Rebuild Of Evangelion 1.01 - You Are (Not) Alone

Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone is a Japanese animated film that is the first of four films in the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, based on the original 1995 anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The film was directed by Hideaki Anno, the creator of the original series, and is distinct from the series in terms of plot, character development, and thematic exploration. It was produced by Studio Khara and released in Japan in 2007.

Set in a dystopian world where humanity is under threat from colossal beings known as Angels, Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone introduces us to the complex and thrilling universe of Evangelion. The Earth, having withstood the catastrophic event known as the Second Impact, is now facing the intermittent yet relentless attacks from these mysterious and seemingly invincible entities.

The protagonist of the film is Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old boy who is summoned to Tokyo-3 by his estranged father, Gendo Ikari, who heads the special agency NERV. Upon arrival, it becomes rapidly apparent that his father has very specific plans for him—Shinji is to become the pilot of an Evangelion, a gigantic bio-mechanical mecha created to combat the Angels. Shinji is reluctantly thrust into a conflict far greater than himself, grappling with the overwhelming responsibility that has been placed on his shoulders and the terrifying realities of warfare.

As Shinji begins to acclimate to his new role as an Eva pilot, he is joined by the enigmatic Rei Ayanami and the later arrival of the fiery Asuka Langley Soryu – other teenagers who share the same burdensome destiny. With each of them piloting their own Evangelions, they form humanity's last line of defense against the relentless onslaught of the Angels. The psychological struggles and the emotional fortitude of these young pilots are put to the test, as they must balance the weight of the world's fate against their personal hardships and growth.

Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone follows the initial episodes of the original series closely, but with updated animation, new scenes, and some deviations from the source material that hint at a separate narrative path for the Rebuild movies. The film's visual and audio presentation significantly enhances the atmosphere and storytelling, providing a fresh and more current appeal while retaining the core essence that captivated fans of the original series.

Artistically, the film features state-of-the-art animation techniques, combining traditional hand-drawn animation with CGI to produce a visually stunning experience. Action sequences are given a new level of depth and fluidity, while quieter, character-driven scenes maintain their emotional resonance amidst the high-quality production values. The battles are intense and visceral, showcasing the immense power and the daunting scale of the Evangelions and Angels. The design and implementation of these beings remain true to the iconic status they've acquired, yet they have been refined and detail-enriched to resonate with a new generation of viewers as well as longtime fans.

The music of Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone carries over the effective and haunting score of the original series, composed by Shiro Sagisu. The soundtrack amplifies the emotional stakes and scene dynamics, from the quiet, introspective moments to the bombastic and adrenaline-pumping confrontations.

While the plot of Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone will be familiar to those who have seen the original series, the film offers a unique experience that is both a revisitation and a reimagining of the Evangelion world. The movie paves the way for the subsequent entries in the Rebuild series, planting the seeds for new developments and reinterpretations of the complex and enigmatic storyline that will unfold in the latter films.

Themes of identity, parent-child relationships, the nature of humanity, and the psychological turmoil associated with adolescence are all woven through the narrative, providing fodder for both action enthusiasts and those who seek deeper philosophical reflection in their viewing experience.

Rebuild of Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone constitutes a daring and ambitious retelling of a story that has been pivotal in the mecha genre and in the medium of anime as a whole. It serves as both an introduction for new audiences and a revival for existing fans, encapsulating the essence of what made Neon Genesis Evangelion a cultural phenomenon while setting the stage for a new interpretation that seeks to expand upon and possibly redefine the original work.