look at something I love dearly from a perspective I hadn’t been equipped to adequately appreciate beforehand. I’ll bet this channel will take off sooner than you’d think. Great stuff as always, looking forward to more!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm so glad to know others are enjoying the content and that I'm fulfilling a need for so many. I love this series dearly and I'm beyond excited to keep sharing my perspective and thoughts on it! Thank you for the support, it means the world!

[@pacific_watercress]

As an avid Evangelion enjoyer, it's safe to say your explanation and analysis of it are very informative. The way you break down so many things into manageable and eye-opening chunks for each scene, character, and such is just so interesting and I fully appreciate the hours of research you did to take a deep dive into this kind of topic. Please keep it up! You're an amazing video creator!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! That means the world, really! I'm glad you're enjoying the content, and I'll keep doing my best to make it! Thank you again!

[@FIREWALKER9]

ohhhhhhhhhh my gawd im so hyped for asuka. this was a really good video too, i definitely appreciated the further insight into Misato, as I did feel she was a little overlooked in your previous video. Keep it up man, doing great, can't wait for the next one.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed, and the next video on Asuka is shaping up to be quite a show. Rest assured, by the time I wrap covering the series, every character will have had their time in the spotlight. Thank you again for the feedback and support, I'm excited to release more!

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

Thanks!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! You're my first Super Thanks!

[@arthurmkrtchyan8789]

Honestly, I have been wishing for this type of frame-by-frame analysis of Eva for so long that this feels like such a godsend when it appears in my sub-box. I would kill to have someone in my friend group as passionate about Eva so we could talk about it in this much detail but this is a wonderful alternative. Great Video Bro

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to know I'm fulfilling a need for others, and that others are really enjoying it! If you're on Discord, we do have a server with other like-minded fans who love talking about the series. I know it isn't quite a substitute for a friend group, but I figured I'd make the offer. Thank you again for the feedback and support, it really means the world! I'll keep doing my best with these videos!

[@ugatobekittenme]

Can you do a dedicated episode on why Misato is and has always been Best Girl?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'll start drafting the script immediately.

[@ugatobekittenme]

@@timberw0lfstudios holy based

[@nolo2484]

Let the spice flow! Err. Videos! Another awesome one, cant wait to see your take on everyone’s favorite red headed second child. Also, dune analysis when?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm excited to get to Asuka! I'm definitely going to be trying to get that video out before I start my day job, so expect it sooner rather than later. And honestly between reading the book and rewatching the movie, there's so many aspects to tackle Dune from I have no idea where to even begin with that franchise. I'm sure I'll find something sooner or later, though; perhaps when the sequel releases!

[@HAcoreRD]

i just discovered these and I'm binge watching them all. Excellent work.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! Glad to hear these videos are considered binge-worthy content!

[@AndrewDasilvaPLT]

Thank you for your work.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you for enjoying it!

[@josephwadsworth5488]

Great video

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@danielkaragic7057]

I absolutely love this series! I really am amazed of how many details you manage to take in but also to express, as some things are often too subtle to explain. Mega mega cool One of my favourite scenes is after shinji rescues rei out of the capsule, he asks her to smile. And the broad, „ight, i have learned this. I trained for this..smile rei..smile“- smile kills me haha

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series so far! I'm having a ton of fun creating it, and your feedback and support makes it all possible. Thank you so much!

[@uboa8060]

Whoops, accidentally watched the Asuka one first, then the first one, and then this one. Doesnt change the fact that these videos have all been killer, great job.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Don't worry about it! With the popularity of the Asuka video, I figured most people would watch them out of order. Glad to know you're still enjoying them, though!

[@uboa8060]

@@timberw0lfstudios Of course. Keep up the good work, man.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'll keep doing my best!

[@guit4rguy]

Wasn’t expecting to hear Death By Glamour in an Evangelion video but here we are. Great stuff as always Timberwolf

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Haha, thank you! Hopefully that little Easter egg is a good one? I'm glad you enjoyed; thank you as always for your support!

[@guit4rguy]

@@timberw0lfstudios a good Easter egg indeed, that’s one of the best boss themes in Undertale I think. Keep it up! I look forward to the next installation in the series, but don’t overwork yourself! These videos are well worth the wait.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

No worries, I'm doing well to pace myself. Next video will be worth the wait!

[@scottlife1697]

12:12 also, the moon in this shot is shaded green. First hints of connection? Huh? Huh?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

"He's beginning to believe."

[@gadelhudoar1184]

Great video once again, looking forward for the next one.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'm excited to release the next one soon.

[@DominusMaestro]

Yes. hmm. yes good. I really like the background music, very cool. XD

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm glad you like XD

[@blockydogy1188]

YEEEEEEEES THE SECOND PART OMG I BEEN WAITIN FOR THIS

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Hahaha, I'm glad you're excited! This one was a ton of fun to put together and I'm excited to release the next video soon!

[@toawing]

I can remember where i heard this but it seems Gendo's orange glasses are probably prescription sunglasses. One aspect that shows just how little of a life he actually has outside of nerv that he just doesn't bother getting a new pair of glasses

[@NorthernHurricane7]

Another banger, looking forward to more installments in this series.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm excited to release more soon!

[@DeadlyGrace]

What i like about your 2 videos is that you show the specific thing you’re talking about trully a great work and effort, keep it up man you got an observant eye to be proud of

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! A lot of time goes into the editing room to ensure everyone is on the same page when these videos release; I'm glad to know fans like you recognize that extra bit of work. Thank you so much for the compliments, feedback, and support! It really means the world to me!

[@DeadlyGrace]

@@timberw0lfstudios I’m sure it’ll pay off someday because this is has a seal of quality word can’t describe

[@qwerasdliop2810]

This is just as amazing as the first. Incredible!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm excited to release the next video soon!

[@pietrayday9915]

Regarding Gendo's glasses, I wouldn't be the first person to mention the way that, at key points in the story, the glasses flash white reflection that completely hides Gendo's eyes, rendering his motives and emotions hard to read. You can think of those glasses as a representation of Gendo's own, personal Absolute Terror Field, a shield that he raises up unconsciously to guard him away from the pain of human vulnerability. So, when he loses his glasses in that scene where he rescues Rei by breaking into her plug and invading that safe, womb-like space, it's kind of a strange, different, and important new frame for who this character is: we don't see Gendo that vulnerable and human very often, and I think we can take that as a direct trigger for a change in Rei towards something a little more human for the first time in what must have been an extremely lonely and miserable childhood! Obviously, that scene meant a lot to Rei -far, far more, I think, than it did to Gendo, and it's certainly exactly the sort of thing that Shinji desperately would have wanted, but never really got (in fact, Shinji instead gets sort of the opposite of that in, I think, the same episode, where Shinji is safely shut away in his plug (if I recall correctly), watching from a remote distance while Gendo and Rai talk to each other pleasantly almost like normal human beings, while Shinji can only struggle to imagine how it could be possible, and no doubt wish he could open up with either one of the two, or both, that way!)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Great points! I love the comparison with Gendo's glasses and the AT Field, how his own spectacles become a tool to distance himself from others. Well said!

[@cephalons]

Love these videos! Thanks for making them!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank YOU for enjoying them! I'm glad others are getting such a kick out this series so far!

[@sergiosarmiento4233]

Loved this as much, if not more than the previous videos

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad! The constant support and feedback definitely refines every new video--thank you for your input and encouragement!

[@amadeus5889]

Your channel needs more love, man. These are great.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'll keep doing my best!

[@meloncostello7066]

stopp the analysis of gendos glasses in reis apartment made my mouth drop

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Haha, awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed that detail!

[@thepumpboy]

I’ve watch Neo-Gen when it first came out and have watch it countless times, different version, edits, special editions and thought about it so much, your videos not only validate what I have been theorizing for so long but also give a different perspective. Well done! (Oh and we love Aska too!)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I'm glad I was able to validate your theories and offer a new perspective! I'm super excited to release the next video on Asuka soon. Thank you for all your feedback and support! It means the world!

[@chryysanth]

Another great video! It's been a while since I got some proper Evangelion analysis and I'm excited to hear what you have to say in videos to come!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed and that I was able to fulfill a need; I'm excited to keep talking about this and release more soon!

[@brandonchan4992]

Great analysis as usual, that right to left transition stuff actually blew my mind, never noticed it before. Looking forward to the remaining acts! Keep it up dude

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'm excited to release more!

[@corycourtney8923]

Great stuff. Can't wait for more.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm excited to release more as soon as I can!

[@corycourtney8923]

@@timberw0lfstudios I mean it helps that you're discussing my all time fave, but your style and production are top notch. You can see the work put into it.

[@GoldenboyBaki]

This is great work and makes re-watching the series more potent. On character placement, while I think the idea of narrative perspective told through character placement makes more sense I like the idea better that right placement implies an antagonistic force.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! There are, as usual, many interpretations of the series and it's aspects, and I'm glad I could present different perspectives! Although I admit I'm also partial to the "right = antagonistic" perception.

[@Mikeymikemike]

Eagerly awaiting the next ones! This is next level analysis

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you! I'm excited to release more soon!

[@JabamiLain]

After watching "Neon evangelion", I was struck by a wave of nostalgia and felt compelled to replay the "Tomb Raider Legend" trilogy from the PS3. I decided to play it as a movie, and as I did, I realized each one of the three games showed a different part of Lara, similarly to the three computers in act II. "Legend", we see her sassy and well humored attitude, her conscious. "Anniversary" shows us her sub-conscious, how focused on her goals she is and how distant she might come off. "Underworld" shows us her unconscious side, her motivation for her entire career. Her inner child, who seeks closure from everything she witnessed. I have to thank "Evangelion", because I don't think I would have concluded that trilogy was actually a character study without this show's help. Looking at Lara is kinda like seeing the mostly healthy versions of Asuka, Shinji and Rei mixed in one person. And that's all the more reason I can't truly love the "Survivor" trilogy (I mean, the first actually gives for an excellent origin story). It took away this complexity in Lara's character, besides taking her badassery. Did "Evangelion" suffer from something similar because of its remakes ?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

A fascinating juxtaposition of franchises, and an excellent question on whether Evangelion suffered from its remakes! Unfortunately I have yet to see the remakes, so I can't offer any opinions or insight into that aspect of the franchise, but I'll definitely be going into them with this angle in mind. Thank you for sharing!

[@JabamiLain]

@@timberw0lfstudios you're welcome. And I just LOVE when I'm able to juxtaposition unrelated franchises that diverge from each other so much. It's really stimulating for my creative side for some reason.

[@JPitt1070]

Sick vid again can’t wait for the next

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'm excited to release the next one soon.

[@gerniyy5579]

A beautiful eva analysis series with bits of UNDERTALE ost inserted into it? All my yes

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Haha, yes! Glad that others enjoyed that little Easter egg!

[@ABSsponds]

I've been waiting for this analysis. And wow now I'm motivated to re-watch the original series under such an analytical and critical POV. Alot of this I've caught subconsciously because the show really isn't subtle but after watching and listening to your in depth dive into each scene, I'm learning to appreciate my favorite show even more. Thank you

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You're so welcome! I'm glad I was able to reveal new details and help you love the series even more! I definitely encourage rewatching the show--who knows! maybe you'll find new things even I missed. Thank you so much for the feedback and support, it means the world!

[@astonishingmelanie]

This is high quality content.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Degraine]

Something I realised only recently after watching Rebuild 4.0 for the first time is that while A.T. fields represent the boundaries between people (and as implied by Kaworu, the 'sacred ground' of someone's soul behind it), the series constantly bangs on about how people can only - must - hurt each other while they are trying to close the distance and make connections with each other. Every visibly depicted A.T. field in the series that is broken symbolises a violent, traumatic disruption, a progression but only through pain. Maaaybe that can be tied to the Angels being the harbingers of change and new stages of development for the Children...or not, as the case may be? * significant glance at Arael, huh? Hm? HUH? * Oh yeah, so the reason I wrote this comment: the mention of Shinji recalling the sight of Unit 01's eye in orange made me wonder what orange means in the show's colour language, if anything. Wisdom? Learning, perhaps? Tying in with the orange colour of A.T. fields and advancing by breaking through them, etc. But it's also very, very, VERY famously the colour of LCL; associated with the entry plug, ie. the womb, and regression to a fetal, dependent state. I'm not sure how you resolve that. 'Pattern Orange' being the scanning code for entities not _yet_ confirmed to be Angels makes me wonder if it's not so much the colour, but the process of _removing_ it (venting LCL from entry plugs, resolving a Pattern Orange to Pattern Blue, breaking through an A.T. field... repainting Unit 00 from orange to blue?) that clarifies thoughts and catalyses new knowledge or understanding. What does that say about Gendo's orange-tinted glasses?

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

Interesting detail about Gendo's glasses I just picked up on watching this video I never thought about before. The broken lenses are wide rimmed and square, while the glasses he wears for the remainder of the series are round and narrow so they only cover his eyes. You could say that after that one incident, the size and shape of the lenses symbolize the shift in his perspective. Going from wide eyed and hopeful as Rei sees him, to the narrowly focused, eyes fixed on his goal strictly in front of him. To everyone else who looks at Gendo, especially when he's covering his mouth (another barrier he puts up to keep others away) and the light bounces off the lenses obstructing his eyes from the viewer making him appear even more detatched and otherworldly.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Great catch! Love this detail and can definitely see it fitting in with the narrative. Thank you for sharing!

[@benbaraga97]

Never seen this type of analysis of the show and will definitely be there for the next one!!! You are so talented keep it up :)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed, and I'm excited to release more soon!

[@JabamiLain]

When I wrote those last comments of mine, I was recovering from the emotional hangover left by the show finale before the movie fully healed my wounds. What I'm trying to say here, is that when I watched the full story, I thought I was gonna feel broken and depressed since that's how everyone else described the anime. But instead I felt...peaceful. Like...I had finally accepted something about myself I couldn't before while strengthening some beliefs. Even during the Third Impact scene...after the shock went away, I realized while the song did give me a feeling of tumbling down, it also gave me a will to dance. If I had to die, the angels would first have to let me witness everything until the end. It's weird, right ?

[@darth_zounds]

Let me just say, I love your videos on Evangelion; they're the guide to understanding the series that I've always wanted. :o)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Aww thank you so much! I'm realizing the more I dig in that I really didn't understand even half of what this show offered on my first watch, and my goal is to help others see the detail and care I nearly missed. I'm glad you found it enjoyable and insightful! Thank you for the feedback and support!

[@darth_zounds]

@@timberw0lfstudios You're welcome! Personally, I have kind of a backward nostalgia regarding Evangelion: My dad and I, when I was Shinji's age, used to watch Death & Rebirth and then The End of Evangelion. As an adult, I watched all 26 episodes... and I am *still* confused! XD

[@BandanaDog39]

5:07 Yoooo where are you getting all this nice music?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

All music (for the most part) is composed and produced by my good friend Dominus Maestro! You can find all his work here on KZbin; definitely be sure to support him, he does great work!

[@sourlab]

​@@timberw0lfstudiosyo I didn't know this videos used original music , I'll definitely go support him

[@dukesaladin8049]

great video mate

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@leunlerloorten8460]

Great video

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheJamesTish]

Love your content

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoy it!

[@MW-zv2zs]

WONDERFUL. Your breakdown videos really make my day and they are just soooo well done. Keep going even if it takes a while 👍

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I'm so glad they bring you joy! I will definitely continue releasing these, and I'm excited for the next one!

[@simenz61]

LET'S GOOOOOOO

[@timberw0lfstudios]

WE'RE GOINGGGG!

[@joey0guy]

I'm a bit late with the comment but regarding the left/right lateral direction, almost every videogame, an industry dominated by Japan during the time, went left to right

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Very true and a very good point!

[@holymacarony_8784]

Fascinating

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Indubitably

[@TBoneTony]

12:35 Next time I go to a Doughnut restaurant, I am going to ask for a Ramiel Doughnut.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Do it! XD

[@Pendragondnd]

Loved the Video, and looking forward to the next part! As for the right/left discussion, I find the second form of analysis, active figures emerge from the right, and reactive/acted upon figures are shown in the left somewhat more compelling, as it better explains why the Eva's are seen moving out right-to-left as well. Of course, it completely falls apart when applied to the shot which launched the discussion, since it is Misato, scene left, who wants to take charge of the scene, while the Presenter, scene right, has given up. Then again, as I'm writing this comment, maybe it's framed that way since he is a part of Jet Alone, which is currently aggressing towards a city, and his interference is therefore an active threat to the city, meanwhile Misato is taking an active stance against his indifference, but a reactive stance to his technology???? Either way, it's possible for it to be a bit of both.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed and I'm excited to release more soon. As you pointed out, I think there's a blend of techniques, a bit of both when it comes to lateral direction throughout the series. Which is great, since it adds another layer of complexity and interpretation when it comes to digesting the series.

[@spacegoji1954]

21:03 goated movie though, and now I am hungry too, so thx, I guess

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Absolutely, and you're welcome XD

[@spacegoji1954]

@@timberw0lfstudios I can’t even remember what I ended up having for lunch, this wasn’t even a day ago 😅

[@GordonGordon]

Jeez. This is amazing. Keep it up. Will you be going through the rebuild series?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'll keep doing my best! If I find enough interesting angles and details to talk about in the Rebuilds, I'll definitely cover them, but given how requested they've been and how much I love the franchise, that seems almost inevitable!

[@duck-yw2gk]

How comprehensive. My eyes are opened to new things about the show every time I watch these analyses. I didn't ever really contemplate the symbolism behind Gendo's glasses, nor for the part where Rei takes them off of Shinji other than for the surface level motivations of the characters.I always knew Jet Alone had good worldbuilding, but I undervalued its quality as a part of the narrative until now. Your defense of the lateral direction interpretation was well done, and gives me of another tool directors use in visual storytelling, (I seem to forget and lose track of all the ways artists can represent ideas through motifs and tools like color and blocking). I wish I could contibrute to such an impressive analysis, but I just don't notice enough about the show to offer any ideas that warrant any attention. Instead, I'll have to settle with offering yet more praise for the next step in unearthing more worth out of Evangelion. Good stuff.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much for the feedback and support, my friend. I'm glad I was able to help open your eyes to some of the techniques and tools used throughout the series; I hope it gives you a greater appreciation for the show like it did me. Art is one of those depthless chasms that always seems to have more to offer.

[@Hakajin]

On the note about lateral composition, let's not forget that Eva is a heavily psychoanalytic work, so it's definitely drawing from western symbolism in that sense. Although interestingly, psychoanalysis goes back to mystic themes from Buddhism, via Nietzsche, who in turn got it from Schopenhauer.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Yes indeed. All very good and valid points.

[@spacegoji1954]

9:56 “side note, Panosonic” *proceeds to continue as if he said nothing* idk why that’s funny to me, it just is

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'm glad that joke landed! XD

[@spacegoji1954]

@@timberw0lfstudios it most certainly did (also sorry for commenting so much, it’s probably a little annoying)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

All comments are welcome! Never apologize for enjoying something! I take it all as a compliment!

[@spacegoji1954]

@@timberw0lfstudios thank you 😊

[@TBoneTony]

22:55 Triforce Symbol. Zelda and Neon Genesis take place in the same timeline.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Confirmed

[@Randolph_]

Almost sprayed my drink near the end. Oh shi... 😅

[@clickbaitjr3390]

Can’t wait for Asuka my second favorite character

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Next video is almost finished! I've gotta ask though, who's your first favorite character?

[@clickbaitjr3390]

@@timberw0lfstudios I-KAR-I-KUN!!

[@Yungblut]

About character direction in the screen and alingment: perhaps the concept they used is different. In western media we need to see the placement of the character as the alignment (bad, good, protagonist, obstacle) but in manga and tokusatsu the placement of the character indicates who has the upper hand, who is "winning". That can explain why angels always are introduced by the right: they start winning since they're taking action and Nerv starts losing since they are just reaction. And by the end of the fight the evas are on the right because they are in control of the situation now. This is explained in the sentai parody Akibarangers, when the main character is losing against the big baddie and can't explain why, then realizes is on the left part of the screen "the side of losers" and simply by switchin places is able to win the battle without doing anything else differently. 😂

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Great point! I definitely think that goes hand-in-hand with what I covered in the video. Thank you for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

[@whosilence]

This only gets better

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@MalcolmTjones]

I’d love to try the McBeer

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Honestly who wouldn't?

[@vconqwstify]

Great analysis, really enjoying your videos. Is your position on the right side of the couch indicative of your status as a Villain/antagonist?😁

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos. And antagonist? No, not quite. XD My position on the right of the couch is indicative of my nature as an instigator, obviously.

[@loupax]

The tangent about the meaning of direction between western and oriental media made me see the original Super Mario Bros in a very different way

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Now that is a fascinating perspective I hadn't considered. Definitely worth thinking about.

[@retroanimemike]

Going strong with this series! On the left and right thing, recently I decided that the Odyssey in Space references in EVA are actually fundamental for the show, so the use of left and right simply must follow Western convention here. So many references tho, like I'm sure I would have just needed to punch Yashima into Wikipedia to figure out the relevance of it but I never did, and nobody pointed it out to me before now. And I'm the sort of guy who thinks reading up on history and myth is fun!

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're continuing to enjoy the series! I can't take all the credit for what goes into these videos; so many others online and in discourse have opened my eyes to the details of the show, and I'm always eager to share what I've learned with others. It's always nice to see another history and myth buff, and I hope my next installment proves just as educational and engaging! Thank you again, as always, for the feedback and support, it means the world!

[@JabamiLain]

Neither Asuka nor Shinji were perfect. But I do believe Rei wouldn't have been able to rebel against Gendo without her time with the other two pilots. Shinji made her feel like a real person. Asuka forced Rei to confront herself as a living being. Of all mistakes they did, Rei, and Kaworu to an extent, weren't one of them. That's why I took some confort in her causing the Impact on her own accord. Because she grew up. In the end, she proved to me, she was a person (I honestly did not think of her as anything beyond a boring romance interest at first). And in a way, that's what Instrumentality and the EVA project were about. They were genuinely good people. It was the NERV that twisted them into thinking the worst of themselves and the world. By the way, am I the only one who thinks Kaworu let himself die so Rei would absorb him, so when she started the Impact, he and Shinji would be garanteed to be together ?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I haven't seen the End of Evangelion, so I can't say for sure, but Kowaru definitely displayed an eagerness for his end that would match your theory.

[@malthe236]

k?

[@thelegendofner0]

6:50 btw Rei slaps him because she is a clone of Shinjis mother, thus mothers would often scold or slap a kid if it doubts or contradicts or insults the father figure.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Good catch! I hadn't thought about that aspect before.

[@paulheinrichdietrich9518]

16:24 Is that Wolfgang Pauli?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

It certainly looks like it! Apparently it's intended to be an image of Seymour Nunn, the fictional Mexican astronomer who first spotted the supposed meteor that caused the Second Impact. He does bear a striking resemblance to a particular Austrian physicist, though, you're right.

[@paulheinrichdietrich9518]

@@timberw0lfstudios Makes sense.

[@inksplat7330]

14:50 why is there a penguin?

[@raylyeh6083]

Enjoying the videos! I’ve been well aware of the importance of NGE but haven’t been able to make myself rewatch it. I’m looking forward to further analysis particularly the series as a whole because I must admit, I like the idea of the series, as I currently understand it, more than the series. Am I alone in hating all but maybe 3 characters? I’ve battled depression and anxiety my entire life but I still can’t empathize with Shinji I just wish he’d commit patricide. My apologies if I’m committing NGE sins here. I haven’t really been able to discuss the series with anyone and am legitimately interested in its analysis.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos! When it comes to this series, I don't think there's such thing as a wrong opinion. I completely understand disliking characters or concepts from a personal angle (trust me, I had my own gripes with many a person on my first watch), but I hope these analyses prove worthwhile in demonstrating how everything is written and presented objectively. Then, at least, we can all share the same set of facts before deciding what we do and don't like. Thank you for the feedback and support! I'm excited to release more of this series soon.

[@itscoolpsp6038]

lcl boiling was not because the temperature was too high lcl is very low density fluid and its shown throughout the series that lcl is non existent most of the time due to low density it has a very low boiling point, so while the inside is hot, its not too hot for the pilot to die, but yeah the life is still on risk

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Very true. Still, something somewhere was hot enough to scar Gendo's hands and warp his glasses, which I'm guessing wasn't intentionally designed into the plug.

[@JabamiLain]

Rei and Kaworu were the only ones who got their happy ending. I guess...that's conforting.

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'd argue otherwise, but I understand the angle you're coming from.

[@spacegoji1954]

14:11 I just realised that ur plug suit says “XX” where the number of the Eva usually is, so does that mean… EVA XX CONFIRMED OH MY GOD WOW (idk what I’m saying lol)

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Lol Yes, Eva Unit-X confirmed XD

[@spacegoji1954]

@@timberw0lfstudios haha I knew it

[@SuprousOxide]

Since the anime is borrowing heavily from western Christian symbolism, the adoption of other forms of western imagery doesn't seem unexpected

[@timberw0lfstudios]

I'd have to agree. I think the connections are obvious and rather straightforward.

[@ComradeKitty]

Soooo, when you say "Gendo's love for Rei", what kinda love are we talking about here? We know Gendo is the trope of "Worst Dad/Person In Anime", but is he THAT kind of worse as well?

[@timberw0lfstudios]

You may very well have a point there. "Gendo's love" is kind of a loaded term.

[@ianzimmer1990]

AMAZING series. Loving these videos. Buuuuuuut… Ramiel is a she. I don’t know why, but the meme world has declared it so

[@timberw0lfstudios]

Very true. Thank you for the reminder. A very important detail I'll be sure not to mistake in the future.