Postby WolfpupNX [ANF] » Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:47 pm
Just got to see episode 24 for the first time a few days ago (adult swim), and I have to say it's probably my favorite anime episode of any series I've seen this far, EVER. I was completely blown away by the Kaworu storyline. I'm certainly no expert, but just wanted to throw in my own two cents and my interpretation.
Now, I'm gay myself (slightly bi-curious, but definitely prefer males), and my personality also tends to be quite a bit like Shinji's (very shy, closed off to most people, etc.)...I could find myself relating to him a lot during the series, sometimes to a personally shocking degree (I've simply never related to an anime character this much before).
I absolutely believe that the love between Shinji and Kaworu expressed in this episode goes well beyond platonic love or even maternal/paternal/fraternal love.
I can give several reasons for this. (And some of these I've also read on another website...sorry I don't have the source handy.)
First of all, I think it's important to note how frequently Shinji blushes around Kaworu. Yes, I know he blushes often, but usually that's when he's in an embarassing or overtly sexual situation of some sort. He blushes around Kaworu even when Kaworu simply talks or looks at him (and even just after they first meet). I think that's telling and implies an attraction, and I don't think he does that with any other character in the series, male or female.
Secondly, Shinji doesn't turn down either the invitation to shower together or sleep together. He shows surprise, and embarassment, yes, but he ends up doing both. Yes, Shinji is starved for love and affection, and that may account for some of this, but at the same time, I sincerely doubt most people could have gotten him to trust them that much or that quickly.
Third, as pointed out, the hand touching/holding is a sign of physical affection, and I would say it's more intimate than any hug could be. That doesn't necessarily make it sexual, but I don't think that can be ruled out either. The declaration about the fragileness of Shinji's heart, Kaworu's empathy, and his love for Shinji also isn't a light statement in my opinion. And while love can certainly have many different meanings, my notion is that since Kaworu is an angel, maybe his encompasses all of them.
Fourth, the scene in bed is also powerful to me (and if they're not in the same bed, they might as well be). =oP The single statement that to me proves more than anything else Kaworu's love for Shinji goes beyond platonic love is when Kaworu says that he believes he was born just to meet Shinji. It's at that moment, I think, that he decides he would die for this boy... Also, to the argument that Kaworu would be that kind to any of the characters in the series, kind yes, but I don't believe he would have made a statement like that to anyone else.
And finally, of course, the scene where Kaworu in esscence sacrifices his life to save Shinji and wants Shinji to go on living. The only frustrating question I can't answer is why there wasn't a third option (Kaworu giving up on reuniting with Lilith and living). I don't believe that Kaworu was manipulating Shinji and banking on him not being able to do it, because he seemed (for him) worried that Shinji got there a bit late. I think his love and sacrifice was genuine...I'm just not sure why he *had* to attempt to go through with his plan.
And afterwards, looking out into the water at the spot where Shinji and Kaworu first met, Shinji was clearly devastated by taking the life of someone he loves, to the point of wishing he had died instead of Kaworu and even getting angry at Misato for trying to justify what had happened.
While I'm not saying anything happened sexually between Shinji and Kaworu during their time together, I certainly believe it could have, and I also don't for a minute believe it wouldn't have had Shinji wanted it to...I think Kaworu would have been open to showing him any amount of affection, including physical affection, he desired (from just being held to sex). I'm just not sure if Shinji would have been ready given their short time together (though I have little doubt it would have happened had they spent significantly more time together).
I also am not arguing Shinji doesn't like girls. I think he's probably bisexual. But, given the situation with his father, I also might tend to think (and this is purely speculation on my part) he may crave the affection of males more than of females and have a tendency toward the boys.
As for Kaworu, being an angel, frankly, I doubt he would put any limits on his sexuality or think of himself as gay, straight, or bi. Again, pure speculation, but labels are a human invention - I think he'd be beyond that.
I also don't mean to imply I believe their love was purely sexual. I think it went well beyond sex, well beyond friendship, well beyond parental love, well beyond a romantic relationship, well beyond all of it... But also inclusive of all of it.
Just my two cents and interpretation. =o)
Originally posted on: 03-Apr-2006, 08:28 GMT