Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Anime Movie
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (Anime Movie)
Genre: Epic / Sci-Fi
Japanese Title: シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版: 𝄂 (Shin Evangerion Gekijō-ban: 𝄂); lit. ”Shin Evangelion Theatrical Edition: 𝄂“
Year of Release: 2021
Origin: Japan
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Director: Hideaki Anno
Production: Studio Khara
Other Related Anime Movies: Neon Genesis Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012), 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009), 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007), The End of Evangelion (1997)
TV: Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Series 1995 – 1996 (26 episodes)
Manga: Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga 1994 – 2013 (14 volumes)
Facts: The film achieved remarkable commercial success, not only becoming the highest-grossing installment of the Evangelion franchise but also securing its position as the second-highest-grossing Japanese film of 2021, with a phenomenal ¥10.28 billion in earnings.
Plot Overview
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time unfolds in a stark, post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity cling to survival. The narrative thrusts Shinji Ikari and his companions into a desperate confrontation with their pasts and the devastating consequences of their previous actions. The film delves deeply into profound themes of redemption, the enduring flicker of hope amidst despair, and the agonizing struggle against the shadowy organization NERV, whose malevolent influence poses an existential threat to the very survival of humankind.
Key Plot Points
- Shinji’s Harrowing Pilgrimage: The story centers on Shinji Ikari’s arduous journey as he grapples with crippling emotional turmoil and seeks a path toward closure and self-acceptance.
- The Wille Directive: The anti-NERV organization, Wille, emerges as a crucial force for survival. Their mission is to defend the scattered remnants of humanity and undertake the monumental task of restoring devastated urban landscapes, exemplified by their efforts in the ruined city of Paris.
- The Weight of Being: Character Development: The film intricately explores the complex, often fraught, relationships between its characters. It highlights their profound personal growth, the internal demons they battle, and the arduous path they tread toward healing and understanding.
Main Characters
- Shinji Ikari: The reluctant protagonist, burdened by his past and desperately seeking a means to find redemption and a sense of purpose in a broken world.
- Asuka Langley Shikinami: A formidable and skilled pilot, Asuka confronts her own deep-seated emotional demons and the complicated, often turbulent, feelings she harbors for Shinji.
- Rei Ayanami: An enigmatic girl intrinsically linked to Shinji’s fate, Rei embodies a fragile yet potent representation of hope and the potential for profound change.
- Misato Katsuragi: The resolute leader of Wille, Misato wages a relentless fight against NERV, guiding and protecting the younger generation through the crucible of their apocalyptic reality.
These pivotal characters navigate their intertwined destinies, facing the daunting challenges posed by the insidious NERV and the desolate remnants of their world. Their collective struggle is a desperate, yet ultimately hopeful, pursuit of a brighter, more peaceful future.
