Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion
A psychological drama disguised as an action, a true classic for good reason, you don't get what you expect, but what you get is something beyond what you could've asked for from something made in the late 90s. Neon Genesis is a true work of art in the story sense, especially for it's time, this show sells really important life lessons, using scenarios brought to you by the self-inflicted suffering of the main characters, Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Misato. All of which have been forced against their will to fight with their lives to protect something they believe is right, only to not be in theend.
A story forceful to it's characters, forcing them into horrible scenarios with each other, to watch everything play out and test their mental capabilities and weaknesses, a psychological test, destroying the characters and forcing them into a state of mind in which they don't know what to think, and in self-hatred, and hatred for everyone and everything involved. Ending in a series of thoughts and visions where the characters are all forced to accept reality as it is and to come to realize the nature of their mind and thoughts, what is right and wrong, and to finally admit to themselves the truth. Putting an end to the internal grief.
A show carried by it's character development, some of the better I have seen in anime, comparable to the likes of Hunter x Hunter, with similar themes to that of Code Geass and The Promised Neverland, with being controlled by higher ups semi-willingly, inevitably walking into their own demise. Characters treated like Guinea Pigs, test subjects to a project of immense hostility, in order to achieve a goal beyond the imagination of the subjects, a strong test of humanity to the characters, and their will to overcome.
My favourite part of Neon Genesis has got to be episodes 21 through to 26. The inevitable outcome of the constant torment of the characters, the cause and result, all in an epileptic montage of memories and recollections from the characters, forced to their minds in a repetitive and intense manner, symbolizing the tediousness and soul crushing experience the characters have gone through, and the final result of their actions and decisions, but offering them a way out based off the chance that they've learnt, and are able to finally seek salvation, for them and for everyone on earth.
In summary, Neon Genesis is an emotional ride disguised as an action, in order to shine a bright light of reality to those who need it the most, the flawless character development becoming the plot itself, and enjoyable to all degree for anyone willing to give it a shot. Lived up to my expectations and beyond. Loved it.