Neon Genesis Evangelion...

[Jin-Roh]

(evangelion is pronounced with a hard 'g' by the way)

I watched the first four epidsodes with Alden a week ago after borrowing the DVD from my friend Mike --a major animae addict.

I liked it so far, despite that it has the two biggest stereo-types of Japanesse cartoons (robots, and giant monsters destroying cities) and will be watching the next four episodes tommorow, unless I get caught up doing something.

I'm sure there's at least one other person who has seen the series. Anybody else like it? No Spoilers please.

[luv1another]

yep in fact a lot of my recent avs have been neon evangelion I really enjoyed it but then I love cartoons, however the kids got a bit scared from it... it was them who took it out originally
I think my favourite in the series is Rae the 1st child
also capt misari was cool.

the movie episode the end of evangelion is really good

[Megane]

Yesterday @ 07:55 PM post located here
Jin-Roh:



I'm sure there's at least one other person who has seen the series. Anybody else like it? No Spoilers please.

You bet. I've seen it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Two general opinions on the series. They seem to run like this: it's either a work of deep philosophical significance that utterly reinvents the "giant-robot" genre, or it's a haphazard mash of random religious symbolism (Look! Angels! Crosses! Oooo!) which cleverly disguises the fact that the narrative falls apart about 3/4's of the way through the TV series, culminating in a series finale which is so esoteric and bizarre as to be completely unenjoyable.

I think the first approach has a better handle on things, personally. Though I admit some of the Christian and Judaic symbols are strewn about a bit carelessly.


There was some talk going around for a while, heck it still may be in some circles, that the reason Anno made the movies was because the television ending was so unpopular. I can understand this as the last couple episodes are *really* different. But ultimately I think that view is rather short-sighted. The movies compliment the final two episodes of the TV series quite nicely. Two sides of the same coin.

Either way, most will admit that Eva is easily one of the most important and influential series of the 90's.

Interesting tidbit:the actual title of the series is "Shin Seiki Evangelion." Or "New Century Gospel." Something to keep in mind while watching, especially in later episodes where the series takes a sharp turn to a very introspective and frankly, pyschiatric direction. Just what *is* the gospel in the world Anno Hideaki (the director of the series, who is one of the most brilliant directors working in anime today. Far superior to the amazingly overhyped, Miyazaki Hayao) has created?

And I agree with luv1another: Ayanami Rei rocks. So does Misato. And she's a total babe which never hurts. Gainax has never been afraid to throw some fan service in their shows that's for darn sure ( For more on this, look up the term "Gainax Bounce" sometime!).

Ikari Gendo is probably one of the most interesting and complex characters in the series. Figuring out just *what* he's hoping to accomplish is a lot of fun. The second child, who hasn't been introduced in the first 4 episodes so I won't name him/her, is also a great character. Watching his/her development, or perhaps regression is a better word, is fascinating.

The characters are really the strength of this show. Also, the action sequences, plot development, and general design.

I regard "The End of Evangelion" movie as a modern masterwork of film-making. One of my two favorite movies. There is a *lot* of stuff in there. The imagery in the film is almost as compelling, if not more so, than the story itself.

I can't imagine showing this show to children though...especially the later episodes. The violence, sexual content, homosexual and lesbian undertones, and mature themes seem to indicate to me that this is not a good show for younger viewers to watch. And most of the symbolism would likely fly right over their heads.

My favorite character: Would have to be Misato. The purple hair does it.


Questions: Are you watching the ADV region one DVD release? Which audio are you listening to?

[Jin-Roh]

So far, I think I might be in agreement with the "haphazard" use of religious symbols.

I'm watching the ADV DVD versions so far, in English. I switched to Spanish as I am taking a Spanish class (you can never hear to much of a language if you're learning it right?), but I eventually got annoyed becuase I assoicate Spanish/Movie with stuff like Telemundo. Remember the bee suit guy in the Simpsons?

Although I'm not to far into the series, I'm expecting a lot of creepy undertones. But I doubt it'll be more disagreeable than Fight Club.

Looks like my plans to watch it with Mike tonight fell through, oh well, there's always tommorow...

[Chuck Lee]

I thought it was a GREAT series.

The last two episodes of the TV series could be left out though. They don't contribute anything to the plot. They're more a character study than anything else.

And the Death/Rebirth movie is more of the same. However, the End of Evangelion movie is great and ties up the whole series in an... uh... apocalyptic fashion. Asuka steals the show, and rightly so!

No one gets out sane.

[Jin-Roh]

I watched episodes 5-8 last night.

Shinji I still a big whiner and Misato still mood-swings like crazy.

The newest Child (I already forget her name), is done with some lousy voice acting. That German accent is just non-existant when in English, and no better in her Deutsch.

Rei is actually turning out to be a very intresting Chracacter. She clearly needs years therapy to correct whatever extreme social-disorder she is apparently suffering from. I'm told that I won't know her connection till towards the end, but I'm venturing to guess that she is somehow connected with Akari Senoir's dead wife. It also freaked me out when she smiled. That was just weird.

[Chuck Lee]

Asuka Langley Sohryu is the German-speaking girl. She's half Japanese and naturally is fluent in Japanese. That gets translated to being fluent in English in the dubbed version, I guess. I much prefer the Japanese language version with subtitles myself.

Then again I would assume her German accent is just as atrocious as the typical American or English accents in anime. Japanese voice actors don't do too well with Western accents.

Don't expect Shinji to get any better. Focus on the gals. Shinji's a wuss.

[DLAbaoaqu]

Awesome series, won me over.

EoE probably one of my favorite comedies, ranking up there with UHF and a few others.
Also, Rebuild? It's not just a remake... it's a sequel, too.

[Jin-Roh]

Wow. Someone really dug up a necro thread. hard to believe that this thread is nearly nine years old!!!