After having watched the series 3 times, I have come up to an ultimate review on the anime series, ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''.
STORY
Neon Genesis Evangelion has a very interesting concept to its story line; at first glance, its theme may seem to be mecha-like, but in fact, it is much MORE symbolic and VERY philosophical; I will review the visual and mental aspect of Neon Genesis Evangelion more in-depth, as I think it is more about that, rather than the physical aspect.
Now on to the visual and mental theme of the series; Neon Genesis Evangelion is mainly about Ikari Shinji (the main character),
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and his mind; the philosophy discussed throughout Neon Genesis Evangelion accounts for; individuality and identity, consciousness, true fear, the existence of Evas and Angels, loneliness, the existence of mankind itself, freedom, and choice; these sub-themes are what is expressed thoroughly in the series, Shinji explores these sub-themes throughout his journey - the mind; Shinji doubts himself, what he is truly capable of, but progressively learns what the true him is, he overcomes his true fear; being alone and having a fake identity, to which he conquers, going through many hardships, and tragic and sorrowful events. It is not just Shinji that experiences this aswell, other characters besides Shinji experience these sub-themes, this includes; Misato Katsuragi (Shinji's ''guardian''), Akagi Ritsuko (The head scientist of NERV), Rei Ayanami (The First Child; pilot of Unit 00), and Soryu Asuka Langely (The Second Child; pilot of Unit 02).
Misato experiences loneliness herself and also has a fake identity, her childhood consisted of her father not having a paternal relationship with her, and her mother ignoring her, she then wants to act like a good child to make her parents proud of her, albiet with no success, so she wants to ''disgrace herself'', which leads to her having a sexual relationship with her now-former love ''Ryoji Kaji''. In reference to this, she only ''uses'' men to soothe her lonely heart and to forsake her identity, which is also why she takes in Shinji.
Ritsuko Akagi; follows in her mother's foot steps, unrequited love(?) for Ikari Gendo, lack of care=loneliness, since her mother is the creator of MAGI, she has high expectations, she does not follow in 2 of the 3 categories of the identity of her mother; mother, and woman, she can not realise this because of Ikari Gendo, whom she feels she can rest at ease when he is with her, just like her mother, but she then truly realises this, thus, her not being able to confront with anyone, leading her to a lonely life, and a false sense of individuality and identity, this and coupled with the expectations left behind by her late mother and everyone else.
Asuka; again, also experiences loneliness and also fears being ignored and shut-off from the world. During her childhood, her mother was very sick, and would use a doll as a substitute for her own daughter, and even her true daughter. Her mother, being very sick, commits suicide, where Asuka sees her death first-hand, traumatizing her, she even overhears the doctors that treated on her mother, as they are now her surrogate parents, they did not act like one and talked like one, leading to Asuka being bossy, wanting to showcase herself to the world so she can not be alone, so that no one will forget her and leave her again.
Rei Ayanami; false identity and individuality and also later realises that she does fear being lonely. Rei Ayanami is ''created'' from the basis of Shinji's mother, although she is a ''fake'' human, she does not mind if she does die, as she was created for solely for one purpose, to... (sorry, do not want to spoil this bit), but comes to regret her decision to die when the ''promised'' day comes, thus, enticing her as a human and being afraid of loneliness, wanting to feel affection.
The series also has representations of Christianity; the Angels (messengers of God), the cross (crucifixion of Jesus), Evas and title itself, Evangelion (biblical gospels), the Second Impact (Adam), Lilith (first wife of Adam), Lance of Longinus (spear used to pierce Jesus), these are all symbolic meanings to Christianity that is visually displayed throughout the series.
Another philosophical theme is also represented, but rather on Shinji's introverted nature, and his relationship with Misato Katsuragi and others; the Hedgehog dilemma.
Now, for the physical aspect of the series, I will not write too much, as the series focuses more on the visual and mental aspect of the series, so here it goes; Neon Genesis Evangelion is packed with action, almost every episode has an Angel to defeat, which should fulfill people's mouths who view fighting, action and 24/7 blazing it is everything to a series/film, but the action scenes were done quite well, each encounter had difficult problems to solve, you would never believe how they could overcome such encounters, which was very original and unique to the story of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Also, although few, the comedy scenes were quite funny
I also feel that although the series portrays Shinji as a ''wimp'', or a weakling, you have to emphasis on the fact that he is a 14 year-old adolescent, who is immediately shown to and ''forced'' to pilot this big-ass robot to defeat this scary-looking monster, this and coupled with him having so many expectations of him from the other characters, applies a huge deal of pressure on him, making him seem like a wimp or a weakling, what would you do if you were in his situation? He even witnessed crushing his own friend to death(?)...
ART
The art may not seem too great in today's standards, but that kind of art and animation was how it was done back in the 90s, and it was expressed beautifully.
The ending scene for each episode (credits) was very well done, how the background synchronized with the character. The settings of the series was also done very well, I liked viewing the semi-futuristic machinery, equipment, and buildings of how it was thought of back in the 80s/90s, it felt pretty dystopian and sci-fi, and had a cozy atmosphere surrounding it.
Also, each episode displayed amazing visuals, especially during the psychological scenes, the art represented the distress of the character and how or what they would overcome the philosophy represented in the series, it synchronized very well with the themes and sub-themes presented in the series.
SOUND
Never have I skipped the opening theme and ending theme for Neon Genesis Evangelion, the opening theme had a very nostalgic feel to it, the conjoining of different instruments to create that jazz-like music felt very pleasing, the artist's voice also fit in very well with the opening theme, coupled with the angelic-harmonic like voice, fits the both the physical and visual/mental aspects of the series' themes and sub-themes.
The ending theme also had that jazz music and blues-like music to it, although I may be biased for jazz music, that song played during the ending credits simply felt fascinating, it contrasted with the film's philosophical and its settings aspects, it was very relaxing and cool.
The soundtracks fitted in naturally; it combined with the background settings, the equipment utilised in the series, the destruction, the psychological scenes, the character's voice, etc.. It was all natural, I did not detect an irregularity in the sound of the series.
I also like how the opening starts of as gentle, then wild; then, the ending just relaxes you, quelling your thirst after an episode, not many anime series do this, which makes Neon Genesis Evangelion unique in its choice and style of music.
CHARACTER
Character plot and development is amazing in the series, in most anime series, it is only the protagonist that grows and develops, but Neon Genesis Evangelion defies that rule; not just Ikari Shinji, but the other characters; Misato Katsuragi, Akagi Ritsuko, Soryu Asuka Langely, and Rei Ayanami, all experience psychological events that cover the philosophical themes represented in Neon Genesis Evangelion; loneliness, individuality and identity, etc... (just read sub heading ''STORY'')
Each character's appearances also matched their personality;
Misato wearing tank top and short shorts, coupled with her drinking and behaviour, and the amount of instant food and beer cans at her home, makes her represent as a flirty, lazy and sloppy character (which she is at her home), but when she is doing professional work, she wears military personnel-like apparel.
Ritsuko wearing a lab coat classifies her as a scientific-engineering-like person.
Shinji wearing his shirt tucked in his pants represents his weak demeanor in his mind and as an innocent kid, but since he is a kid, he also dresses differently at his home.
Asuka wearing a long dress, symbolises her bossy rich-girl like attitude, short shorts because she wants attention.
Rei Ayanami most wearing the same clothes because of her strict, serious personality.
As you can see, each character is expressed differently, and most have back stories and a lot of developing.
ENJOYMENT
You will definitely enjoy watching this series if you are a fan of psychological, thriller, mecha(half-half), action, and mystery. Also, if you like jazz or blues music, I would recommend you watching this, as the series incorporates good music that fits with the visuals of the series. Although the art and animation does not fit today's standards, you will definitely enjoy watching this if you do not mind watching 80s and 90s animation style. Since character development is clearly shown, I'm guessing most people who would like to watch this show will absolutely enjoy this, the characters also fit in naturally with the story, so it's all good!
OVERALL
Ultimately, Neon Genesis Evangelion has a great concept in terms of its story; which showcases both the physical and visual/mental aspect of the series (philosophical and symbolic meanings), the art; although old, it is quite good if you do not mind it and emphasize, the sound; jazz and blues music is quite good, I dare say so, and the beautiful angelic-harmonic voice, and the beast soundtracks, character; yes, a lot of character back stories on the protagonists, and their development, enjoyment; definitely enjoy watching this because of the sub-headings discussed earlier.
So, the rating is...
Rate: 11/10 :D OVER 100%!!!
Dec 11, 2015
Shinseiki Evangelion
(Anime)
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After having watched the series 3 times, I have come up to an ultimate review on the anime series, ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''.
STORY Neon Genesis Evangelion has a very interesting concept to its story line; at first glance, its theme may seem to be mecha-like, but in fact, it is much MORE symbolic and VERY philosophical; I will review the visual and mental aspect of Neon Genesis Evangelion more in-depth, as I think it is more about that, rather than the physical aspect. Now on to the visual and mental theme of the series; Neon Genesis Evangelion is mainly about Ikari Shinji (the main character), ... Nov 12, 2015
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