Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Few anime titles have the power to rile up a heated argument better than Neon Genesis Evangelion. Though successful and hugely influential, this classic of the 90's nevertheless suffers from a slew of problems that cannot be ignored even by the most rabid fanboys out there. However, the hard-to-swallow human drama presented in Eva not only sets it apart from other anime, but depending on the viewer's willingness to analyze the characters, the potential power of Eva's strikingly realistic cast makes for an unforgettable experience that should not be missed out on. The story of Evangelion is twofold: the psychological drama between the characters and theunderlying plot pertaining to NERV's conflict against its aggressors. While the former is superb, the latter suffers from a number of glaring flaws that not only makes it inaccessible, but incomplete as well. Though it sets the stage for the various challenges faced by the characters, Anno's cryptic method of relaying the story to the viewers failed to answer a number of key questions that are crucial to the plot: why are the angels attacking Tokyo-3? What exactly are NERV and SEELE's agendas? What is this prophecy that's constantly referred to? Worse yet, there exists a couple of major plot holes that makes it ever harder for the view to take a grasp on the plot. Though one can try to theorize all sorts possibilities with the help of GAINAX's blatant retroactive continuity, it is still a frustrating and unrewarding experience. Like a leaking coffee mug, the plot of Evangelion is a considerable obstacle to the viewer's enjoyment of the contents.

That aside, the character drama in Eva is great. Hideki Anno broke established conventions of mecha anime at the time by introducing true-to-life characters into a farfetched sci-fi premise. The result is something that betrays the expectations of many newcomers: instead of the bold protectors of humanity, the protagonists of Evangelion are a group of conflicted anti-heroes. Throughout the series the three Eva pilots wrestle with their identities as mankind’s only hope, struggle between intimacy and privacy, question their self-worth, and battle the fear that comes with risking their lives in battle, in ways that are feasible for real pre-teens. This means there will be bound to be the immaturity and angst that naturally comes with youth, but this fact really brings the characters to life and pushes them beyond character archetypes. Shinji’s character cannot be summed up quaintly as “the introverted mecha protagonist”, nor is it fair to label Asuka as “generic tsundere”, as the underlying currents that drive the actions of the characters are vivid and complex. Shinji’s of rough personal journey is very compelling, given that the viewer is able to take notice of his various inner conflicts and insecurities. The deeper one delves into the characters, the more insight and enjoyment it will bring – that is without question the greatest strength of Evangelion.

The presentation value of Eva remains great even over a decade later. The character designs are instantly memorable, especially in the main female characters, who have become enduring favorites. The designs of the angels have a real otherworldly feel to them, though not all of them are very exciting. The mechanical designs are superb. The thin, tall, and sleek look of the Evas is unique, and many of the action scenes look spectacular, especially considering its age and budget. There is an issue of consistency in the art, though, as the size of the Evas fluctuate depending on dramatic effect. Sometimes their size dwarfs the tallest buildings of Tokyo-3, yet at other times they are able to hide within the urban sprawl. Evangelion is also famous for its frequent tendency to cut corners in terms of animation. While the movements of the characters and mecha are well animated, there are a number of scenes where nothing moves onscreen. Be it for the purposes of mood buildup or the peculiarities in the character’s habits, these scenes would have been better with at least some movement, perhaps in the form of mannerisms or minute movements, which can go a long away into conveying the scene.

The sounds of Evangelion are also great. The roars of the Evas, the shrieks of the angels, and booms of the explosions serve their roles very well. Shiro Sagisu’s work in the music department is also splendid with a number of great instrumental pieces and battle themes.

The last two episodes of Evangelion were the result of the exhaustion of budget and time in Gainax at the time. Hence, they feel far from complete and fail to grant viewers with satisfactory closure. This would heavily blemish the Evangelion experience if not for the film End of Evangelion, which retells the events of the last two episodes from a different perspective. The film, though cryptic in its own right, provides an amazing end to Shinji’s grueling story, and is a definitive achievement in anime filmmaking. Since Neon Genesis Evangelion is incomplete without the End of Evangelion, the film should not be missed by anyone who sat through the 26 episodes, under any circumstances.

In the end, Evangelion is something you need to watch, if only because of its titanic influence on Japanese animation, and even Japanese culture, to a degree. That said, not everyone would enjoy it. The plot is needlessly cryptic, the characters may be hard to digest for some viewers, and the grim tone may not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to the idea of entertainment. Like a piece of postmodern art, Evangelion may appear daunting and inaccessible. But what lies in the end of the experience is a powerful coming of age story and an allegory to the otaku experience. A ride full of palpable genuine emotion exuded by the characters, Neon Genesis Evangelion truly lives up to its popularity and success, and should not be missed by anyone.