Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion has a reputation as one of the most groundbreaking and culturally influential anime ever made. Hideaki Anno’s psychological, subversive and dense approach to storytelling revolutionised the very nature of what anime could be. Even though on the surface, Evangelion may seem to be a post-apocalyptic mecha anime, it is so much grander and so much more transformative than that. To describe it in a way deserving of its impact on humanity, it is nothing short of one of the greatest works of art of all time. Delving into the rich landscape of Evangelion is similar to being thrust into the depths ofhuman existence. It’s a complex and mindbending experience that is challenging, confronting and wonderfully overwhelming. Anno operates on an entirely separate sphere of thought, conceptualising and visualising bold human concepts whilst simultaneously deconstructing anime tropes and delivering an exhilarating, empowering piece of entertainment. His extraordinary world-building, brutally tense action sequences and rich assortment of characters converge into something that is wholly original and utterly breathtaking to behold.

Even though so much of the anime may be incomprehensible, what stands out most prominently throughout the entire run is the phenomenal characterisation, brimming with depth, complexity and emotion. Each character is beautifully realised, whose striking appearances hide a layer of emotional trauma that shapes the very nature of their psychology. Shinji Ikari is an insecure, socially awkward and repressed individual suffering from intense depression and abandonment issues. His nuanced and flawed nature makes him immensely relatable and sympathetic, yet the show is never afraid to acknowledge and criticise the questionable choices he makes. These various elements form what is possibly the greatest protagonist of all time, whose evolution over the series is certainly shocking, but completely gratifying on so many levels.

The supporting Eva pilots are equally as compelling, though each carries their own unique weight. Rei Ayanami, known for her iconic appearance, appears as a cold, emotionless shell of a human being, struggling to reconcile the nature of her existence when the world constantly tries to counteract that. Asuka Langley Soryu is a hot-headed, outspoken girl that reveals something far deeper and more painful beneath her hard exterior. The series takes both of them on fascinating journeys, offering enthralling confrontations of inner demons whilst presenting dynamic interplay between those around them. It pushes and forces them to the brim, giving way to some of the most dramatic and arresting moments in anime.

These three adolescents find themselves burdened with the weight of humanity as they pilot the Evangelions against the deadly Angels in thrilling battles. Tinged with the utmost tension due to the mechanics of how the pilots must synchronise with their Evas, these exciting bursts of action are propulsive, intense and destructive. The immaculate animation unleashes in a bountiful display of precise, poetic compositions alongside explosive moments of catharsis.

Unlike most mecha anime, the Evangelions have a real weight and presence on screen. They’re grounded within the reality, restrained within confinements that heightens the suspense greatly. The sense of scale and daunting nature of them makes for some bold and striking imagery that becomes vividly stained into your memory, both a glorious and horrifying sight. The mecha action is not simply used for mere entertainment though, rather it serves a crucial purpose for symbolising the moral complexities of human behaviour. Being an Eva pilot is a cursed existence, not a glorified playground for adolescents to be heroes. It’s painful and traumatic for these young people and the show appropriately explores the effect of each battle in harrowing style.

While the first half of the show gradually unveils the thematically dense nature of the narrative, the second half completely embraces itself, threading through a constant barrage of exceedingly intricate concepts, interpretations and notions. Whilst most shows would tend to unveil the truth by the end, Evangelion wants to evolve to something greater, something more meaningful and something far superior. It’s a beautiful examination of life, society and the self, that pushes the boundaries of the art form by challenging the viewer to question their own purpose. Now, this may all sound completely pretentious, as though some artist went on a self-indulgent trip through their subconscious to cobble together their train of thought into a meaningless visual form, except Hideaki Anno does exactly that while making it all flow and build in a cohesive, immensely satisfying style that left me breathless.

The feeling that Evangelion gave me was something almost otherworldly. It was abstract and ambiguous, but so masterfully constructed in a way that a lack of logical understanding was not detrimental, but rather enriching because it left so much more to decipher and appreciate. Visions and moments had visceral effects, nothing was inconsequential and everything felt earned. Revelations, reveals and subversions were consistently sensational and fit within the larger, beautiful, constantly evolving and morphing sphere of tangible and intangible notions that forms the wondrous appeal of the show. It erupted a desire for something more inside me and at the same time, filled a desire within me that I never even knew I needed.

Now the finale of the original series is widely known to be controversial, with The End of Evangelion film created to serve as an alternate ending, demonstrating the divisive nature of Episodes 25 and 26. Nothing short of unpredictable, they are Evangelion at its most Evangelion. It’s mind-bending, perplexing but it may just be the most innovative finale ever created. It’s incredibly satisfying on an emotional level, serving as a final remark on the central thematic ideas of depression, loneliness and existence. It is an elegant, ingenious solution to the mass budgetary and production issues at the time, ultimately leaving an impact even greater than that of The Second Impact. It’s the finale that you never expected, but it’s the finale that the story needed and rightfully deserved.

When it comes down to everything, what is Neon Genesis Evangelion? Who is Neon Genesis Evangelion? Why is Neon Genesis Evangelion? At its core, it’s a subversive deconstruction on the mecha anime genre that challenges its characters to confront emotional trauma and reconcile their self and their self in others. As a whole, it’s a masterwork of storytelling that boldly pushes the boundaries of what anime has the potential to be. It’s beautifully complex, emotionally enthralling and revolutionary in every single way possible. It is a timeless, enduring classic, a landmark in animation and one of the very best works of art to ever grace our lives. Thank you, Hideaki Anno, for crafting this flawless masterwork.