Written by: Kevin Berge
Aw, look at them all smiling and happy. If only they knew... (Image Courtesy of: ghostlightning.wordpress.com)
In the hierarchy of great anime, few names stand as tall for their importance as Neon Genesis Evangelion. Its popularity sparked a renewal of the mecha genre that was once the dominant archetype in anime, and its more subtle storytelling pervades the work of many works.
Despite its popularity though, Evangelion is a rather divisive subject. Even those who love it are not always certain they know what it means. Born from the mind of Hideaki Anno, it is a story drenched in his clinical depression alongside his philosophical ruminations.
It took me a while to get to this series because I didn't know how ready I was to face it. It's a series that railed against anime tropes and concepts only to be fetishized by that same culture. I didn't know if I would ever be ready to give it an honest firm look.
Despite its popularity though, Evangelion is a rather divisive subject. Even those who love it are not always certain they know what it means. Born from the mind of Hideaki Anno, it is a story drenched in his clinical depression alongside his philosophical ruminations.
It took me a while to get to this series because I didn't know how ready I was to face it. It's a series that railed against anime tropes and concepts only to be fetishized by that same culture. I didn't know if I would ever be ready to give it an honest firm look.
Basic Story Set-Up
In an alternate reality where Japan has been reeling from the attacks of giant beings called Angels, teenager Shinji Ikari is brought in by his estranged father to pilot the only weapon humans have against Angels, mechs called Evas, just as the Angels return to attack once more.
To save humanity, he must pilot the Eva with only his impressive instincts alongside fellow pilots and classmates Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sōryu. While they follow orders in this war, they have no idea the depths of the mysteries they are involved in as each threats ramps up.
To save humanity, he must pilot the Eva with only his impressive instincts alongside fellow pilots and classmates Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sōryu. While they follow orders in this war, they have no idea the depths of the mysteries they are involved in as each threats ramps up.
Asuka: the true protagonist of the series, tragically treated as background for boring Shinji. (Image Courtesy of: hdwallsbox.com)
Story Arc Analysis
***This is the only section of the review that will contain spoilers and expects the reader has seen the show. If you have not yet seen Evangelion, skip to the Impact and Art Style section.***
The Life of an Eva Pilot (Episodes 1-14): While it is dark and dense from the start, Evangelion starts fairly conventional. We meet our heroes, and they conquer rising challenges while learning to work together. It's a delightfully simple opening act that likely influenced many other mech shows to follow.
There are hints here though of what is to come. The main characters are heavily defined by simplified storytelling. Shinji takes cues from Rei to be closed off and compliant until Asuka arrives with her boisterous confidence and pushes him to be more outgoing.
The fights are fun, and the storytelling builds a strong basis of mystery for the future. However, this is not where Evangelion defines its identity. It is almost a misdirection, leaving just enough clues to set up a sharp downturn in joy and control.
Truth and Degradation (Eps 15-24): The first act defines the characters simply so that it is not completely surprising when they fall apart. Each character spirals into depression through their problematic trait: Shinji's lack of desire, Rei's misunderstanding of self, Asuka's shattered confidence.
It's hard to watch as they all are fully played as tools in a larger game. Shinji especially does not seem to even realize he's spiraling until he's merged with his Eva and has begun eating an Angel. He helps reveal that the simple mechs are far more sinister and frightening than they appear.
The climax here is the betrayal of Shinji by his father. When Shinji's friend Toji Suzuhara is selected as the fourth Eva pilot and the experiment goes wrong, Shinji is tasked with destroying the Eva, not knowing Toji is inside. Even though he refuses, his father takes over and forces Shinji to watch as his own Eva nearly kills Toji.
That said, the most intense storyline of this act is the fall of Asuka. The proud and confident pilot slowly watches as the uninterested Shinji blows past her in success. She can't handle it, and she cracks. The most upbeat and energetic character is left in a shell of her own depression.
Existential Crisis (Eps 25-26): The final two episodes of the original series are a head trip through an existential crisis as all the characters wrestle with their identities and desires. It basically throws out the plot to end on a philosophical discussion of self.
It is obvious these episodes were heavily strained for budget with half-finished animations and completely unfinished art. Still, the style works because it plays up the idea of the bizarre journey through fractured minds.
While I enjoy the episodes for what they are and they are quite fascinating, this was never going to be the right way to end this series, leaving so much unfulfilled. There are important thematic moments here, but there's not a true story being told.
The End (The End of Evangelion): This feels like the true ending of the series, a complete breakdown of the build up to this point. It is intense, brutal, and incredibly depressing. It feels right for where the show was leading with multiple scenes that are among the most memorable of the series.
However, it also showcases the fundamental flaw with Evangelion. This series was created through Anno's depression. The deterioration of the plot and characters is a showcase of pent-up frustration and a wealth of unanswered questions. End of Evangelion is the culmination.
In no uncertain terms, this is a work of pure frustration. Everyone dies. The world is destroyed. Shinji is forced once more to face his identity but does so alone and lashes out at all the people who would try to help him.
This is a dense series with a dense film at its end, so it is possible that I am underreading the final act. However, this feels like depression plastered on the screen for all to see, and it's not all that enjoyable to watch in its complete vision. I came out of the viewing feeling terrible.
Rebuild of Evangelion: These theatrical reboots of the series are a unique concept that should be tackled in full in the future once the fourth and final film is released. Until then, it is just interesting to consider this quartet of films as a rewrite from Anno driven by his happier life since the end of Evangelion.
The Life of an Eva Pilot (Episodes 1-14): While it is dark and dense from the start, Evangelion starts fairly conventional. We meet our heroes, and they conquer rising challenges while learning to work together. It's a delightfully simple opening act that likely influenced many other mech shows to follow.
There are hints here though of what is to come. The main characters are heavily defined by simplified storytelling. Shinji takes cues from Rei to be closed off and compliant until Asuka arrives with her boisterous confidence and pushes him to be more outgoing.
The fights are fun, and the storytelling builds a strong basis of mystery for the future. However, this is not where Evangelion defines its identity. It is almost a misdirection, leaving just enough clues to set up a sharp downturn in joy and control.
Truth and Degradation (Eps 15-24): The first act defines the characters simply so that it is not completely surprising when they fall apart. Each character spirals into depression through their problematic trait: Shinji's lack of desire, Rei's misunderstanding of self, Asuka's shattered confidence.
It's hard to watch as they all are fully played as tools in a larger game. Shinji especially does not seem to even realize he's spiraling until he's merged with his Eva and has begun eating an Angel. He helps reveal that the simple mechs are far more sinister and frightening than they appear.
The climax here is the betrayal of Shinji by his father. When Shinji's friend Toji Suzuhara is selected as the fourth Eva pilot and the experiment goes wrong, Shinji is tasked with destroying the Eva, not knowing Toji is inside. Even though he refuses, his father takes over and forces Shinji to watch as his own Eva nearly kills Toji.
That said, the most intense storyline of this act is the fall of Asuka. The proud and confident pilot slowly watches as the uninterested Shinji blows past her in success. She can't handle it, and she cracks. The most upbeat and energetic character is left in a shell of her own depression.
Existential Crisis (Eps 25-26): The final two episodes of the original series are a head trip through an existential crisis as all the characters wrestle with their identities and desires. It basically throws out the plot to end on a philosophical discussion of self.
It is obvious these episodes were heavily strained for budget with half-finished animations and completely unfinished art. Still, the style works because it plays up the idea of the bizarre journey through fractured minds.
While I enjoy the episodes for what they are and they are quite fascinating, this was never going to be the right way to end this series, leaving so much unfulfilled. There are important thematic moments here, but there's not a true story being told.
The End (The End of Evangelion): This feels like the true ending of the series, a complete breakdown of the build up to this point. It is intense, brutal, and incredibly depressing. It feels right for where the show was leading with multiple scenes that are among the most memorable of the series.
However, it also showcases the fundamental flaw with Evangelion. This series was created through Anno's depression. The deterioration of the plot and characters is a showcase of pent-up frustration and a wealth of unanswered questions. End of Evangelion is the culmination.
In no uncertain terms, this is a work of pure frustration. Everyone dies. The world is destroyed. Shinji is forced once more to face his identity but does so alone and lashes out at all the people who would try to help him.
This is a dense series with a dense film at its end, so it is possible that I am underreading the final act. However, this feels like depression plastered on the screen for all to see, and it's not all that enjoyable to watch in its complete vision. I came out of the viewing feeling terrible.
Rebuild of Evangelion: These theatrical reboots of the series are a unique concept that should be tackled in full in the future once the fourth and final film is released. Until then, it is just interesting to consider this quartet of films as a rewrite from Anno driven by his happier life since the end of Evangelion.
With how much time Rei spends bandaged up, you'd assume it was a default part of her attire. (Image Courtesy of: desktopimages.org)
Impact and Art Style
Neon Genesis Evangelion was Anno's attempt to pour all his emotions into one series, blasting the otaku culture while addressing the questions that plagued his mind. It is impressively ironic that so much of what Anno meant the series to stand for was inverted by fans.
At its core, this is a story about depression, in particular focusing on self-worth. All three Eva pilots are plagued by self-loathing in different forms. They can't find joy and comfort in other because they cannot love themselves. They must learn to accept themselves which seems impossible.
This leads to a dark and depressing show especially down the stretch. As director, Anno puts a heavy focus on visual style. He leans into shots and makes his frames count. Even as the show ran low on budget, you can still see the mastery of artistic storytelling.
However, the show is so densely packed with one man's negative emotions that a deep dive feels overwhelming. This show relies heavily on the sexuality of the characters whose explorations of that sexuality can be convoluted if not actively mean-spirited.
The series clearly takes heavy influence from certain philosophers especially Sigmund Freud. The series has an intense focus on motherly figures and the desire to return to the womb that is heavily symbolized by the Evas. The series would hold up well to a complete psychoanalysis study.
There's no breathing room which may be the reason many don't take the series for its intended purpose. It's hard to enjoy something so dark and depressing. It is a beautiful artistic vision that can be tough to keep looking at.
At its core, this is a story about depression, in particular focusing on self-worth. All three Eva pilots are plagued by self-loathing in different forms. They can't find joy and comfort in other because they cannot love themselves. They must learn to accept themselves which seems impossible.
This leads to a dark and depressing show especially down the stretch. As director, Anno puts a heavy focus on visual style. He leans into shots and makes his frames count. Even as the show ran low on budget, you can still see the mastery of artistic storytelling.
However, the show is so densely packed with one man's negative emotions that a deep dive feels overwhelming. This show relies heavily on the sexuality of the characters whose explorations of that sexuality can be convoluted if not actively mean-spirited.
The series clearly takes heavy influence from certain philosophers especially Sigmund Freud. The series has an intense focus on motherly figures and the desire to return to the womb that is heavily symbolized by the Evas. The series would hold up well to a complete psychoanalysis study.
There's no breathing room which may be the reason many don't take the series for its intended purpose. It's hard to enjoy something so dark and depressing. It is a beautiful artistic vision that can be tough to keep looking at.
Sub vs. Dub
The difference in quality here is staggering. This series was originally released in 1995, so it was always likely the dub simply would not hold up. It is noticeable from the opening episode that the show just loses something in translation with the English dub.
It would be nice honestly to see the show redubbed because it can be tough to follow in the original Japanese with occasional flurries of dialogue that happen simultaneously on screen. This is a detail-oriented series, and English speakers may miss some details with only subs.
That said, the English dub is just too much of a mess even if it makes it easier to follow the show. The complicated dialogue will always sound better in Japanese except when Asuka's voice actress Yūko Miyamura tries to speak German. Neither voice actresses pulls that off.
Recommended: Sub
It would be nice honestly to see the show redubbed because it can be tough to follow in the original Japanese with occasional flurries of dialogue that happen simultaneously on screen. This is a detail-oriented series, and English speakers may miss some details with only subs.
That said, the English dub is just too much of a mess even if it makes it easier to follow the show. The complicated dialogue will always sound better in Japanese except when Asuka's voice actress Yūko Miyamura tries to speak German. Neither voice actresses pulls that off.
Recommended: Sub
What was Anno thinking making mechs this cool? He had to know they would turn into a phenomenon out of his control. (Image Courtesy of: sf.co.uk)
Conclusion
I wanted to love Evangelion. I greatly enjoyed much of my experience with the series, but its flaws begin to pile up as the show reaches its climax. This is not just because of the budgetary issues but also the clear dark vision of Anno brought to startling life. It feels actively hostile.
Honestly, I found myself to relating to Shinji early on which did not help my experience down the stretch. The series caused my own darker emotions to surface, and it made the show impossible to enjoy at times. I had to back out and refocus just to get through the anime.
I can respect that type of dense emotion, but it is not an experience I would ever seek out. I still cannot downgrade the show too much because it feels completely unique and masterful in its construction. If I had just watched the first 22 episodes, I would have a glowing review of the series, and the later parts are absolutely well made.
I say that despite some glaring narrative flaws. This show can seem choppy in its construction at times due to its eccentricities. Other times, it is just incomplete storytelling, but it never distracts from the emotion and focus of the show for better or worse.
My grade feels irrelevant for this series. I don't have any desire to ever watch Eva again. It's too much in my personal experience. From its in-focus depression to its actively mean-spirited portrayal of sexuality, the show feels like a punch in the gut that won't go away.
However, I do see its value. I understand why many can enjoy it. That's why I think any anime fan should give it a chance but be willing to let it go if it is too much. Some will find it too enigmatic. Others will revel in the dense hive of philosophical thought. At this time in my life though, it was the wrong show for me to watch.
Honestly, I found myself to relating to Shinji early on which did not help my experience down the stretch. The series caused my own darker emotions to surface, and it made the show impossible to enjoy at times. I had to back out and refocus just to get through the anime.
I can respect that type of dense emotion, but it is not an experience I would ever seek out. I still cannot downgrade the show too much because it feels completely unique and masterful in its construction. If I had just watched the first 22 episodes, I would have a glowing review of the series, and the later parts are absolutely well made.
I say that despite some glaring narrative flaws. This show can seem choppy in its construction at times due to its eccentricities. Other times, it is just incomplete storytelling, but it never distracts from the emotion and focus of the show for better or worse.
My grade feels irrelevant for this series. I don't have any desire to ever watch Eva again. It's too much in my personal experience. From its in-focus depression to its actively mean-spirited portrayal of sexuality, the show feels like a punch in the gut that won't go away.
However, I do see its value. I understand why many can enjoy it. That's why I think any anime fan should give it a chance but be willing to let it go if it is too much. Some will find it too enigmatic. Others will revel in the dense hive of philosophical thought. At this time in my life though, it was the wrong show for me to watch.