This film is the second ending produced for this series. The first ending (Episodes 25 and 26) left fans so dissatisfied that director Hideaki Anno felt compelled to create an alternate ending and issue it as a full length film. One should keep in mind when watching it that in the voice commentary provided in this edition this film is referred to as "Hideaki's revenge." I really do not think that is true, but there is no question but that the Director/Creator of this film has made a film that challenges the view on all fronts, making it an unusually difficult film.
The film opens on the impending destruction of NERV headquarters. With the destruction of the 'Angels,' the members of SEELE move to
implement their plan for the forced evolution of humankind. Stage 1 is the capture or destruction of the EVA and their 'riders.' For the rest
of the NERV staff only a grim and violent death is offered. Shinji and Asuka manage to activate their EVAs and fight back. Meanwhile,
Rei descends into the heart of NERV with Dr. Ikari to confront Lilith.
While this apocalypse occupies the first part of the film, filling the screen with both spellbinding action and some unnerving interior insights, one could argue that it is only a prelude to the real core of the film. Almost haphazardly, symbols from the Kabbala and the Crucifixion are woven into the action as SEELE prepares the ritual that will recreate humanity. Magically, Rei and Shinji become the main characters in a metaphysical play that will decide the future of man. It is no surprise that these two become bound to the moments of decision and rebirth. Both the characters are not completely whole as personalities. To each of them the conflict over individuality is both
interior and exterior. Without these flaws, the decision would not have been in doubt.
As the story progresses fluid, the hurried action of the attack on NERV is replaced by a more elegiac pace. Longer still shifts and slower
pacing give the viewer a rest, but at the price of an ever more complex and difficult plot.
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