Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

I will always fight against the classification of Eva as a mecha anime. This series focuses far more on the Childrens' emotional development and dissection of their identities. Even when they're fighting, it's never just about victory. Battles always have a deeper meaning- berserker, emotional strength and persistence, pride, and the psychological breaking point, for example. I have even recommended Evangelion to my college psychology and sociology professors. Normally, I do not enjoy stories that survive on withheld information (ie anything by Dan Brown). Evangelion does it right; obviously we don't know the history, the biology, the politics... or anything atall when it starts, the suspense comes from the plight of the characters and their struggles.

Symbolism abounds, *especially* if you have the directors cut versions of 21-24. If I ever hit the bottom of all the levels of meaning, I'll try to send word to the surface.