When Shin Seiki Evangelion (Neon Genesis Evangelion) debuted in October 1995 no one could have predicted how much of an impact the TV series would have on the future of Japanese animation. With its stunning animation style, inventive use of graphic typography, unique mecha designs and complex mythology combining Judeo-Christian/Catholicism and archaic mysticism, Evangelion was a breath of fresh air at a time when Japanese anime had stagnated into endless remakes, mediocre animation, endless clichés, recycled storylines and dumb slapstick humour.

Produced by acclaimed animation studio Gainax in cooperation with legendary studio Tatsunoko Pro (Kagaku Ninja Gatchaman; Mach Go Go/Speed Racer), the 26-episoder revolved around Ikari Shinji, an angst-ridden, manic-depressive, 14-year-old forced by a clandestine government organization, led by his estranged father, to pilot a giant bio-mechanical humanoid against a horde of powerful extraterrestrial ‘angels’ intent on the extermination of humankind. While the premise itself was recycled from countless other anime series, Anno and Gainax infused the popular Evangelion with a vibrant and unique creative style all their own.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is the second attempt by Anno and Gainax to repackage the hit TV series for theatrical release. Much simpler, and largely a remastered and re-edited compilation of episodes one to six of the TV series, the evenly paced film is a good introduction to Shinji and the chaotic world he inhabits.

Perhaps most impressive is additional footage made specifically for the film, especially the scenes in which Tokyo-3 rises from its safe harbour underground and others with a lot of military hardware and battles sequences. Unit 01’s battle with Angels Four to Six also is very thrilling and an improvement on the TV series.

I never did like main character Ikari Shinji (Megumi Ogata) whose whiny, depressive and effeminate character is grating and annoying – the strong women of Evangelion are vastly more interesting and entertaining, especially Katsuragi Misato (Mitsuishi Kotono), who is both commanding yet supportive and sisterly when need be, and Rei Ayanami (Megumi Hayashibara ), who is not only visually alluring but has a attractively quiet, mysterious personality.

The movie ends far too quickly just when things start to become interesting. Like Lord of the Rings, Evangelion will be best appreciated as a whole rather than as individual films. However as the first of four, this is a grand start to what will hopefully be a great series of entertaining and exciting movies. Whether Anno and Gainax can finally deliver a satisfying resolution to the series is anyone’s guess – here’s hoping substance wins over style this time around.

James Maruyama