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Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

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This film is the second ending produced for this series. The first ending (Episodes 25 and 26) left fans so dissatisfied that director Hideaki Anno felt compelled to create an alternate ending and issue it as a full length film. One should keep in mind when watching it that in the voice commentary provided in this edition this film is referred to as "Hideaki's revenge." I really do not think that is true, but there is no question but that the Director/Creator of this film has made a film that challenges the view on all fronts, making it an unusually difficult film.

The film opens on the impending destruction of NERV headquarters. With the destruction of the 'Angels,' the members of SEELE move to implement their plan for the forced evolution of humankind. Stage 1 is the capture or destruction of the EVA and their 'riders.' For the rest of the NERV staff only a grim and violent death is offered. Shinji and Asuka manage to activate their EVAs and fight back. Meanwhile, Rei descends into the heart of NERV with Dr. Ikari to confront Lilith.

While this apocalypse occupies the first part of the film, filling the screen with both spellbinding action and some unnerving interior insights, one could argue that it is only a prelude to the real core of the film. Almost haphazardly, symbols from the Kabbala and the Crucifixion are woven into the action as SEELE prepares the ritual that will recreate humanity. Magically, Rei and Shinji become the main characters in a metaphysical play that will decide the future of man. It is no surprise that these two become bound to the moments of decision and rebirth. Both the characters are not completely whole as personalities. To each of them the conflict over individuality is both interior and exterior. Without these flaws, the decision would not have been in doubt.

As the story progresses fluid, the hurried action of the attack on NERV is replaced by a more elegiac pace. Longer still shifts and slower pacing give the viewer a rest, but at the price of an ever more complex and difficult plot. Without the film length commentary available on the DVD, much of the subtexts to the visual displays would remain impenetrable. This is the first time that I have felt that the commentary was required viewing. This film is worth seeing simply for its stretching of the limitations of anime. This is a marvelous but elusive work of art. Be warned - 'The End of Evangelion' lacks any manner of explanation of the events leading up to the film. Thus, familiarity with either 'Death and Rebirth' or the series itself is almost a requirement for making good sense of what is happening.

Having read numerous reviews of this film, I feel it to be necessary to clarify several issues.

Most prominent among them is the common misconception that this film is an 'alternate ending'. Though it is, of course, different from the version seen in the television series, it results in the same essential end. This is actually a physical depiction of the end of Neon Genesis Evangelion, as the first ending was, in fact, the more psychological, 'post-apocalypse' (if you will accept this description) ending. The end to the television series occurs not during the 'third-impact' (yes, this is a spoiler), but a year afterward, when instrumentality (or complementation, which is what the official Manga subtitled version addresses it as) has succeeded, and mankind has been merged. This film doesn't disregard the scenes in the final two episodes, as, in fact, every 'anomalous' scene from episode twenty five (The Ending World) from the series is seen in its true form in this film.

Of course, in the end of this film itself, it's far different from the end seen on television, but this is intentional, as Anno intended to destroy any preconceived notions established about the answers to the anomalies presented in the original series, and, also, to frighten and disturb the viewer out of complacency. Having seen this film in both the 'official' (Manga subtitled) version, and the Fansub version, I can honestly state that this is, perhaps, one of the most frightening and disturbing anime films ever, but, also, it is my favorite (of course, I'm biased, as Neon Genesis Evangelion is my favorite anime, and, in my opinion, the greatest ever created).

I can't wait to see this film in its English glory, as I prefer the English vocal actors to the Japanese ones (though the Japanese VAs certainly do justice to the characters), and am incredibly pleased to see that all of the original VAs are reprising their roles.

However, as a warning, this should not be seen until one sees the entirety of the TV series (not Death and Rebirth, as Death is only a brief digest with new footage, and not a true synopsis{plus, why would anyone only want to see a synopsis?!}), as the series itself is so incredibly wonderful, and it is also essential to understanding The End of Evangelion.

In summation, if you are only able to make two purchases, purchase the TV Perfect Collection, as well as The End of Evangelion. I can assure you that you won't be at all disappointed.

P.S.
As mentioned previously, I'm a complete Eva fanatic, so don't believe that this is even remotely objective. Also, don't believe that seeing this will destroy any joy in the TV series, as I've seen The End of Evangelion twice and I am enjoying the series just as much as the first time on my (I believe) fifteenth viewing (yes, I am also a college student and a writer, so I do have the capacity to make an informed opinion).

I just wanted to post this quote because I think it's something people should know regarding the relationship between the TV series and this movie:

"According to 'The Red Cross Book' (which was sold at End Of Evangelion screenings during its original theatrical release in Japan in 1997 and was officially endorsed by Gainax,) the original scripts for the final two episodes of the TV series were scrapped at the last minute. The reasons are not divulged, but there are rumors that sponsor funding was cut due to controversy about the content, and that Hideaki and Gainax were pressured to end the series differently, in a very short time frame. The result is that the final two episodes of the TV series bear little resemblance to the rest of the show. The book then goes on to say that the original scrapped scripts were essentially fished out of the garbage and that they became the basis for the feature film End of Evangelion. In other words, it's arguable that the final two episodes of the TV series are invalid, and that End of Evangelion is in fact the true ending to the series as originally envisioned by its creators."

As I read many reviews of this DVD, I can't help but feel that people seemed to have missed certain vital elements. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SPOILERS.

As most fans should know, this movie is an ending to NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. It answers most of the questions left behind.

Now, here is the thing. It is completely consistent with the last two episode of the series until the very end. Until then, it is a very nice external visualization of what's going on, while the last two episodes took place inside Shinji's mind.

At the end of the movie, however, Shinji rejects the Instrumentality Project. While in the series, he accepts it, here, he just flat out says no. He was egged on by Rei.. and ended up dismembering her (thankfully so) to achieve his goal. At the end, he and Asuka (not some new chick.. it's just Asuka) are the only two living human beings on Earth. The rest are LCL, and can come back to life if they will themselves to do it (like Shinji did earlier).

I don't remember if DEATH AND REBIRTH had all of the deleted scenes, but there were deleted scenes in the Japan that were integral. In Japan, when the DVDs came out, they were Director's Cut and had some extra scenes. Here, they were not. The only really important ones that I can think of are when:

(1)Rei defeats the angel that takes over her body. In the extras, the angel started to take over Shinji's body when he came out (It lunged at him, he dodged, blocked, and grabbed it, but that was enough for the angel) and started taking on the appearance of Rei, so Rei pulled the whole thing toward herself.. thus, she saved Shinji's life.

(2)The episode with Kaworu (the last angel) has several moments.. mainly when he talks to SEELE panels (sound only things) and Misato spies on him. He waves to her.. which really freaks her out. It's revealed that he was made from Adam, like Rei was made (partially) from Lilith.

and (3)someone asks Gendo how the "Adam Project" was coming along, and he said "Right on time" or something and pulled off his glove to reveal Adam (The first angel.. the embryo thing) as embedded in his hand. This is why he sticks his hand into Rei in the movie.. and why she lopped it off.

Also, as for the angels, Adam is the first. He is the embryo. Lilith is the second, she is the big white thing. While the numbering does not really matter, the distinction does. Lilith is identified by Kaworu. The union of another angel with Adam caused the Third Impact. The embryonization (or whatever) of Adam caused the Second Impact.

This angel thing would have made more sense if they made Adam and Lilith the parents of the other angels. Referring to people as Lilum (offspring of Lilith) is just plain not nice to the mythology behind Lilith. Adam fathers humans with Eve. Adam fathers monsters with Lilith (at least one, anyway). There were just some things in the series that were misplaced.. fans should at least admit that (like when they showed Shinji's Eva suit in the cockpit when he turned into LCL.. despite the fact that he was wearing civilian clothes).

Sorry about the rant.. but things just had to be set straight. As "artsy" and abstract as this whole Evangelion thing was, there are some things are just plain misunderstood.

For those turning to this film to answer all the questions that the last two episodes of the Evangelion (NGE) series didn't answer, I suggest you look elsewhere. If anything, this film will provide you with precious few answers but a multitude of new questions. For those wanting a highly provocative, thought-provoking, intelligent and most poignant conclusion to the NGE series, then have no fear. I will try to explain some of the more perplexing elements in this film, without giving too much away, as well giving my thoughts and opinions at the same time.

The film is structured to be the final two episodes of the series. So the first half, Ep. 25 "Air/Love is Destructive" is concurrent with the series episode 25 "The World Ending/Do You Love Me?". The second half, Ep. 26. "My Purest Heart for You/One More Final: I Need You" is concurrent with the series episode 26 "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World/Take Care of Yourself."

Much like the NGE series, the End of Evangelion (EoE) weaves a complex story where images and dialogue are closely related to the philosophy and symbolism. These themes are played out through the psychology of each characters' own mind. It is essentially a microcosm of the entire series. The opening scenes before the "Air" title card of Ep. 25 of Shinji overlooking the ruins of the city, and then entering Asuka's hospital room and, (I'll leave it there) set the mood and atmosphere. Showing effectively and very disturbingly that this is NOT going to be an easy film. As the first half roars out of the gates at breakneck speed, we see the hostile takeover of Nerv by the Seele organization and each Nerv member's desperate attempt to hold it at bay.

We also see the mental states that the two main Eva pilots - Shinji and Asuka - have been reduced too. Shinji is severely depressed after killing the last angel, Kaworu, whom he had formed a close bond with. Asuka is in the same mental boat as Shinji as she sits at the bottom of the lake in her Eva, which she feels she can't pilot anymore. What's interesting is the paths that have driven these two characters to this point. The ideas of finding one's self-worth (examined perfectly in the final two series episodes), and what happens to a person when that is taken away.

At the same time Seele is trying to initiate their plans for Third Impact using Unit-01 and the downright creepy looking Mass-Produced Eva Series, Gendo has his own plans involving Rei and Lilith. As Asuka, (with a little help and inspiration from her Mama) rages an extremely violent battle with the Evil Evas, Gendo takes Rei down to Lilith. He does this to unite the souls and bodies of Adam and Lilith only to find his scorned lover, Ritsuko there. It's interesting that two of the most shocking and violent scenes (the Asuka/Eva battle and the Gendo/Ritsuko confrontation) are played out to Bach's beautiful "Air". The infusion of the music in this film is truly brilliant and a major reason why many scenes are so effective.

However, this is the point in the film where most people will start to become completely lost. Without a really good understanding of the NGE story (and perhaps even with one), it's hard not to. It's very difficult to make the extremely complex simple, however I'll try without many spoilers.

Suffice it to say that Seele were trying to initiate Third Impact and reduce humankind back to its original form - the Primordial Soup of Life where all souls and beings are one. Gendo had different plans and just wanted to see his 'dead' wife, Yui again. Neither Seele's or Gendo's plans go exactly as they were meant to. Unit-01, along with Shinji, ends up becoming the Tree of Life, and the ark in which all souls are ushered through and into Lilith's Egg. Understanding the idea that in NGE, humans - Lilim, as we're called - were born from Lilith, and Rei is essentially Lilith helps make this clearer. What's happening near this point is 3rd Impact is occurring because of the Unit-01 and the Mass Produced Eva encounter. This returns the Geo-Front (the sphere like cavern where Nerv HQ sits) to its original form, the Egg of Lilith (we see this during the "Eye"-like explosion). After the Giant Rei/Lilith forms, Shinji is essentially given reign over the future of the human race by Rei/Lilith herself.

At this point, the tempo of the film slows to a crawl and the most surreal images and scenes begin creeping in. Even the most seemingly simple scenes such as a young Shinji playing in a sandbox with a swing, mountains, and a setting sun in the background is just rife with symbolism (hint: try to relate everything in this scene with something in the show, be it scenes, characters, or themes). Here, the psychological interplay between the main characters is crucial, as Shinji's wishes are played out in the real world. When he feels that everyone has deserted him and essentially says 'everyone can just die' is when the Instrumentality and joining of all souls through Lilith really begins.

What's important to note is Shinji's thoughts after his 'choice' has been made. The place he escapes to - the world of Instrumentality where all souls are one - and his questioning of this choice and all his choices is what we see here. More than just his questioning of the choice, we also hear him questioning the meaning of reality and dreams. This is not just random philosophical ramblings. It's a study of a character's, as well as the creator's, thoughts and feelings. Shinji holds all of humanity's future in his hands or, more accurately, his own mind. When you consider how psychologically scarred Shinji is, the idea that he can completely shape the future of Earth and all of humankind is what makes this so interesting.

Once he is allowed to be in the world he escapes to, he's faced with another choice of whether to stay or come back. As he discusses these things with Rei and Kaworu (Lilith and Adam), we hear his final choice and reasons why. The ending of EoE, titled "One More Final: I Need You" is rightfully confusing to almost everyone who sees it. However, it's also the perfect note to end the series with. Not only does it leave us as uncertain as the characters are about the future, but it also expresses the frustration and realization of Shinji's choice and the culmination of all the struggles that has lead them there.

This film is simply a divine marvel. Much like the series it has to be watched multiple times for one to uncover all of its hidden layers and meanings. But it doesn't lose its ability to invoke emotions and thoughts even after several viewings. There are scenes of immense power and drama in the film - many that match the best of most films I've seen. But I think it's the quiet moments that make this film so moving and memorable. The Sandbox scene is one I've mentioned. Another is the live action shots with the monologue and Bach's magnificent "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" (Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring) playing along on piano with it. Even more subtle moments, such as Shinji's SDAT (walkman type) player out of batteries (more significant than many would think), and Gendo's broken glasses in Rei's place. With the vivid beginning of Instrumentality played out to the appropriate sad-song-with-a-pop-beat "Komm Susser Tod" (Come Sweet Death), it's these scenes that never fail to give me chills.

There's a great quote that goes something like "A truly wise man always has more questions than answers." This is a series and film that asks more questions than it provides answers. What it tries to do is make you think about those questions, rather than provide an easily digestible story. Some may call the story incoherent and disjointed, but what many don't realize is that the deep psychological and philosophical leanings behind the show are inextricably linked with the storyline itself. So to distinguish one from the other is impossible without realizing how the two intertwine and effect the other. If you merely try to breakdown the sci-fi storyline, then you will be confused by much of it. This is because the story is so big and so encompassing that many finer details can't be uncovered without diving deep into the inner workings of the series.

In the end, I can only speak for myself when I say NGE did a superlative job of doing everything a great work of art should do. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it gave me chills on more than one occasion.... but most of all it made me THINK. Anyone who wants to enjoy this show as just a meaningless work of science fiction can do so, but will be baffled as they're crushed by the multiple layers of extra contextual meanings. So, if you want to understand NGE, you have to not only pay close attention to the small details within the show (small scenes from many episodes back play a role in the film), you have to really open your mind up to the ideas being presented, and how they effect the story.

However, taken as a film, and the conclusion to the NGE series, End of Evangelion is a staggering achievement and powerful last testament to what is, in my opinion, the greatest visual series of all time.

*DVD NOTES:

Those considering whether to buy just the EoE or the EoE/Death & Rebirth 2-pack, I suggest you go with the EoE unless you don't own the director's cuts of the last several episodes (available in the Platinum Collection). 'Death' is mostly a muddled re-crap of the entire series, while 'Rebirth' is merely the first 30 minutes of EoE. Death also doesn't contain remastered visuals or audio like the Platinum Collection does, so you'll be getting a low quality re-cap at that. Death really doesn't even work as an introduction to NGE, because most everyone not aquainted with previous episodes would be confused by the structure of the recap. The only thing worthwile in 'Death' is something called "The Magi Archives" which provides great information about key people, places, events, and thing in the series. This is very helpful to those who feel completely lost by all the jargon in the series and will help clear some things up, even if it won't answer any of the bigger questions. So just stick with EoE unless you feel the need for completeness to get Death & Rebirth as well.

Evangelion was a series that had its fair share of wierdness and religous themes. Originally the director, Hdieki Anno Meant these themes to be a sort of backstory, the last two episodes of Evangelion were episodes that very literally, delved into the thoughts and feelings of the main characters... and ended with the off camera, end of the world, and the subsequent long awaited maturing of series protagonist, shinji Ikari.

Most Fans were less then pleased with the End of the world not being animated. But Anno wished for the end, to focus on shinji, not the appoccalypse. But Fans demanded The appoccalypse be animated in a movie or ova, lest they come for Anno's head.

As The old Saying goes, Be careful for what you wish for. End of Evangelion Was made, And the fans were... Confused. Some hated the movie and wanted it to burn. Others loved it and found it to be the perfect end too the series. And many more, Just didnt know what to think, and chalked it up too too much drug use on Anno's part.

The film is not for the faint of heart. I have long referred too this DVD as "THE WIDOWMAKER"; in the sense it is the DVD I show too casual anime fans too ascertain whether they will become hardcore. Those that finish watching it, and honestly say they understood, and even slightly appreciated what happened, become hardcore anime fans. Others make it up too the crucifixan of EVA 01 and the end of the world before they go pray to the porcelain god.

The opening scene is a Shell shocked shinji, desparately looking for comfort, masterbating over a catatonic Asuka. Then there was a falling out between Nerve and Seele, which results in Nerv falling under seige. As seele tries too recapture the Eva's from Gendo, In the process, Asuka will recover, Fight to the death with Eva models 5-13; Shinji will continue to be desteibly whiny and self loathing. And Fans will finally be able too see the long postponed, end of the world. So whats the problem?!?!

Problem is I kinda gotta agree with people thinking Anno Was on drugs making this film. Some of these images will literally shock you to the point where you wont be able to think for at least a day. The appoccalypse combines biblical prophesy, with fiction and sciance. And the result is The most Out there animated sequance I have ever seen in my long years of watching anime. the merging of biblical prophesy with science fiction leads is a compelling idea. Like a car wreck from hell, the execution is as disturbing as it can be, yet still compelling enough that I could not stop watching. As for the ending, The last words in the film are "I feel sick", which sums up my feelings exactly as the credits rolled. I felt ill, mentally numb, confused for what I had just watched was intellegent, imaginative, well thought out, but also psychodelic on a level that I cannot describe.

In the end I honestly say that I am the proud owner of this movie. But At the same time, I only watch it with friends that have never seen it. Like Grave of the Fireflies, it is not a movie you watch too lighten up or kill time. It is a film of imagination and impact, but also of grave and shocking images. You cannot not be affected by this film. The only question is, what will the affect be? This film is a love it or hate it affair. With no room for middle ground. I personally like it... But I have reservations bout recommending it to others. Watch or buy with care.

I want to begin by saying that if you have not viewed the series, do not even consider purchasing this DVD. If you do, you will not enjoy the movie, you will not understand it, and you will not absorb how incredible it really is.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is an incredible example of intellectual anime. It begins as a simple giant robot series, but it seems that once Gainax ran out of money, the series truly began. It consisted of mostly pans across still shots in the later episodes, with characters performing long philosophical monologues that slowly hint at the subtleties in the series, and begin to give away some of the many questions that plague viewers. The series delved deeply into religious symbolic and analogous points, with the Systema Sephiroticum and the Lance of Longinus making constant mysterious appearances.

By the final two episodes, Anno and his team at Gainax had little funds remaining. So instead of the vision of the apocalypse that many fans had been anticipating, he gave them one of the deepest and incredible fourty-five minutes of video yet. Of course, many did not understand what he was trying to do, and became quite upset at the series not having a "real ending." Anno at last got his funding, and created what the fans wanted: the end of humanity.

Enter End of Evangelion. Created as two episodes meant to be alternatives to the original 25th and 26th, this movie needs to be seen several times to be fully understood. Note that the movie's ending and the series's ending do differ (Shinji accepts instrumentality in the series, and rejects it in End). The first half is simple enough, it reflects much of the series up until this point. Incredible battles marked by stunning animation, such as Asuka's battle against the Evangelion mass production series, make this movie question all other anime you've seen thus far. And it's just getting started.

When the mid-way credits roll (with some very nice music, I might add), it starts becoming amazing. Instrumentality. Third impact. The apocalypse. The end of mankind. I've never seen it portrayed as deftly as Anno has done in this movie. This film does not wrap up many of the loose ends in the series itself; rather, it creates one for each it ends. Do not watch it if you want a clear-cut conclusive ending, for I've yet to see two people who agree on an explanation of how it ends. It's simply incredible. Wonderful music, beautiful animation, stunning story, and talented voice acting (even the dub!) make this movie the gem that it is. The finale Anno paints is haunting.. terrifying, even. Buy this movie. It will change the way you look at the world.

Having watched the 'End of Evangelion' many times over, I still find it as baffling as ever. Watching this movie is much like watching the climax of 2001 A Space Odyssey where David Bowman enters the 'stargate' at the monolith and undergoes his psychadelic trip to nowhere. After such a bizarre parade of juxtaposed images, events and themes (often splashed around like images in a Picasso painting) you wonder what the hell it means.

The End of Evangelion is the alternative ending to the 1996 anime television series directed by Hideki Anno. Anno produced several works, however Evangelion proved to be the most popular (and controversial).

On the surface the premise of the series is fairly straightforward and similar to many other science fiction anime series; a group of humans living in a post-apocalyptic world are fighting to defend humanity from alien invaders. In Evangelion the aliens are called 'Angels', powerful and dangerous beings who appear to come from another dimension and cannot be defeated except by giant robots piloted by young children.

The main character in the series is the anti-hero Shinji, a cowardly, indecisive, apathetic and introverted character who is frequently depressed and gripped by anomie and acedia and seems to be unable to do the most basic tasks without being forced by other people. As the series unfolds it is clear Shinji and how he relates to others is somehow central not just to the angel-human conflict but even perhaps to the salvation of mankind itself.

Shinji relates most closely to three characters, Azuka, Misato, and his father, Gendo Ikari. As the series unfolds each of the characters is revealed to have a deeply tragic past which has resulted in all having very severe neurotic and psychological problems which border on hysteria and nervous breakdown. Indeed virtually all the characters come to pieces, either mentally or physically, as the series progresses and darkens.

The End of Evangelion seems to complement the interior fragmentation and destruction of the selves of the main characters by telling the 'narrative' of events in the external world. NERV is invaded and destroyed by a human invasion after the last angel is defeated in battle and the main characters are killed, including Azuka (in a rather horrible and gruesome way). Shinji, trapped in psychotic shock at the death of Azuka, enters his evangelion but is then taken by other evangelions who seem to undergo a bizarre ritual which reforms the 'Tree of life', the central symbol of kabbalastic mysticism. This leads to a giant Goddess-figure called Lilith rising to life, who proceeds to bring about the end of the world by merging the souls of all individual humans back into an undifferentiated unity, while Shinji looks on.

For some reason the process seems to fail and Lilith dies, perhaps because Shinji exercises his free will to remain an individual being rather than to re-merge his self into God. Azuka, perhaps also merged with aspects of Rei and Shinji's mother, also reemerges beside him along a deserted shoreline, while the rest of humanity and life remains as a red soup, an undifferentiated unity from which all things began. At the end Shinji attempts to strangle Azuka but relents, and then Azuka says 'How disgusting.'

The ending of the world and the 'recreation' of a new world seems to contain some very complex themes, such as free will, the relation of humans to the Absolute, how we relate to the 'Other' and existence in an incomplete world where the paradox of reality is where we suffer but suffering is also part of growth. Anno seems to draw deeply on Kabbalistic mysticism, Existential philosophy (many of the themes in the end are allegories of themes explored by philosophers like Heidigger, Sartre, Gadamer and Emmanuel Levinas) and Christian symbolism. Why Anno chose to use symbols from the Judeo-Christian tradition (in particular Kabbalah) for the series and the end I am not sure, but perhaps Anno felt the Zohar's profound sense of exile in a world where the divine is deeply hidden and absent and associated existential themes of angst, alienation, being in relation to death and nothingness were appropriate when dealing with psychological themes such as repressed emotions, the unconcious, introversion and extroversion, sexual desire, and frustration of our dreams and goals, and suffering.

I get the sense the ending of Evangelion is open, and I think Anno intended it to be so. To 'close' Evangelion where everyone is happy and gets what they wish seems to negate the deeper premise of the series which pointed to the universality of human suffering in the inner and outer worlds; the extremes of torture and pain all the characters endure to the point of death seems excessive but perhaps makes the important point there is no safe refuge in this world of change where the divine seems absent. While using Christian/Jewish imagery and western philosophical themes, I get the sense in the end Anno's message is Buddhist; we learn to grow through suffering, pain and evil and by accepting ourselves as we are, and we must accept there is evil and pain in all of existence and there is no escaping it, as evil and good exist even in the Godhead itself. In this sense Anno approaches the Gnostic systems of Jacob Boehme and also some of the more radical forms of Kabbalah, where humans must restore a broken world by experiencing good as well as evil.

Certainly the End of Evangelion is a multilayered world with extremely complex imagery, and cannot be watched as most other ordinary movies would be.

When i started watching NGE, i thought of it as a little strange. The mecha scenes were pretty cool, so i got the second disc, which got me completely hooked into the series. The series was incredible, so when i heard that EoE was available, i went out and bought it.

First of all, i would like to say that i liked the original end of the series. I thought it was an accurate representation of how the director wanted the series to end. The alternate reality has to be the funniest ten minutes of the whole series.

Back to EoE...this movie will BLOW YOUR MIND. It is possibly one of the best movies that i have ever seen (even in live action movies) and has so many layers that it is impossible to tell where one stops and another begins. If you're watching this expecting closure, you're not going to get it. There are more questions opened up by the last scene (with Asuka's last word being "Disgusting") than are answeared in the entire movie. Warning: You will think about this movie months after you've finished it. The dub is excellent, and the audio commentary not only adds insight to the end, but is also very funny at points(such as when they refer to one place as the "Evil girlfriend sanctum"- you'll have to watch the movie) There isn't really any much more that i can say without spoiling many of the plot points other than to say that if you are an Eva fan, get this movie. It doesn't disappoint.

Length:: 3:52 Mins

"So what more is there to say about 'End of Evangelion'" I've thought to myself over and over. How can I explain why I love this movie as much as I do without hurting my precious little brain? Then it hit me: why don't I just turn on the camera and gush for a little while? So here it is, in all it's flawed glory including sentences beginning with and punctuated by the phrase "you know". I even threw some in the middle for you, there. Hey, I'm workin' without a script, here! Note to those EVA trolls I hear so much about: rather than sticking around day in and day out to attack EVA fans anonymously, why not articulate your issues here and we can discuss it like adults? It'll make you feel better and maybe you'll even get over that psychological hurdle of yours that causes you to repel the opposite sex by focusing so much time and energy on a cartoon that you dislike. Positive attitude, positive aura, yes?

Anyhow, "End of Evangelion" is a crowning accomplishment of a series that was already overflowing with symbolism, psychological exploration, and sci-fi awesomeness. The series' original ending was a bit.....mmmm, I'm gonna go with "inconclusive". After a few death threats from folks who take their anime WAY too seriously and a green light from the production company, EVA creator Anno Hideaki opted to grant everyone's wishes. What we got was a conclusion that did NOT mess around. Insanely brutal violence, disturbing sexuality, and the end of the goddamn world barely scratch the surface of the contents of this film. I can't give you much more without massive spoilers, but rest assured that if you loved the series, this finale will overload your brain and leave you gasping for more answers to the numerous mysteries left in it's wake. It's left up to you, the viewer to interpret what you saw. There is no hand-holding here, casual film fans, so be warned. This one requires multiple viewings and an open mind.

My only complaint about this DVD is the splitting of the film into two 45-minute parts. I know that's how it was originally released, but if you think the middle credit sequence is that important, you can get it on the unnecessary cash-in disc Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth. On this DVD it screws up the flow of a film I'd prefer to watch as a whole. Some bonus material would have been nice as well, but anime discs aren't exactly known for overflowing with special features so I'll let it slide. In conclusion, there is no reason not to buy this DVD if you are a serious fan of animation unless you haven't yet seen the Neon Genesis Evangelion series. And if you haven't, what are you waiting for?