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In a Nutshell
Tokyo 3 is the last key to the survival of human race. Angels, the unknown matter that have only one will of causing catastrophic "Third Impact" has to make a contact with the Adam, the origin of every being which resides in the deep down of Tokyo 3... To prevent this from happening, Robot form called Evangelion must protect the city.
The Review
I
honestly don't think I've ever been this frustrated with an anime at the
end of it. Or a movie, or anything for that matter. Everybody loves Neon
Genesis Evangelion, perhaps because they try not to make logic. It starts
off simple by introducing Shinji Ikari, a young teenage boy who hasn't
seen his father in years. When his father summons him to work for him and
his corporation, NERV, Shinji questions why his father suddenly has a
renewed interest in him. He finds out that he is to be the pilot of a
giant robot called Evangelion. Immediately, he rejects this idea only for
an injured girl named Rei Ayanami to assume his position since he refused.
Knowing that she'll die if she pilots the suit, he protests again to his
father and his father out-right rejects him. Only when the Eva moves on
its own to protect Shinji from falling debris, does he consider giving Eva
a chance.
The first third of the series is simple enough, basically it's Shinji
becoming familiar with the suit and with life around him. He lives with
Misato Katsuragi, a captain in NERV who has taken a liking to Shinji. What
seems like side stories at first, Shinji's relationship with Tohji, Rei,
Misato and others takes the primary position in the story. The battles
with the Angels is merely supplementary to a larger picture. When the
third child, Asuka Sohryu Langley is introduced, Shinji begins to think on
his own and question the things that go around him.
What strikes me as interesting is that each of the characters has an issue
inside of them that is impossible for them to acknowledge. This weak point
in each character changes the outcome of battles and even arguments
between each other. This makes the characters unique in their own way, the
ways they approach their problems, like Asuka's extremely aggressive
manner or Shinji's frightened demeanor. But, as the series goes on...even
this thing that makes it enjoyable becomes another headache. Shinji
eventually becomes pathetic and helpless and simply because he's the pilot
of Eva-01 he gets to save the day. I didn't like this part because I
couldn't cheer for a character I didn't like.
The
character design is great, each character looks like their personality.
Misato looks stern but authentic to her cause. Rei looks cold and lost,
yet follows orders regardless. Asuka's strong-willed, wild personality
shows in her design. And yes, even Shinji's pathetic personality is in his
frail body. The animation has two sides to its coin. At times the
animation is stellar. Beautiful crisp motions in things from character
interactions to the Eva & Angel battles. But other times, especially
towards the end of the series, long still pictures are used, sometimes
flashes of still cels are used which is incredibly irritating coming from
such a masterpiece in animation. Also, Eva tends to recycle animation
sequences...especially the breakfast sequence...
The soundtrack is interesting, taking classical pieces the majority of the
time and using a dozen different versions of Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the
Moon. Sometimes the pieces fit, but other times it just gets a little
repetitive and annoying. However, the sound effects and voice acting is
superb and more than makes up for an interesting soundtrack selection.
I both totally enjoy and totally loathe this series. There are parts where
I can see why its gotten so much acclaim. But the rest of the time is just
a migraine for me. So many things I can praise it for, yet even larger
things that make my head hurt so much.
Slacker's Final Thoughts
A surprisingly intricate beast hidden under what
starts as a simple action series. Some interesting points, but in the end
one who stops to analyze will be left with a headache. Great character
design for a large cast, incredible animation at certain points...but
simply horrible at other times.
Story: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Animation: 8/10
Sound & Music: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Awards:
