Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone

Okay, fellow Evangelion fans, so I just reread the original review of *Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone*, and it got me thinking deeply about Misato Katsuragi and Shinji's relationship. It seems like a lot of us are always curious about that Misato Shinji kiss, right? I mean, I've seen so many discussions around it, and even images floating around with Misato winking at Shinji, sometimes with those iconic 'kiss marks' included! It really makes you wonder about the layers of their bond. In *Evangelion 1.0*, we mostly see Misato stepping into a guardian role for Shinji. She’s his superior officer, housemate, and initially, a somewhat reluctant caregiver. Their dynamic is super complicated. She tries to be cool and collected, but you can tell she’s carrying a lot of her own baggage. For Shinji, she's one of the few adults who tries to connect with him, even if her methods are a bit unconventional. We don't really see a romantic Misato Shinji kiss in this movie, but there's an undeniable intensity in their interactions. It’s more about the unspoken things, the emotional support (or lack thereof) she provides. Now, if you're like me and you've seen the whole Rebuild series, you might be thinking about *Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance*. That's where we get a really significant moment: Misato gives Shinji a kiss on the forehead. It's not a romantic kiss in the traditional sense, but it’s incredibly powerful. It’s a moment of desperate encouragement, a plea for him to find his own strength, and a deeply maternal, yet also profoundly messy, gesture. This scene often gets referenced when people search for a 'Misato Shinji kiss,' and it’s easy to see why it leaves such an impact. It's a pivotal point in their evolving relationship, showing a new level of vulnerability from Misato and a moment of genuine connection for Shinji. What makes fans, including myself, so obsessed with finding a 'Misato and Shinji kiss'? I think it boils down to the sheer emotional weight of their interactions. Evangelion thrives on psychological depth, and their relationship is a prime example. Misato is Shinji’s first real glimpse into a somewhat 'normal' adult life, but it's far from normal. People are drawn to the idea of a romantic connection because it adds another layer to the already complex themes of abandonment, duty, and affection that permeate the series. The 'kiss marks' you might see in fan art or references often symbolize that intense, complicated affection, whether it's romantic, maternal, or something in between. It really highlights how much we, as viewers, invest in these characters and their emotional journeys. So while a straightforward romantic Misato Shinji kiss might not be in *Evangelion 1.0*, the exploration of their bond is just as captivating!