Jun 30, 2009
Okay, first of all, let me explain some simple facts about my relationship with this anime:
1) This is my favorite anime of all time. Ever.
2) This is the series that really got me into anime. Thank you, JP.
3) This is the anime that KILLED whatever tiny scrap of mental innocence I had left by the 2nd semester of my freshman year. I AM NOT KIDDING.
4) This anime drove me insane. If you let it, and you are that kind of person, it will do the same to you. Don't worry, it's for your own good.
5)
...
No matter what anyone says, I LOVE the last two episodes. They are the greatest thing ever.
Now then, on with the review. This is truly a spectacular anime for quite a few reasons. First of all, what I consider to be the fundamentals of any story, plot and characters. The plot, while seemingly predictable at first, is far from it. It is really about as twisted and insane as you can get before being pointless, which is why it is so amazing.
The characters are also completely believable, both by themselves and in their interactions with each other. The great thing is that, unlike with a lot of anime characters *cough*like in Naruto*cough*, they are not merely stereotypes or stock characters, they are exquisitely multi-dimentional, and have feelings and compulsions like real people. I can relate to all of them at different points, although Rei, who is my personal favorite, I relate to more frequently than the others. Some of the characters are lovable, some pitiful, some loathsome (I have a love-hate relationship with Gendo), but they all suck you in.
In addition to having a wonderful story and characters, the art and sound in this anime is spectacular! The art blew me away at first sight-and when I first saw it, I had NO idea it was from the 90s, so I find it even more incredible now. It is of a caliber that I think is rarely seen now, let alone at that time period. It is rich and colorful, with exquisite, clean lines, beautiful land- and cityscapes, and great details. The designs of the Evas and the angels are some of the best I've ever seen. For me the one oddity (not that I'm really complaing, 'cause it is hot) was the fact that Asuka's breasts seem to randomly get bigger whenever she put on a swimsuit! My friend JP, who got me hooked on the series and was my supplier (he owns the DVDs), affirmed that for me, so I know I wasn't just seeing things.
The soundtrack is also beautiful, and really serves to emphasize the sheer insanity of the whole series. Especially in episode 24, with the bit with Shinji and Kaoru where they play Ode to Joy, although that title with that particular episode, and the series as a whole, makes me laugh because it is so very ironic.
I enjoyed watching this immensely. I can only rate up to 10, but my enjoyment of it was really about 50,000. I definitely recommend this series. However, I must caution you. THIS SERIES IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. It is not happy, fluffy kittens and pink clouds and sparkles and whatever else have you. It is violent, bloody, tragic, and deeply psychological. When I said that it destroyed my last scrap of innocence, I MEANT IT. If you are not used to this kind of thing, and are rather timid in that area, I suggest leaving it alone, or finding some clips first (of the traumatic parts) to test the waters, as it were. It is truly a horrifying anime. Which is why, in my opinion, it is one of the best things ever created.
So long, and thanks for taking the time to read this.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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