Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series that defies conventions associated with the mecha genre. If you go in expecting it to follow those conventions, you will be disappointed, but if you are willing to broaden your mind and accept a different approach without being defined by the hype or criticism of the show, you will likely find a worthwhile show.
The series may be set in a post-apocalyptic future whose only hope lies in people who are burdened with personal issues and not always fighting for the right reasons. While it is often dark and deconstructs many tropes related with action anime, it is not completely so; there are lighthearted, comedic and hopeful moments that lighten the atmosphere at times, and the latter helps stave off Darkness Induced Audience Apathy.
The battles against the Angels are exciting, especially given how varied the Angels are, from hulking monsters that destroy anything in their path to enigmatic creatures that wage mental warfare on the pilots.
Shinji is a character whom you will likely love or hate. He certainly does not have the same qualities as expected of a typical action hero, and may alienate viewers because he's meant to come off as a more human person. While he has his flaws, especially seeming weak and cowardly at times, half of his problem is that he is surrounded by people who have their own share of psychological baggage, leaving them unable to help each other. But the ultimate message behind him is uplifting; he is weak and so are we, but all of us can become stronger if we choose to love and take care of ourselves.
The ending is another point of contention, but if you can get past the recycled footage and long internal dialogues, it nicely summarizes the main characters' personal conflicts and comes to a surprisingly heartwarming conclusion.
Neon Genesis Evangelion does not appeal to everyone, nor is it meant to. But if you are willing to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to think about the meanings behind what happens on screen and interest in works that defy conventions, you will likely enjoy it greatly, as I have.
The TV Series: Abandon pre-conceptions and appreciate it for what it is
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series that defies conventions associated with the mecha genre. If you go in expecting it to follow those conventions, you will be disappointed, but if you are willing to broaden your mind and accept a different approach without being defined by the hype or criticism of the show, you will likely find a worthwhile show.
The series may be set in a post-apocalyptic future whose only hope lies in people who are burdened with personal issues and not always fighting for the right reasons. While it is often dark and deconstructs many tropes related with action anime, it is not completely so; there are lighthearted, comedic and hopeful moments that lighten the atmosphere at times, and the latter helps stave off Darkness Induced Audience Apathy.
The battles against the Angels are exciting, especially given how varied the Angels are, from hulking monsters that destroy anything in their path to enigmatic creatures that wage mental warfare on the pilots.
Shinji is a character whom you will likely love or hate. He certainly does not have the same qualities as expected of a typical action hero, and may alienate viewers because he's meant to come off as a more human person. While he has his flaws, especially seeming weak and cowardly at times, half of his problem is that he is surrounded by people who have their own share of psychological baggage, leaving them unable to help each other. But the ultimate message behind him is uplifting; he is weak and so are we, but all of us can become stronger if we choose to love and take care of ourselves.
The ending is another point of contention, but if you can get past the recycled footage and long internal dialogues, it nicely summarizes the main characters' personal conflicts and comes to a surprisingly heartwarming conclusion.
Neon Genesis Evangelion does not appeal to everyone, nor is it meant to. But if you are willing to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to think about the meanings behind what happens on screen and interest in works that defy conventions, you will likely enjoy it greatly, as I have.