What is it: Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is the first film in the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, a film series that retells and reinterprets the story of the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. Released in 2007, this film was directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Khara Studio. The plot follows the journey of Shinji Ikari, a teenager who is recruited by the organization NERV to pilot a giant mecha called Evangelion, with the goal of protecting humanity from mysterious creatures known as Angels. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is essential viewing for fans of the franchise, as it offers a fresh perspective on the original story, with updated animation, new visual effects, and some narrative changes that make the experience even more immersive.
The story of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone begins with Shinji Ikari being summoned to Tokyo-3 by his father, Gendo Ikari, the commander of NERV. Upon arrival, Shinji finds himself immediately drawn into a battle against an Angel, an alien creature of unknown origin that threatens humanity's existence. Without prior training, Shinji is forced to pilot Evangelion Unit-01, a giant mecha that is humanity's last line of defense against the Angels. The strained relationship between Shinji and his father, as well as the pressure to save the world, are central themes that permeate the narrative, adding layers of emotional complexity to the plot.
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone isn't just a simple retelling of the original series. The film introduces new elements and characters not present in the 1995 anime. For example, the character Mari Illustrious Makinami, who plays a significant role in subsequent films, is introduced in the Rebuild series. Furthermore, the film features new battle scenes and action sequences that are visually stunning, thanks to modern animation technology. These additions and changes not only attract new viewers but also offer something new and exciting for longtime fans of the franchise.
The soundtrack of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is another noteworthy aspect. Composed by Shiro Sagisu, the film's music combines orchestral elements with electronic sounds to create a unique and immersive atmosphere. The musical tracks are carefully synchronized with the action scenes and emotional moments, amplifying the narrative's impact. Hikaru Utada's theme song "Beautiful World" has also become iconic, capturing the film's melancholic and hopeful essence. The soundtrack not only complements the story but also becomes an integral part of the cinematic experience.
Another key aspect of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is the quality of the animation. Studio Khara utilized cutting-edge animation techniques to create stunning visuals that surpass the original series in terms of detail and realism. The battle scenes between the Evangelions and the Angels are particularly impressive, with complex choreography and visual effects that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The attention to detail, from the mecha designs to the characters' facial expressions, contributes to a visually rich and immersive experience.
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone also explores deep, philosophical themes, such as the nature of existence, loneliness, and the search for meaning. Shinji's relationship with his father and the other Evangelion pilots, such as Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, is fraught with tension and emotional complexity. These themes are presented in a way that resonates with audiences, whether they are longtime or new to the franchise. The combination of intense action, psychological drama, and existential questions makes Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone a work that continues to captivate and intrigue viewers around the world.
