Story: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
While 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' has often been praised for its complex narrative and psychological depth, these elements felt muddled and overly cryptic to me. Its story seems to prioritize obscurity over coherence, often leaving viewers more confused than enlightened. Despite the multiple emotional arcs, there's a palpable absence of genuine connection, particularly between key characters Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley-Soryu, whose interactions hint at a depth that is never fully explored. One can't help but feel that a more nuanced, even a romantic relationship between them could have added the missing layer to this narrative jigsaw.
Animation and Art: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Despite being a seminal work of the '90s, the animation hasn't aged well and often detracts from the viewing experience. What could have been impactful scenes often come across as static and lifeless. It's hard to invest in the emotions of characters like Rei and Asuka when their expressions are so poorly rendered.
Sound: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The sound design and score, while innovative for its time, feel jarring and inconsistent. They often serve to heighten the anime's already confusing atmosphere rather than guide the audience through the emotional labyrinth that is Evangelion.
Characters: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
While many laud Evangelion for its character complexity, I found it to be one of its most frustrating aspects. The characters, including Shinji, Rei, and Asuka, are riddled with psychological issues but the show does little to provide them any resolution or growth. Again, the interactions between Rei and Asuka are particularly frustrating; there's a sense of missed opportunities for a deeper bond, something that could add another layer of complexity to the story.
Summary
'Neon Genesis Evangelion' promises much but delivers little, in my opinion. Its convoluted narrative, outdated animation, and lack of character development make it a frustrating experience. Its gravest offense, however, may be its inability to capitalize on the tantalizing erotic energy between key characters like Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley-Soryu, a potential avenue for depth and connection that remains disappointingly untapped.
