Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a franchise unlike any other. Made by a young man struggling with depression, it told the story of a teenager not unlike himself as he thrust into the role of an unwilling hero. It would become successful, infamous, and influential all at the same time, and this is addressed in the best way possible with its one true finale. Now upon first watch, I did much of the film's latter half to be very confusing because of its use of surreal imagery. There were also several things which didn't make sense but I thought it was good. But on the second watch, I realized what all this is truly about. Being human and what it means. It has apparent throughout the franchise that in spite of its popularity among anime fans, often seen as escapists, it was very much against escapism. Doing the research and seeing the real world influences in the story, you realize this isn't Anno's story anymore. It's not just about what him or the fans want, but what's best for its cast of characters. Moving on and growing up are without question the central themes of the film, and plays into how the characters get an ending that's not meant to satisfy the fan, although it still does, but give the character that suffers the ending they needed. Needles to say going back and rewatching for a second time refreshed my idea of what the film and series as a whole were telling us, and I was holding back tears catharsis after the fact.