I missed the boat when Neon Genesis Evangelion first came out and I even missed probably 3/4 of the series when it was broadcast on [adult swim] all those long years ago. I missed it because at the time I just wasn't interested in the mecha shows and what I did see on [adult swim] didn't impress me at all at the time. However, when I sat down and watched the first remake movie Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone I think I discovered why it's so well liked and has such a following and this is what I thought about it.
Since I have very little experience with NGE watching the movie for me was a fresh start to the series so I can't compare it at all to the original series nor can I point out what is actually new and improved. What I do know is that the movie is a retooling and retelling of the first six episodes of the series which introduces us to the main cast of characters and explores a little bit about why poor Shinji goes from being just an average teenage boy to the most important person in Tokyo and the only person who can pilot the massive humanoid like mecha. His only mission; kill invading objects known as angels.
The first movie focuses on Shinji and how he has to learn to adjust not only to being the all important pilot but how he has to adjust to a new school a new roommate/guardian and trying to get along with the other pilot a quit no-nonsense girl called Rei. All that while he struggles internally to find the need, want and reason why he should even fight for the great good of mankind in the first place. With all that pretty well condensed down to a movie format it makes for a pretty compelling story. It probably even ended up working out better than the original series. I remember watching a few of the original series episodes on [adult swim] and I can't remember it being as good or making you care as much.
Not only is the story compelling but the music score and visuals are just outstanding from something that was touched up from an older series it doesn't look as dated as I thought it would. Nor does the additional stuff standout like a sore thumb like GiTS 2.0 did so well. I'm glad I was able to catch this while I await the US DVD release late in November(?) which will be added to the Netflix queue as soon as I can. It definitely changed my mind about the series and I have to admit that it's pretty good and worth a second look or like in my case a first look.
