Shinseiki Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion

新世紀エヴァンゲリオン

04/10/1995 8.4 0 PG-13

Synopsis

Fifteen years following the catastrophic Second Impact, humanity is under siege as otherworldly beings known as Angels descend upon Tokyo-3. Despite deploying their most sophisticated weaponry and strategies, the world remains defenseless against their onslaught. The sole line of defense lies with NERV, an enigmatic organization under the command of the detached Gendou Ikari. NERV deploys towering biomechanical mechs called Evangelions, equipped with cutting-edge armaments and Absolute Terror Fields, to battle the Angels. Shinji Ikari, Gendou’s 14-year-old son, returns to Tokyo-3 years after being abandoned by his father. Haunted by the loss of his mother and the emotional neglect from Gendou, Shinji struggles with deep-seated trauma, fearing connection with others. His life takes a turn when he meets Misato Katsuragi, a 29-year-old NERV officer whose warm, free-spirited demeanor offers him the maternal care he has longed for. When a devastating Angel attack strikes, Shinji is thrust into action. Gendou reveals his true intention for summoning his son: Shinji is the only child capable of piloting Evangelion Unit-01, a mech synchronized to his biometrics. Though piloting inflicts severe psychological strain, Shinji fights to protect Tokyo-3, unaware of his father’s hidden schemes.

Background

The dark themes of Shinseiki Evangelion stem from director Hideaki Anno’s personal struggles with depression. Due to budget constraints and complaints from parents about the content, the original ending was discarded in favor of a hastily produced, low-animation conclusion that deviated from the main narrative. Later, the film Air/Magokoro wo, Kimi ni, was created, drawing partly from the intended ending and partly from Anno’s growing disillusionment with the otaku community. The series’ blend of psychoanalysis, religious imagery, and genre subversion had a profound impact on mature anime from the late 1990s onward. In 2006, the Japan Media Arts Festival recognized it as the most popular anime of all time.