Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Sci-fi may have reached its zenith last century, but it still holds a candle in the hearts of many enthusiasts. From “Star Wars’” intricate worldbuilding and space travel, to the “Neuromancer’s” cyborgs, hackers and social Darwinsm. Science Fiction offers many means of escapism and lessons to its readers and viewers. Neon Genesis Evangelion doesn’t escape from this formula but adds new flavours on its recipe. As this is not just a story about aliens or giant robots (also known as mechas), it is a lecture about human nature. Evangelion’s worldbuilding looks robust and compelling. It will take you more than one marathon to pinpoint everypolitical and social detail of the story. The lore feels congruent to the worldbuilding, complementing each other like a perfect match. This makes the external aspects of the story extremely pulchritudinous and may ease the possibility of rewatching the show. Moreover, the lore enhances the setting to a level that you don’t usually see in this medium.
The cast of characters is intriguing and sophisticated, the characters have diverse outer and inner desires and feel as real as you can get. Innocent teens, whose mental states are as unstable as the North Atlantic Sea, take the main stage as they are the last hope for humankind’s salvation. It is not going to be easy for you to not feel attached to one of them, because their psychological faults mirror what many of us deal with on our daily basis. Loneliness, depression, sociopath disorders and traumas run deep in the characters’ personalities and define the plot in many ways.
The plot is simple but effective. Humanity uses all the means available, no matter how unethical they may seem, to fight for their survival. However, it fits like a glove with the characters and setting. As the story progresses you see that the action is not precisely what it matters in the story. It is, in fact, the themes. They are the linchpin that bring this anime to a whole new level.
The themes bridge the faults of the cast and clinch the main message of the series. They may seem too complex for many people, but you don’t need to know the philosophical and psychological terminology to understand what the producers and writers were thinking. At the beginning of the show the themes may seem grim, claustrophobic and hopeless. However, as the story evolves to its last stage the message becomes an antipode of its theme. The main points are satisfying and bring a desirable pay-off in the last stages of the show.
I think it is common belief that the final two episodes are contrived and confusing to majority of the viewers. However, I cannot disagree more. After plethora of episodes where you see the characters enduring their burdens and learning from their mistakes, the last episodes come as a cathartic release. For they are a message of hope for every person who feels lonely and depressed. Be genuine and don’t restrain your feelings! The more you communicate your problems and desires, the more you’ll be understood.

The music in this series was ahead of its time. The soundtracks augment the action and make it more memorable. The tunes build up the drama and help you zone out during the most critical moments. One thing that no one can deny is that the opening slaps. There is a reason why it is still used in memes to this day.
The animations may feel outdated to some of you, but they are a gem from the nineties. I don’t think it is fair to compare them to animated series from the present. However, animations are not the main reason for someone to watch this show. That’s for sure!
I believe this show targets a many different audiences. If you like to watch characters, who have a rollercoaster of emotions and are interested in subjects such as philosophy and psychology, this show may just be perfect for you!