Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

| 1997

Directed by: Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki

Main Plot

"Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion" serves as an alternate ending to the original TV series, delving into the psychological and existential crises faced by humanity. The film begins with the paramilitary group SEELE launching an assault on NERV headquarters, aiming to initiate the Human Instrumentality Project. As chaos ensues, the protagonist grapples with profound internal conflicts and the weight of his responsibilities. The narrative explores themes of identity, connection, and the human condition, culminating in a surreal and introspective climax. The film's abstract and symbolic imagery challenges viewers to interpret its meaning, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Characters

  • Megumi Ogata voices Shinji Ikari, the protagonist who grapples with existential crises and emotional turmoil, ultimately deciding humanity's fate in the climactic events.
  • Megumi Hayashibara voices Rei Ayanami, a pivotal character who plays a crucial role in the Instrumentality Project, impacting the fate of humanity.
  • Yûko Miyamura voices Asuka Langley Soryu, a key pilot who battles against the mass-produced Evangelions, showcasing her resilience and complex emotional struggles.

Ending Explained

"Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion," directed by Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki, concludes the complex narrative of the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" series. The film's climax centers on the Human Instrumentality Project, an apocalyptic event orchestrated by the shadowy organization SEELE and Gendo Ikari, aiming to merge all human souls into a singular consciousness. As the project unfolds, protagonist Shinji Ikari grapples with intense psychological and existential dilemmas. During the climax, Shinji is given the choice to either accept this collective existence or reject it in favor of individual human experiences. He initially succumbs to despair, leading to a nightmarish sequence where humanity dissolves into a primordial soup. However, through introspection and encounters with pivotal characters like Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji ultimately rejects Instrumentality, valuing the pain and joy of individual existence. The film concludes ambiguously with Shinji and Asuka alone in a desolate world, symbolizing a new beginning. Shinji's final act of reaching out to Asuka signifies a fragile hope for human connection and the possibility of rebuilding.

Hideaki Anno Kazuya Tsurumaki Animation Action Drama Megumi Ogata Megumi Hayashibara Yûko Miyamura