Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Timeless Story of Uncertainty

Introduction

Since its inception in the mid-1990s, Neon Genesis Evangelion has captivated audiences with its deep emotional and philosophical themes. As years have passed, the anime continues to resonate with viewers, showcasing how stories like Evangelion can transcend time by addressing timeless issues such as human connection, emotional trauma, and existential dilemmas. This article explores how Evangelion has aged with time and why its themes remain relevant today.

A Story Through the Ages

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a story about the human condition, specifically the absence of human connection. In the world of Evangelion, this absence can be just as destructive as the presence of human connection. The narrative delves into the complexities of human emotion, questioning the boundaries that separate individual perceptions from others' subjective views. This existential exploration is rooted in the danse macabre theme that pervades the series, a reflection of the human condition's inherent foibles and frailties.

Masahiro Anno and His Vision

Hideaki Anno, the mind behind Evangelion, has crafted a pessimistic worldview. He describes the story as one where hope is removed, and humanity is left in a state of despair. The anime's emotional turmoil is deeply rooted in Anno's personal experiences and traumas. This raw emotional content is a stark reflection of human frailty, particularly when faced with apocalyptic and unrelenting power. The characters are presented with a critical decision: to sacrifice their ethics, souls, and the things they love and hate for the sake of survival, or to die with their ideals and values intact.

The Paradox of Human Values

Evaluating the human values that Evangelion’s protagonists protect—happiness, love, freedom, and knowledge—reveals a deeper paradox. Saving humanity involves protecting what humanity also deems as evil: war, poverty, entitlement, and narrow-mindedness. The series questions the superficiality of human convictions and the struggle to subvert tribalistic tendencies under pressure. When faced with an existential threat like the Angels, humanity reverts to the same patterns of behavior that they had claimed to despise.

The Characters and Their Struggles

Shinji, Asuka, and Rei all grapple with their own internal conflicts and traumas. Shinji's emotional state is one of terror as his father distances himself. Asuka falls into a fugue state due to insecurity, while Rei's individuality is suppressed and she becomes a target of hatred and envy. These characters’ struggles are not only personal but also reflect broader existential dilemmas faced by humanity.

The Future of NERV and the Impact of Ambiguity

The future of NERV is riddled with uncertainty, much like the uncertainty embedded in the universe of Evangelion. The true nature of the Angels, Gendo Ikari's mindset, and the ontological nature of human beings themselves remain unknown. The ambiguity that pervades the series makes it a timeless tale of emotional and philosophical uncertainty.

Conclusion

As long as humanity grapples with the same existential questions and faces the same paradoxes, Neon Genesis Evangelion will continue to hold a mirror up to our shared condition. Its themes of human connection, emotional trauma, and philosophical uncertainty ensure that it remains relevant and resonant, regardless of the passing of time.