Watching End Of Evangelion I couldn't help but wonder: What is wrong with this? Seeing the series prepared me for the worst. The torture of these young pilots made me nearly immune to these levels of psychological pain these children endure. EOE seems to take this a little further.
Now don't misunderstand me. I liked that aspect of it, but it is amazing to see how the writers came up with it. From Shinji breaking in Third Impact, to Asuka almost being killed by an odd looking Eva series, the End made me realize, this is almost nothing like the series Neon Genesis Evangelion. It made the characters seem like their emotional scarring was nothing over the course of 24 canon episodes. The movie is split into 3 "episodes". "Air", is the first part of the movie, and ends after the Eva series finishes their attack. "Sincerely yours", ends right after Third impact has happened. And, finally we have "One More Final / I Need You", which is the last five minutes of the movie.
In these 3 "Episodes" more torture is inflicted on Asuka and Shinji than can be fixed with years of therapy. To fully review this movie, I must break it down into three separate categories.
The art, animation and character design are what made me attracted to the work of Sadamoto. The characters are drawn perfectly, and animated just as well. Even something as simple as Misato walking down a hall, talking on her cell phone made me acknowledge the beauty of the movie. Or maybe it was just the angle. Not only were the characters drawn splendidly, but the biomechanical creatures known as Evas as well. My god, the Evas. I watched as EVA Unit 02 destroyed almost the entire JSSDF (Japanese Strategic Self Defense Force, red), and almost cheered out loud. The perfection and detail of the units, the explosions, it was mind blowing.
The beauty of the movie is in the dialogue. The character's technological mumbo jumbo going on in Nerv HQ, and the hint of desperation in their remaining fighting spirit as they watch Third Impact was perfect. While all of this is going on deputy commander Fuyutski is explaining the biblical mirrors in events such as EVA Unit 01 holding the fruit of Life and Knowledge, while, as usual, lieutenant Maya is almost breaking down at the horrors before her. There is even more character development in this movie. Shinji is beginning to break away from others, but keeping an unhealthy sexuality present. More is revealed about certain characters who have been previously ignored, such as Fuyutski, and the NERV staff.
Most fans of Evangelion know the style of music in Eva. From the traditional J-pop style, to a sort of symphonic approach, and to classical music pieces, the movie carries all of these aspects. In the case of music, the end did not disappoint. EOE carries traditional symphonic music along with new remixes including a extended, more lyrical edition of "Splitting of the Breast", and "Mother is the First Other" entitled "Emergency Evacuation To Regression". Also, A lyrical edition of "Thantos" entitled "Thanatos, If I Can't Be Yours." Not only these, but a mix of "Rei III", entitled "The Passage Of Emptiness". Fans may also notice returning classics from the series. For Example, music from when the pilots are preparing to fight the angels, entitled "Spending Time In Preparation".
However, the most influential music on fans are the classical pieces. Those interested in classical music may recognize pieces such as "Jesus, Bleibet Meine Freud" and Bach's "II Air Orchestral Suite No.3 in D Major". However, these beautiful suites are only a part of the musical experience. The soundtrack includes a song inspired by an old poem written by Hideaki Anno himself. The song is called "Komm Susser Todd, or Come Sweet Death." It is a tune with joyous and happy music, with ironically depressing lyrics, or as some have postulated, a lyrical suicide note. The Music is not only written and composed well, but it is choreographed perfectly with the movie. There is not experience like Lilith rising from the earth just as the Komm Susser Todd chorus kicks in. The music is a definitely terrific, and the soundtrack is worth picking up.
As it is obvious to many fans, Evangelion takes a lot of Judeo-Christian influences, and innuendo in the series. The use of the lance of Longinus, the Tree of Sephiroth (Tree Of Life), the symbolism. However, here is where the movie has a down point. The heavy symbolism is a little too heavy. It seemed like the writers were trying to tell a story with nothing but interpretive symbols. No clarification in any of the story, simply more symbolism. While this is a good approach, and while I am not lost on these symbols, it can be quite difficult to follow.
In conclusion, End Of Evangelion was a spectacular movie to be sure, but it was not perfect. Just as the series was imperfect. But as endings go, this was orchestrated beautifully. To repeat myself, it was indeed the perfect end to the perfect series. I would highly recommend buying this movie along with Death and Rebirth for those who need a touching up with the series.
9/10
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