Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

I understand why people hate this anime. I hated the ending the first time I sat through it two days ago (By ending, i'm referring to End of Evangelion, which I consider the true episodes 25-26). It was confusing, abstract, and bizarre. But I've not been able to stop thinking about it since. I scavenged across the internet to find an understanding to what I watched, and finally linked all the pieces, and gained an immense appreciation for what I had witnessed. What I had thought to be unimportant and meaningless became vital to understanding the ending, and realizing the true nature of this story.I was sorely mistaken coming into this, expecting a triumph story of a kid becoming a mech pilot and a legend, as the opening states. The heart of this show lies not in its triumph, but in its internal conflicts, and how the experiences within the mech suit shape the main character, Shinji. The heart of this show is the harsh reality that we do not want to face, but must accept if we do not want to move forward. Its questions like this that are so moving to me, and throw my entire life into a different perspective. I entered a reflection of my personal life. Maybe its not just the show that I enjoyed, but what it enabled inside me, allowing me to evaluate myself to a further extent than I had thought to previously. Evangelion presents itself as harsh, brutal, and tragic, but it offers the viewer a chance to open their heart along with Shinji, and face reality in hope to achieve true happiness. Hope. [NOT SURE IF THIS IS REALLY A SPOILER, BUT I'M GONNA WRITE HOW I FELT ABOUT THE END] The ending at first glance seems dark and desolate. Shinji does a terrible thing to another character, but immediately becomes guilty after what he realizes he is doing. In response to his terrible act, he is caressed, finally being understood. Shinji is greeted with the pain he was so desperately trying to escape, and cries in front of this other character. It is an upsetting scene, and it closes out the movie. But the key to accepting it is the fact that Shinji stops and regrets it. He doesn't run away. He faces the harsh reality of the human condition. That is the beauty of this show, why it is one of the few anime that I've given a 10, and the only one I've ever felt compelled to write a review for.[END OF SPOILER-ISH AREA] It is refreshingly honest to the viewer, and doesn't pull its punches. While I have now come to adore what this show represents, I had originally not been able to form an opinion because of my confusion. This show will throw a lot of information your way in a very complex way. I would recommend watching or reading an explanation of the show to organize the information so that it fits together, and after that I believe you will come to appreciate it much more than you would have been able to before. For a show that is over two decades old, it stands strong even to this day, due to its unique and complex nature, and analysis of the human condition. Like any show, Evangelion has its imperfections, but I would have completely misunderstood the content of the show if I did not give it the rating of a masterpiece. While the story can be very confusing, it is extremely rewarding to sift through the information and find the meaning behind it, which is why I would highly recommend this landmark anime to really anyone who enjoys the anime media. Whether you come to love it or hate it, at the very least I believe you should experience what Evangelion has to offer.