Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion
**I've seen the movies and NGE original series, but the review will be about the series (spoiler free)** Neon Genesis Evangelion/Shinseiki Evangelion/新世紀エヴァンゲリオン ; 26 episodes a 20minutes (last 6 with directors cut) ; aired from October 1995 to March 1996 ; Action, Sci-Fi, Mecha, Psychological ; licensed by ADV Films "This isnt a series to read reviews about, so that you're in the clear whether to watch it or not- you just have to watch it." Neon Genesis Evangelion, a milestone and icon between animes. No matter where you browse, with who you discuss and whose recommendations you listen to - you can't split past NGE. This animeis probably one of the most successful animes and TV series overall, being so unique and controversial at the same time. Created and airing over 15 years ago, this series might be older than most people who watch it in 2015, the year this review was written. A lot of uncertainities and speculations exist about the production of this anime, and I highly recommend reading for example the wikipedia page to further understand why the show and story progressed how it progressed.
Story: 8/10
Mostentimes, a action show is made by the stories and characters. While NGE isnt too different from that, this aspect also makes it so good. The story seems very normal at first, but then begins to thicken and deepen, until a genius world development is finished which just baffles you. Halfway through the show, it decides that the story is now a minor part compared to the characters. This leads to a shift in focus: the story becomes a sideplot next to character development, and character development basically becomes the story. You get a great insight into the human mind, the struggles and worries of the characters who represent just about any normal person you could encounter nowadays. You won't be disappointed by the story, but make sure to pay attention: more than one concept is more complicated than you might think.
Art: 8/10
This is the hardest part to judge. The show is 18 years old, you can't expect it to be on par with todays great quality animes. Nonetheless I gave it an 8, because (contrary to my expectations), the low quality art wasnt a turnoff at all, moreso it even contributed to the atmosphere created while watching. Its generic, but good if you take into consideration the then available technology.
Sound: 10/10
While the ED was unfitting and not enjoable, the OP was definitely one big point of enjoyment for me. It creates and further underlines the whole atmosphere of the shows and adds a lot to the watching experience. Soundtrack and voices are perfect, the sound department of the show wasnt underfunded at all, thats for sure. Great job right there.
Character: 10/10
Some people might consider NGE confusing, others would even call it a mindfuck. This isnt untrue, but its right just for the last few episodes. AS I already mentioned, the focus shifted mid-series from the story to the single characters and deeply explains and tries to show their emotions, struggles and thoughts. The protagonists, Shinji, mind is basically opened to the watcher in a explosion of appealing tropes and themes combined with a, lets call it "special" art. Most viewers- me included- probably found the ending and the psychological parts extremely confusing, and I recommened everyone to watch "The End of Evangelion" if they are not satisfied with the ending. But if you're ready to think and read a bit about the psychological context surrounding the characters, I assure that you won't be disappointed. You might even understand it on the fly and so get a great insight into human minds, daily struggles and the subject of instrumantality.
ENjoyment: 8/10
WHile the anime, in retrospective, was very good, there are a whole bunch of bother points to me. The art, of course, just feels sloppy after watching a modern show (but that doesnt really count, lets be honest). However the low-quality second part of the series and the partly extremely disappointing ending of the series leaves a lot of plotholes and might be considered a major turnoff. If you didn't pay full attention, youre just left confused at the end and quickly lose yourself in the various aspects of the show. So in short, while the series is great as it is, I highly doubt that it couldn''t have been even better. But then again, thats what makes NGE so good and unique and I wouldn't want to change it in any way.
Overall: 9/10
Probably the most inspiring and effectful anime of all time, this is a must watch for everyone who ever said "I watch anime". So many things and emotions you can derive from this anime can be precious and interesting to engulf in, and I highly recommend everyone to do that. This isnt a series to read reviews about, so that you're in the clear whether to watch it or not- you just have to watch it.
When youre done with the series, consider watching the reboots and definitely watch the movies. It will satisfy your need for more if thats what you want, after finishing the series.
**I'm still new to writing reviews, so I'd be thankful for every advice you can give me. Thanks for reading!**