Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth
Starring:Neon Genesis Evangelion
Studio: WEA
Product Type: DVD
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The bizarre ending of the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) pleased no one, including creator Hideaki Anno. Shortly after it aired, Anno began remaking the final episodes as an OAV and then decided to release them as a theatrical feature. At the climax of the series, Shinji met and destroyed Kaoru, who was both the Fifth Child and 17th Angel--then collapsed into schizophrenia. Death retraces these events through clips, many of them set to new dialogue performed by the same English cast as the series. Rebirth depicts the aftermath of Shinji's victory over the final Angel: Seele attacks NERV headquarters as part of their plot to advance human evolution. The feature ends as inconclusively as the series, with Rei in limbo beside Dr. Ikari, the traumatized Shinji nearly catatonic, and a reawakened Asuka fighting Seele. It sets up the final film, The End of Evangelion. Unrated; suitable for ages 14 and up: Violence, brief nudity, profanity. --Charles Solomon
Description
Fifteen years after the Antarctic blast known as the Second Impact, the world once again faces the threat of the Angels--super-powered entities with the capacity to bring about a Third Impact capable of destroying all human life. Summoned by his estranged father, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari reluctantly embraces his destiny as the pilot of the bio-engineered vessel known as "Evangelion Unit-01." Alongside fellow Eva pilots Asuka Langley and Rei Ayunami, Shinji battles against the host of invading Angels. But all is not as it seems. Amidst layers of subterfuge, and the competing agendas of secret government organizations each seeking to manipulate the children and their Evas for their own ends, Shinji, Rei and Asuka must each come to terms with their past and unearth their own identities. Told from the various perspectives of the tale's primary characters, Death & Rebirth is a composition of epic proportions. The first half of the film is an orchestrated retelling of episodes 1 through 24 of the original groundbreaking Neon Genesis Evangelion saga. Supplemented with startling new animated sequences, Death offers a unique insight into the personal worlds of the characters as conceived of by the series' director Hideki Anno. In Rebirth, the second half of the film, we see an alternate vision of episode 25 of the original series. Seele, the secret international organization behind the development of both the Evangelion project and the Human Complementation project, is concerned about the way the projects' director, Ikari Gendo, is proceeding. Convinced that Gendo is implementing his own plans, they set out to wrest control of the projects and capture Eva Unit-01. Using the nine-production model Evangelions under their command, and a force of conventional troops, Seele undertakes a full-scale invasion of Central Dogma - the operation control center beneath Tokyo-3.
From the animators of GAINAX Studios (The Wings of Honneamise) and Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Blood: The Last Vampire) comes the most decisive chapter in the Neon Genesis Evangelion saga. Featuring groundbreaking animated action sequences and mind-blowing dramatic revelations; Death & Rebirth is truly a composition of epic proportions. Manga's most technically advanced DVD to date includes a double-sided DVD, special audio commentary and an exclusive Mokuji Interactive feature (Mokuji = "Contents"). Once activated, this feature will allow the viewer to select from an on-screen, chapter specific index of Eva-related terms, character descriptions, and other valuable information while viewing the film. The perfect resource for the seasoned Evangelion fan eager to learn more as well as a comprehensive introduction for those new to the story. All key roles in the English language version of Death and Rebirth are reprised by the original voice-actors from the Neon Genesis Evangelion series.
Average customer rating:
- Continuation of neongenesis - Evangelion
- A must for the Evangelion fan
- End of Evangelion is a must...
- The Brilliant Conclusion to a Most Profound Series
- "Some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created..."
|
Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth/The End of Evangelion Two-Pak
Starring: Neon Genesis-Evangelion
Manufacturer: Manga Video
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Similar Items:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Collection
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - Perfect Collection
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - The End of Evangelion
- Elfen Lied Complete Collection
- Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection
ASIN: B0009S4J5K
Release Date: 2005-07-26 |
Amazon.com
Death & Rebirth, the bizarre ending of the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), pleased no one, including creator Hideaki Anno. Shortly after it aired, Anno began remaking the final episodes as an OAV and then decided to release them as a theatrical feature. At the climax of the series, Shinji met and destroyed Kaoru, who was both the Fifth Child and 17th Angel--then collapsed into schizophrenia. Death retraces these events through clips, many of them set to new dialogue performed by the same English cast as the series. Rebirth depicts the aftermath of Shinji's victory over the final Angel: Seele attacks NERV headquarters as part of their plot to advance human evolution. The feature ends as inconclusively as the series, with Rei in limbo beside Dr. Ikari, the traumatized Shinji nearly catatonic, and a reawakened Asuka fighting Seele. It sets up the final film, The End of Evangelion. Unrated; suitable for ages 14 and up: Violence, brief nudity, profanity.
Anno brought his watershed epic to its conclusion in the final installment, End of Evangelion. It begins where the series ended: with the Angels defeated, the sinister cabal SEELE attacks NERV headquarters to seize the Evas and realize their plan for humanity. Misato and Ritsuko fight from inside while Asuka decimates a new Eva series. But when Rei merges with Lilith, and Shinji seems to fuse with Unit 01, the final traces of a coherent storyline dissolve into a protracted collage of fantastic images, played against discussions involving Rei, Shinji, Asuka, and Kaoru. Anno's dazzling apocalyptic vision forms a weird but oddly logical finale that ultimately means whatever the viewer chooses to read into it. This unrated feature, suitable for ages 17 and older, contains considerable violence, profanity, grotesque imagery, and sexual situations.
Extras in this set include a gallery of still artwork, short biographies of the main characters, descriptions of the Angels and Evas, and a glossary of terms used in the series. In the voice-over commentary, Amanda Winn Lee (producer-director of the English dub and the voice of Rei Ayanami), co-producer Jason C. Lee and "anime enthusiast" Taliesin Jaffe make a lot of dumb jokes that suggest a lack of respect for both Anno's work and the audience. --Charles Solomon
Description
Three young pilots are faced with the final fate of humanity and their Evangelion vessels are the world's last hope!
Customer Reviews:
Continuation of neongenesis - Evangelion.......2007-05-13
It continues the story, but makes it very difficult to understand what is going on. It has no clearcut answer to all the loose ends from the ordinary series.
A must for the Evangelion fan.......2007-05-12
The two part movies Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion sum up the television series well. Not visually and intellectually disappointing. Some of what is actually happening between Rei/Lillith and Unit One is a little convoluted as to what actually any of it really means. Seeing the Evangelion Platnum Series Director's cut footage will shine a little light on some of the questions the movie will pose.
End of Evangelion is a must..........2007-04-26
You can do without Death & Rebirth if you own the series. The End of Evangelion is the ending the series, in many ways, needed to have: while the original ending was adequate, Evangelion was never just a story about Shinji and, with all the talk about Adam and Third Impact, it needed something bigger than complete introspection. That said, both this "film" ending and the one occuring in the series do compliment each other and aren't entirely at odds. The difference between Third Impact and Human Instrumentality isn't quite so clear...as maybe it shouldn't be. Nonetheless, we get both. Oh, and Asuka gets a finale worthy of her character. I rate End of Evangelion a 5 star flick; Death & Rebirth, basically the entire series edited into an hour with the idea that Asuka, Shinji, and Rei are "performing/dreaming" this collectively, is beside the point. Still, if you want a proper ending to Evangelion, The End is a must own.
The Brilliant Conclusion to a Most Profound Series.......2007-03-03
For those turning to this film to answer all the questions that the last two episodes of the Evangelion (NGE) series didn't answer, I suggest you look elsewhere. If anything, this film will provide you with precious few answers but a multitude of new questions. For those wanting a highly provocative, thought-provoking, intelligent and most poignant conclusion to the NGE series, then have no fear. I will try to explain some of the more perplexing elements in this film, without giving too much away, as well giving my thoughts and opinions at the same time.
The film is structured to be the final two episodes of the series. So the first half, Ep. 25 "Air/Love is Destructive" is concurrent with the series episode 25 "The World Ending/Do You Love Me?". The second half, Ep. 26. "My Purest Heart for You/One More Final: I Need You" is concurrent with the series episode 26 "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World/Take Care of Yourself."
Much like the NGE series, the End of Evangelion (EoE) weaves a complex story where images and dialogue are closely related to the philosophy and symbolism. These themes are played out through the psychology of each characters' own mind. It is essentially a microcosm of the entire series. The opening scenes before the "Air" title card of Ep. 25 of Shinji overlooking the ruins of the city, and then entering Asuka's hospital room and, (I'll leave it there) set the mood and atmosphere. Showing effectively and very disturbingly that this is NOT going to be an easy film. As the first half roars out of the gates at breakneck speed, we see the hostile takeover of Nerv by the Seele organization and each Nerv member's desperate attempt to hold it at bay.
We also see the mental states that the two main Eva pilots - Shinji and Asuka - have been reduced too. Shinji is severely depressed after killing the last angel, Kaworu, whom he had formed a close bond with. Asuka is in the same mental boat as Shinji as she sits at the bottom of the lake in her Eva, which she feels she can't pilot anymore. What's interesting is the paths that have driven these two characters to this point. The ideas of finding one's self-worth (examined perfectly in the final two series episodes), and what happens to a person when that is taken away.
At the same time Seele is trying to initiate their plans for Third Impact using Unit-01 and the downright creepy looking Mass-Produced Eva Series, Gendo has his own plans involving Rei and Lilith. As Asuka, (with a little help and inspiration from her Mama) rages an extremely violent battle with the Evil Evas, Gendo takes Rei down to Lilith. He does this to unite the souls and bodies of Adam and Lilith only to find his scorned lover, Ritsuko there. It's interesting that two of the most shocking and violent scenes (the Asuka/Eva battle and the Gendo/Ritsuko confrontation) are played out to Bach's beautiful "Air". The infusion of the music in this film is truly brilliant and a major reason why many scenes are so effective.
However, this is the point in the film where most people will start to become completely lost. Without a really good understanding of the NGE story (and perhaps even with one), it's hard not to. It's very difficult to make the extremely complex simple, however I'll try without many spoilers.
Suffice it to say that Seele were trying to initiate Third Impact and reduce humankind back to its original form - the Primordial Soup of Life where all souls and beings are one. Gendo had different plans and just wanted to see his 'dead' wife, Yui again. Neither Seele's or Gendo's plans go exactly as they were meant to. Unit-01, along with Shinji, ends up becoming the Tree of Life, and the ark in which all souls are ushered through and into Lilith's Egg. Understanding the idea that in NGE, humans - Lilim, as we're called - were born from Lilith, and Rei is essentially Lilith helps make this clearer. What's happening near this point is 3rd Impact is occurring because of the Unit-01 and the Mass Produced Eva encounter. This returns the Geo-Front (the sphere like cavern where Nerv HQ sits) to its original form, the Egg of Lilith (we see this during the "Eye"-like explosion). After the Giant Rei/Lilith forms, Shinji is essentially given reign over the future of the human race by Rei/Lilith herself.
At this point, the tempo of the film slows to a crawl and the most surreal images and scenes begin creeping in. Even the most seemingly simple scenes such as a young Shinji playing in a sandbox with a swing, mountains, and a setting sun in the background is just rife with symbolism (hint: try to relate everything in this scene with something in the show, be it scenes, characters, or themes). Here, the psychological interplay between the main characters is crucial, as Shinji's wishes are played out in the real world. When he feels that everyone has deserted him and essentially says 'everyone can just die' is when the Instrumentality and joining of all souls through Lilith really begins.
What's important to note is Shinji's thoughts after his 'choice' has been made. The place he escapes to - the world of Instrumentality where all souls are one - and his questioning of this choice and all his choices is what we see here. More than just his questioning of the choice, we also hear him questioning the meaning of reality and dreams. This is not just random philosophical ramblings. It's a study of a character's, as well as the creator's, thoughts and feelings. Shinji holds all of humanity's future in his hands or, more accurately, his own mind. When you consider how psychologically scarred Shinji is, the idea that he can completely shape the future of Earth and all of humankind is what makes this so interesting.
Once he is allowed to be in the world he escapes to, he's faced with another choice of whether to stay or come back. As he discusses these things with Rei and Kaworu (Lilith and Adam), we hear his final choice and reasons why. The ending of EoE, titled "One More Final: I Need You" is rightfully confusing to almost everyone who sees it. However, it's also the perfect note to end the series with. Not only does it leave us as uncertain as the characters are about the future, but it also expresses the frustration and realization of Shinji's choice and the culmination of all the struggles that has lead them there.
This film is simply a divine marvel. Much like the series it has to be watched multiple times for one to uncover all of its hidden layers and meanings. But it doesn't lose its ability to invoke emotions and thoughts even after several viewings. There are scenes of immense power and drama in the film - many that match the best of most films I've seen. But I think it's the quiet moments that make this film so moving and memorable. The Sandbox scene is one I've mentioned. Another is the live action shots with the monologue and Bach's magnificent "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" (Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring) playing along on piano with it. Even more subtle moments, such as Shinji's SDAT (walkman type) player out of batteries (more significant than many would think), and Gendo's broken glasses in Rei's place. With the vivid beginning of Instrumentality played out to the appropriate sad-song-with-a-pop-beat "Komm Susser Tod" (Come Sweet Death), it's these scenes that never fail to give me chills.
There's a great quote that goes something like "A truly wise man always has more questions than answers." This is a series and film that asks more questions than it provides answers. What it tries to do is make you think about those questions, rather than provide an easily digestible story. Some may call the story incoherent and disjointed, but what many don't realize is that the deep psychological and philosophical leanings behind the show are inextricably linked with the storyline itself. So to distinguish one from the other is impossible without realizing how the two intertwine and effect the other. If you merely try to breakdown the sci-fi storyline, then you will be confused by much of it. This is because the story is so big and so encompassing that many finer details can't be uncovered without diving deep into the inner workings of the series.
In the end, I can only speak for myself when I say NGE did a superlative job of doing everything a great work of art should do. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it gave me chills on more than one occasion.... but most of all it made me THINK. Anyone who wants to enjoy this show as just a meaningless work of science fiction can do so, but will be baffled as they're crushed by the multiple layers of extra contextual meanings. So, if you want to understand NGE, you have to not only pay close attention to the small details within the show (small scenes from many episodes back play a role in the film), you have to really open your mind up to the ideas being presented, and how they effect the story.
However, taken as a film, and the conclusion to the NGE series, End of Evangelion is a staggering achievement and powerful last testament to what is, in my opinion, the greatest visual series of all time.
*DVD NOTES:
Those considering whether to buy just the EoE or the EoE/Death & Rebirth 2-pack, I suggest you go with the EoE unless you don't own the director's cuts of the last several episodes (available in the Platinum Collection). 'Death' is mostly a muddled re-crap of the entire series, while 'Rebirth' is merely the first 30 minutes of EoE. Death also doesn't contain remastered visuals or audio like the Platinum Collection does, so you'll be getting a low quality re-cap at that. Death really doesn't even work as an introduction to NGE, because most everyone not aquainted with previous episodes would be confused by the structure of the recap. The only thing worthwile in 'Death' is something called "The Magi Archives" which provides great information about key people, places, events, and thing in the series. This is very helpful to those who feel completely lost by all the jargon in the series and will help clear some things up, even if it won't answer any of the bigger questions. So just stick with EoE unless you feel the need for completeness to get Death & Rebirth as well.
"Some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created...".......2007-03-01
"...I think that this is the great untold story to the world. It is sublime. It is arguably some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created..."
- Richard Taylor, Weta Workshop.
There is not much that I could mention here which has not been said many times before, but the TV series and movies combined are among the best on offer in any genre. A masterpiece, albeit flawed.
Hauntingly beautiful, disturbing, thought-provoking and terrifying, all at the same time. Definitely not for younger viewers.
That being said, I am sad to report that the English release of the films "Death and Rebirth" and "The End of Evangelion" were so poorly done that I do not believe there is yet a definitive English translation to be had (unless you count the original "fan subs" by Bochan Bird).
It is clear listening to the commentaries that these films were not taken at all seriously or treated with the respect they deserved. The English director admits to adding campy sound-effects and alternative (incorrect) "humorous" dialog for her "own personal amusement". Parts of the translation sound as if they were made by an immature teenager with a childish sense of humour rather than a professional translator. One might suspect that an attempt was made to turn this mature art-piece into a more stereotypical cartoon aimed at a younger and less discriminating audience.
The commentary offers little in the way of real insight, having very little to say about the underlying philosophies or symbolism. Ignorance abounds, and catch phrases such as "that's Freudian" substitute for real understanding. The producers took little care to spell check the subtitles and even invented words at times ("resonation" instead of "resonance"). If you have any understanding of, or fondness for this series at all, the commentary is beyond immaturity, it is infuriating.
Serious fans of this work will be tempted to purchase the newly remastered and magnificently restored versions from Japan and subtitle their own (the English releases are not the remastered versions and are not high quality video transfers). For everyone else, this release is "better than nothing", but it should be remembered that it is a poor translation in parts, and that anything that seems childish, stereotypical or cliché are artifacts of translation.
I rate this product 5 stars solely on the basis of the quality of the original films, and without regard to the production standards of the English translation.
Average customer rating:
- Continuation of neongenesis - Evangelion
- A must for the Evangelion fan
- End of Evangelion is a must...
- The Brilliant Conclusion to a Most Profound Series
- "Some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created..."
|
Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth
Starring: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Manufacturer: WEA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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Similar Items:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Collection
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - Perfect Collection
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - The End of Evangelion
- Elfen Lied Complete Collection
- Full Metal Panic! 1C-THP - The Complete Collection
ASIN: B000068OIY
Release Date: 2002-07-30 |
Amazon.com
The bizarre ending of the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) pleased no one, including creator Hideaki Anno. Shortly after it aired, Anno began remaking the final episodes as an OAV and then decided to release them as a theatrical feature. At the climax of the series, Shinji met and destroyed Kaoru, who was both the Fifth Child and 17th Angel--then collapsed into schizophrenia. Death retraces these events through clips, many of them set to new dialogue performed by the same English cast as the series. Rebirth depicts the aftermath of Shinji's victory over the final Angel: Seele attacks NERV headquarters as part of their plot to advance human evolution. The feature ends as inconclusively as the series, with Rei in limbo beside Dr. Ikari, the traumatized Shinji nearly catatonic, and a reawakened Asuka fighting Seele. It sets up the final film, The End of Evangelion. Unrated; suitable for ages 14 and up: Violence, brief nudity, profanity. --Charles Solomon
Description
Fifteen years after the Antarctic blast known as the Second Impact, the world once again faces the threat of the Angels--super-powered entities with the capacity to bring about a Third Impact capable of destroying all human life. Summoned by his estranged father, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari reluctantly embraces his destiny as the pilot of the bio-engineered vessel known as "Evangelion Unit-01." Alongside fellow Eva pilots Asuka Langley and Rei Ayunami, Shinji battles against the host of invading Angels. But all is not as it seems. Amidst layers of subterfuge, and the competing agendas of secret government organizations each seeking to manipulate the children and their Evas for their own ends, Shinji, Rei and Asuka must each come to terms with their past and unearth their own identities. Told from the various perspectives of the tale's primary characters, Death & Rebirth is a composition of epic proportions. The first half of the film is an orchestrated retelling of episodes 1 through 24 of the original groundbreaking Neon Genesis Evangelion saga. Supplemented with startling new animated sequences, Death offers a unique insight into the personal worlds of the characters as conceived of by the series' director Hideki Anno. In Rebirth, the second half of the film, we see an alternate vision of episode 25 of the original series. Seele, the secret international organization behind the development of both the Evangelion project and the Human Complementation project, is concerned about the way the projects' director, Ikari Gendo, is proceeding. Convinced that Gendo is implementing his own plans, they set out to wrest control of the projects and capture Eva Unit-01. Using the nine-production model Evangelions under their command, and a force of conventional troops, Seele undertakes a full-scale invasion of Central Dogma - the operation control center beneath Tokyo-3.
From the animators of GAINAX Studios (The Wings of Honneamise) and Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Blood: The Last Vampire) comes the most decisive chapter in the Neon Genesis Evangelion saga. Featuring groundbreaking animated action sequences and mind-blowing dramatic revelations; Death & Rebirth is truly a composition of epic proportions. Manga's most technically advanced DVD to date includes a double-sided DVD, special audio commentary and an exclusive Mokuji Interactive feature (Mokuji = "Contents"). Once activated, this feature will allow the viewer to select from an on-screen, chapter specific index of Eva-related terms, character descriptions, and other valuable information while viewing the film. The perfect resource for the seasoned Evangelion fan eager to learn more as well as a comprehensive introduction for those new to the story. All key roles in the English language version of Death and Rebirth are reprised by the original voice-actors from the Neon Genesis Evangelion series.
Customer Reviews:
Continuation of neongenesis - Evangelion.......2007-05-13
It continues the story, but makes it very difficult to understand what is going on. It has no clearcut answer to all the loose ends from the ordinary series.
A must for the Evangelion fan.......2007-05-12
The two part movies Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion sum up the television series well. Not visually and intellectually disappointing. Some of what is actually happening between Rei/Lillith and Unit One is a little convoluted as to what actually any of it really means. Seeing the Evangelion Platnum Series Director's cut footage will shine a little light on some of the questions the movie will pose.
End of Evangelion is a must..........2007-04-26
You can do without Death & Rebirth if you own the series. The End of Evangelion is the ending the series, in many ways, needed to have: while the original ending was adequate, Evangelion was never just a story about Shinji and, with all the talk about Adam and Third Impact, it needed something bigger than complete introspection. That said, both this "film" ending and the one occuring in the series do compliment each other and aren't entirely at odds. The difference between Third Impact and Human Instrumentality isn't quite so clear...as maybe it shouldn't be. Nonetheless, we get both. Oh, and Asuka gets a finale worthy of her character. I rate End of Evangelion a 5 star flick; Death & Rebirth, basically the entire series edited into an hour with the idea that Asuka, Shinji, and Rei are "performing/dreaming" this collectively, is beside the point. Still, if you want a proper ending to Evangelion, The End is a must own.
The Brilliant Conclusion to a Most Profound Series.......2007-03-03
For those turning to this film to answer all the questions that the last two episodes of the Evangelion (NGE) series didn't answer, I suggest you look elsewhere. If anything, this film will provide you with precious few answers but a multitude of new questions. For those wanting a highly provocative, thought-provoking, intelligent and most poignant conclusion to the NGE series, then have no fear. I will try to explain some of the more perplexing elements in this film, without giving too much away, as well giving my thoughts and opinions at the same time.
The film is structured to be the final two episodes of the series. So the first half, Ep. 25 "Air/Love is Destructive" is concurrent with the series episode 25 "The World Ending/Do You Love Me?". The second half, Ep. 26. "My Purest Heart for You/One More Final: I Need You" is concurrent with the series episode 26 "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World/Take Care of Yourself."
Much like the NGE series, the End of Evangelion (EoE) weaves a complex story where images and dialogue are closely related to the philosophy and symbolism. These themes are played out through the psychology of each characters' own mind. It is essentially a microcosm of the entire series. The opening scenes before the "Air" title card of Ep. 25 of Shinji overlooking the ruins of the city, and then entering Asuka's hospital room and, (I'll leave it there) set the mood and atmosphere. Showing effectively and very disturbingly that this is NOT going to be an easy film. As the first half roars out of the gates at breakneck speed, we see the hostile takeover of Nerv by the Seele organization and each Nerv member's desperate attempt to hold it at bay.
We also see the mental states that the two main Eva pilots - Shinji and Asuka - have been reduced too. Shinji is severely depressed after killing the last angel, Kaworu, whom he had formed a close bond with. Asuka is in the same mental boat as Shinji as she sits at the bottom of the lake in her Eva, which she feels she can't pilot anymore. What's interesting is the paths that have driven these two characters to this point. The ideas of finding one's self-worth (examined perfectly in the final two series episodes), and what happens to a person when that is taken away.
At the same time Seele is trying to initiate their plans for Third Impact using Unit-01 and the downright creepy looking Mass-Produced Eva Series, Gendo has his own plans involving Rei and Lilith. As Asuka, (with a little help and inspiration from her Mama) rages an extremely violent battle with the Evil Evas, Gendo takes Rei down to Lilith. He does this to unite the souls and bodies of Adam and Lilith only to find his scorned lover, Ritsuko there. It's interesting that two of the most shocking and violent scenes (the Asuka/Eva battle and the Gendo/Ritsuko confrontation) are played out to Bach's beautiful "Air". The infusion of the music in this film is truly brilliant and a major reason why many scenes are so effective.
However, this is the point in the film where most people will start to become completely lost. Without a really good understanding of the NGE story (and perhaps even with one), it's hard not to. It's very difficult to make the extremely complex simple, however I'll try without many spoilers.
Suffice it to say that Seele were trying to initiate Third Impact and reduce humankind back to its original form - the Primordial Soup of Life where all souls and beings are one. Gendo had different plans and just wanted to see his 'dead' wife, Yui again. Neither Seele's or Gendo's plans go exactly as they were meant to. Unit-01, along with Shinji, ends up becoming the Tree of Life, and the ark in which all souls are ushered through and into Lilith's Egg. Understanding the idea that in NGE, humans - Lilim, as we're called - were born from Lilith, and Rei is essentially Lilith helps make this clearer. What's happening near this point is 3rd Impact is occurring because of the Unit-01 and the Mass Produced Eva encounter. This returns the Geo-Front (the sphere like cavern where Nerv HQ sits) to its original form, the Egg of Lilith (we see this during the "Eye"-like explosion). After the Giant Rei/Lilith forms, Shinji is essentially given reign over the future of the human race by Rei/Lilith herself.
At this point, the tempo of the film slows to a crawl and the most surreal images and scenes begin creeping in. Even the most seemingly simple scenes such as a young Shinji playing in a sandbox with a swing, mountains, and a setting sun in the background is just rife with symbolism (hint: try to relate everything in this scene with something in the show, be it scenes, characters, or themes). Here, the psychological interplay between the main characters is crucial, as Shinji's wishes are played out in the real world. When he feels that everyone has deserted him and essentially says 'everyone can just die' is when the Instrumentality and joining of all souls through Lilith really begins.
What's important to note is Shinji's thoughts after his 'choice' has been made. The place he escapes to - the world of Instrumentality where all souls are one - and his questioning of this choice and all his choices is what we see here. More than just his questioning of the choice, we also hear him questioning the meaning of reality and dreams. This is not just random philosophical ramblings. It's a study of a character's, as well as the creator's, thoughts and feelings. Shinji holds all of humanity's future in his hands or, more accurately, his own mind. When you consider how psychologically scarred Shinji is, the idea that he can completely shape the future of Earth and all of humankind is what makes this so interesting.
Once he is allowed to be in the world he escapes to, he's faced with another choice of whether to stay or come back. As he discusses these things with Rei and Kaworu (Lilith and Adam), we hear his final choice and reasons why. The ending of EoE, titled "One More Final: I Need You" is rightfully confusing to almost everyone who sees it. However, it's also the perfect note to end the series with. Not only does it leave us as uncertain as the characters are about the future, but it also expresses the frustration and realization of Shinji's choice and the culmination of all the struggles that has lead them there.
This film is simply a divine marvel. Much like the series it has to be watched multiple times for one to uncover all of its hidden layers and meanings. But it doesn't lose its ability to invoke emotions and thoughts even after several viewings. There are scenes of immense power and drama in the film - many that match the best of most films I've seen. But I think it's the quiet moments that make this film so moving and memorable. The Sandbox scene is one I've mentioned. Another is the live action shots with the monologue and Bach's magnificent "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude" (Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring) playing along on piano with it. Even more subtle moments, such as Shinji's SDAT (walkman type) player out of batteries (more significant than many would think), and Gendo's broken glasses in Rei's place. With the vivid beginning of Instrumentality played out to the appropriate sad-song-with-a-pop-beat "Komm Susser Tod" (Come Sweet Death), it's these scenes that never fail to give me chills.
There's a great quote that goes something like "A truly wise man always has more questions than answers." This is a series and film that asks more questions than it provides answers. What it tries to do is make you think about those questions, rather than provide an easily digestible story. Some may call the story incoherent and disjointed, but what many don't realize is that the deep psychological and philosophical leanings behind the show are inextricably linked with the storyline itself. So to distinguish one from the other is impossible without realizing how the two intertwine and effect the other. If you merely try to breakdown the sci-fi storyline, then you will be confused by much of it. This is because the story is so big and so encompassing that many finer details can't be uncovered without diving deep into the inner workings of the series.
In the end, I can only speak for myself when I say NGE did a superlative job of doing everything a great work of art should do. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it gave me chills on more than one occasion.... but most of all it made me THINK. Anyone who wants to enjoy this show as just a meaningless work of science fiction can do so, but will be baffled as they're crushed by the multiple layers of extra contextual meanings. So, if you want to understand NGE, you have to not only pay close attention to the small details within the show (small scenes from many episodes back play a role in the film), you have to really open your mind up to the ideas being presented, and how they effect the story.
However, taken as a film, and the conclusion to the NGE series, End of Evangelion is a staggering achievement and powerful last testament to what is, in my opinion, the greatest visual series of all time.
*DVD NOTES:
Those considering whether to buy just the EoE or the EoE/Death & Rebirth 2-pack, I suggest you go with the EoE unless you don't own the director's cuts of the last several episodes (available in the Platinum Collection). 'Death' is mostly a muddled re-crap of the entire series, while 'Rebirth' is merely the first 30 minutes of EoE. Death also doesn't contain remastered visuals or audio like the Platinum Collection does, so you'll be getting a low quality re-cap at that. Death really doesn't even work as an introduction to NGE, because most everyone not aquainted with previous episodes would be confused by the structure of the recap. The only thing worthwile in 'Death' is something called "The Magi Archives" which provides great information about key people, places, events, and thing in the series. This is very helpful to those who feel completely lost by all the jargon in the series and will help clear some things up, even if it won't answer any of the bigger questions. So just stick with EoE unless you feel the need for completeness to get Death & Rebirth as well.
"Some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created...".......2007-03-01
"...I think that this is the great untold story to the world. It is sublime. It is arguably some of the most beautiful and poignant animation ever created..."
- Richard Taylor, Weta Workshop.
There is not much that I could mention here which has not been said many times before, but the TV series and movies combined are among the best on offer in any genre. A masterpiece, albeit flawed.
Hauntingly beautiful, disturbing, thought-provoking and terrifying, all at the same time. Definitely not for younger viewers.
That being said, I am sad to report that the English release of the films "Death and Rebirth" and "The End of Evangelion" were so poorly done that I do not believe there is yet a definitive English translation to be had (unless you count the original "fan subs" by Bochan Bird).
It is clear listening to the commentaries that these films were not taken at all seriously or treated with the respect they deserved. The English director admits to adding campy sound-effects and alternative (incorrect) "humorous" dialog for her "own personal amusement". Parts of the translation sound as if they were made by an immature teenager with a childish sense of humour rather than a professional translator. One might suspect that an attempt was made to turn this mature art-piece into a more stereotypical cartoon aimed at a younger and less discriminating audience.
The commentary offers little in the way of real insight, having very little to say about the underlying philosophies or symbolism. Ignorance abounds, and catch phrases such as "that's Freudian" substitute for real understanding. The producers took little care to spell check the subtitles and even invented words at times ("resonation" instead of "resonance"). If you have any understanding of, or fondness for this series at all, the commentary is beyond immaturity, it is infuriating.
Serious fans of this work will be tempted to purchase the newly remastered and magnificently restored versions from Japan and subtitle their own (the English releases are not the remastered versions and are not high quality video transfers). For everyone else, this release is "better than nothing", but it should be remembered that it is a poor translation in parts, and that anything that seems childish, stereotypical or cliché are artifacts of translation.
I rate this product 5 stars solely on the basis of the quality of the original films, and without regard to the production standards of the English translation.
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Neon Genesis Evangelion - The Death & Rebirth + The End of Evangelion Movie Box Set
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