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ファイト／ステイナイト 
September 1, 2007 | 
48 Comments
Okay, this is a really rough first impression of the new movie. Overall, the movie is okay but it's not extraordinary. I think the only ones who'll get a kick out of this are mostly hard-core Evangelion fans. Having said that, I have to say that I was surprised at the amount of interest generated by the film. The theatre was packed and I was lucky that I watched it at 12PM or otherwise I'd have to wait in a queue to see it. I also noticed that the majority of the viewers were not the Otaku kind of viewers. There were a lot of Otaku and you can easily identify them by the way they dressed but most people who came and saw it were just your average Japanese people. Not surprisingly, there were a lot of merchandise to milk every yen out of the fans but I managed to restrain myself and only purchased the booklet. As a side note, sorry for the low quality of the images but they're taken in a hurry and I'n still tired due to the flight.
Packed theatre
Booklet Cover
Booklet Content 01
Booklet Content 02
First thing first, the movie looks INCREDIBLE. I know most people are impressed with the re-mastering of the original but I am not that happy with it. I thought even with the re-master, the original series still look quite bad, animation/detail-wise. This film, however, is amazing. The film opens with the same exact scene as the first episode. The difference is that the environment is a lot more apocalyptic with blood coloring the sea, and building in tatters. The colors rendered in the film is incredible. For the first time ever Evangelion receives the animation treatment that it deserves. Everyone's face looks a lot better as well. Okay, enough rant about the animation quality, let's talk about plot. The story shows Shinji coming to Tokyo-3, being attacked by an Angel, saved by Misato, and being coerced by everyone to pilot Eva. This film reminds me for the first time how much of a jerk everyone including Misato was to him. It's like they told him "Hey, come here and see your dad" and when he got there they go "Go pilot this robot or Rei will die because you're a weasel".
I think the annoying part about this early episode was Misato's question "Why did you come here for?". I think the answer is obvious. Shinji was looking for a possibility that his father actually loves him for who he is instead of seeing him as a tool that the prick can use. He didn't come to pilot the giant robot and when he refuses, they lay a thick, emotional guilt on him by using an injured Rei. Jerks. Moving along, Shinji fights the Angel and got defeated. However, instead of going artsy-fartsy by cutting into a conscious Shinji in the hospital, the film shows right away how EVA-01 goes berserk. As a result, when Shinji reminisces about it, we don't get the flashback anymore. It's also nice to see how the mechanic of how the machinery that supports the EVAs and Tokyo-3 works. The same can be said about the fight scenes. When the first Angel envelops EVA-01 in attempt to destroy it, we actually see EVA-01 expanding its own body so that it explodes the Angel itself.
The first major difference in the film involves Misato and Ritsuko. Their conversation about Shinji in the bathroom is now combined with their conversation about the Hedgehog's dilemma. The scene also shows them riding a cable car together while talking about this instead of them talking through the phone. Shinji's suicidal nature can also be seen peeking through in this new version. When Misato asks him why he went against her order, Shinji has this "I want to die" smirk in response to her question. I like this better than his response in the original version. In addition to this, when Shinji wanders around aimlessly, instead of meeting one of his friends, Shinji actually goes to a broken bridge, looking like he's ready to throw himself down before a bunch of JSDF detain him. I also just realised how Misato's word abut how Shinji being at NERV (or not) has nothing to do with the others has a touch of hypocrisy to it. If she really meant that then she wouldn't have started by making the kid feel guilty in the first place when he refused to pilot EVA.
This is another thing that the original series failed to show but the film managed to highlight effectively: the fact that Shinji is abused and used like a tool by NERV staffs and executives. At one point, Shinji is being attacked by an angel mercilessly and yet Gendou refuses to give an order to pull him back. Misato later on shows compassion towards him but she didn't start that way in the first place. Despite this, however, Shinji actually has more backbone this time around. Instead of deciding to go back to his teacher (and later on being stopped by his friends), he decided to stay on his own will. He still gets to punch Touji though. I'll talk more about Shinji's relationship with his friends but I'll move first to talk about Rei. Rei's background is given the same amount of detail as in the original. There's an additional scene which shows EVA 00 (Rei's Eva)'s hands being restrained by chains and there's a cross-like object stucked onto the entry plug for some reason. If you wonder about "service" scenes, Rei is shown naked many times here.
In general, the story remains the same except for one detail: Misato already knows about Lilith's presence in central dogma. She's actually the one who takes Shinji there. At first I thought that the writers try to streamline the mythology by making it easier to understand. However, when I first saw this Lilith, I felt that something was off but I couldn't remember what was off until near the end of the film. Another major difference is the emphasis on how much Shinji cares a lot about his friends and the reason that he continues fighting is because he wants to protect them. This was in the original series as well but some people chose to ignore it and just call Shinji "a wimp who doesn't care for anyone". Maybe this is why the writers felt the need to address it with a bit more anvil here. Shinji also gets a lot of encouragement from both Touji and Sousuke after the three become friends. Their friendship, Shinji's desire to protect Rei, and Misato's trust in him are the reason why he did his best in eliminating that drill Angel.
One (or two, depending on your POV) major surprise towards the end: Kaoru is awakened after the 3rd Angel is defeated and wants to have some fun with Shinji. There's also a flash of Lilith with her correct mask, something which I didn't notice with the Lilith in central dogma (who has the same mask as the first Angel). I don't know what this means and I was kind of half-asleep due to being tired after the flight. I'll have to rewatch the film again but I don't think I'll go next week since there are many people who want to watch it at the moment. I still wonder how I managed to get a good seat for that 12PM session. And oh, they also do preview for the 2nd movie, which shows Asuka and a new angel (I think, I couldn't remember seeing that Angel in the original version). Overall, the movie is okay. It's not bad but it doesn't have enough new materials to keep things fresher. Hopefully it'll change in the second movie since Kaoru is now awakened and will have to interact with the rest of the cast. As a side note, this movie was CHEAP. I bought a nice printed ticket for 1300 Yen but you can actually get the ticket for 1000 Yen if you don't want the fancy ticket.
How did the new ending theme fare? Did it fit well with the movie?
"Beautiful World"? I barely paid any attention to it. Nothing beats "Fly Me to the Moon", not even the newest version of "Fly Me to the Moon".
I just saw the 4:20 movie today in Shibuya. We were the only foreigners in the theatre, but I agree with what you said about not that many "overt" otaku. Everyone looked really serious though, and I noticed that many people bought the booklet.
It was SO PRETTY. I nearly creamed like four times. I think widescreen really makes a big difference with Eva, but I'm not sure that the 3D technology was all that amazing for the hype that Anno built up for it. It was shiny, sure, but the lack of it didn't really impact the original series, IMHO.
Storywise... my Japanese is still not fluent, so I didn't quite understand everything, unfortunately. I want to read the manga that I have and rewatch some of the series and then go back and watch the movie again. I didn't realize that it only covered up to the end of episode six. There were a lot of things I forgot that happened in the TV series too, which makes it harder to notice what exactly was different. I also had to run out to the bathroom after the scene were Shinji trips and falls on Rei, so I missed the two minutes after that. When I got back they were already fighting the next angel.
The tickets I got for the premier were the 3D cards, very shiny and a neat collectable for only Y1500. I also grabbed the poster for Y800. I'm kind of regretting not buying the art book, might go back for it later. But of course, if I go again I'd only get the normal tickets. No one to go with, though. :p
In response to the other comment, the ED theme was "Beautiful World" by Utada Hikaru, same as in one of the trailers. Good song.
Oh, you are so lucky! I wish I could watch the movie too. Thanks for the review!
looking at the first pic up there...
did you watch it from Tokyu Milano Shinjuku? X'D
i was in the same cinema btw, though i enter the 17.00 one
for me itself, the film is amazing
i watch eva once i'm in middle high, and i barely understand anything
so i really enjoy this movie more ^^'
and the additional scene is so cool
though one memorable moment while in the theatre... is none other when the trailer for 2nd film ends
it ends, and i think almost all ppl inside the theatre claps their hand *a claps inside a theatre!*
they're quite impressed by it too i think ehehe
Great review, Garten! Kudos for taking on what will probably be a controversial movie. I wasn't convinced that the newer visuals will look right, but from what I gathered from your review they put right the issues many viewers have had with the original.
Overall I'm hoping that this project will iron out a lot of the problems that the series had, while keeping its essence intact. My only remaining worry is that it doesn't offer anything new to those of us familiar with the series - to simply retell it with more CG would be a missed opportunity I think.
BTW, this bit:
"Kaoru is awakened after the 3rd Angel is defeated and wants to have some fun with Shinji."
made me chuckle at its suggestive wrongness! The yaoi fans will have a field day...
"I know everyone was impressed with the remastering of the original but I was one of the few who wasn't. I thought even with the re-master, the original series still look quite bad, animation/detail-wise. This film, however, is amazing.
Chotto matte... did you think that the re-master was an amazing film, but didn't help with the original series, or did you think that the re-master didn't live up to your expectations?
1300/1000 Yen for a ticket is cheap? Do you mean cheap in Japan or when compared to other countries?
I think you meant Kensuke, not Sousuke.
Great review. Can't wait for it to come here. A movie as big as Eva should at least get shown in the Art House theatres.
"1300/1000 Yen for a ticket is cheap? Do you mean cheap in Japan or when compared to other countries?"
Trust me, that is VERY cheap. I went to see the first live-action Death Note movie when I was in Japan last summer, and it cost me 1800 yen (roughly $18 American). It was worth it, though. ^^
By the way, is there anywhere I can get a MP3 version of Utada's take on "Fly Me To The Moon"?
(Sorry for the double-post.)
I have all the songs off Utada's new single, which is called Kiss & Cry. That includes Beautiful World (which I adore), the new Fly Me To The Moon and the Kiss & Cry single which is passable. If you do a basic torrent search it should pop up, or if you want to support the artist, you could always get it off JAmazon.
Haha, I actually like Hikaru's "Beautiful World". It gives Eva a new feeling to it since I've heard Cruel Angel and Moon so many times throughout the years.
I really can't wait until it comes out on DVD... Do you happen to know when?
looking at the first pic up there...
did you watch it from Tokyu Milano Shinjuku? X'D
i was in the same cinema btw, though i enter the 17.00 one
Yes. I couldn't be bothered looking at other cinemas since I'm still tired from the flight.
though one memorable moment while in the theatre... is none other when the trailer for 2nd film ends
it ends, and i think almost all ppl inside the theatre claps their hand *a claps inside a theatre!*
That's weird that also happens with my session. Maybe there's a bunch of hard-core EVA fans who go to every session and clap at the end.
Overall I'm hoping that this project will iron out a lot of the problems that the series had, while keeping its essence intact. My only remaining worry is that it doesn't offer anything new to those of us familiar with the series - to simply retell it with more CG would be a missed opportunity I think.
That's exactly what I'm afraid of and what this first film almost ended up being but oh well, we'll have to wait the other 3 to see if this is true or not.
Chotto matte... did you think that the re-master was an amazing film, but didn't help with the original series, or did you think that the re-master didn't live up to your expectations?
The second one. I wanted color corrections, etc but didn't get it in the remaster. This film, however, got it right.
1300/1000 Yen for a ticket is cheap? Do you mean cheap in Japan or when compared to other countries?
Japan, I guess. I forgot that going to see film is cheaper in other countries.
I think you meant Kensuke, not Sousuke.
Yes, I'll fix that asap.
Hi! i love you review, can i take some information and traslate some lines for my spanish blog? it would be great if you allow me that!
Greetings
hearing this is actually making me excited. I watched the entire original series, but the animation made me want to vomit. now I get to watch the show with GOOD animation.
Hi! i love you review, can i take some information and traslate some lines for my spanish blog? it would be great if you allow me that!
Sorry for the late reply but I didn't have internet access for a while. And yeah, go ahead if you want to do that.
Actually... hehehe.. i allready put it in my blog, and well, Thank you very much!!! all the Latin America fans are very happy with your review!! Check the post any time that you want to!
They seriously just need to stop with thsi show. We already have their millions versions of rei and asuka barbie dolls. I understand the ending sucks but this series isn't that special.
Ahhh I want to see this movie so bad! x)
Love the review, Garten.
thanks garten for the review
i really want to watch this movie but i must wait 1 year to d/l ^_^; (be patient)
thank god they will do the second movie and will be about asuka
So is it 100% BRAND NEW animation, or just recycled animation remastered with some new scenes here and there?
The animation is 100% new, character designs, facial proportions and suchlike are all different/updated, looking more realistic...
Tbh 2nd movie will be where i smile..
Asuka's series entrance was good enough, as way the short time of Neon Genesis EvanComedy after her appearence...
I do wonder how much of and in what way the 3rd movie will cover the end of eva content...
I'd like to know, are all the old seiyuu being used? :O
According to wiki, the seiyuu for Shinji, Asuka, Rei and Misato reprised their roles in Rebuild. The english VAs for Shinji/Asuka/Rei have voiced interest in being part of the international release as well. Then again, I'm quoting wiki so it could very well just be fan speculation.
I wonder if they sound different now... it's been ages.
Well, I dunno about Amanda Wynn Lee or Tiffany Grant, but I recently saw an episode of Bleach with one of the minor characters being played by Spike Spencer, and he literaly sounds NO different. Like, at all. At first i thought Eva was on, but then I saw the main dude from Bleach, and I thought, 'Damn. Spike Spencer must not age or something'
On the subject of Spike Spencer, i went to an autograph signing at Akon this year in dallas and i had him sign the mini poster that comes with the Death and Rebirth DVD and i almost burst out laughing when he drew glasses and a goatee on shinji. Frakkin halirous. anybody know where there might be torrents or anything of the movie??
Ah god...I wish I could see it...*sigh* *walks off into sunset* *violently attacked by giant birds*
Wow, that´s was intressting reading, thank you so much.
I´m a BIG fan of EVA and now you just made me want to by the movie even more!
God, I envy you guys...will take a LOT of time 'till I'll get to see the Movie here in Switzerland ^^'
Just rewatched the whole Series because I'm writing a big Essay abou it...
I'd have loved to include my impressions from the remade film in it.
btw, NGE is still the best Anime I've ever seen.
The Animation is more than okay for it's age and the speakers did a perfect job,
(not like in other Animes...lol) And the psychological deepness is just perfect...
lovin' it <3
Thanx for the review, was quite a nice read.
Maybe...if you have some sites with Material about the Remake lyin' around...
could you send them to me? xD I'd appreciate it very much.
so far, greetings from Europe ;)
Thanks for the review. I am sooo jealous! I was in Japan this past summer but had to return to the states in August...I wish I could have stayed one more month to catch the movie! What other Eva merchandise were the selling at the theater besides posters, tickets, and books?
Interesting article and an enjoyable read, thanks.
Yes, the tickets were very cheap even by overseas standards (I managed to get a friend in Japan to send me a full set of them - they are absolutely gorgeous and would have been too good to use even if I had been there to use them).
I hope Weta/ADV take note of these films as an example of how the creator envisions them as theatrical features: my biggest concern with the live version is that it will be 'Americanized' rather than kept as is.
This would be a serious mistake, as an authentic Japanese film with subtitles would take the box office everywhere, especially Asia (making the US box office take less relevant), and "Letters From Iwo Jima" demonstrates that even in the US such a venture can be successful.
We already know that Amanda Winn-Lee, Spike Spencer, ADV, et al, have little understanding of this series and do not take it very seriously: Amanda Winn-Lee's amateur direction of "The End of Evangelion" was an offensive puerile joke, and Spike Spencer, has inflicted us with a horrible misinterpretation of Shinji's character which unfortunately has become lodged in people's minds, even though he isn't like that in the original at all. (As you mention here, the new film makes these things clearer, even though they were there to begin with).*
* This is not so much an issue of localisation, rather an issue of voice actors wanting to become pop-culture stars by bastardising the creative work of others, and forcing every role to fit the limited range of cartoon stereotypes that they play for all the series and films that they dub. The English-version of "End of Evangelion" is a typical example of what happens when you put multi-million dollar francise and art-house masterpiece in the hands of giggling teens.
does anyone know when there will be an american version because i saw the previews on youtube (and am trying to find a way to download a copy) and i was shaking in my seat, i was that dang excited, that is not often at all, so please answer quickly. thanks
I'm not 100% sure but I hered somthing somewhere about august. I wouldn't expect this year (No matter how much I'd love that) but probobly august of next year. Don't mock me if I'm wrong and don't take this as official information, I am only going by memory of a "rumor"
P.S.
as a matter of fact, I'm droping everything and starting my search for somthing "official". I saw it before and I can see it again. We all should google everyting under the sun pertaining to rebuild. But only if you like evangelion 0.0000000001% or more that is. U O it to yourself.
August, that would be nice but that just wont happen yet. The official site says that there are no plans for a North American release. );
I know, i'm just as mad as you. All I know is I need to learn Japannese. ]:
im so happy! i just bought the Movies! Both the Death an Rebirth, and the end of Evangelion. i am watching right now. im at the part where Caspar betrays Ritsiko (hope i spelled it right) and there at terminal dogma and Auska is fighting the Eva Series... I love this movie (im so sad when the Eva series eat unit 2 though)
Iam a huge fan of NGE i got all eps and movies i LOVE it to DEATH and i got a link to a torrent of the 1st movie "JP NO SUBs :-(".
here check it out.
http://www.btmon.com/Video/Unsorted/Nipponsei_Rebuild_of_Evangelion_-_EVANGELION_1.0_YOU_ARE_NOT.torrent
ENJOY!!!
SUBBED TORRENT
(you have to actively select subs if you're using VLC, CCCP is recommended with this video though)
http://www.mininova.org/tor/1126888
SUBBED MOVIE IS OUT!
(you have to actively select subs if you're using VLC, CCCP is recommended with this video though)
it's a torrent
http://www.mininova.org/tor/1126888
i'm a bit late but nice review =DD
I wish I lived in Japan. For the time being I'm stuck watching this downloaded version. I can't wait till the movie(s) make it to the States.
I admire Anno for trying to make this new version so that it’s easier for people to understand, or at least people without 5 psychology degrees. But trying to figure out what the heck everything meant and what was going on in the original series was half the fun.
I have to agree with Paul Coddington about ADV. The English dub is absolutely atrocious. I could not enjoy Eva unless I watch it in Japanese with English subtitles. I really wish someone besides ADV could get their hands on this.
I think the Rebuild Of Evangelion would be a great movie I just hope when it comes out in the USA that It would be out on dvd not just blue ray highdef so I can buy it lol.... I don't think the real life action movie of Evangelion whould be good because it would probally have cheap affects.. And its just not the same when America tries to make a real life action anime *sighs*.. They should only let Japan and when it comes out in the USA they just need english voicses to do it...
Thats stupid of Death And Rebirth Of Evangelion because its just flashbacks of episodes and part of the end of evangelion... When I wached the movie the end of evangelion it makes me cry lol.. Especally the part when MISATO DIES!!!!!! because shes my favorite charater......... I think the end of evangelion is such a great movie and it shows all of the other things they get to do that they didin't do in the tv serise like what the Eva Serise is and they started the third impact and that adam is rei.... Its still one of the sadest movie i ever saw...T_T... The end of evangelion ending was kinda stupid though...
So on Mininova.com do u have to download it to wach evangelion? Chould it cause a virus if u do???????
Shinji is a better character in this film. I wonder why theychanged lilith's mask in that one scene. I think it has to do with either something symbolic, or the masks she wears depend on the point in the human instrumentality project. Very weird.
here at latin america there is no chance to see an anime movie on theaters..........................that's so sad!!!!! u have to download it to watch it :S ------------------------ i'll give everything i have to be at japan!! o0o0 good i love NGE at the first time i saw the movie i thought (it's just remaking the same anime) but then i realice they did such a great job with 3d and the story.. i love it :D
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