Fall 1995
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Gainax, Tatsunoko ProductionFifteen years after a cataclysmic event known as the Second Impact, the world faces a new threat: monstrous celestial beings called "Angels" invade Tokyo-3 one by one. Mankind is unable to defend themselves against the Angels despite utilizing their most advanced munitions and military tactics. The only hope for human salvation rests in the hands of NERV, a mysterious organization led by the cold Gendou Ikari. NERV operates giant humanoid robots dubbed "Evangelions" to combat the Angels with state-of-the-art advanced weaponry and protective barriers known as Absolute Terror Fields.
Years after being abandoned by his father, Shinji Ikari, Gendou's 14-year-old son, returns to Tokyo-3. Shinji undergoes a perpetual internal battle against the deeply buried trauma caused by the loss of his mother and the emotional neglect he suffered at the hands of his father. Terrified to open himself up to another, Shinji's life is forever changed upon meeting 29-year-old Misato Katsuragi, a high-ranking NERV officer who shows him a free-spirited maternal kindness he has never experienced.
A devastating Angel attack forces Shinji into action as Gendou reveals his true motive for inviting his son back to Tokyo-3: Shinji is the only child capable of efficiently piloting Evangelion Unit-01, a new robot that synchronizes with his biometrics. Despite the brutal psychological trauma brought about by piloting an Evangelion, Shinji defends Tokyo-3 against the angelic threat, oblivious to his father's dark machinations.
Synopsis
Neon Genesis Evangelion or commonly known as Evangelion is a giant robot series directed by Hideaki Anno that took the anime world by storm when it was first released in 1995. Stepping away from the usual tropes associated with the genre, this groundbreaking series has a plot that starts off simple enough but soon intensifies with powerful blends of psychology, philosophy, and heart-wrenching drama. You’re ceremoniously thrust into a post-apocalyptic world where the future of humanity rests on the shoulders of teenage pilots, their lives turned upside down.
In this dystopian future, Earth is under the threat of mysterious beings known as ‘Angels.’ These strange creatures show an unwavering threat towards the human race. To combat them, the secret organization ‘NERV’ developed enormous biomechanical weapons called ‘Evangelions,’ piloted by select teenagers. The story majorly follows the life of our protagonist, Shinji Ikari, and his own evolution as he is suddenly given the colossal task of saving humanity with his Evangelion.
Review
Welcome, anime enthusiasts! I’m The Anime Critic, and today, I’ve got a mesmerizing treat for you – Neon Genesis Evangelion.
I want to start by saying that watching Evangelion is truly an experience in itself. This series, with its intricate storyline filled with deep philosophical elements, not only provides astounding action sequences but also reigns supreme when it comes to emotional resonance.
Its characters, especially the main protagonist, Shinji Ikari, show real growth, evolving not only as characters but also as metaphors that touch upon various elements of the human psyche. The surrounding cast, Rei, Asuka, and others, also present a wide range of personalities and unique backstories.
Animation-wise, for a series from the mid-’90s, Evangelion has aged pretty well. The intense robot battles are strikingly animated, and the artistic creativity in implementing religious symbolism is very well done.
The soundtrack by Shirō Sagisu is a powerhouse, enhancing the intense atmosphere of the series. The opening song, “Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” is one of the catchiest and most iconic ones in anime history.
But what makes Evangelion truly stand out is its willingness to take a daring deep-dive into the human mind. It brings to screen the aspects of loss, loneliness, depression, and the existential crisis that not many anime dare to illustrate. But mind you, dealing with mature themes does make this series heavily intense, and it may not cater to everyone’s taste.
In conclusion, Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime that will make you reflect upon deep philosophical questions and face the uncomfortable realities of life, all while providing an enjoyable viewing filled with intense action sequences and a unique storyline. A definite must-watch, whether you want to stream, rent, or buy.
Happy watching!
Final Verdict
Story: 9.5/10
Animation: 9/10
Sound: 9.5/10
Characters: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
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