Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Alrighty folks, this is not only a review, an epinion, or a reccomendation...

It's a guide, a historical documentation, and an order.

If you think you have read plenty of novels, seen enough movies, and followed enough TV shows to know what character development is, and how a story can completely engulf your own reality; YOU ARE MISTAKEN if you have not seen NEON GENESIS EVANGELION

I'm about to give this series the respect it deserves by doing the following things:

For those of you unfamiliar with anime I will give you a brief background to the genre.

I will explain to you why you need to see all 26 episodes and 2 movies of NGE.

I will provide a guide to DVD collection 0:1 and thoughts on the DVDS.

I will provide links to sites that explain the conclusion to NGE and other mysteries that may be left unanswered in your mind if you decide to watch the series for the first time.

The following Index will help you navigate...if you begin to watch the series from here you can always refer back to the newest episode that you have watched. If you just wish to now what makes NGE so special then follow the index. This epinion is not intended to be read in its entirety unless you have seen the entire series and would like to get my take on it. If you want an introduction to the series and why you should watch it read Sections 1, 2, and 6. As you move along with the series you may want to read the DVD guides as you watch them (they will contain spoilers). If your still not sold on EVANGELION after that you can read the synopsis of the first four episodes (that will get you). Finally get to section 4 when your done and you have questions (yes you will have a million questions).

INDEX

(SEC. 1) WHAT IS ANIME? AND WHY DOES EVANGELION BENIFIT GREATLY FROM BEING ONE?

(SEC. 2) THE STORY OF EVANGELION, THE THEMES OF EVANGELION, WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD, AND WHY IT COMES TOGETHER SO WELL.

(SEC. 3) EPISODE GUIDE FOR DVD COLLECTION 0:1 AND THOUGHTS ON THE TRANSFER AND DVD PACKAGING.

(SEC. 4) LINKS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND EVANGELION AND RELEASE DATES ON THE MOVIES.

(SEC. 5) MY FINAL WORD.

END INDEX

BEGIN

---- SECTION 1
WHAT IS ANIME? AND WHY DOES EVANGELION BENIFIT GREATLY FROM BEING ONE?

Anime is a term for Japanese Animation. It has a distinct style such as big colorful eyes, oval shaped mouths, and quick movement. If you know nothing of it your probably familiar with it through Pokemon or Dragon Ball Z (popular kids shows).

The truth is though the majority of anime is made for an older audience. Many contain extreme violence (the type that if it were live-action the movie would easily be NC-17). Don't worry though Evangelion is pretty low on the violence factor and doesn't contain much foul language either.

The beauty of anime is its popularity in Japan. In America older men (mostly) often have a difficult time admitting to liking a cartoon. So if American companies were to make R rated sci-fi cartoons such as Akira it would have a difficult time finding in Audience. Yet in Japan anime is a huge part of their culture. The most popular shows and movies in Japan are frequently anime, so simply put (over there) you ain't cool unless you watch cartoons.

Neon Genesis Evangelion would have had an unfundable budget if it were live action. To make the Evas believable and the armored Tokyo-3 it would have taken millions yet drawn the designs are fantastic. Anime also tends to be deeper than most Hollywood movies. Often giving us looks into the minds of the characters and its more believable when the episodes take a turn for the wierd, due to the simple fact that hey, "it's anime!"

Want to know if real Anime is for you? Check out Akira an amazing science fiction specticle and Ghost in the Shell a confusing bliss of beautiful images, that may give you a better idea of what you are in for.


---- SECTION 2
THE STORY OF EVANGELION, THE THEMES OF EVANGELION, WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD, AND WHY IT COMES TOGETHER SO WELL.

STORY: At the turn of the millennium the inhabitants of Earth are nearly completely wiped out by a mysterious supposed meteorite strike on Antarctica. Roughly half the population dies as a direct result of the strike, and the rest are left to struggle for survival amidst the rising savage seas due to melting of the polar ice.

Now the year is 2015. As the remnants of the human race cower in subterranean cities, a deadly war is being waged for what is left of the planet, and for what lies there within. On one side are the mysterious alien beings known only as the Angels, on the other, the special agency NERV and mankind's last hope for survival; the awe-inspiring Evangelions.

Yet amongst the ongoing devastation, few weary individuals at NERV struggle to uncover and piece together the agency's long buried secrets and hidden agendas along with the mysteries surrounding the arrival of the Angels. Why was the Earth struck fifteen years ago? A mere simple unfortunate act of nature, or perhaps an act of vengeance instigated by beings more powerful than man. Why did NERV classify the Angel responsible for the first attack on Tokyo-3 as the third, not the first? And just why are the only qualified Eva pilots that of children born exactly nine months after the second impact that massacred over half the human race?

As you can see from the word go there are already more complex questions then who is the ciggarette smoking man from X-Files

Yet the series is much more complicated than the synopsis. It is deep into religious themes. Those attacking the city are called Angels...the prophicies they refer to are the Dead Sea Scrolls...the secret corporation in charge of nerve is SEELE the German word for Soul, and it just gets deeper from there all the way to Adam, Lillith, and the gates of Heaven. Some may find the religious revolving basis to be offending, but it is not really a problem it suggests nothing offensive, it just takes different literal interpretations of the Bible.

The series is based on one of the most simplistic words in the english language, WHY? We are first introduced to Shinji Ikari son of Gendo Ikari leader of NERV the organization behind the production of the EVANGELIONS. The EVAS are huge robots that can only be controlled by 14 year old children. This leads to the amazing characters that are the children. These 14 years olds are the same as any othe 14 year olds, unsure of themselves, confused, scared, and on top of it all they are the only humans able to pilot the EVAS thus the fate of mankind rests on their shoulders.

Shinji who has a horrible relationship with his father often asks himself WHY? he pilots the EVA. Is it because if he doesn't no one else can? Is it to prove his father's doubts wrong? Is it to be somebody when he has been a nobody all of his life? As you can see the complexity of these characters only enhances as the series goes on.

I cant stress enough how much these characters develop, and that is why NGE is so amazing. We have these vulnerable children put in superhuman situations. They don't really know who there are, what they want, or what there purpuse would be if they did not have the EVAS to pilot. It is truly emotionally draining to watch them go through these hardships and even more difficult seeing what becomes of them in END OF EVANGELION the final movie.

The story is so engrossing, the double crossings so unforseable, and the philosophy more thought provoking then anything I've ever seen or read, I can't help but reccomending this even if you are not a fan of anime.



---- SECTION 3
EPISODE GUIDE FOR DVD COLLECTION 0:1 AND THOUGHTS ON THE TRANSFER AND DVD PACKAGING.

COLLECTION 0:1
Containing Episodes 1 through 4

Genesis 0:1/Episode 01 - Angel Attack

The Angels have returned with their third messenger of death, Sachiel, who is laying waste to Tokyo-3, home to NERV HQ, and the feeble resistance put up by the entire UN force present. All of which, however, proves to be of no avail, even the devastating power of the UN's latest addition to their arsenal, the N2 non-nuclear mine, proves to be laughable when faced with the wraith of the Angels. As a result of the UN's ineffectiveness, command of the defence operation is transferred to NERV.

NERV respond to the dire situation by preparing the launch of mankind's last hope for survival; Evangelion, a bio-mechanical giant specialising in close combat and capable of generating its own AT, Absolute Terror, field. EVA-01 is ready, all that NERV require now is a pilot. Only children born in the aftermath of the second impact, exactly nine months after the massacre, have the ability to synchronise with an Evangelion and thus pilot it. The first child was found and underwent the process of synchronising with her Eva, however, the doomed test pilot, Rei Ayanami, lost control of her prototype Eva, EVA-00, in a mysterious accident which left her seriously injured.

All is not lost, however, as a potential new pilot is found, the third child Shinji Ikari, estranged son of Gendo Ikari; Commander and head scientist at NERV. Shinji is picked up by Captain Misato Katsuragi on the day of Sachiel's attack, however, both are caught up in the cross fire between the Angel and the UN whilst enroute to NERV HQ. Fortunately though both Shinji and Misato make it through with only a few scratches and Shinji is brought before his father for the first time in three years.

Despite his reluctance to pilot EVA-01, Shinji finds himself being railroaded into synchronising with the Eva having been alerted to backup pilot Rei's critical condition. The synchronisation process between Shinji and EVA-01 goes surprisingly well, Unit 01 is activated and the battle for Tokyo-3 is set.

Episode 02 - The Beast

Shinji finally awakens, only to find himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling from a hospital bed, but with no idea as to how he came to be there. He has no recollection of the recent past events, including that of his battle with the third Angel.

Whilst Shinji recovers from his ordeal, Misato and Ritsuko Akagi, one of NERV's leading scientists, head up the salvage operation for the battle of Tokyo-3 in which Unit 01 sustained moderate damage. Meanwhile Gendo defends himself and the existence of NERV against extensive criticism from the UN committee who believe that Eva was used inefficiently, and that certain top secret projects associated with NERV are falling behind schedule.

With emotions still running high between Shinji and his father due to past events, Shinji chooses instead to accept the sisterly Misato's invitation to stay with her, despite Ritsuko's dim view of the whole idea. Misato takes Shinji to get his first real glimpse of Tokyo-3, mankind's fortress against the Angels, the city he saved, after which she takes the third child to his new home. It soon turns out, however, that Misato isn't quite the ideal roommate Shinji had in mind.

Later that evening, having drowned his sorrows in the bathtub, Shinji starts to reflect on his stressful first day at NERV. In doing so he abruptly starts to recall the memories of his first sortie in Unit 01; the battle that took place in Tokyo-3, the heavy damage sustained to Unit 01's arm and head component and how it eventually went berserk killing Sachiel in an all out killing frenzy. Now his only comfort are those few words from Misato, telling him to hang in there, as she turns in for the night.

Episode 03 - A Transfer - The Phone That Never Rings

In order to improve his combat skills, Ritsuko's having Shinji participate in simulated training exercises in Unit 01. It would seem though, that Shinji isn't really interest in piloting Unit 01, he simply does as he is told, it seams to be his way of dealing with what life has to offer. This kind of attitude towards life and people in particular is starting to worry Misato.

Shinji turns up for his first day at his new school, however, it appears that most of his classmates have either transferred schools or remained at home due to the latest attack on the city. Toji Suzuhara isn't one of them though, despite having been away for several days caring for his little sister who was injured during the attack and hospitalised as a result. Toji is by far from being impressed with NERV's efforts to protect the city; he blames the pilot of Unit 01 for his sister's current condition.

Word of Shinji piloting Unit 01 soon gets out, which puts Shinji in the spotlight having to deal with all kinds of awkward questions from his classmates, something that he's not accustomed to and finds hard to deal with. Meanwhile war enthusiast Kensuke Aida takes note of Shinji's every word in an attempt to learn more about NERV. Later that day Toji catches up with Shinji, now knowing him to be the pilot of Unit 01, and expresses his anger towards Shinji, but not just in a verbal way.

Last time humanity had fifteen years to prepare for the return of the Angels, now only three weeks since the third Angel's attack the fourth Angel, Shamshel, is headed towards Tokyo-3 resuming the Angels' attack on the city. Knowing this, NERV once again launch Unit 01 to engage the enemy and evacuate the city's inhabitants to the designated underground shelters. They are not, however, prepared for the intervention of Toji and Kensuke, who intend on getting a little closer to the action, and that of the awesome new power displayed by the latest Angel.

Episode 04 - Rain, Escape & Afterwards - The Hedgehog's Dilemma

Misato lectures Shinji after ignoring and going against a direct order issued by her during his last encounter with an Angel. Rather than dealing with the situation though, Shinji chooses instead to escape his problems by running away from them. Having taken the Tokyo-3 loop line, he wanders aimlessly around the city and then up into the foot hills surrounding Tokyo-3 where he unintentionally meets up with Kensuke who's out camping alone. Shinji accepts Kensuke's hospitality and the two talk for quite some time before turning in for the night.

The following morning NERV intelligence agents arrive to pick up Shinji and escort him back to NERV HQ. There he finds himself again having to answer to Misato, however, this time it would seam that she's more or less given up on him. Misato feels that she is unable to help a child who is unwilling to adapt to new situations, if Shinji is unwilling to continue to pilot Unit 01 then forcing him to do so would be a waste of time.

Due to his reluctance to pilot Unit 01, Shinji chooses to leave NERV and is formally dismissed from the organisation. But before heading off to the train station intent on taking the next train out of Tokyo-3, Shinji is caught up by Toji and Kensuke who wish to see him off. Toji regrets his earlier behaviour towards Shinji and apologises.

Now preparing to leave Tokyo-3, Shinji finds himself running away from reality yet again. Misato realises that letting Shinji leave is a mistake and so heads off to the station hoping to catch up with him, but arrives too late only to see the train pull away from the platform. To her delight, however, the train pulls away leaving Shinji standing opposite her on the station's departing platform. They stand opposite each other for quite some time before Shinji breaks the silence with a couple of well chosen words, 'I'm home'. Misato welcomes Shinji back with a smile and the two head back home.

Ok the first four episodes do a great job of setting up the series. You will probably have about 50 questions you will dying to know after watching these such as what are the EVAS, who is Rei, what is wrong between Shinji and his father, and why is there a damn Penguin there? All will be answered in due time. You also will begin to see the complexity of the characters, Shinji is crying already, Rei is confused as ever. Believe it these first four shows will leave you crying for more...

ADV Films did a pretty good job with the transfer, you'll notice as the DVDS progress the color gets better and better. One thing that is fairly impressive with these dvds is that the English voice acting is very good. Generally English voice actors for Anime are terrible, but I am particularly fond of Misato and Asuka's voices.

The Menus are nice, they character bios aren't anything special, basically your paying for the episodes here, and yes they are worth the price of admission.



---- SECTION 4
LINKS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND EVANGELION AND RELEASE DATES ON THE MOVIES.

Evangelion 2000: http://www.eva2000.com
An Australian fansite good for news and theories on Evangelion...

Contemplation guide to Evangelion: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/schung/epiguide.html
The philosophy of the series brings up philosophical and religous points to ponder after watching an episode...

Evangelion FAQ: http://www.therossman.com/evafaqs.html
Answers just about every question you ever wanted to know about the series...A must visit after you complete all 26 episodes!

MOVIES
BOTH TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 31st, 2001
BY MANGA ENTERTAINMENT

Neon Genesis Evangelion: DEATH AND REBIRTH
This film is essentially a recut of the VERY confusing final two episodes of the series. It does some more justice to the ending and sets up the events in...

END OF EVANGELION
The title says it all. Originally the last two episodes were to be the end of the series but the fans wanted more and then some. This movie is more like a piece of art, and the fans got more than they expected, a real emotional piece, for example the tagline was, "Wouldn't it be nice if everyone just died?"



---- SECTION 6
MY FINAL WORD.

I've seen a lot of movies in my time, read a lot of books, but nothing has moved me like Neon Genesis Evangelion...It is truly difficult to watch the things that these children deal with.

Things within the series will really make you think about life. Who are you? Are you what you project yourself to be, or are you merely a projection of what others see you as?

Do you matter?

These are all questions Hollywood would never dare ask, it takes a format as bold as anime to conquer these questions.

The mysteries keep the series going, the payoff does not dissapoint you will never see NERV and SEELE's secret intiative coming, you will never know what they really want till its all said and done.

The things done go as far as to make you feel compassion for the bad guys, such as Shinji's father, but did he take things to far?

Do you want to know what a Evangelion really is?

Do you want to know what the Angels truly are?

What is SEELE? What is NERV?

What is to be Shinji's fate? What is wrong with Rei? Will Asuka ever learn to love herself? Will the world ever be a safe place again?

You will, and you should.

I wish I could bring up some of the more endearing questions from the series but I do not wish to give up any secrets, the less you know about Evangelion the better...I only posted the first four episodes in case you need the final nail in the coffin whether or not you will give this a go.

This is as good as entertainment gets (not to mention confusing, but as the director of the series says, Evangelion is whatever you get out of it, whatever you want to get out of it)...



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older