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Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni (1997)
One of the greatest achievements in animated history:
Words can't explain how utterly fantastic this film is. From the beginning that wants us to think we're watching a straightforward episode of the show, to the ending that proves us completely wrong and leaves us wondering if we really watched what we just watched. This film is amazing in all ways.
The End of Evangelion is not normal anime. It's not a cartoon. It's not for kids. It's not stupid. These are probably going to be the average person's assumption as soon as they see the cover of the DVD. "Why the hell would I watch some stupid cartoon?" The answer: "Because it's possibly going to be the most well-thought-out, thought-provoking film that you've ever watched in your entire life." Now that we have established this, I'll move on with my review.
The film begins somewhat disturbingly, but in a subtle way compared to what you see later. The characters are all just waiting to see what happens next. All the angels are dead, making NERV basically useless and the Evangelions needed weapons by the company over NERV, Seele. The NERV employees realize that Seele will probably demand everything from them, but they're not giving it up, even if it means that "Third Impact" will occur. Then the film suddenly erupts in action sequences and brutally emotional deaths of the characters that we have come to know, love, and became emotionally attached with. Notable are Asuka and Misato's deaths which had me almost bawling the first time I watched the film which is something that has never happened to me.
Part two brings in the psychological aspects of Evangelion and deals mainly with Shinji who is trying to make the decision that basically decides the fate of humanity. But he has no idea how to make this decision because he can't discover his own place in humanity. He feels that no one accepts him and that he doesn't care if humanity continues to exist until he lives in a world where everyone can accept each other for what they are. Anyways, Shinji's decision is the main plot of the second part of the film.
Also going on is, of course, The Human Instrumentality Project which Shinji is denying and making impossible. For The Human Instrumentality Project to actually work properly, it requires the minds or "AT Fields" of every human being on Earth, including Shinji who has become "God" and can decide whether or not to accept The Human Instrumentality Project or not. In order to finally make his decision, he goes through many dream states covering various parts of the show and even reenactments of his feelings (as in the scene where he is choking Asuka in Misato's apartment; this shows him seeking help but being denied by humanity). This helps Shinji finally make his decision about the fate of humanity.
In the end, Shinji decides to deny The Human Instrumentality Project, thus destroying the "Ultimate Being" Afterwards, Shinji has a confrontation with his mother in a dream-like state. She tells him that anyone who has the will to live can return to Earth and resume their lives. Shinji then emerges through the LCL surrounding the dead "Ultimate Being"/Lilith/Rei (call it what you wish; they're all basically the same thing) and then crawls on the shore of the post- apocalyptic Earth. He then discovers Asuka has also returned and is a few feet away from where he lies. Then the most confusing part of the whole tour de force happens; Shinji starts choking Asuka. I'm not going to pretend that I know what this is about, but there are many different interpretations suggesting the events at the end of this film. But of course, no one will ever be able to solidify the meaning of this ending or what it means unless you happen to Hideaki Anno.
In my opinion, this film is a visual masterpiece with an amazing plot and great moral values that show that the human race is not as perfect as it seems and that there are many people who feel as if they have been thrown to the side and mentally and physically ignored. This film really depicts everything that any damaged person has ever felt; depression, self-loathing, and denial about your self being.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion - 10/10