Reader’s Question:
I’m interested in watching Evangelion, but it seems that I can only watch the four movies: Death and Rebirth, The End of Evangelion, and the new films for free on Amazon Prime. If I haven’t seen the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series or the movie “Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death
and Rebirth,” will I still be able to understand the story just by watching those four movies? Sorry if my question is a bit unclear.
Understanding Evangelion: A Journey Through Complex Narratives
As someone who has navigated the intricate world of “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” I can totally relate to your curiosity about diving into this iconic series. It’s like opening a door to a labyrinth filled with existential questions, emotional struggles, and, of course, giant robots! When I first stumbled upon Evangelion, I remember the excitement tinged with a bit of confusion. I was so eager to see what the hype was about that I ended up binge-watching the original series in a weekend. I can still picture myself sprawled on my couch, armed with a mountain of snacks, completely absorbed in the surreal visuals and deep themes. There’s something about the way Shinji and the other characters grapple with their inner demons that really struck a chord with me. Now, regarding your question about watching only the four movies: yes, you can grasp the broad strokes of the story through those films. However, I can’t help but reflect on my own experience. Watching the original series first allowed me to appreciate the nuances and emotional depth that are sometimes lost in the movies. The new films—especially “Shin Evangelion”—are like a love letter to the original, packed with references and themes that only make complete sense if you’ve gone through the series first. I remember my friend Akira, who decided to skip straight to the new films. He found himself scratching his head during pivotal moments that referenced events from the original series. There were a few funny moments when he confidently explained his take on certain plot points, only for us to burst into laughter when we revealed how different they were from the original context. It was a delightful mix of confusion and humor, but it made me realize how important it is to have that foundational knowledge. If you’re keen on the best experience, I’d suggest starting with the original TV series, then moving on to the older films, and finally diving into the new ones. However, if you’re really itching to see the newer films first, you can absolutely do that too; just keep in mind that you might miss out on some of the emotional punch that comes from the original context.
My Evangelion Adventure
As I wrapped up my own Evangelion journey, I felt a mix of satisfaction and a bit of longing. The series offered me not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on my own life and the complexities of human emotions. I often found myself pondering the characters’ struggles long after the credits rolled, feeling as if I had learned something profound about myself. So, if you do decide to embark on this anime adventure, grab some snacks, settle in, and prepare for a wild ride through both the mecha battles and the depths of the human psyche. And hey, if you have any memorable moments or tips from your own viewing experiences, I’d love to hear them in the comments! Let’s dive into this together!
