EVA fans, grab your popcorn because the intense and iconic anime series has come to life on the big screen with the movie, Evangelion: Death (True). The movie, directed by Hideaki Anno, revisits the series' highlights and serves as a recapitulation of the events that have unfolded in the first half of the series. For those tuning in for the first time, the movie provides an overview of the storyline and the backstory of the characters.
The first half of the story is centered around fourteen-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is called upon by his father as the last hope for humanity. The post-apocalyptic world is wracked by monstrous creatures known as the Angels, who seek to wipe out all humans living on the planet. Shinji's father urges him to pilot an immense cybernetic robot named Evangelion to combat the Angels and save humanity. However, piloting the Evangelion is no small feat, and Shinji initially struggles with its controls, making massive mistakes at every turn.
The movie narrates Shinji's journey and his struggles with his new life in Tokyo-3, serving up a powerful storyline that's filled with a sense of danger and suspense. The characters are well-written and well-developed, and their relationships with each other are complex and nuanced. The character design is distinct and sets the tone for the movie's futuristic world.
The voice actors bring life to the characters in a way that only a few anime series have achieved. Megumi Ogata, Kotono Mitsuishi, Megumi Hayashibara, and Yuko Miyamura are incredibly talented and enhance the movie's immersive experience. Their voices connect the audience to Shinji, Misato, Rei, and Asuka, the main characters whose personal struggles and relationships are the driving force behind the movie. Through their voices, these characters tug at our heartstrings, making us feel attached to their lives and the things they strive to protect.
The movie features an awe-inspiring soundtrack that intensifies the movie's action and adds depth to the characters' emotions. The music composed by Shiro Sagisu is a masterpiece, with a wide range of orchestrations that leave the audience stirred and engaged throughout the movie. It has an eclectic mix of music styles, including jazz, classical, rock, and choral, that enhance the thematic contrasts of the movie's scenes.
As expected, Evangelion Death (True) doesn't shy away from its dark and controversial themes. The story explores the psychological and emotional effects of war and trauma, and the themes of loneliness, depression, and social isolation are central to the plot. The movie presents the human condition in a raw, realistic manner, exploring the flaws and weaknesses of the characters, and how those weaknesses are exploited by their enemies.
The animation is also a vital aspect of the movie that cannot be overemphasized. The art style is breathtaking, and the movie is an excellent representation of the mecha anime genre. The animation of the Evangelions is a pure work of art, providing incredibly detailed and meticulous designs for the robotic suits that Shinji and his team of friends pilot. The attention to detail in the way they move and fight is impressive, making the action scenes sublimely satisfying.
In conclusion, Evangelion: Death (True) is a treat for Evangelion fans and anyone interested in the world of anime. The movie's storyline is an intense and emotional exploration of its characters' souls, and the themes tackled are incredibly relevant and thought-provoking. The voice actors, soundtrack, animation, and direction all come together admirably to create an immersive and unforgettable experience that leaves the viewers craving for more. Those who have already seen the series and are looking for a fresh take on the story will enjoy the movie's recap, while newcomers to the series will find the story accessible and easy to follow. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys anime's magical power of telling stories that reach deep into the human psyche.
EVANGELION: DEATH is a 1998 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes.
