: Inside the ruins of Nerv, Kaworu is the only one who offers Shinji kindness. Their scenes together, particularly the piano duets, emphasize a desperate need for connection in a dying world.
Upon release, 3.33 received polarized reviews. Critics praised its audacity; fans were furious. Here is why:
While initially polarizing for its abrupt shift in tone and lack of exposition, 3.33 is now widely praised for its striking visual design and its unflinching exploration of isolation and the consequences of one's actions. It sets the stage for the final resolution in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time .