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The End of Evangelion (1997) is the crowning jewel that ends the story of Neon Genisis Evangelion (1995). Split into two 45-minute episodes (episodes 25' & 26') which supplement the ending of NGE (episodes 25 & 26). TEOE is gorgeous, the animation quality exceeds that of NGE, and the psychedelic art, watercolors, crayon drawings, and live-action frames/sequences are fascinating not to mention beautiful. But much like NGE, TEOE manages to usurp its art with an incredible story. The disgust, sickness, inhumanity, and despair present in the film are palpable as our characters face their greatest challenge yet. It truly feels like everything that has happened in NGE has been to set up this environment, push these characters to this point, and bring about the events in episode 26'. The film takes a deep exploration of the human soul and psyche: posing questions to the characters and to the viewers themselves: why do we live? why do we keep on living? what does it mean to be human? to love? The philosophy found in TEOE and its confrontation with the wish of non-existence is nothing short of beautiful. The film brings an emotional end to NGE and leaves its viewer with one last spark of hope: "Any place can become paradise as long as you have the will to live".
If you didn't like NGE there's almost no chance you'll enjoy TEOE (trash taste can't be changed). But if you liked NGE there's no doubt this film is for you: it's a masterpiece much like the series was, but delivers something more polished and well-rounded as a piece of media, and delivers a conclusive ending to the series.
*Dub or sub* Much like NGE both are solid, the only piece of insight here is that the original dub (only available on the DVDs or the Collector's Edition Blu-ray) replaces the VA for Hyuga and his voice acting is awful, so keep that in mind, other than that blip the original dub is incredible.
