Hideaki Anno Calls ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Pretentious, Shocking Fans Worldwide!

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During the 80s and 90s, cyberpunk and mecha anime gained prominence, and Hideaki Anno’s groundbreaking work shouldn’t be overlooked in this context. This series has become a significant landmark in the genre by addressing complex themes. The narrative weaves together elements of conflict, emotional trauma, identity, and recurring symbolism.

In Neon Genesis Evangelion, there are connections drawn from philosophy and religion that intertwine within its storyline. It’s quite intriguing how Anno skillfully incorporated these themes into the anime. Yet, the creator has somewhat shattered our expectations with his remarks about the show.

By making this disclosure, he might have sparked controversy among devoted fans who poured their hearts into the show. This revelation could certainly deflate fan enthusiasm and undermine their emotional attachment. However, does it automatically diminish the series’ importance or significance? Not necessarily, and here are a few reasons why.

Hideako Anno bursts the bubble of misconceptions

I can’t help but marvel at the profound impact Hideaki Anno made on the anime world, particularly in the realms of cyberpunk and mecha genres, through his masterpiece, Evangelion. His unique style has left an indelible mark, redefining the trajectory and expanding the demographic appeal of these genres. From narrative structures to character development, his work has set new standards in storytelling and characterization that continue to resonate within the anime community.

I’m absolutely smitten with Anno, a legendary creator who captivated the world with his breathtaking mecha series. It’s been years since it first graced our screens, but its timeless appeal endures as a testament to its profound exploration of intricate themes. The narrative is a mesmerizing blend of personal and global struggles, artfully depicted through symbolism in the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion.

In this world, colossal entities known as Angels pose a significant danger to mankind. To combat these menacing beings, mighty mechas called Evangelions are born. I, for one, find myself deeply fascinated by these towering robots and their role in the epic battles that unfold. It’s intriguing to see how elements of faith intertwine with this high-stakes struggle, creating a unique blend of science fiction and spirituality.

The Biblical themes span from Dead Sea Scrolls, crosses, and angels, seamlessly fit into the storyline. However, the series flips this concept entirely, setting it in a dark, dystopian environment. Meanwhile, as we delved deeper into this twist, Anno abruptly shattered our expectations.

In a 2004 interview with NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), which was published on X, he stated that the program appears to be profound but actually comes across as pretentious.

“Evangelion is often described as philosophical, but in reality, it’s not. It’s pretentious.“

He went into more detail by stating that he incorporated certain aspects to lend an academic feel to it. He noted that the philosophical and spiritual elements make it intriguing. These components give depth and significance to the narrative, yet it doesn’t necessarily provide a definitive conclusion.

In the original narrative, Lilith, the crucifixion, and Eva were considered essential elements, wrapping up the story nicely for fans. However, a significant change was made to a more nihilistic conclusion, which some might argue wasted the audience’s emotional investment. Nevertheless, this alteration doesn’t diminish the series’ impact or importance within the cyberpunk genre.

Neon Genesis Evangelion’s significance and relevance

Although Neon Genesis Evangelion played with fans’ feelings through its unexpected twists, it holds significance in numerous aspects. The show delves into the impact of trauma on the characters’ minds, from Shinji to Asuka. Their methods of coping with and expressing these emotions are uniquely distinct from each other.

The reason it’s meaningful is that Anno delves into his personal experiences with depression, mirroring this through Shinji’s storyline as he endures neglect, abandonment, and abuse from his father. Contrastingly, Asuka’s character development stems from the impact of her mother’s passing on her personality.

To put it simply, the show offers a thrilling account of struggle, grief, and exploration, all seen through the eyes of its characters. Although the symbolism might appear overly intellectual, there’s much more to this series than just that. The impact and lasting influence of the anime in the cyberpunk genre is undeniable, regardless of any specific revelations.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is available for streaming on Netflix.

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2025-04-11 07:05