Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion stands on a knife’s edge — a masterpiece to some, a complete failure to others. What it offers is more than just mechs, aliens, or the salvation of humanity. This is a story that challenges the audience through its characters, events, and themes, demanding deep self-reflection. Under Hideaki Anno’s direction, Evangelion confronts the emotional debris of being human in a world unequipped to deal with honesty, vulnerability, or authentic connection. Purpose and self-worth are dissected, in an attempt to resolve the “human existential crisis” and independently produce external peace and stability from within. Visually, NGE sets the tone for anime of the 90’s onward,creatively combing cultural and religious symbols within the futuristic setting of societal technological advancement. Aesthetics from NGE have inspired many projects and works that followed, with designs and the overall sense of realism, through authentic detail, being highly coveted by all fans alike. Akin to anime such as Akira, the art and animation naturally transitions the audience from the known world to one of a “not so far off” future-present. Many scenes can easily be paused, just to take in the amount of detail and realism worked into backdrops and settings.