Apr 25, 2013
I havent been an Evangelion fan for long. I just watched the TV series a few months ago, and I loved it of course, but it wasn't one of my favorites. I hated the End of Evangelion, I feel like it kinda messed up the entire TV series. After that, I reluctantly watched the first two movies, and they were ok. I had my hopes kind of low for 3.0.
Maybe that's why I am absolutely floored and how truly fantastic this film is. I feel like I cant express it in words, but I'll try.
Story (10):
Here's where 3.0 is either a hit
...
or a miss with some people. I can see how the story would be completely confusing and frustrating for some, while amazing for others. Personally, I found the story to be fantastic. (Being a huge Kaworu/Shinji fan probably helped that a lot though. Maybe I'm biased.) Most of the time you don't know what's going on at all. This might be frustrating for some people but, remember we have another movie coming, and that will very likely explain most of the missing parts in our brains right now. Keep that in mind before you watch this movie. Confusing and dark plot lines in movies are my favorites, and Evangelion 3.0 delivered that beautifully, even more than the entire series could combined.
The ending was heartbreaking. I should be used to bawling my eyes out while watching Evangelion at this point, but I'm not. And I don't think I ever will be.
I really can't say much else story wise without spoiling, so I will move on.
Art (10):
I'm not sure I even need to comment on the art. It's the same as it was in Evangelion 1.0 and 2.0, except a bit darker. I love it. The animation, as usual, is glorious. It keeps true to the original series' style, while at the same time making it modern. It works very well. There are some disturbing images, but if you're an Evangelion fan, you're used to that already, so it's a moot point.
Sound (10):
As expected, the soundtrack is perfect. As it was in the previous films, and in the TV series. Not much else to say, except that it fits the dark atmosphere of the art and storyline as it always has.
Character (10):
3.0 is centered mostly around Shinji and Kaworu for the majority of the movie. We do see Asuka quite a bit though, who acts a little differently than she did in the previous Evangelion movies. In fact, most of the characters do. This might bother some people but... whether they have aged on the outside or not, 14 years have passed. Of course things are going to be different. Misato we dont see much, but she is completely different than she was before, almost unrecognizable. Like I said, there's another movie left, so we have an explanation for that for later. Rei is the same basically, from what I can tell, never been a huge Rei fan. Though Shinji's attitude towards her does change drastically, which is completely understandable with the given circumstances.
The only person I have a problem with is Mari. Never liked Mari. She just feels out of place, the only reason she's there is to back up Asuka. And to be the ""comedic"" relief, which this dark, emotional, action/mecha film does not need. She's utterly useless. She could be anyone, a cardboard cutout would have more personality. I don't even want to talk about her because it's just grueling how unneeded and annoying she is, so, moving on.
Shinji and Kaworu really steal the movie for me... watching these two interact is incredible. Self-loathing, depressed, guilt-ridden Shinji, who has nothing and no one to hold on to, finally has someone to love him. And someone for him to love. When have we ever seen Shinji smile like the way he smiles at Kaworu in this movie? We haven't. Maybe this just hits a personal point for me, since I know what depression and guilt can do to someone, and how much just one person can do so much to help. It's truly an amazing story, whether it's "romantic" or not, you can perceive it how ever you want. But Kaworu means everything to Shinji. He is his last hope, the last thing that makes him happy, the last person who can "save" him and the world that he knows. But I'm getting a little off track, so let's get back to personalities before I go overboard.
Kaworu's personality in this movie is mostly the same, as is Shinji's. If you enjoyed seeing the little interaction they had in the TV series, you will love them in this one. Though Kaworu's entire existence feels like he's only there for Shinji... that's kind of how it is. And he still has a personality of his own. He's quiet, thoughtful, kind, and extremely upfront with his feelings toward Shinji. It's hard to describe Kaworu's personality, honestly. But if you watched the original TV series you know how he is. He is my favorite Evangelion character, always will be. Sorry Misato, you're a close number 2.
Enjoyment:
This film is a blast for me. The dark story and atmosphere just really captured me, engrossed me into the post almost-third impact world. It's confusing, scary, and just has a really uncomfortable "what the heck is going on" feeling to it. I love it. Seeing the characters interact in this world (again, Shinji and Kaworu) is the best part. There is nothing that can spoil this film for me, not even Mari's annoying self. I had a blast watching it the first and second time, and I'll have a blast watching it the 50th time, I'm sure.
Overall:
Overall? Hm. I would say it's a masterpiece. Probably my favorite anime film, if not one of my favorite overal films, of all time. There's just very few things about this movie I dislike. I wish it were a bit longer but... We can wait for 4.0 right?
I hope you guys enjoy this film as much as I did. And please forgive any typos I may have made, it's 3 AM and been a long day. I just had to talk about this movie before I exploded of excitement.
Thanks for reading!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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