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Mar 8, 2023
The Eminence in Shadow is a fantasy and comedy anime series that is adapted from a light novel by Daisuke Aizawa. The show follows the journey of Cid Kagenou, an ambitious young man who aspires to create his own secret organization to battle an imaginary cult of evil. However, after being transported to another world, he realizes that his dreams may have more truth to them than he initially thought, and he unwittingly becomes a powerful figure known as the Eminence in Shadow.
The anime is recognized for its comical and satirical components that mock different patterns and platitudes of the isekai type. As an instance,
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Cid possesses an insane and self-absorbed personality that renders him insensible to his surroundings and leads him to misconstrue situations and individuals' intentions. Additionally, he wields superior abilities that he credits to his "shadow magic," but they are genuinely typical talents that he employs in atypical manners. He possesses a harem of devoted and gorgeous female adherents who idolize him for his charm and enigmatic nature but are ignorant of his authentic goals and dreams. Also, he inadvertently meddles with the machinations of the actual Cult of Diabolos, a nefarious organization that he believed he had created but genuinely persists and regards him as their primary foe. Furthermore, he engages with other characters who possess their own peculiarities and secrets, such as his childhood friend Alexia, who covertly acts as a princess, his adversary Gamma, who secretly cross-dresses, or his confederate Rose, who secretly operates as a vampire. These constituents generate a comedic divergence between Cid's expectations and the actuality, as well as between his grave manner and preposterous actions. The series additionally ridicules the conventional components of fantasy universes, such as magic, creatures, labyrinths, champions, antagonists, and so on, by displaying how Cid steers them to serve his individual objectives. Thus, the series captivates aficionados of both the isekai and comedy genres by contributing a refreshing and amusing standpoint on them.
Story: The story mainly focuses on Cid's escapades and schemes as he establishes his organization, the Shadow Garden, and disrupts the plans of the cult of Diabolos. The plot is not very intricate or logical but serves as a vehicle for humor and satire. The anime parodies various tropes and cliches of the isekai genre, including overpowered protagonists, harem scenarios, magic systems, and more. The story doesn't take itself too seriously but instead revels in its absurdity and ridiculousness.
Animation: The animation is well-crafted, with smooth movements and vibrant backgrounds. The character designs are attractive and distinctive, with each character possessing their own unique style and personality. The action scenes are dynamic and thrilling, featuring flashy effects and choreography. The animation also amplifies the comedic aspects of the anime, with exaggerated expressions and reactions.
Characters: One of the series' major strengths is its characters. Cid is an over-the-top protagonist who appears like a mastermind but is, in reality, ignorant of most things. He possesses a lot of charisma and confidence, but also harbors a lot of delusions and ignorance. He enlists various allies who are loyal to him but perplexed by his antics, including Alexia (a princess who pretends to be Cid's sister), Alpha (a former assassin who becomes Cid's bodyguard), Beta (a former slave who becomes Cid's maid), Gamma (a former spy who becomes Cid's secretary), Delta (a former thief who becomes Cid's treasurer), Epsilon (a former knight who becomes Cid's instructor), and more. The cult of Diabolos is a menacing threat that Cid unwittingly foils with his schemes. They have various members with different abilities and motivations.
Sound: The soundtrack and overall sound is good, with clear dialogue and sound effects. The music is suitable for the tone and mood of the anime, with upbeat tracks for comedy scenes and dramatic tracks for action scenes. The opening song "Shadow Play" by MYTH & ROID is catchy and energetic, while the ending song "Kage no Uta" by Haruka Shiraishi (the voice actress for Alpha) is soothing and sweet.
Flaws:
The Eminence in Shadow may have a few flaws that detract from its overall quality. One such flaw is the series' lack of depth. While it relies heavily on humor and satirical takes on common tropes found in the isekai and fantasy genres, it fails to explore the motivations, emotions, and backgrounds of its characters in a meaningful way. As a result, the plot is primarily driven by Cid's delusions and coincidences, with little room for character growth or development.
Another shortcoming of The Eminence in Shadow is its lack of coherence. The series introduces several elements that are either inconsistent with the established rules of the world or contradict each other entirely. For instance, Cid's power level is never explained or justified, and he can effortlessly defeat any foe without any discernible effort or strategy. Additionally, the goals and methods of the cult are vague and illogical, and their responses to Cid's interference are often exaggerated or nonsensical.
A third issue with The Eminence in Shadow is its inconsistency. The tone and style of the series fluctuate frequently, shifting abruptly from humor to drama to action without any discernible reason or transition. Moreover, the quality of the writing and illustrations fluctuate greatly based on the source material. Some fans have criticized the anime adaptation for its poor animation, voice acting, and pacing.
The anime does not explore many philosophical or psychological elements. However, it does touch on some themes such as identity, loyalty, power, and more, but they are not extensively developed or examined. However, it is a very enjoyable and amusing show that kept me entertained from start to finish. It made me laugh out loud several times with its humor and satire, and it kept me intrigued with its action scenes and surprising twists.
In conclusion, I would give this anime an 83/100 rating because it was enjoyable and innovative. It was not without flaws, such as a lack of depth, coherence, or consistency, but it was still refreshing and amusing. It is an excellent anime for fans of fantasy and comedy who desire something unique and hilarious.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 8, 2023
Serial Experiments Lain stands as a work of art within the anime genre, exhibiting a deep exploration into complex and multi-faceted themes such as identity, reality, communication, technology, and consciousness. It deftly prompts the viewer to question their own perceptions of themselves and the world around them. The series has, in turn, inspired numerous works of fiction and art such as The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Boogiepop Phantom, and Ergo Proxy.
As a discerning viewer, I rarely find myself re-watching anime, movies, or shows. However, SEL is an exception. It's rich thematic content challenges me to deeply consider and contemplate the intricacies
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of the messages it conveys. This series is not one that merely spoon-feeds answers or explanations, but instead encourages me to uncover these answers for myself. Its complexity stimulates my imagination and curiosity while inviting me to explore varying perspectives and interpretations. It is a work of art that demands multiple viewings to truly appreciate its subtleties and intricacies. Upon each re-watch, I discover something novel or previously unnoticed, altering and refining my understanding of it. SEL never fails to captivate my interest, as I have watched it three times, each time deepening my comprehension of its intricate themes. In retrospect, I believe I had only grasped about 30% of the series' underlying message during my first watch.
Story
The story centers around Lain Iwakura, a reticent and withdrawn adolescent who is entranced by “The Wired,” a worldwide network that interconnects everything and everyone. After receiving a message from a schoolmate who took their own life, claiming to still exist within The Wired, Lain embarks on a quest to unravel the enigma of her own identity, her family, her companions, and the enigmatic forces at work in The Wired.
Animation
The animation in SEL is one-of-a-kind and groundbreaking. It employs minimalist character designs contrasted with intricate backgrounds and surreal imagery. It also employs a variety of techniques, including live-action footage, computer graphics, distorted sound effects, and unconventional camera angles, to engender a sensation of disorientation and absorption.
Characters
The characters depicted in SEL are primarily abstruse and equivocal. They act as catalyzers for Lain’s development or as embodiments of different facets of her psyche. Apart from Lain, Alice Mizuki is the most notable character, serving as her closest confidant and unwavering ally throughout her journey. Additional characters include Masami Eiri, the self-proclaimed deity of The Wired; Lain’s relatives, who keep secrets from her; The Knights, a gang of hackers who manipulate The Wired; and various agents who monitor Lain’s movements. Lain's parents are Yasuo and Miho Iwakura. They seem to be a conventional middle-class household, but they display little fondness or intrigue towards Lain. Frequently, they disregard or handle her coldly.
Lain's parents are a reflection of the artificiality and vacuity of contemporary society. They are a specimen of how individuals can exist on the surface with vacuous lives, devoid of genuine connections or emotions. Additionally, they represent how technology can engender detachment and deceit amongst individuals. They use technology to eavesdrop on Lain and fabricate her reality. Furthermore, they use technology to evade their own reality and bask in their fantasies. Contrasting Lain's parents are Alice's progenitors, who are more affectionate and supportive of their daughter. Alice's parents epitomize a more traditional and authentic family structure that values human relationships over technology.
Sound
The utilization of sound and music in SEL plays a crucial role in establishing the series' overall atmosphere and mood. The opening theme song, entitled "Duvet," performed by the British rock band Bôa, aptly captures the melancholic and lonely essence of Lain's character. The ending theme song, "Tooi Sakebi," by Reichi Nakaido, perfectly reflects the chaotic and confusing nature of The Wired. Moreover, Nakaido's background music consists predominantly of ambient sounds that produce tension and mystery.
Philosophical and Psychological Elements
One of the principal themes explored in SEL revolves around the concept of identity. Lain grapples with understanding her true self and purpose in life. She exhibits various personalities that manifest in distinct situations - such as her reserved and introverted demeanor in school, her confident and assertive nature in The Wired, and her enigmatic and powerful self that transcends both worlds. Lain also encounters external influences that attempt to shape her identity, such as Masami Eiri, who claims to be her creator, The Knights, who desire to use her as a tool, and Alice, who seeks to become her friend. Lain's identity crisis mirrors the existential predicament faced by contemporary humans who have access to a plethora of information and communication channels that can impact their sense of self.
SEL delves into several thought-provoking themes, one of which is the essence of reality. The series explores the notion that reality is not an objective truth, but rather a subjective concept that is shaped by human perception and cognition. The Wired, an alternative world presented in the show, can surpass physical reality through resonance, synchronization, and layering. The Wired allows individuals to manifest their own versions of reality based on their beliefs and desires. Lain realizes that she possesses the power to manipulate both worlds with her sheer willpower, prompting her to question the veracity of her own existence. Her plight reflects the philosophical problem of solipsism, which posits that only one's own mind can be known with certainty.
Another major theme of SEL is the impact of technology on society. The series delves into the positive and negative effects of technology on human culture and psychology. While technology facilitates communication and access to a vast array of information, it also causes isolation, alienation, and loneliness. Moreover, technology gives rise to ethical and moral predicaments such as cybercrime, privacy infringement, information manipulation, and artificial intelligence. Lain bears witness to both the pros and cons of technology as she becomes more immersed in The Wired and unearths its hidden perils. Her journey embodies the cyberpunk genre, which portrays dystopian futures where technology reigns supreme and dehumanizes society.
A fourth motif explored in SEL concerns the effect of communication on interpersonal connections. The series delves into how communication can either cultivate or dismantle relationships between individuals. Communication can serve as a conduit for closeness, comprehension, assistance, and companionship, exemplified by Alice's efforts to connect with Lain and help her cope with her difficulties. Yet, communication can also fuel duplicity, strife, treachery, and animosity, as demonstrated by The Knights' machinations to deceive Lain and turn her against Alice. Moreover, communication can lead to bewilderment, misconstrual, ambiguity, and paradox, as evidenced by Masami Eiri's messages to Lain, which contradict each other and challenge her logic. The way Lain communicates with others serves as a reflection of how language can mold or distort reality based on its usage.
A fifth motif explored in SEL is the advent of a collective consciousness. The series insinuates that humans are evolving into a novel form of existence, wherein they share their thoughts and sentiments via The Wired. This creates a communal psyche that transcends individual boundaries and limitations. This collective psyche can be perceived as a deity-like entity, possessing immense power over reality. Nevertheless, this collective psyche also poses a risk of eradicating individuality, free will, and diversity. It also raises questions about accountability, morality, and justice for its deeds.
Lain becomes aware of this collective mind when she realizes that she is connected to everyone else through The Wired. She also realizes that she has a special role in this process as she is able to influence or control this collective mind with her willpower. Lain's realization of her connection to the collective consciousness through The Wired highlights the growing interdependence of humanity on technology for meaning and identity.
Enjoyment
The enjoyment of SEL is heavily dependent on the viewer's personal preferences and expectations. It is not a series for the faint of heart, as it requires patience and attention to fully comprehend its intricate plot and symbolism. Nonetheless, for those who appreciate intellectually challenging works of art, SEL provides an unparalleled experience that will leave an indelible impression on their psyche.
I gave this anime a score of 100/100 because it is my personal favorite and one of the most influential and innovative anime series ever made.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Feb 10, 2023
(Posting my AniList review here also)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a seminal anime that has left a lasting impact on the industry. Hideaki Anno's psychological and philosophical masterwork takes the audience on an introspective journey through the minds of its protagonists. The program stands out from other works in the genre due to its distinctive fusion of drama, action, and reflection. It stands to reason that it has grown to be among the most well-known and significant anime of all time.
The attention paid to the characters' mental states in NGE distinguishes it from other anime. This is especially true of the show's protagonist, Shinji, whose
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journey is a journey inside his own head. The show's excellent exploration of his thoughts and feelings is what gives it such a strong emotional resonance.
It's important to note that Hideaki Anno, the show's creator, was greatly influenced by his mental state. The topics and tone of the series are reflective of his struggle with melancholy and anxiety at the time he was writing them. NGE has left a lasting impression on the industry, inspiring countless other anime and altering how viewers perceive the genre. Its influence endures today, and anyone who is interested in the human condition, psychology or philosophy this show is a must-watch because of its unvarnished and intimate quality.
Story
In the ground-breaking anime NGE, a group of youths are chosen to operate massive bio-machine weapons known as Evangelions in order to protect the world from enigmatic creatures known as Angels.
The show is a brilliant storytelling tour de force that expertly combines aspects of mecha, psychological drama, and religious iconography to produce a distinctive and engrossing viewing experience. The animation and audio are excellent, and the characters have highly detailed facial features, well-developed motivations, and intricate interactions with one another.
NGE's provocative investigation of topics like identity, mental health, and nihilism is among its most outstanding features. The show pushes viewers to consider the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the purpose of human existence. It is a unique piece of art that challenges viewers' assumptions and expectations and has an impact that lasts long after the end credits have rolled.
The series does have some issues, though. In particular, the last two episodes are contentious and have drawn a lot of flak for their ambiguity and divergence from the main plot. It's possible that some viewers won't be able to follow the series' intricate plotlines and dense symbolism.
Animation
"Neon Genesis Evangelion" was a trailblazer in the realm of animation, flaunting its prowess with a visual flair that defied the limited resources and financial constraints faced by its creators at Gainax. The vibrant color scheme, imbued with an eye-catching brightness, stood out in stark contrast to the heavy and serious themes explored within the narrative.
The character designs were a triumph, but it was the engineering marvels known as the EVA units and the Angels that truly elevated the bar of mecha design in the anime industry. No other production of the era could match the innovative designs conjured by NGE, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with animation. The show also dared to venture into uncharted territory, presenting the audience with foes that bore no resemblance to the human form—a bold move that was rarely seen at the time and a testament to the artistic vision of its director, Hideaki Anno.
Despite a few blemishes, the fluidity of the animation was remarkable and elevated the overall viewing experience. The few drawbacks present in the animation are merely trivialities that do not detract from the captivating journey through the world of NGE.
Characters
The series' primary protagonist is Shinji Ikari. He is a young man who is chosen by his father to operate an Evangelion, a massive bio-machine that would protect Tokyo-3 from unidentified creatures known as "Angels." Shinji is a multifaceted and varied character who manages to be simultaneously sympathetic and annoying. He is shown to be a very tormented person who battles feelings of abandonment, low self-esteem, and an all-encompassing sense of worthlessness.
It must be acknowledged that Shinji's characterization serves as an embodiment of the creator, Hideaki Anno's, struggles with depression and a sense of inadequacy. Anno has confirmed that many of his own internal demons are mirrored in Shinji's characterization, which rationalizes Shinji's more obvious facets.Throughout the series, he persistently bemoans his circumstances, despite being presented with multiple opportunities to seize control of his life and effect positive change. His persistent indecision and fear in the face of peril only serve to detract further from his character.
Another prominent character in the show is Rei Ayanami. She is a strange, reclusive person who also operates an Evangelion. Rei is a challenging persona to describe and comprehend. She is frequently portrayed as heartless and impassive, but as the story goes on, we find out that she is actually concealing a great deal of sorrow and sadness. One of the main topics of the program and one of the most compelling character arcs is that of Rei and her relationship with Shinji.
The last Evangelion unit's pilot is Asuka Langley Soryu. Asuka is outspoken, self-assured, and frequently comes across as haughty. Her weak interior, however, belies a strong person who has endured a great deal of suffering and hardship. In the frequently harsh and depressing world of NGE, Asuka, a well-developed character, brings humor, sarcasm, and a much-needed feeling of normalcy.
Shinji's father, Gendo Ikari, is the leader of NERV, the group in charge of protecting the city from the Angels. One of the series' most nuanced and enigmatic characters is Gendo. He is shown to be a cunning and ruthless person who will do anything, no matter how cruel or brutal, to accomplish his objectives. Gendo is a divisive character who stirs up strong emotions in the viewers.
The success of NGE is significantly attributed to its characters. Each character is distinctive, fully realized, and has multiple dimensions. The plot moves forward in part because of the connections between the characters, which are essential to the narrative. Whether you like or dislike these characters, you will remember them long after you have finished viewing the series.
Sound
The legendary anime NGE had a profound impact on both the animation business and popular culture in general. The series' soundtrack and songs play a crucial role in the whole experience by adding to the mood and feelings that it arouses in viewers.
One of the series' best songs is the opening theme, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," which brilliantly encapsulates the mood of the show. A combination of cheerful pop and operatic vocals are used in the song to produce a distinctive and enduring tune that has come to be associated with "Evangelion." It's a strong, upbeat piece of music that wonderfully introduces the series and draws the listener into its world.
The "Evangelion" soundtrack is equally impressive. The music is hauntingly beautiful and uses a combination of symphonic and electronic sounds to evoke tension and unease. The soundtrack amplifies the emotional impact of each scene while supporting the show's dark and nuanced themes.
"Fly Me to the Moon," a well-known jazz standard that has been reinterpreted in numerous ways throughout the series, is another great track. The song acts as a repeating motif, connecting the many episodes and serving as a reminder of the show's fundamental themes of loneliness and self-discovery.
Philosophical and psychological elements
NGE is well known for its philosophical and psychological undertones.
Existentialism: The show examines existentialist philosophical concepts such as existence, identity, and meaning. A recurrent existentialist theme in the series is that the characters are debating the meaning of their existence and what it means to be human.
Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories, particularly those relating to the unconscious mind and the influence of early events on adult behavior, are widely referenced in NGE. The series' characters frequently have painful memories from their pasts haunting them, and in order to move on, they must face their irrational fears and wants.
Object Relations Theory: Melanie Klein's psychological theory highlights the significance of early relationships in influencing a person's emotional development. The emotional and psychological states of the characters in NGE are significantly shaped by their interactions with their parents and other early caregivers.
Psychological Trauma: Since many of the characters in the series have experienced serious emotional trauma in the past, the series spends a lot of time discussing the effects of psychological trauma. This trauma is shown as having an impact on the characters' current conduct and emotional states and is a key plot element.
Oedipal Complex: The Oedipal complex can be seen as portraying NGE's many characters' complicated emotional ties with their parents. The latent sexual desires and emotional tensions that may exist between a kid and their parent of the other sex are discussed in this psychoanalytic notion.
Enjoyment
Personally, it's difficult not to be struck by the series' unbridled ambition. Shinji, the primary character, undergoes notable character growth as he transforms from a reclusive and distressed young man to a more assured and self-assured person. Shinji's interactions with the other characters, including Asuka, Rei, and Misato, are equally intriguing and give the narrative more dimension.
The series' animation is excellent, and the music score adds to the emotional impact of each scene with hauntingly beautiful compositions, pulsating neon hues, and agile action sequences. The mecha designs are distinctive and iconic, which further enhances the appeal of the series.
The series does have some issues, though. Fans have expressed disagreement and perplexity over the show's final two episodes in particular. Despite the fact that they may not have all the answers, these episodes are a tribute to the show's daring and unusual storytelling.
NGE is a masterwork of anime storytelling that, more than 20 years after its first debut, is still timely and significant. For aficionados of the genre and anyone searching for a distinctive and challenging viewing experience, it is a must-watch because of its complex characters, thought-provoking topics, and beautiful animation. Despite its shortcomings, the anime is a ground-breaking achievement that deserves to go down in history as one of the best.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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