In order to watch The End of Evangelion, it is recommended (although not completely necessary) to watch the full Evangelion series which runs 26 episodes long. The End of Evangelion is the direct sequel to the events of the Evangelion anime series and works as a sort of alternate ending, but I consider it part of the main series. I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the anime, but I absolutely love the movie. Keep in mind however that at its base the story of Evangelion is a complicated one. YOU WILL BE CONFUSED WATCHING THIS. I promise you 100%. It is a series that has a lot of lore and backstory that will need explaining. That being said, I still believe that reviewing this purely as a movie even without the context of the anime or any other references it is as perfect of a story as you can get.
In The End of Evangelion, everything is cranked up to 100. The stakes are higher, the action is bigger, and the story is more incredible than you could imagine. From the very beginning you are pulled in every direction to follow several different characters watching their hardships and turmoil unfold during the end of the world. There is never a moment of ease as a roller coaster of emotions fills your entire body throughout its 90 minute run time.
The story unfolds with our main cast filled with hopelessness and despair, but as the film progresses and continues to unfold we see such powerful moments of fortitude. It truly is a coming of age story that reflects the hardships so many people have to go through. Although it portrays it in a fictional type setting, you are easily able to relate to the character and how they grow.
One thing I absolutely loved in The End of Evangelion was the action. In the main anime series the violence and conflict seemed very toned down and almost childish in some way. In the End of Evangelion all the stops are pulled. There is actual death, there is actual killing. It pushes the envelope and cements itself as a real mature film. This isn't to say that an anime film needs action and violence to be considered good, but I was extremely impressed with the change in tone that was taken with this film compared to its anime counterpart.
With some loose ends were left untied at the end of the main Evangelion series, The End of Evangelion does a great job and explaining what happens to certain characters along with huge plot point elements that are finally brought onto the big screen. The main focus point of the EVA series is the dealings with NERV and the third impact. It is extremely cool to see this even brought to life before our very eyes. If you've watched the main series it is a well worth wait and the sequence mirrored alongside the 'Kom Susser Tod' theme is absolutely breath taking.
The story in The End of Evangelion is something extremely unique that is a once in a lifetime experience. Never before will you see something like this on the big screen. It does everything right when it comes to storytelling and that's why it gets a perfect score.
Shinji One of the biggest bitches in anime finally shows up. I will admit I was a little hard on Shinji during my first watch through. The hospital scene in particular was something I was extremely unsure of, but after a second watch through I appreciate it so much more. In fact, I believe it's one of the best scenes in the entire film. It shows Shinji at his lowest. No one in the world is there for him he just wants to hold onto something that is real, Asuka. She was the only person in the world that could understand what he was feeling at that moment.
We see him sulk and pout throughout the first half of the movie, but once the third impact hits and he sees Asuka dead his mind completely snaps. He goes into overdrive mode and wants to fuck shit up. This is the Shinji that we've always wanted to see. He's always been shy and timid, but once he finds his confidence he literally is the most powerful being on earth.
Asuka Asuka has the coolest scene in the whole movie. Her battling the 9 EVA series was amazing to watch. Her finally coming to the realization that her mother was with her the entire time was extremely satisfying. Although she could be kind of bitchy at times in the anime, she brings all the kick-assness in the movie. Asuka is the character that sees the most change throughout the film and plays such an important and cataclysmic role during the third impact. She is the one person Shinji can trust, and possibly the only one that he loves.
Rei Although the character of Rei doesn't see a lot of screen time she plays a vital role during the third impact because she basically causes it. Rei doesn't pilot an EVA rather she merges with the one angel above them all, Lilith. She's also the one that allows Shinji to choose or accept instrumentality. Rei can be overlooked at during her role in the movie because of how little she says, but her actions speak much louder than her words.
Mistato One of the strongest female leads in all of anime, Misato Katsuragi does all that she can to save the world. Her sacrifices and bravery are incredible to see in the film and although she doesn't have the most satisfying ending, she does have one that I will always remember. Her authoritativeness and will to take control is what allows the world to be saved. Without her the world would be doomed. She will sacrifice herself for the greater good without a second thought. This is what I love so much about her.
Other Characters There are a lot of side characters that although they don't play a important role in the film still add to its greatness. The WILLE crew in particular were some of my favorite characters in the film. The crew deck members all have unique personalities that add to the overall humanized feel of the film. The characters in The End of Evangelion are some of the best written characters in all of anime and deserve so much praise for their portrayal.
With using the context of this film coming out in 1997 I will compliment that the art and animation looks amazing of its time. The extra budget compared to the anime shows especially in its action sequences. The colors are flashier and the extra detail in each frame is noticed. For an animated film coming out in the late 90s this is as top tier as it gets. I will point out however the Rebuild movies do look much better in my own opinion. Everything about them scream modern which is something I'm a huge fan of. Regardless, taking into account the age of when this film was produced it looks stunning in this department.
Not only is The End of Evangelion the greatest anime movie of all time, but it also contains the greatest anime song of all time as well. I will always be firm with my belief that Komm, süßer Tod will be the most beautiful song ever written. The sequence of the third impact finally happening while it plays in the background is just simply emotional. The lyrics sung by Arianne couple perfectly with the orchestral piano and strings. The whole sequence is exhilarating and I believe to be one of the best scenes in all of anime.
If you haven't please check out Komm, süßer Tod along with its unused alternative Everything You Ever Dreamed. It was the song that would've been used had they not chosen Komm, süßer Tod. It is equally as beautiful but I do personally prefer the later slightly more.
Komm, süßer Tod on its own would give the music category a 10/10 but the film also has an incredible OST. Some songs form the original series make an appearance in the movie along with other originals that add to the amazing effect of the movie.
If you couldn't tell already, I really like this film. I love it so much in fact it is one of the only two perfect scores I've ever given to an anime medium. The End of Evangelion does so much right in every department it deserves nothing less than the recognition of a masterpiece. It should be considered a classic and a must watch for anime anime fan as it truly is an inspiring work of art.
Every minute of this movie is incredible, I cannot stress it enough. The themes of loneliness, disrepair, self isolation all portray themselves in such a beautiful way. Each character works in sync with all the others and in unison with such a powerful and moving story. It's almost impossible to describe the feeling I felt while watching this. It was such a euphoric experience that I doubt I'll ever experience watching another piece of film.
Official Scores
Story: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Art: (10/10)
Music: (10/10)
Personal Enjoyment: (10/10)
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