Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone
Episodes 1-6 banded together to make a theatrical version, with remastered work using new ways of expression. Evangelion is planned to be released in four parts, with this 1.01 being the first installment. 14-year-old Shinji has been chosen to pilot the synthetic humanoid Evangelion Unit-01. His dad is the one in charge of NERV, but doesn't show much emotion to the fact that his son has a great chance of getting killed while piloting.
Highlights
The "Angels" have returned to Earth after the first impact. This is an omen to the second impact, but NERV is planning to stop that from happening. The human race has just begun to rebuild, and they know that if the second impact happens, then all will be destroyed. The movie starts off with Sachiel (the third Angel) attacking a city. After the military fails miserably to destroy the Angel, the job his handed off to NERV. Shinji is rescued from the Angel's war-path and is asked to pilot Eva Unit-01. He agrees and in no time, he is standing in the way of Sachiel. Things start off rocky, but, after a complete system meltdown of Eva Unit-01, Shinji is finally able to destroy Sachiel.
Shinji is then taken to Tokyo-3, where he is trained to pilot Eva Unit-01. There he fights Shamshel (the fourth Angel), and Ramiel (the fifth), as well as NERV's true objective, to protect the second Angel, Lilith, who is said to be able to prevent the second Impact. Shamshel's attack isn't very influencing, mostly what it does is bring Shinji closer to two of his classmates. On the other hand, Ramiel's assault is so impacting that it drives NERV to its last resort. But they are able to triumph, which causes the sixth Angel, Gaghiel, to be awakened.
Overall
The action scenes were amazing, and most of the movie is action. The Angels themselves are really awesome, especially Ramiel, an octahedron that is a translucent blue. When Ramiel uses his attack, its shape changes to a random polyhedron(s). The plot is really interesting. There is this constant nag that makes you want to know it all, even live in that world. When the movie ended with a cliffhanger, I just about died from built-up excitement. I wanted to watch the whole series all at once, I couldn't take my eyes off it, more so at the end.
It was a bit difficult to get into. The human characters were a little boring and flat. You can figure them out completely as soon as you meet them, which was annoying. So, if you are looking for a character driven series, you might not like Evangelion. However, the Angels as characters were very interesting. I really wish there was more on their personalities and what the purpose for their existence is.
I'm glad that Evangelion is being rebuilt and released for DVD. What they've done to the overall artistry is amazing, and Ramiel is cooler then ever! Honestly, I wish it was longer, or that all the parts were released at once, because I can't wait for the others to come out! It was simply amazing!
ComicsOnline gives Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone 5 out of 5 Eva Units.
