Neon Genesis Evangelion

Synopsis

Neon Genesis Evangelion, originally released in 1995 and featuring the voice talent of Megumi Ogata as Shinji Ikari, is an influential Japanese anime series that blends mecha action with deep psychological and philosophical themes. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the story follows a group of teenagers recruited by the mysterious organization NERV to pilot giant bio-mechanical robots called Evangelions in order to protect Earth from enigmatic beings known as Angels. As the pilots face intense battles, the series delves into complex explorations of identity, mental health, and human connection, making it a hallmark of anime that transcends its genre to challenge viewers emotionally and intellectually.

Cast

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  Megumi Ogata

  Shinji Ikari (voice)

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  Kotono Mitsuishi

  Misato Katsuragi (voice)

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  Megumi Hayashibara

  Rei Ayanami (voice)

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  Yuko Miyamura

  Asuka Langley Soryu (voice)

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  Yuriko Yamaguchi

  Dr. Ritsuko Akagi (voice)

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  Fumihiko Tachiki

  Gendo Ikari (voice)

Reviews

Neon Genesis Evangelion holds a revered status in the anime community and among critics, praised for its innovative storytelling and psychological depth. On IMDb, it carries a strong rating of 8.5/10, reflecting widespread acclaim for its narrative complexity and character development. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a formal aggregate score for the series, but critical analysis frequently highlights its groundbreaking approach to the mecha genre. According to Anime News Network, the show "redefined what anime could achieve, combining action with profound psychological exploration." However, some viewers have found its dense symbolism and abstract ending polarizing, with criticism centered on its unconventional narrative style and emotionally heavy themes. Metacritic doesn’t list a score for the original series, but retrospective reviews like those from IGN praise its "emotional resonance and philosophical underpinnings," crediting it with influencing countless works across media. Overall, the critical consensus is overwhelmingly positive, positioning Neon Genesis Evangelion as a masterpiece that challenges traditional animated storytelling.