Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone

Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone: A Fresh Take on a Classic

When Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone hit theaters in 2007, it wasn’t just another remake—it was a bold reimagining of the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion series. Directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Khara, this film retells the first six episodes of the original anime with stunning visuals, updated animation, and a few surprises for longtime fans. But does it hold up for newcomers and die-hard Evangelion enthusiasts alike? Let’s dive into what makes this film special, backed by the voices of fans who’ve dissected every frame.

A Familiar Yet Refreshing Start

For those unfamiliar with the Evangelion universe, 1.0 introduces us to Shinji Ikari, a reluctant 14-year-old piloting a giant bio-machine called an Evangelion to fight monstrous beings known as Angels. The setting is a post-apocalyptic Tokyo-3, humanity’s last stronghold. The film stays remarkably faithful to the original series, recreating iconic scenes shot-for-shot but with a modern polish.

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums have pointed out that while the plot remains largely unchanged, the pacing feels tighter. One user noted, “The original series took its time building up the world, but 1.0 cuts straight to the action without losing the emotional weight.” This streamlined approach makes it more accessible for newcomers while still rewarding longtime fans with subtle nods and enhanced details.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

One of the biggest talking points among fans is the film’s visual upgrade. The original Neon Genesis Evangelion was groundbreaking for its time, but 1.0 takes it to another level with crisp animation, vibrant colors, and dynamic action sequences. The Angels, in particular, are more terrifying than ever, with their designs amplified by modern CGI.

The soundtrack, composed by Shiro Sagisu, retains the haunting melodies of the original while adding new tracks that heighten the tension. A Reddit user raved, “The music during the Ramiel fight gave me chills—it’s like the original score on steroids.”

However, not everyone was satisfied. Some purists argued that the film’s darker color palette (compared to the theatrical release) lost some of the vibrancy seen in early trailers. One fan even compared DVD rips side-by-side, noting, “The limited edition DVD is noticeably darker, which kinda sucks because the trailers looked so crisp.”

Characters: Old Faces, New Nuances

Shinji Ikari remains as emotionally complex as ever, but 1.0 subtly tweaks his interactions with other characters. Rei Ayanami, for instance, feels slightly more expressive, a change that sparked debates among fans. Some loved the added depth, while others missed her original stoicism.

Misato Katsuragi and Gendo Ikari are as enigmatic as ever, though the film hints at future deviations from the original plot—something that became more apparent in later Rebuild films. A MyAnimeList commenter speculated, “The small changes in dialogue and scenes make me think Anno’s setting up something big for the sequels.”

Fan Reactions: Love, Nitpicks, and Endless Debates

The online Evangelion community is nothing if not passionate, and 1.0 sparked countless discussions. Here’s a snapshot of what fans had to say:

• Accessibility: Many praised the film for being a great entry point. “If you’ve never seen Evangelion, start here. It’s the same story but way less confusing at first,” one Redditor advised.
• Subtitles and Quality: The hunt for the perfect subtitled version became a saga of its own. Fans exchanged tips on encoding, with one user joking, “I spent more time tweaking subs than watching the movie.”
• Nostalgia vs. Innovation: Some fans adored the faithfulness to the original, while others wished for bolder changes. “It’s like revisiting an old friend, but I kinda wanted a fresh twist,” a Douban reviewer wrote.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fans and Newcomers

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone succeeds as both a tribute and a modernization of a classic. It captures the essence of Neon Genesis Evangelion while offering enough new flair to keep things exciting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this film is a thrilling ride—one that sets the stage for the even wilder twists of the Rebuild series.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s Evangelion, but shinier. And honestly, that’s all I needed.”

So grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and prepare to dive into one of anime’s most legendary stories—all over again.