Feb 14, 2017 09:49 PM (This post was last modified: Feb 14, 2017 09:53 PM by DerMensch24.)
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Synopsis (Courtesy of MAL): Spoiler (Click to View)In the year 2015, the world stands on the brink of destruction. Humanity's last hope lies in the hands of Nerv, a special agency under the United Nations, and their Evangelions, giant machines capable of defeating the Angels who herald Earth's ruin. Gendou Ikari, head of the organization, seeks compatible pilots who can synchronize with the Evangelions and realize their true potential. Aiding in this defensive endeavor are talented personnel Misato Katsuragi, Head of Tactical Operations, and Ritsuko Akagi, Chief Scientist.
Face to face with his father for the first time in years, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari's average life is irreversibly changed when he is whisked away into the depths of Nerv, and into a harrowing new destiny—he must become the pilot of Evangelion Unit-01 with the fate of mankind on his shoulders.
Written by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a heroic tale of a young boy who will become a legend. But as this psychological drama unfolds, ancient secrets beneath the big picture begin to bubble to the surface...
Alright, I'm pulling the pin on this 90s classic and will try to give it my best shot. This will also include two short descriptive reviews of the 2 films. Original Series:
NGE is hailed as a classic masterpiece of anime and is generally regarded as one of the most popular for its time period. Simultaneously, it is also hated for this reason as any popular anime does, as well as by the few that are able to see its flaws.
The plot for this series is not original, as it does employ elements of teenage heroes and sci-fi elements to the story. Yet, the unconventional usage of pseudo psychological and religious components into the anime has made it stand out. It is an impressive feat, as such plot devices were uncommon in the day, and Gainax was able to use this to a very considerable degree which gained favor for the audience. The final two episodes, from an objective view point, did serve the purpose to promote the self-actualization of the MC, however it is regarded as one of the biggest mindfucks in anime. There is also the deus-ex machina with Unit 01, but that is a story for another day. The art is pleasant and well done for the era. The sound is among the most noteworthy features, especially the OP: A Cruel Angel's Thesis.
However, my concern (and potentially the anime's weak link) is the portrayal of the characters; on this note I am for and against it. The MC, Shinji Ikari, is presented as a feeble, indecisive, and whiny. In a sense, it would appear that Anno perhaps was attempting to present Ikari as the inner self of humanity; the true form hidden behind facades of deceit. Yet, I was unable to fully accept this due to the lack of attention to the side characters. Arguably, the cast of secondary characters is among some of the best for 90s anime, with many dynamics and foils intertwining. Yet, the anime focuses heavily on Shinji and we are never able to truly explore the others; they appear merely as plot devices to attempt to develop Shinji. This also makes Shinji an unlikable MC that only gives off an attention-seeking vibe.
Overall, it is still a decent anime experience, and to a respectable degree enjoyable to watch. Death & Rebirth:
After the outcry of fans for a better ending, this was the first of two final films for the original series. I actually found this film to be useful in a sense, however the first hour of the film isn't necessary for the continuation of the series (about the last 40 minutes or so is the beginning setup for the next film). Nevertheless it produces a nice recap of the series and a good intro to the next film. End of Evangelion:
Finally we get to the very end. While the events of the original series ended in the head of the MC (at least that's what we are told), this film attempts to show us what occurred from the outside. The film does deliver; while it is still somewhat mentally challenging of a plot, the intentions of the characters and overarching story is conveyed more directly. Thus, this film does for many conclude the series in a way that can be accepted and more fully understood than the original series.
“We’re doing this revolutiuonary war out of foppery and whim. Got it?” –Attenborough (LOGH) The Q-dex
Just finished watching End of Evangelion and wow that was a mindrape and a half. Not ashamed to admit that I had to look up an explanation of some parts.
Honestly kinda true. She is the only one who consistently seems like a good person throughout the entire show. Also let's be real, the only reason Shinji didn't fuck everything up is because she baited with sexy time.
(Mar 1, 2017 08:57 AM)Kayoz Wrote: Just finished watching End of Evangelion and wow that was a mindrape and a half. Not ashamed to admit that I had to look up an explanation of some parts.
Yea, there were a few points where important concepts such as the Human Instrumentality Project and a few other things weren't really touched in the original series, or at least they confused the heck out of the audience haha.
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