Finding the NERV: “End of Evangelion”, revisited
Last night I put myself through the psychological trauma that is Hideaki Anno’s re-imagining of the ending of the anime classic, “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” This is the second time I have watched this film. The first was 4 years ago after a non-stop binge with college friends where we watched the whole series without interruption in a marathon session.
While on the surface this series may seems like yet another mecha story, it really is the manifestation of Anno’s own bout with depression that delves into heavily philosophical questions around the nature of the ego. It asks what do we do to prove our own existence to ourselves versus how we gain our sense of reality through others. Shinji is challenged to choose between giving up his individuality in order to find solace through becoming one with others, or to live selflessly and accept that life has pain, and in that altruism gain a sense of individuality. The former is route of complacency and emotional stasis, while the latter will bring about inevitable personal pain, but also the potential for great joy. Shinji’s choice will literarily determine the fate of the world.
The key to the film’s ideology lies in the line: “the beginning and the end are one and the same”.
Four years later, the iconography and imagery still struck me. It continually pushes you with poignant commentary, and it reminded me why it was such a formative viewing in my development as an anime fan. The only downside to this film is that you really should watch the preceeding 26 episodes to truly appreciate this masterpiece. A third take on the series will hit DVD in Japan this April.
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hens said
on March 4 2008 @ 9:25 am
indeed this was a thought provoking film. the whole idea of defining one’s individuality or letting someone do it for you is beautifully presented in the film(s). to be honest, i felt that during the 26 episodes shinji’s ever constant moaning and lack of personal assertion really placed him on that “easy” rail; a puppet to his father. Pissed me off i tell ya! And then came this movie and “all body fluids” came loose. Oh boy! :P
all in all, Evangelion is the most thought provoking anime of to date. Religion, human rationale and all those “what if’s” are all rolled into one beautifully drawn package!
Markux said
on March 9 2008 @ 4:19 pm
I can’t sleep.it makes now 2 days.i watched all the episodes of evangelion, i’ve saw the end of evangelion, all of it! Almost, because i don’t realy know what i have i want to see evangelion, and more and more… Because i feel some kind of diferent think wile i’m seeyng those episodes, i just have a question to do. The nerv corporation it’s real? Some people says, no you dumbass, etc…. I just want a real anser.