The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where giant monstrous beings known as Angels threaten humanity's existence. The organization NERV, hidden beneath Tokyo-3, has developed giant humanoid machines called Evangelions to combat these threats. The protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is a shy and introverted teenager who pilots the Evangelion Unit-01. He joins a team of pilots, including Rei Ayanami (Unit-00) and Asuka Langley Soryu (Unit-02), under the command of his estranged father, Gendo Ikari.
"Neon Genesis Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone," commonly referred to as "Evangelion 1.0," is the first installment in the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series, a reimagining of the original "Neon Genesis Evangelion" anime series. Directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Khara, "Evangelion 1.0" was released on January 1, 2007, in Japan. This report provides an overview of the film, its plot, themes, and reception.
The film follows Shinji's initial struggles with piloting the Evangelion and his complicated relationships with his peers and father. As the story unfolds, Shinji and his fellow pilots face off against various Angels, while also dealing with the psychological trauma and personal demons that come with their roles.
"Evangelion 1.0" received generally positive reviews from critics. The film's visuals, action sequences, and character development were praised, while some critics noted that the story was somewhat predictable and lacked the depth of the original series.
"Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone" serves as a promising introduction to the Rebuild of Evangelion series, offering a fresh take on the classic franchise while maintaining its core themes and elements. While not without its flaws, the film provides an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience for both old and new fans of the series.
For viewers interested in exploring the Evangelion series, "Evangelion 1.0" is a good starting point. However, it is recommended to watch the film as part of the larger Rebuild of Evangelion series to fully appreciate its story and themes.