Post by solidbatman on Aug 14, 2012 19:26:07 GMT -5
-Details-
Genre: Drama/Action/Mecha
Company: Gainax
Format: Movie (90 minute run time)
Dates: 19 July 1997
-Visuals- 8.5/10
The End of Evangelion definitely had better production values than Neon Genesis Evangelion so it of course looks better than the series it aims to complete, at least, for the first half of this movie. The first half of the movie is filled with action scenes, all of which or done incredibly well. EVA Unit 2 also has a brilliantly choreographed fight scene in this film that really sets the tone for the first half of the film. The art work is a lot smoother than the original series in my eyes and doesn't feel as lazy or budgeted... for the first half of the film.
The second half of EoE is a whole different story. Surreal is the best way to describe it, but also lazy. We see plenty of re-used scenes, not to the scale of episodes 25 and 26 of the series, but it is still rather annoying. Back to the surrealism though, I had a problem with a lot of it for the simple fact that it was there for no reason it felt like. Obviously, NGE was not grounded in realism at all, but it becomes incredibly over the top in the latter half of the film. Things appear as convenient plot devices, still frames occur, and one of my biggest gripes in anime and gaming, live action scenes are used. But for all my complaints, EoE is still extremely interesting to watch because of all the surrealism.
-Characters- 6/10
Not much has changed when it comes to the characters. In fact, nothing has changed. We do see Langley's redemption of character, at least in my eyes. She becomes a strong lead after becoming one of my least favorite characters towards the end of the series. Shinji is, of course, still Shinji and some of the choices he makes completes his journey to becoming an utterly despicable and angst filled character. His character alone, makes this movie frustrating to watch at times. The sheer apathy he displays is something to behold. Unfortunately, the viewer is forced to put up with 90 minutes of Shinji. Rei, well I can't honestly say I understand her. As for the other characters, we really are not treated to anything new or given any scenes of character growth.
-Story- 9/10
SPOILERS FOR NGE AHEAD
The final angel has been defeated and NERVs mission appears to be over. SEELE though has plans for NERV, the EVA units, and all of humanity, and launches an attack on NERV to kill those working for NERV that could get in the way of their plans. This includes the children who pilot the EVA units and their commanders. For unknown reasons, that are made clear later (unlike many other things), Gendo and SEELE both wish to begin the Third Impact, and Rei is the key to beginning it.
That is simply the best way this film can be summed up. It will more than likely take 2 or 3 viewings to fully understand the main themes of the movie, and you may never understand many of the smaller things. The story moves along at a great pace for the first 45 minutes and things do make sense for the most part. The latter half, though, is left up to interpretation. Different people will get different ideas about what went on. In a sense, that is how the entire series was.
-Overall- 8/10
The End of Evangelion is a good film that will affect people very differently. There are many interpretations of the film and each viewer will more than likely take something different out of it, aside from the thought of "What did I just watch?" For all of it's short comings, EoE is an enjoyable, thought provoking film that will exercise your brain and leave you wanting for more answers. Luckily, we may get those answers in the Rebuild of Evangelion movies.