After its 24 episode build-up to the finale, the final two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion led to many fans feeling...unsatisfied. The show ultimately ended on more of a meaningful whisper than the apocalyptic roar most expected. The fates of many main characters were left up in the air, the Human Instrumentality Project’s devastation relegated to title cards. Fan uproar was prominent, leading to the 1997 theatrical release of End of Evangelion.
End picks up directly following the events of Evangelion’s 24th episode, directly before the aforementioned controversial finale. With the last of the Angels defeated, SEELE’s patience has reached its end, and the time of judgment has at last arrived. NERV finds itself overwhelmed by attacks, not from the monstrous creatures beyond human reckoning of the Angels, but from other humans, and the governments behind them. Meanwhile, the same pilots who risked everything to protect humanity have retreated inwards, consumed by their shame and regret as the Human Instrumentality Project finally begins.
I think the first reaction after End is (to put it lightly as I apologize for language) holy shit. It’s definitely something to be experienced blind for the first time, but trust me in saying that it is the kind of experience that will never be completely forgotten once you see it. Disturbing, intriguing, sometimes almost wondrous to watch, the experience itself makes this movie definitely worth seeing at least once to truly understand the Evangelion experience.
Similar to Evangelion, although it isn’t the focus, End possesses some action, and it might well be some of the best in the series. The mecha action is highly reminiscent of Asuka and Shinji’s own battle against the 13th Angel in Evangelion, only turned up to 11 with the ferocity and power. Other battles involve small gun skirmishes, but it’s clear End’s focus primarily lies outside the action, much like Evangelion itself.
That focus clearly lies, once more, on the psychology of each character and how they come to head in End. Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and every other important character reaches the finale of their arc in very different ways all culminating to form the outcome of the film. Ultimately, End raises questions to be answered by each person, new ideas to consider. To not go forward without fear, but to understand fear is a part of life and push forward regardless. To accept that we all carry and will cause pain, that the messy process of communication and growth will be worth it. That we must grow and challenge ourselves to truly be human.
It might be strange to say, but in many ways, I suppose the final conclusion for End is...beautiful almost? It may be an odd word to use, but the movie generally simply leaves a feeling of awe and really does make you think. Even now, after having pondered it for well over a week, I still can’t quite comprehend my exact feelings, besides the aforementioned awe and intrigue. In that way, I suppose I would use the word beautiful, just a story that makes me think and look so deeply inwards to answer the questions it poses.
While normally I would take some time to discuss the movie’s flaws now...there isn’t all too much I can say. It’s not exactly my kind of movie, but I can’t think of too many huge flaws that would otherwise make it a worse product. From the “weak/frustrating” main characters or unsatisfying ending without proper closure, most of the issues I can think of could also be defended as part of the show’s symbolism and storytelling. I personally don’t find the story a perfect one, but I do know there are many that could (and do).
In conclusion, End of Evangelion is the finale of Evangelion many asked for, and the one most probably expected. A truly shocking experience to see for the first time, with decent action, fascinating psychology and messages, and an oddly beautiful finale, End is something I’d recommend to most anime watchers, especially if Evangelion suited you well. It’s 100% an experience worth going through.
Grade - A
