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One Piece Fan Letter, Like the name suggests is a heartfelt letter to all OP fans across every corner of the world. It’s a true love letter that carries the weight of twenty five years of story, emotion, and adventure. For the millions of people who grew up watching Luffy and his crew, this special episode remind us that One Piece is more than just an anime. It’s a life experience.

I'm glad that Megumi Ishitani is receiving the recognition she deserves. If her name sounds familiar, she the one that directed OP episode 1015, one of the series most beautiful episode. She understands OP in ... a way few directors do, grasping both its grandeur and its intimacy. I hope to be able to see more projects of her, she has proven herself more than capable.

Going back to the episode, I actually teared up watching this masterpiece. One Piece Fan Letter, capture the essence of OP so well and remind you why this series has been at the top for so long. OP is about the people, about the relationships we build, the promises we make, and the dreams we chase. It’s a soft, nostalgic memory of the first time, I was still a kid and watched Luffy set sail. Even after watching 1000 plus episodes, this special episode made me remember why I fell in love with One piece in the first place. This episode is a gift and a thank you from the creators to its fans. It’s a reminder that we are all part of this journey and that as long as there are seas to sail, the adventure will never end.

Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t really about the robots or the angels or the end of the world. It is not a story of heroes, but a journey into the human psyche, where angels, giant mechas, and the end of the world are merely the stage on which the painful truths about humanity are laid bare. I highly recommend this classic, as it showcases how Hideaki Anno turned his obsessions and depression into a life changing viewing experience. However, if you’re someone who easily gets frustrated by an over the top MC who is consumed by self-pity, this show is not for you.

Symbols are everywhere in ... NGE, referencing everything from Freudian psychology to Christian imagery. There are numerous references to Christianity, Judaism, and other religious traditions. The figure of Lilith goes back to ancient mythology. In Jewish folklore, Lilith is often considered to be Adam first wife, a figure of rebellion and defiance who refused to submit. The cross imagery is everywhere, from giant crucifixes in the sky, to the Lance of Longinus, the spear used to pierce Christ’s side in Christianity. There also the tree of Life, the Kabbalistic symbol that shows up again and again, especially in the final episodes. However, these symbols are largely used for aesthetic purposes rather than conveying specific religious messages. Hideaki Anno himself said that these imagery was just for cosmetic.

At the heart of all this symbolism is Shinji’s own struggle. I did not expect to find myself reflected in a series like this, much less in the vessel of Shinji, a boy who is looking for acceptance. He is unlike the typical protagonist who embodies the courageous, charismatic hero figure. He is a flawed character who did not wish to be a part of this story, forced to fight in something he doesn’t understand. The idea of identity, of knowing who you are and where you fit in the world is everything is this show. Shinji’s first steps into the Eva must not be taken as a sign of courage, but of resignation. It is a burden, one that drags him deeper into the isolation he feels from the world around him. Shinji and his father, who sees him as a tool, a means to an end. And Shinji who climbs into the Eva because his father told him to. Because maybe, just maybe, this time his father will look at him. But if we speak of isolation, we cannot forget Rei and Asuka, whose own struggles mirror Shinji’s in ways both tragic and profound. The small issue I have is that the show focuses far too much on Shinji, I understand that he went through a lot of trauma and he has every right to bitch and moan. But I wish NGE gave more importance to other characters and their developments.

The animation is absolutely spectacular mostly the first half of the story. Because they ran out of budget in the latter part of the series. The design of the Eva themselves is iconic and the angels design are great. The use of visual storytelling is another standout feature. Portraying characters emotions through subtle visual cues, such as the angle of a shot or the use of silence. Long pauses to create a sense of unease or introspection. The exploration of mental health, depression and existential anxiety through visual means is so well done.