Line #65 Heartwarming/NeonGenesisEvangelion


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5	! This page contains unmarked spoilers. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.
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7	[[quoteright:329:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sephirotic_evangelion_06_multibd_1080p_8bits_51_aacb8663473mkv_snapshot_2146_20220811_003441.png]]
8	[[caption-width-right:329:CharacterDevelopment and a [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments heartwarming moment]] all in one image.]]
9
10	->'''Misato:''' The only person who can sympathize with and understand you is you.
11	->'''Rei:''' So be good to yourself.
12	-->--Episode 26
13
14	Being an anime series with [[DysfunctionJunction unstable characters]], and {{mind screw}}ing imagery/plots, it's often hard to believe that ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' has moments like these.
15	----
16	[[foldercontrol]]
17
18	[[folder:''Anime'']]
19	* In episode 3, everyone in Shinji's class getting excited when they find out he's an EVA pilot and crowding around to ask him questions. Even if it comes across as mildly InnocentlyInsensitive since Shinji (and the audience) know what being an EVA pilot is ''really'' like, it feels good to see people actually being friendly to [[DesperatelyCravesAffection Shinji]] for once. God knows he ''definitely'' needs some, especially as things get worse.
20	* For all the bleakness in episode 6, the final scene after the action is very heartwarming.
21	-->'''Shinji:''' ''[through sobs]'' Don't ever say that ... don't say that you have nothing else -- just don't say that. And don't say goodbye when you leave on a mission. ...It's just too sad.\
22	'''Rei:''' ...I'm very sorry, but I don't know how to express myself in situations like this.\
23	'''Shinji:''' Why don't you just try smiling?\
24	'''Rei:''' ''[looks confused for a moment, then gives what is probably the first smile in her whole life that wasn't aimed at Gendo. [[WhenSheSmiles And it's absolutely gorgeous. This is where the image you see on the page comes from.]]]''
25	* The end of episode 26 counts too. [[MindScrew Probably.]]
26	** "It's OK for me to be here!"
27	** The way that Shinji seemed, in his psyche, to be undoing all the damage that was done throughout the series, and the way that everyone openly showed how much they cared about him were especially heartwarming; if only ''End of Evangelion'' had ended similarly, minus the [[GainaxEnding confusion]]...
28	*** Both endings are canon, so it's possible that Shinji ''did'' find peace with himself. The last scene shows that he's still a little troubled, though.
29	*** He did find peace with himself in ''End'' too, or at least overcame his issues. One of his final lines as he returns from instrumentality is "I am....myself". The fact that Shinji is now able to calmly make a self-affirming statement like that (basically saying "I am what I am and I accept that") indicates that he has overcome his self-hatred. Plus he has resolved to continue living in reality in the hope of finding his happiness. Shinji finally understands that pain is an inevitable part of life and reality and chooses ''not'' to run away from it anymore, even with the knowledge that he'll eventually be hurt again. Shinji may not necessarily be happy yet, but he has indeed changed and grown as a person (and has even become a stronger person than his father). It's just not as overtly optimistic as the TV ending. However, he still hasn't made peace with Asuka, which is what the final scene is for (see the entry for ''End'' below for more info).
30	** The ''entire cast'' [[SoProudOfYou congratulating Shinji]] for his self-realization. Especially when his mother ''and father'' simultaneously congratulate him.
31	** To put things straight, the scene before the congratulations shows Shinji ''rejecting'' his own personal isolated fantasy world and the world of Instrumentality, which cracks to pieces as he realizes that he can learn to like himself and live in the real world without depending on piloting Eva for other people's approval. He even SAYS as much! ''That's'' why the cast (well, the cast that exists in his mind anyway) is congratulating him afterward. It's the most heartwarming moment in the show.
32	** The ''entire'' ending exchange:
33	--->'''Kaji:''' That's about how solid the truth is for humans. Though, that's what also makes people seek a deeper truth.\
34	'''Gendo:''' You are merely not used to being loved by other people.\
35	'''Misato:''' So there's no need for you to constantly care about what other people think of you.\
36	'''Shinji:''' But doesn't everybody hate me?\
37	'''Asuka:''' What are you, stupid?! You're just making yourself believe that, that's all!\
38	'''Shinji:''' But, I hate myself.\
39	'''Rei:''' Anyone who hates himself can't come to love and trust others.\
40	'''Shinji:''' I'm a gutless, hypocritical, wimpy coward.\
41	'''Misato:''' See? lf you understand yourself, you can be kind.\
42	'''Shinji:''' ''[introspectively]'' I hate myself...\
43	'''Shinji, Asuka, and Misato:''' ...But maybe I could learn to love myself.\
44	'''Shinji:''' Maybe it's okay for me to be here! That's right! ...I'm me, nothing more, nothing less! I'm me. I want to be me! I want to be here! And it's okay for me to be here!\
45	''[the gloomly and foggy soundstage Shinji has been trapped in cracks open and he finds himself on a sunlit small blue globe with the cast of the series; all are applauding him and yelling "Congratulations!"]''\
46	'''Shinji:''' ''[smiling gratefully]'' Thank you!
47	* Shinji telling Rei that she wrings out washcloths like a mother, and [[EmotionlessGirl Rei]] blushing.
48	** Similarly, when Shinji and Toji go to Rei's apartment to deliver some class bulletins and Shinji starts cleaning up around the place, causing Rei to blush and thank him when she finds out.
49	* At the end of episode 10, for a brief, fleeting moment, we get to see Shinji -- for once in his life -- able to relax and just enjoy a soak in a hot spring. For someone who is all too frequently tormented for the viewers' entertainment, seeing him genuinely happy for once is truly heartwarming.
50	** It also featured some great moments between Shinji and Asuka. When Asuka is being pulled back out of the volcano, Shinji asks if she's alright, and smiles when she replies with her usual bluster when before he had been annoyed by it. Later. Asuka expects to die as the cord holding her Eva has been severed and she starts falling back into the magma...only for Shinji in Eva-01, totally unprompted and without ''any'' hesitation whatsoever, jumping to her rescue, despite the very dangerous conditions, by grasping her Eva's hand and keeping her from falling into the abyss, causing her to give her first genuine smile of the series and affectionately tell him "Don't over-exert yourself, idiot." For all the conflict and arguments that arises between these two, [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther they still care about each other, even a little]].
51	* The ending of Episode 11. Though they clashed throughout the episode, and will [[WithFriendsLikeThese clash even worse in the future]], for one night, on a hill under the stars, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei were actually at peace with one another.
52	** Similarly, the meal they have with Misato at the end of Episode 12. Especially notable because Asuka specifically brought them to eat at a ramen stand because she knew Misato couldn't afford a steak dinner -- Misato bribed Shinji and Asuka with a steak dinner if they completed the mission -- and because Rei said she didn't like meat and Asuka wanted her to be there. It's one of her nicest moments.
53	** In the same episode, Gendo actually ''congratulates'' [[WellDoneSonGuy Shinji]] on a job well done.
54	* Kaji chaperoning Asuka to the clothes' store in episode 10. It's probably the last thing he wants to do with his time, but he's doing it regardless.
55	* At the beginning of Episode 7 we see Shinji and Misato squabbling over her slobbish ways and he later complains about her. Then when Misato has to go inside the prototype robot to stop it from rampaging he begs her to come back safely and is extremely worried for her.
56	** At the end of the episode, we see [[BookEnds Shinji complaining about Misato being a slob again]], but this time Kensuke and Toji tell him how stupid he is, because the fact that Misato is comfortable enough to be herself around Shinji shows that even though they were primarily brought together by conflict and unpleasant circumstances, they're family now. The look on Shinji's face as he realizes this is what sells it.
57	* After Asuka's infamous MindRape, Asuka is staying at Hikari's house and is not recovering very well, so Hikari tells her that she shouldn't feel bad about herself, and that she and what she has as an EVA pilot done is good and important.
58	* Episode 4, anyone? Toji and Kensuke coming to see Shinji off, followed by Shinji's apology to them ... then Misato shows up, thinking she's too late, then finally spots him. Followed by [[IronicEcho a more genuine welcoming home than the one two episodes ago]].
59	* Shinji going out of his way to protect Rei, which would've gotten him into big trouble with Misato. Instead...
60	-->'''Misato:''' We're not usually good at something the first time we try it, are we? But you did great for your first time, really. You can't blame yourself for what happened to Rei. \
61	'''Shinji:''' But I...I was so scared that I couldn't even move! Rei got hurt because she was protecting a coward! And after all that, she still said, "Thank you." \
62	'''Misato:''' Because you did it. You protected us. All of us.
63	* Rei/Kaworu/Yui's messages in the Instrumentality sequence are pretty heartwarming.
64	* Episode 24, [[EnsembleDarkhorse Kaworu]] tells Shinji he feels empathy for him. When Shinji questions him, Kaworu simply says, "I love you". And [[ManlyTears we're totally]] [[LGBTFanbase cool with it]].
65	** Mainly because it's not HoYay for the hell of it that Kaworu's talking about. While Shinji may have been sexually attracted to Kaworu in some odd way, what Kaworu was feeling was pure, unconditional love for someone else and he has no trouble sincerely admitting it. Things get worse sometime after this of course, but Shinji really needed what Kaworu was showing him during that time.
66	* It's a minor thing, but in episode 9 after Asuka runs off, Shinji (prompted by Hikari), runs after her- and doesn't change out of his aerobics outfit. Shinji Ikari, the boy who dwells for hours on what others think of him and doesn't want to be hated, went out in public looking like a fool to find Asuka, and even after he finds her, stays with her awhile. [[LongingLook That little, fond smile]] he has on his face as she talks about avenging her wounded pride just sells it.
67	** A very minor one, but after their AlmostKiss, Shinji lets Asuka sleep on his bed, moving on the other side of the room. He still was attentive enough to cover her with a blanket.
68	* Yui's soul making contact with Shinji near the end of Episode 16. The scene just feels so warm and loving, like a mother should be.
69	* Misato sobbing uncontrollably at the sight of Shinji unharmed, then hugging him tightly in Episode 16 proved somebody genuinely cares about Shinji after all.
70	** Even better since when he wakes up in the hospital, Rei is there next to the bed... and Asuka was hiding just outside the door.
71	* Hikari sitting next to Touji's bedside. That girl definitely loves the guy, and after what he's gone through, he deserves her love.
72	* The series' [[RousseauWasRight ultimate message]]. For all the cynicism and [[NightmareFuel/NeonGenesisEvangelion truly mind-shattering imagery]] of the show, all Gendo, SEELE, the cast (particularly Shinji and Asuka) and, hell, all of humanity wants is to be loved and accepted.
73	* Throughout all of episode 19, Misato. Her desire to have Shinji back, cursing out Ritsuko and her "damn science" for not being really helpful at all... she really loved Shinji.
74	** At the beginning of the episode, while Shinji is still hospitalized, both Asuka and Rei are seen in the waiting room, simply talking about him without any tension between them. Asuka sounds particularly [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther worried]] about his mental state, and even [[EmotionlessGirl Rei]], despite her usual emotionless mood, looks quite sad.
75	%%* The moment when Shinji grieves over Kaworu.
76	* Misato telling Shinji how proud she is of him during his fight with the first Angel, after she allows him to stay in her apartment.
77	[[/folder]]
78
79	[[folder:''The End of Evangelion'']]
80	* Asuka finally makes peace with her mother. While being inside of her Eva on the bottom of the Geofront Lake and getting bombarded by the JSSDF, she comes to the realization that her mother's soul was all along in the Eva, meaning that, in a way, she was always protecting her and watching her over. We are then shown the touching scene of Asuka as a joyful child reaching her mother's hand. The realization gives her the strength to snap out of her HeroicBSOD and [[ShesBack fight the army back]]. [[TraumaCongaLine After all the crap Asuka went through]], it's really touching to see her [[http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5voxses4J1qi0kfro1_500.gif smiling with joy for the first time in the series]].
81	* Misato's [[GoOutWithASmile smile]] as she sends off Shinji for the last time.
82	* Right before Maya turns into LCL, Ritsuko appears, hugs her and quickly types something on Maya's laptop, which is sitting next to them. Then we get a shot of the screen as the LCL splashes on it, and written on it is "I Need You".
83	* When Shinji decides to end Instrumentality, he tells Rei and Kaworu that even though people caused him pain, he did feel some happiness, even if it was small, which leads to the group shot that appears to be a celebration in an alternate reality after Shinji [[EarnYourHappyEnding earned his happy ending]]. The shot, in particular, shows Rei in back of him, [[PetTheDog Asuka holding his shoulder]] showing that they'd be at least closer than they had been and Misato and Kaji together despite still showing BelligerentSexualTension. Ritsuko and NERV's First Lieutenants are also in the group shot, as are Shinji's classmates, Toji and Kensuke, with Toji giving him a comforting and friendly headlock. Even Hikari, who isn't even that close to Shinji, shows up holding Pen-Pen. Outside Kaworu's absence, it almost perfectly sums up the ending Shinji truly wanted.
84	* If you can get past the [[NothingIsScarier minimalistic]] [[NightmareFuel creepiness]] of the epilogue, there's a subtle but powerful moment in the BittersweetEnding. After Asuka comes out of the Sea of LCL, Shinji, at the edge of his sanity, strangles her. In spite of everything that's happened between the two of them, rather than to return the favor, Asuka does the impossible: she caresses his face. The simplest gesture of human attachment is enough for him to stop, regain his composure, and choose to stay by her side (as shown by the poster art associated with the film, [[WordOfGod which is canon according to Anno]]). This may double as an AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther moment depending on your interpretation of the scene, but it's hard to tell for some people due to the overall [[MindScrew tone]] of the film.
85	** Rei appearing in front of Shinji on the beach, demonstrating that despite the death of her physical body, [[AscendedToAHigherPlaneOfExistence her personality is still intact in a spectral form and she remembers and cares about him.]]
86	* There is also the fact that the film's poster, which is actually an epilogue to the film, also doubles a visual CallBack to the final scene of Episode 22. In the original scene, Shinji is physically distant from Asuka, there is a barrier between them, and Asuka is sitting in a TroubledFetalPosition. Here, Shinji stands next to Asuka, the barrier between them is gone, and Asuka, while still sitting, is notably relaxed and calm. In spite of everything they have been through and done to one another along the way, the two of them have finally had a breakthrough in their understanding of each other and have made a connection.
87	* Knowing that although the GainaxEnding looks bleak, there is now a new hope for humanity. Shinji and Asuka might be the only souls left on Earth, but there are still billions more people who can come back if they wish. Additionally, Misato (who would likely be the first to revive considering her words towards Shinji before her death) is ultimately saved because of this.
88	** [[https://i.imgur.com/xcjU6x6.jpg This official image]] in the Die Sterne artbook compounds this, and implies that most people eventually left the LCL liquid.
89	[[/folder]]
90
91	[[folder:Other ''Evangelion'' media]]
92	* ''Neon Genesis Evangelion Angelic Days'' Chapter 2-4 has its take on the battle with the Third Angel. Shinji demands to be sent out to battle in place of Kaworu, and ends up in trouble almost right away, forcing Rei to put herself in danger for him, which in turn makes him have to fight for her. After the battle, Shinji sees Rei holding her bandaged hand over her [[EyeScream eye]]. Shinji feels bad for impulsively rushing into battle for her, and feels it's his fault that she got injured. But what does Rei have to say after all this?
93	--> '''Rei:''' ''[smiling cheerfully as ever]'' It bled a lot, but it's no big deal. \
94	'''Shinji:''' I...I'm... \
95	'''Rei:''' Shinji. You saved me. Thank you.
96	** Heck, just knowing that somewhere out there there is a universe where Shinji, Asuka, and Rei are sane and happy is heartwarming enough.
97	* The "Asuka" ending of ''Girlfriend of Steel'' counts as this: after losing his girlfriend Mana, Shinji finds help in moving on from Asuka, who has spent the better part of the game extremely jealous of Mana. This culminates in an emotional moment where [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lry02IiM_nQ Asuka hugs Shinji]], a rare display of affection.
98
99	[[/folder]]
100
101	[[folder: ''Manga'']]
102	* "I'm only asking you to believe this: If...I mean, no matter what happens to me, I will not be sorry to die, because I had that time with you."
103	** Doubles as a TearJerker.
104	* In the manga, Toji and Kensuke rush to the train station hoping to say goodbye to Shinji. They see the train pass and are dismayed...only to see Shinji and Misato hugging in reconciliation.
105	** The fact that Misato realizes Shinji is just a lonely kid who desperately wants to be loved and [[WeReallyDoCare chooses to empathize with him]] instead of [[KickTheDog telling him that he's being useless and to toughen up]] like everyone else is a heartwarming development in their relationship in general.
106	* Shinji and Rei's little heart to heart. It really shows how well they get along with each other, with Shinji opening up to her while Rei responding and actually making the first move in inviting him into her apartment for tea. If this wasn't Evangelion, they really would have become great friends.
107	** Later on in volume 9: "Could I...hold your hand again?"
108	* Rei's HeroicSacrifice to save Shinji is much more played up in the manga, and it's just as heartwarming as it is tear-jerking.
109	* Asuka and Shinji practicing the dance routine to defeat Israfel together. After squabbling and fighting with each other ever since they met, they finally reach an understanding. The little smile they share with each other as they perfect the routine is adorable.
110	** Asuka telling Shinji that he did pretty well 'for a klutz', then both of them falling asleep like exhausted puppies.
111	** It should be noted that at the time they are [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments still in their entry plugs with their EVAs on top of each other]].
112	* Asuka's immediate reaction to Toji's predicament in volume 6 is concern and saying that they ''have'' to save him. Remember, this is ''Toji'', whom Asuka probably gets along with least out of all her peers. [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Yet she still cares.]]
113	* Shinji saving Asuka from what was her cruel fate at the hands of the MP-Evas in ''End of Evangelion'', and Asuka being grateful and smiling at him for it, showcasing CharacterDevelopment from before where she would have been pissed off and embarrassed at being saved.
114	* Shinji's rejection of Instrumentality in chapters 93 and 94 is even more heartwarming (with a little bit of TearJerker mixed in) than it is in ''End of Evangelion'' , due in large part to an extended conversation with Rei within Lilith. Rei tells Shinji that the world he returns to will be one where walls around people's hearts prevent them from understanding each other, where their hands and words will hurt him. Shinji responds that that may happen, but he must confirm it for himself, find the purpose of his existence, and that "it's possible for two hearts to commune the way ours did that day," [[{{Flashback}} flashing back]] to the time when Shinji and Rei held hands and truly connected. Several flashbacks then show hands being used to hurt Shinji and by Shinji to hurt others, followed by hands used in friendship and comfort. Shinji then tells Rei that he wants to hold her hand once more, and the two proceed to clasp hands, triggering the beginning of Instrumentality's end. Rei then tells Shinji that, "I am glad that I met you. I was nobody and empty. But now I am full of what you taught me. I am very happy. But this is goodbye." She then smiles, and asks if her expression is the appropriate one, referring all the way back to chapter 19/episode 6 (and this page's image). At this Rei lets goes of Shinji's hand, and still smiling, passes on as Lilith falls apart.
115	* The ending, particularly the epilogue. It may be a BittersweetEnding, but it's as happy a one as ''Evangelion'' can have. Shinji's rejection of Instrumentality resets reality to before the Second Impact took place, which fails to occur in this new timeline. Back in 2015, Shinji arrives at the train station to head off to Tokyo, with his aunt asking him to call her once he arrives, and the atmosphere is filled with '''snow''', something the old world would have never seen since the 20th century due to the Impact shifting the climate. Soon after, he runs into Asuka and Kensuke separately, with the implication that they'll become friends again this time around.
116	** Despite all Gendo's done up to being from a mortally wounded Ritsuko, that Yui manages to ''forgive'' him at all as he lay dying says it all. And it's also implied in the ending that she took his soul with her into EVA-01.
117	** Also, we see that Gendo's earlier declaration of having never loved Shinji was a lie to both Shinji and to himself. He ''did'' love him but was ''terrified'' about it since he was afraid he would end up hurting his son just like his own father hurt him. And so tragically, he distanced himself from Shinji instead...which hurt Shinji just as badly. But in the end, Gendo's dying words are that he wants his son to live.
118	* Asuka, completely broken and trapped inside her own Eva, begins to freak out and starts sobbing that she doesn't want to die. Suddenly,a comforting hand rests on her head, and Asuka looks up to see the spirit of her mother smiling at her. Asuka then realizes that her mother has always loved her and has been protecting her all along; the woman who shunned her for a doll and tried to strangle her wasn't her real mama, so there's no need for her to agonize over it any more. Finally snapping out of her deep depression, Asuka proceeds to kick some ass before she tearfully smiles and thinks about how [[http://2.p.mpcdn.net/20624/339048/16.jpg her mother has always been with her.]]
119
120	* Misato's death. After pulling an epic [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome dying moment of awesome]], Misato to is revealed to be reunited with Kaji.
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Context Heartwarming / NeonGenesisEvangelion