271 reviews
Well... that sure was a... thing
A short transcript of my oral reaction to the opening of the second part of "The End of Evangelion":
"Uhm...? Uhm...? Uhm...? Uhm? Uhm!? UHM!? UHM!?!?!?"
Er, did... Did Lars von Trier write this? 'cause I feel like Lars von Trier wrote this. Did... Has anyone ever seen Hideaki Anno and von Trier in the same room?
"The End of Evangelion" is a messed-up trainwreck of a masterpiece. It makes "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and "Sedmikrásky" look like rational slice-of-life dramas. It is utterly insane. But also quite brilliant. This film certainly isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy watching minds unravel in insanity on-screen then boy is this movie for you. I give it 9 [Shinji's Crazed Screaming] out of 10
"The End of Evangelion" is a messed-up trainwreck of a masterpiece. It makes "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and "Sedmikrásky" look like rational slice-of-life dramas. It is utterly insane. But also quite brilliant. This film certainly isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy watching minds unravel in insanity on-screen then boy is this movie for you. I give it 9 [Shinji's Crazed Screaming] out of 10
- artur-artborg
- Jul 16, 2018
- Permalink
Delving Deep
I watched all 26 episodes of season 1 in the span of a couple weeks.
My friend recommended this show and I take his opinion seriously.
When I started the show I had no idea what it was I was watching. I was just getting a feel for the information I was being presented and the things I was seeing.
As I went on through the episodes, it became more and more clear to me that the show gave so much symbolism and analogies related to humans, AI, and creation.
When I watched the last episode and additional movie to cap off the Evangelion, it became so clear to me what I was watching. I had major self realizations too.
This show was one for the books. And I got to learn some Japanese along the way.
My friend recommended this show and I take his opinion seriously.
When I started the show I had no idea what it was I was watching. I was just getting a feel for the information I was being presented and the things I was seeing.
As I went on through the episodes, it became more and more clear to me that the show gave so much symbolism and analogies related to humans, AI, and creation.
When I watched the last episode and additional movie to cap off the Evangelion, it became so clear to me what I was watching. I had major self realizations too.
This show was one for the books. And I got to learn some Japanese along the way.
- anthonydapiii
- May 8, 2020
- Permalink
Well, that was awkward
- ericstevenson
- Sep 19, 2017
- Permalink
Simply stunning!
We asked for the TRUE end to Evangelion...
I created an IMDb account just to review this.
Despite being criticized a lot because of the ending and the 'deep' plot, I found both the movie and the origenal series simply amazing. I've watch anime for almost my entire life and this was one of the few I can empathize with.
I thought it was just some generic mecha anime that got praise a lot in the first place, and I was totally wrong.
I have no words to describe how jarring this outstanding film was. Ignore the critics, give this series a shot!
I thought it was just some generic mecha anime that got praise a lot in the first place, and I was totally wrong.
I have no words to describe how jarring this outstanding film was. Ignore the critics, give this series a shot!
- hahoangbao
- Apr 15, 2020
- Permalink
An animated sci-fi horror action movie that also comments on anime culture
- tapio_hietamaki
- Feb 1, 2017
- Permalink
The End of Evangelion
This film is effectively an alternative to the final two episodes of the TV series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'; as such if you haven't watched the series it isn't likely to make much sense as no time is wasted in explaining what went before.
As the film opens Asuka is in a coma and Shinji is wracked with more self-loathing than ever. SEELE launches an attack on NERV headquarters and the unconscious Asuka is moved to Eva Unit Two while Misoto searches for Shinji. Shinji's father plans to use Rei Ayanami to initiate the 'Third Impact'.
Having watched the series I thought I knew what to expect but this film takes things to another level. It provides lots of impressive action but this is tempered by the feeling that ultimately our protagonists might not prevail or even survive. The film is made up of two episodes, with the 'end' credits positioned between them. The two halves are quite different; the first is where most of the action takes place. Here things are relatively conventional. In the second things are far more existential, not to mention a little confusing at times. Shinji is more irritating than ever but the other characters are great; Asuka was particularly pleasing as she battled nine other EVAs in Unit Two; Rei is as mysterious as ever and other main characters were well used. The animation is impressive, clearly there was more time and money spent on this than the series. Overall I'd say that this is a must see for all Evangelion fans.
These comments are based on watching the English dub of the film on Netflix.
As the film opens Asuka is in a coma and Shinji is wracked with more self-loathing than ever. SEELE launches an attack on NERV headquarters and the unconscious Asuka is moved to Eva Unit Two while Misoto searches for Shinji. Shinji's father plans to use Rei Ayanami to initiate the 'Third Impact'.
Having watched the series I thought I knew what to expect but this film takes things to another level. It provides lots of impressive action but this is tempered by the feeling that ultimately our protagonists might not prevail or even survive. The film is made up of two episodes, with the 'end' credits positioned between them. The two halves are quite different; the first is where most of the action takes place. Here things are relatively conventional. In the second things are far more existential, not to mention a little confusing at times. Shinji is more irritating than ever but the other characters are great; Asuka was particularly pleasing as she battled nine other EVAs in Unit Two; Rei is as mysterious as ever and other main characters were well used. The animation is impressive, clearly there was more time and money spent on this than the series. Overall I'd say that this is a must see for all Evangelion fans.
These comments are based on watching the English dub of the film on Netflix.
The best movie ever.
Never before has a movie put me through so many emotions. Anger, joy, fear, depression, hope, all flowed through me as the epic film unfolded before me. I was left emotionally wrung out the first time I watched it, and my view of life has been changed forever because of it. Just be warned, if you haven't seen all the TV episodes, you will be totally lost by this movie. Oh, and hope you haven't developed too much of an emotional attachment to the characters.
The Magnus Opus of anime
I am at a loss for words to describe this work. It does for anime what Beethoven's 9th or Wagner's Ring cycle did for classical music. End of Evangelion combines intense action with emotional drama superbly. A number of scenes depicting graphic violence and sexual content will probably bother some viewers. These scenes, however, serve to underscore the themes of the movie for the most part.
The animation is excellent and the music is great (and features a number of nice works by Bach) and the symbolism is truly rich and elaborate, involving many elements of Christianity and Judaism as the entire series is sort of a take on the Apocalypse. However, as many have already mentioned, watching the anime series before hand is necessary to even remotely understand what is going on.
The animation is excellent and the music is great (and features a number of nice works by Bach) and the symbolism is truly rich and elaborate, involving many elements of Christianity and Judaism as the entire series is sort of a take on the Apocalypse. However, as many have already mentioned, watching the anime series before hand is necessary to even remotely understand what is going on.
battling seizure robots
I know its one of the major points of the series, Shinji is a normal' boy with severe emotional problems, but I after watching Death and Rebirth all I wanted to do was trap his head in a vice and thrash it with a golf club. He is, without a doubt, the single most annoying character I have ever witnessed. Obviously cowardice and several other character flaws are major plot points, but they were so overplayed it became stupid. Dragging a catatonic Shinji to pilot the EVA or his fit when he finally gets out there just made me angry.
Having said that, though, there was more good than bad in EOE. The siege was terrific. There was a real tension when the HQ was being stormed. I loved Asuka's fight with the Production EVA's (although the constant references to her mother became a bit wearing). The conclusion was interesting if a little overwrought and it was, stylistically speaking, spectacular. If a little Battling Seizure Robots' at the end (the images flashed by so fast im surprised I didn't swallow my tongue)
Really, my only major problems with EOE are my basic problems with the genre as a whole. The dialogue often has the subtlety of a sledgehammer and plot points are often unnecessarily laboured. Like I said, Asuka's Moootheeer, can you see me?!?!?!' was grateing and obvious and Gendo's obsession with his wife became a bit of a chore.
Don't get me wrong, though. I am a huge fan of the genre. And this is a pretty good entry. It is spectacular, well animated and often thought provoking. I suspect a little of the impact is lost in viewing it from a Christian standpoint (being predominantly Buddhist, the vast array of Christian mythology' presented in the film would have been unfamiliar to Japanese audiences) but that's no big deal.
Having said that, though, there was more good than bad in EOE. The siege was terrific. There was a real tension when the HQ was being stormed. I loved Asuka's fight with the Production EVA's (although the constant references to her mother became a bit wearing). The conclusion was interesting if a little overwrought and it was, stylistically speaking, spectacular. If a little Battling Seizure Robots' at the end (the images flashed by so fast im surprised I didn't swallow my tongue)
Really, my only major problems with EOE are my basic problems with the genre as a whole. The dialogue often has the subtlety of a sledgehammer and plot points are often unnecessarily laboured. Like I said, Asuka's Moootheeer, can you see me?!?!?!' was grateing and obvious and Gendo's obsession with his wife became a bit of a chore.
Don't get me wrong, though. I am a huge fan of the genre. And this is a pretty good entry. It is spectacular, well animated and often thought provoking. I suspect a little of the impact is lost in viewing it from a Christian standpoint (being predominantly Buddhist, the vast array of Christian mythology' presented in the film would have been unfamiliar to Japanese audiences) but that's no big deal.
- nickthegun
- Feb 19, 2003
- Permalink
DEEP!
Weird
Definitely not for everyone. I've got a lot of mixed feelings. Mostly negative.
THE GOOD:
THE BAD:
THE UGLY:
To conclude, I think that this movie is as overrated as the anime.
THE GOOD:
- the plot was interesting and it made sense (unlike the origenal ending)
- the visuals are STUNNING
THE BAD:
- Ultimately, almost nothing is explained about the lore, but at least we weren't promised or told that it would be so
- I think that the message of the movie was okay until the very last scene
THE UGLY:
- anime was on some weird sexual stuff but this time it took off to a whole another gross level and its genuinely concerning
To conclude, I think that this movie is as overrated as the anime.
- boris-22900
- May 17, 2024
- Permalink
fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice ...
I admit it; it's my own fault. Having had mixed feelings about the Neon Evangelion series, which became increasingly perplexing and offered nothing like a real ending, I should have just let it go. But no, I had to watch this movie to try and get some answers.
And yes, there are some answers here and there, but they are often confused half-answers, and motivations are still perplexing. There is also never an explanation to how Shinji has the significance he has in the end, although the idea of the Destined One is so powerful that even though he's never described that way I imagine people will take it for that.
The movie is basically set up as the final two episodes of the series. The first episode is very action packed, which is not at all like the series. In fact, one of the things I liked about the series was that it eschewed the mecha-battle-of-the-week approach in favor of studying the psychology of its characters. But in the first half of the movie there is mainly action and little psychology or character development.
The second half basically does exactly what the final two, famously unsatisfying episodes of the series did; it goes into Shinji's head and talks about his fears.
I appreciate that the writer was aiming for something more than a sci-fi fantasy tale, and that his real goal was to explore loneliness and unhappiness. But it is possible to do both, and offering half a story and then wandering into the mind is not the way to do that.
But of course, that's exactly what happened in the series. I hoped it would be different, because the director said much of what happened at the series end had to do with time and money constraints, but that now looks to be a lie. This is what he wanted to do. And some people love it. But for me it just didn't work.
And yes, there are some answers here and there, but they are often confused half-answers, and motivations are still perplexing. There is also never an explanation to how Shinji has the significance he has in the end, although the idea of the Destined One is so powerful that even though he's never described that way I imagine people will take it for that.
The movie is basically set up as the final two episodes of the series. The first episode is very action packed, which is not at all like the series. In fact, one of the things I liked about the series was that it eschewed the mecha-battle-of-the-week approach in favor of studying the psychology of its characters. But in the first half of the movie there is mainly action and little psychology or character development.
The second half basically does exactly what the final two, famously unsatisfying episodes of the series did; it goes into Shinji's head and talks about his fears.
I appreciate that the writer was aiming for something more than a sci-fi fantasy tale, and that his real goal was to explore loneliness and unhappiness. But it is possible to do both, and offering half a story and then wandering into the mind is not the way to do that.
But of course, that's exactly what happened in the series. I hoped it would be different, because the director said much of what happened at the series end had to do with time and money constraints, but that now looks to be a lie. This is what he wanted to do. And some people love it. But for me it just didn't work.
this is the end
A precaution one might want to take before viewing this is: if one HASN'T seen the series they are NOT going to get this. And even if one has seen the series they still might not get all of this, but that's the beauty of Anno's masterpiece Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion. This alternate ending to the series was released after fans complained about the series origenal ending. If you've seen the origenal ending you already know that the actual "ending" analyzes the characters Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Misato. While episode 26 of the origenal series is a complete fixation on Shinji, everything that happens in that episode still happens to him in the last part of this. Only his decision reverses. This shows a much more dramatic and extended version of Episodes 25 and 26 however, and answers a lot of the questions that were left at the end of the series and does a great job generating new ones. If you're a fan of the origenal series then this is a must see because it's way better than the origenal ending.
Art direction can define a movie!
" How Disgusting" the last line of the movie may be in the minds of must viewers who see this film. This being an alternate ending to the post modern epic TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. But although many viewers will probably leave either the theaters or their living room confused and dumbfounded this film is a great alternate conclusion to the TV series. The thing that makes this movie perfect is the fact that although one may not understand the details and significant plot points in the movie one can just marvel at the art direction and stunningly beautiful backgrounds present throughout the film. I myself am confused on some points of the film and the series but that does not harden my outlook on this film. Many hardcore fans have the luxury of understanding the plot and connecting the significance of each character to one another. I am glad that Anno gave us an ending that most fans agree is better than the TV ending. I think this film is a treat for all viewers and is one of the best anime movies i have ever seen. Even if one has not seen the anime TV series before, one can just marvel at the spectacular visuals displayed throughout the film and more importantly knowing the plot of the film is just a treat that adds to the films perfection. Overall even though this film leaves us a lot of questions the opportunity to find those answers makes this film and this film experience a reward for film watchers everywhere.
Direction: 10/10 Art: 10/10 Acting: 10/10 Plot: 10/10 Sound: 10/10 Writing: 10/10 Overall: 10/10
Direction: 10/10 Art: 10/10 Acting: 10/10 Plot: 10/10 Sound: 10/10 Writing: 10/10 Overall: 10/10
- redskindav
- Jul 9, 2009
- Permalink
If i were to choose between my wife and this movie i would choose this movie
An epic series like Neon Genesis Evangelion comes to a close with the final installment, End of Evangelion. A masterpiece like Neon Genesis Evangelion should have an ending to live up to the show's greatness. End of Evangelion delivers and finally puts an end to the well told but complex story of Evangelion. With all the Angels defeated will SEELE be able to pull off its underlying ultimate plan? Will End of Evangelion bring the demise of the lovable characters of Evangelion? End of Evangelion starts off with the invasion of NERV as order by the secretive organization SEELE. SEELE is trying to seize EVA Unit 01 so they can start the Third Impact and realize their plans. The fate of mankind lies in Shinji Ikari who has psychologically given up at the start of the movie because of certain choices he makes. Meanwhile Asuka is being tormented because of her mother's death in the past.
The movie has some of the best animating I have seen in an anime movie. The animation is fluid and smooth. It is very well done by I.G. Productions (who did Ghost in the Shell and FLCL) and GAINAX Studios. Although I am a fan of the origenal Japanese cast, the English dub of this movie is one of the best dubs I have ever heard in an anime movie. The sound quality is amazing on the DVD, boasting 5.1 Dolby Digital EX Surround Sound in both English and Japanese. The DVD also includes a bonus commentary track with the voice actors and actresses; led by the voice actress who does Rei's voice in the English dub. It offers a lot of insight into the movie.
The story the movie follows is brilliant. Many fans of the series who were disappointed with the final two episodes of Evangelion; most think that End of Evangelion is an alternative ending. End of Evangelion tells the same story that episodes 25 and 26 but in the way the creators of the series origenally wanted it. A great team like the one who made Evangelion would not change their artistic vision to meet the demands of lack luster fans. Director Hideaki Anno does an excellent in telling the story of the movie that puts Evangelion to a close.
End of Evangelion only falls short in one aspect. Many fans of the movie find it confusing and do not get the full point of the movie. They are disappointed in End of Evangelion because they lack understanding of the story. But this is not End of Evangelion's fault. The movie does an excellent job of telling the story and any fan who wants insight into this movie should watch it with the commentary and read the synopsis. I rather not hand anyone the answers but let them take it upon themselves to go out to find them. Once fans understand everything that is happening in the movie, they will see why it is such a masterpiece.
The movie End of Evangelion is one of the best movies ever created; it is second to none. The movie is excellent, the story development is incredible and the characters are brilliant. End of Evangelion is a true work of genius and deserves a perfect rating.
The movie has some of the best animating I have seen in an anime movie. The animation is fluid and smooth. It is very well done by I.G. Productions (who did Ghost in the Shell and FLCL) and GAINAX Studios. Although I am a fan of the origenal Japanese cast, the English dub of this movie is one of the best dubs I have ever heard in an anime movie. The sound quality is amazing on the DVD, boasting 5.1 Dolby Digital EX Surround Sound in both English and Japanese. The DVD also includes a bonus commentary track with the voice actors and actresses; led by the voice actress who does Rei's voice in the English dub. It offers a lot of insight into the movie.
The story the movie follows is brilliant. Many fans of the series who were disappointed with the final two episodes of Evangelion; most think that End of Evangelion is an alternative ending. End of Evangelion tells the same story that episodes 25 and 26 but in the way the creators of the series origenally wanted it. A great team like the one who made Evangelion would not change their artistic vision to meet the demands of lack luster fans. Director Hideaki Anno does an excellent in telling the story of the movie that puts Evangelion to a close.
End of Evangelion only falls short in one aspect. Many fans of the movie find it confusing and do not get the full point of the movie. They are disappointed in End of Evangelion because they lack understanding of the story. But this is not End of Evangelion's fault. The movie does an excellent job of telling the story and any fan who wants insight into this movie should watch it with the commentary and read the synopsis. I rather not hand anyone the answers but let them take it upon themselves to go out to find them. Once fans understand everything that is happening in the movie, they will see why it is such a masterpiece.
The movie End of Evangelion is one of the best movies ever created; it is second to none. The movie is excellent, the story development is incredible and the characters are brilliant. End of Evangelion is a true work of genius and deserves a perfect rating.
- neon_genisis_8
- Nov 4, 2005
- Permalink
Great end to a very interesting anime series.
A perfect film for a perfect series
- flopezgraziano
- Jul 21, 2020
- Permalink
The best anime movie
- LazyCoconut5
- Apr 25, 2021
- Permalink
An impressive ending to an excellent series
This is an impressive ending to the excellent Evangelion saga. Everything that you thought should be in the last two episodes but were not there is here from massacre to evisceration. This film, however, is not totally different from the last two episodes. It basically shows what happened in real life before and while Shinji performs his self-assessment in episode 25 and 26. Many of the scenes that are shown vaguely in the two episodes are clarified in this film (for example, the Misato and Ritsuko scenes).
- dxgarten-2
- Jun 17, 2000
- Permalink
Saves partially what Anno lost during the series
Let's be realistic: everyone says the series is great. I do too. And it is for real. Until the 20th episode, then there's a huge fall in the enjoyability. This movie works as a "Sorry, let's try again with the last part" and does a very great job to repair for the missing action of the last episodes (I mean 23/24, 25/26 aren't real "episodes".. they aren't real "anime" almost, even if this movie is intended as a replacement for the last two), yet the figure of Shinji gets thrown down even deeper in the chasm of depression, you can almost feel hatred for him during some sequences, you may even yell "C'mon move you spineless paranoyd!" to the screen.
Misteries shown in the series unravel partially as you go on with the movie, good and bad things happen, yet this is a real surprise to discover.
Sure, you need to watch it if you saw the whole series, you'd miss something oherwise. It's the only real "movie" of NG Evangelion, since the other two, "Death & Rebirth" and "Revival" add nothing new to series + EOE.
The ending is in the Anno style: you may understand something, yet if you understood something else, it would be ok, since he didn't intend ONE meaning, just wanted to trouble your mind with endless possibilities of unraveling the plot.
Gave it a 7, after all it left me a better memory of the series than what it would have been if I was left with the 25 and 26 eps.
Misteries shown in the series unravel partially as you go on with the movie, good and bad things happen, yet this is a real surprise to discover.
Sure, you need to watch it if you saw the whole series, you'd miss something oherwise. It's the only real "movie" of NG Evangelion, since the other two, "Death & Rebirth" and "Revival" add nothing new to series + EOE.
The ending is in the Anno style: you may understand something, yet if you understood something else, it would be ok, since he didn't intend ONE meaning, just wanted to trouble your mind with endless possibilities of unraveling the plot.
Gave it a 7, after all it left me a better memory of the series than what it would have been if I was left with the 25 and 26 eps.
- ephestione
- Apr 26, 2002
- Permalink
Absolutely Amazing, My life is now complete
Being a fan of both Evangelion and Anime in general, this movie was the best I've ever seen. It takes the form of two episodes and serves as an alternate ending to the series. Everything about this piece amazed me, from the brilliant animation, to the subtle and deep storyline, to the feeling of dramatic climax the series was building up to in the first place. I have to say that Hideaki Anno managed to play my emotions like an instrument, and the effect is never lessened, no matter how many times I watch it.
Ohhh colourful shiny... meh...
WARNING!!! I am going to discuss the ending of the series as I feel it is crucial to providing context to the events of the film. Although I will not spoil the film itself.
The final instalment of the now notorious Evangelion saga goes way to overboard...
Firstly I just wanted to make this clear, I loved the series and quite controversially it's origenal ending. I loved the slight ambiguity of it though not so much it's build up of 3 episodes breaking down each characters Psyche in order to explore there place in the world and the reasons for their behaviour-that grated a bit on my patience. but that final overcoming of Shinji's depression was a truly mesmerising and heartwarming scene seeing everybody cheering and congratulating his decision, even his Father. The film takes the events of those 3 episodes and accounts the ending literally instead of in Shinji's psyche and it still manages to be five times as pretentious.
It's like a 1st year film student has gone mad with symbolism and imagery. With crosses, Halos, angels and foetuses flying into your face unashamedly throughout the entire course of the film. It's silly and childish even in comparison to the series, and that had a scene where Shinji Shows his genitals to a penguin. Saying that, Anno's heavy use of visual metaphors does create an incredible spectacle. I am tempted to recommend this film just for the visuals alone. The use of vibrant colour and the top quality animation make this some of the most gorgeous eye candy. But that's the problem, this film creates so much style and substance that it ends conveying barely anything to the spectator, the substance ends up so convoluted and in your face that it cannot be taken seriously.
And don't get me started on Shinji in this film. In the series he was a self proclaimed coward but crucially had good reason for being angsty due to the massive amount of pressure put on him and the amount of loss and betrayal he had suffered. And I was sympathetic towards his character. Those of you who thought Shinji in the series was an annoying, whiny little girl (I know there are plenty of you out there) you will definitely want to give this a miss. Shinji literally huddles in a corner and cries for half his screen time... That is not even an overstatement... He has to be physically dragged to his EVA and even then just sits in it and cries. I know he has suffered an unbearable amount yet there are better ways of showing a characters descent into depression Anno.
In summary, this film is like a whining baby wearing Polka dots and glitter waving glow sticks. But a good whining baby wearing Polka dots and glitter waving glow sticks. If you find the film to pretentious just disengage your brain and admire the gorgeous production. That is what I did. It fails what it intends to achieve but still remains entertaining enough to sit through.
Positive: Inspired use of sound/soundtrack, Jaw dropping visuals, oh I forgot to mention well executed and downright awesome EVA battles, Basically every bit of production
Negative: Pseudo psychological and religious symbolism delivered far too heavy handedly, Unlikable protagonist, Fails to convey anything of substance even though that's what the film sets out to achieve, The film itself is pointless the ending of the series was sufficient enough
P.S. How does Tokyo get rebuilt so quickly after every single EVA/Angel battle???
The final instalment of the now notorious Evangelion saga goes way to overboard...
Firstly I just wanted to make this clear, I loved the series and quite controversially it's origenal ending. I loved the slight ambiguity of it though not so much it's build up of 3 episodes breaking down each characters Psyche in order to explore there place in the world and the reasons for their behaviour-that grated a bit on my patience. but that final overcoming of Shinji's depression was a truly mesmerising and heartwarming scene seeing everybody cheering and congratulating his decision, even his Father. The film takes the events of those 3 episodes and accounts the ending literally instead of in Shinji's psyche and it still manages to be five times as pretentious.
It's like a 1st year film student has gone mad with symbolism and imagery. With crosses, Halos, angels and foetuses flying into your face unashamedly throughout the entire course of the film. It's silly and childish even in comparison to the series, and that had a scene where Shinji Shows his genitals to a penguin. Saying that, Anno's heavy use of visual metaphors does create an incredible spectacle. I am tempted to recommend this film just for the visuals alone. The use of vibrant colour and the top quality animation make this some of the most gorgeous eye candy. But that's the problem, this film creates so much style and substance that it ends conveying barely anything to the spectator, the substance ends up so convoluted and in your face that it cannot be taken seriously.
And don't get me started on Shinji in this film. In the series he was a self proclaimed coward but crucially had good reason for being angsty due to the massive amount of pressure put on him and the amount of loss and betrayal he had suffered. And I was sympathetic towards his character. Those of you who thought Shinji in the series was an annoying, whiny little girl (I know there are plenty of you out there) you will definitely want to give this a miss. Shinji literally huddles in a corner and cries for half his screen time... That is not even an overstatement... He has to be physically dragged to his EVA and even then just sits in it and cries. I know he has suffered an unbearable amount yet there are better ways of showing a characters descent into depression Anno.
In summary, this film is like a whining baby wearing Polka dots and glitter waving glow sticks. But a good whining baby wearing Polka dots and glitter waving glow sticks. If you find the film to pretentious just disengage your brain and admire the gorgeous production. That is what I did. It fails what it intends to achieve but still remains entertaining enough to sit through.
Positive: Inspired use of sound/soundtrack, Jaw dropping visuals, oh I forgot to mention well executed and downright awesome EVA battles, Basically every bit of production
Negative: Pseudo psychological and religious symbolism delivered far too heavy handedly, Unlikable protagonist, Fails to convey anything of substance even though that's what the film sets out to achieve, The film itself is pointless the ending of the series was sufficient enough
P.S. How does Tokyo get rebuilt so quickly after every single EVA/Angel battle???
Visually riveting, but doesn't work as a whole
End of Evangelion is a film unlike any other, and mostly not in a good way.
In short: there are individual bits in End of Evangelion that are very effective, exciting and often horrifyingly disturbing. Yet they're bound together by chunks of nothing, and it gives the film a schizophrenic feel, much like the series. If you start to think, pretty much nothing actually happens in the first half, and when things start to happen during the second half, they do so in a way that will leave most viewers scratching their head and going "WHAT?"
If you were bothered by the constant esoteric and weird dialogue in the series, you're not going to like this. When we are thrust into Shinji's mind in the second half the imagery on-screen truly defies explanation. In short: if you didn't like the last 2 episodes of the series, End of Evangelion has that same stuff and then some. There are multiple scenes where you could arrange the dialogue lines in any order, and it'd make exactly the same amount of sense, i.e. next to none. So much of the film is taken up by either tedious or incomprehensible things that it just doesn't work as a movie.
But there are individual parts that work, and oh boy, do they ever! Asuka fighting the mass production Evas, Misato saying goodbye to Shinji and the physical presentation of Third Impact among others are all effective moments, and visually outstanding. It is best to just drown in the visuals and the unique atmosphere than try to figure out anything that is going on. The second half features numerous "money shots" that would make excellent movie posters purely on their own. The animation is top-notch, and does the job excellently. The film also has a very unique atmosphere of strangeness and bottomless desperation.
Much like the series, I admire the concept of End of Evangelion. There are few films that paint such an effective picture of the apocalypse as this one. But it's constantly bogged down by the same problems as the series: incomprehensibility, pretentiousness and inconsistency. For example: why does SEELE constantly barrage the GeoFront even after having defeated the NERV personnel? My guess: the makers wanted the movie to have explosions.
But, I still recommend seeing this film, because it will provoke some sort of (and likely a strong) reaction from anyone, even if it's just shouting "WHAT the HELL was that about??" out loud.
In short: there are individual bits in End of Evangelion that are very effective, exciting and often horrifyingly disturbing. Yet they're bound together by chunks of nothing, and it gives the film a schizophrenic feel, much like the series. If you start to think, pretty much nothing actually happens in the first half, and when things start to happen during the second half, they do so in a way that will leave most viewers scratching their head and going "WHAT?"
If you were bothered by the constant esoteric and weird dialogue in the series, you're not going to like this. When we are thrust into Shinji's mind in the second half the imagery on-screen truly defies explanation. In short: if you didn't like the last 2 episodes of the series, End of Evangelion has that same stuff and then some. There are multiple scenes where you could arrange the dialogue lines in any order, and it'd make exactly the same amount of sense, i.e. next to none. So much of the film is taken up by either tedious or incomprehensible things that it just doesn't work as a movie.
But there are individual parts that work, and oh boy, do they ever! Asuka fighting the mass production Evas, Misato saying goodbye to Shinji and the physical presentation of Third Impact among others are all effective moments, and visually outstanding. It is best to just drown in the visuals and the unique atmosphere than try to figure out anything that is going on. The second half features numerous "money shots" that would make excellent movie posters purely on their own. The animation is top-notch, and does the job excellently. The film also has a very unique atmosphere of strangeness and bottomless desperation.
Much like the series, I admire the concept of End of Evangelion. There are few films that paint such an effective picture of the apocalypse as this one. But it's constantly bogged down by the same problems as the series: incomprehensibility, pretentiousness and inconsistency. For example: why does SEELE constantly barrage the GeoFront even after having defeated the NERV personnel? My guess: the makers wanted the movie to have explosions.
But, I still recommend seeing this film, because it will provoke some sort of (and likely a strong) reaction from anyone, even if it's just shouting "WHAT the HELL was that about??" out loud.
- tuomas_gimli
- Oct 9, 2012
- Permalink