Mar 31, 2015
9.1/10
Well, that was quite the experience.
I can totally understand why original fans would put down the series' original ending. I mean, I disagree with what they have to say, but I can understand where they're coming from. After all, viewing the original ending, it gives off the notion that **MINOR SPOILERS** there was no mythology nor lore nor anything having to do with EVAs or NERV or SEELE or Angels or Adam or Lillith. They were all things that Shinji made up from parts of his life to cope with the burden of his personal issues. **END SPOILERS** But, even with this retcon of
...
everything that came before it, it still well established and drove home the fact that the series was always a metaphor for depression and anxiety... even if the original ending drove that point home a little too hard.
That being said, End of Evangelion still has the power to stand as not only an amazing anime series finale, but also as great work in the genre of anime films. With its grand scope, amalgamation of crazy ideas and bravery to tackle so much over the course of 87 very short minutes, it could be nothing else but a work of art.
I mean, honestly - this film is fucking bonkers. It compromises everything to deliver what IT~ feels is a proper form of closure, and it gives no fucks if you disagree. In fact, and keeping in line with Hideaki Anno's original feelings towards the series' fanbase and otaku culture as a whole, the film would probably be a lot happier, in its own twisted and cynical way, if you hated how it wrapped everything up. Because make no mistake - once you sit down to watch what many feel to the one, TRUE ending of NGE, you are committing to the fact that you will not get all of your questions answered (and if you do, it will be because of the stuff that you contributed to the table), you will not get a traditional happy ending, and if you get closure of ANY kind, you'll get it on the film's terms.
But make no mistake - as problematic of a personality that this film has, it's just plain beautiful in a dark and fucked up kind of way. It's amazing to see how the series transformed from not just a (at first) light-hearted take down of the mech genre into a depressing examination of humanity. Characters conclude their stories in dark and twisted ways, and the film concludes in such a bombast and epic way that it could only come from the world of NGE.
The film is not for everyone; hell, to this day, certain fans of the series wish they could burn every remaining copy they hate it so much. But if you're willing to put up with a lot to see the series go out on such a high note, every minute of this epic film is worth it. See it, and witness just how far an artist can stretch the limits of creativity. It's truly a sight to behold.
P.S. I didn't do it myself, but if any anime fans enjoy getting high during certain watches or rewatches of series or anime films - this is NOT one of those films to watch while high. I'm serious. As beautiful as the animation is, the images contained confirm that this a work that would frighten kids. Hell, i watched it sober and I'm an adult, but it was so fucking disturbing at times. Do NOT watch it high - you will have the worst and most frightening trip ever.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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