Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

To whomever is reading this review: I have watched this series 3 times. Each time, I enjoy it more than the last. If you are on the fence about watching shit show, watch it now and keep an open mind to everything. Expect the unexpected and pay attention to everything. Some shows allow you to shut your brain off while watching, this show does not. If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask in forums or online, the show can and will be confusing at times, but once you wrap your head around what is happening, it will all make sense (trust me,I've been there).

Before I write any more of my review I want to say: Evangelion is not a normal show. Production issues, experimental directing, and a darker tone tend to alienate those that watch the show and expect something more simple and less confusing/"boring".

Start of actual review--------------------

Story: 9.5

I have to be honest. Evangelion might be one of the best stories of the modern era. While it isn't exactly as great as Berserk or Steel Ball Run in that regard, it is unique and quite compelling for a 90's anime.
The pacing of the show is perfect, keeping you on your toes at parts while it eases you into backstory and exposition at other parts. The way the fights against the Angels and the key developing moments for some characters were weaved together was nothing short of fantastic (Episode 22 or Episode 16 are probably my favorites when it comes to this sort of Angel/character development content).
However, the story isn't perfect. While I think the show does a good job with pacing in most aspects, there are issues when it comes to explaining information required to understand what is happening in the show. I found while watching with a friend that a lot of the questions he was asking with answers pertinent to the episode we were on weren't actually answerable until we got to like episode 21 or 22. The show keeps you in the dark for most of its run, which I think harms the show more than it helps. Although these issues do hold the show back, I wouldn't give the show a bad rating due to these problems alone.
One of the philosophies that the creators of the show had while producing it was making the show "like a puzzle". They wanted people to find their own answers to questions that they were posing while watching the show, hence why a lot of the important information relating to the show is partially or fully comprised of fan theories. To me, this makes the show's story significantly better. While I can understand the frustration that lack of explanation would cause other viewers of the show, I find it rather enjoyable that I can watch the show and devise my own theories as to what actually happens during the story.

Art and Sound: 8.5

Not much to say about this topic. I thought that the characters were kinda lazily designed in some aspects, with most of the kids sharing the exact same facial structure and body types, however I think this can just be attributed to how this was an anime produced in the 90's and the adults all looked different enough for me to not take any points away from the score. Some of the directing was questionable as well, with the Train Station scene going on for what seemed like ages. I understand that I'm supposed to be thinking with the characters and going through what they were going through at the time, but I think it was executed well in some scenes and poorly in others (The Elevator Scene isn't actually that terrible when you view it in context).
As for the Sound, I think that Evangelion hits the nail right on the head. While the soundtrack for the show is never really praised, I believe that the music chosen to play during certain moments was absolutely perfect. The show also has a phenomenal opening sequence, backed by a perfect song to fit the mood and theme of Evangelion. Before I finish this segment of the review, I have to give special props to "Komm Susser Tod". While that song isn't actually in Neon Genesis Evangelion, I would consider End of Evangelion to be part of the main series.

Characters: 10, no, 11

Without a doubt, the crowning achievement of the entire show. Evangelion manages to create one of the most relatable and diverse cast of characters that I have ever seen in an anime. I would love to openly discuss what I think of each character, but instead I will highlight a few of my favorites from the show.

Shinji: While he might seem unlikable in the beginning, once you learn more about him and peer into his mind, you start to realize the hell he's going through and the burdens he carries. Hands down the most misunderstood anime character of all time. While he doesn't act like a typical hero, he does what he can in every situation for the most part. His problems aren't easily solved, and the show mainly focuses on how he chooses to live with said problems. If you intend to write for a living, I implore you to study Shinji as a character and see what makes him so strong from a writing perspective.

Asuka: While she used to be my least favorite character in all of anime, I learned to feel bad for her on my second and third watch-throughs. She may act stuck up and prissy throughout the show, and will most likely piss you off a couple of times during the show (especially in those early episodes), but once you come to realize where she is coming from and why she acts the way she does, it's easy to see that she might not be completely justified but you can at least sympathize for her given the circumstances that she finds herself in.

Gendo Ikari: My favorite character in the show. While he is painted as a villain during the show, I want anyone to go through and rewatch his interactions with certain characters, certain things, and listen to the conversation he has during the End of Evangelion (you'll know the one I'm talking about when you get there). He might actually not be a bad guy after all. I would love to go more in depth about Gendo in this review, but I can't without venturing into spoiler territory.

Each character in the show feels different in one way or another, which is what I enjoy the most about the show. The way all of them act and the choices each of them make; that is the most well executed part of this show.

Enjoyment: 10

I think my enjoyment of the show has been echoed throughout this review, so I just want to remind any viewers of the show to keep an open mind and to pay attention. There are a lot of details in the show that if missed, can cause lots and lots of confusion later on. And if there's something you don't understand about the show, don't worry. Look it up online or come up with your own theory as to what the show might be trying to convey.

Overall: 9.5

I can't give this show a 10, because there isn't a perfect anime, but this show gets damn close to being perfect. If the pacing was better in some parts and there wasn't as much forward planning in the show, then I think it could be a perfect 10. Also, have to take away a few points for Episodes 25 and 26. While End of Evangelion fixed these episodes, they still exist and were still produced, thus they must be taken into consideration when grading the anime as a whole.

One last thing: don't buy into the hype of this show. People say it changed anime, which it did, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. The show was groundbreaking at the time and inspired many many shows after its initial run, but there are shows that exist today that would be considered better than it. That's all, please leave feedback for me, this is my third review :>