Neon Genesis Evangelion: Rebirth
A 1997 anime film featuring the first 27 minutes of new animation that would later form part of The End of Evangelion.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Rebirth is a 1997 Japanese anime film that presents the first portion of an alternate ending to the Neon Genesis Evangelion television series. Directed by Anno Hideaki and Kazuya Tsurumaki, it was released as the second part of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth on 15 March 1997.
Unlike the compilation format of Death, Rebirth features entirely new animation that picks up immediately after episode 24 of the television series. The film serves as a preview of what would later become the first third of The End of Evangelion, though with notable differences in editing, music, and certain scenes.
Synopsis
Rebirth begins in the immediate aftermath of Kaworu Nagisa’s death at the hands of Shinji Ikari. Shinji is left traumatised and withdrawn, unable to cope with having killed someone he had begun to care for. Meanwhile, the shadowy organisation SEELE grows increasingly frustrated with Gendo Ikari’s handling of the Human Instrumentality Project and decides to take direct action.
The film depicts SEELE’s decision to launch a full-scale military assault on NERV headquarters using the Japanese Strategic Self-Defence Force (JSSDF). As conventional forces storm the underground facility, SEELE simultaneously deploys the Mass Production Evangelion units to counter NERV’s remaining Evangelion units.
Asuka Langley Soryu, who has been in a catatonic state following her psychological breakdown, is placed inside Evangelion Unit-02 for protection. As the assault intensifies, she begins to awaken and prepares to defend NERV against the attacking forces. The film concludes with the arrival of the Mass Production Evangelions, setting up the climactic battle that would be completed in The End of Evangelion.
Throughout the brief runtime, the film explores themes of betrayal, institutional collapse, and the characters’ psychological states under extreme duress. The military invasion serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the breakdown of the world the characters have known.
Development
Conception
Rebirth was originally intended to be part of a single theatrical film that would provide a complete alternate ending to Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, production delays and the complexity of the material forced Gainax to split the project into multiple parts. Rebirth represents the first act of this alternate ending, focusing on the immediate consequences of the series’ events and the beginning of the final conflict.
Director Anno Hideaki wanted to provide a more action-oriented and externally focused conclusion compared to the introspective final episodes of the television series. The military assault was designed to ground the abstract concepts of the series in concrete, physical action whilst maintaining the psychological depth that characterised the franchise.
Production
Production on Rebirth was fraught with difficulties due to time constraints and budget limitations. Kazuya Tsurumaki served as director under Anno’s supervision, bringing his experience from the television series to bear on the new material. The film required entirely new animation, character designs, and mechanical designs for the Mass Production Evangelions.
Shiro Sagisu composed new music for the film, including the ending theme “Tamashii no Refrain” (Soul’s Refrain) performed by Yoko Takahashi. The score incorporated more aggressive and militaristic themes to accompany the invasion sequences, whilst maintaining the melancholic tone that characterised the series.
The animation quality in Rebirth was notably higher than the later episodes of the television series, benefiting from improved budgets and the involvement of Production I.G. However, the rushed production schedule meant that some sequences were less polished than they would be in the later, complete version found in The End of Evangelion.
Release
Japan
Rebirth was released in Japanese cinemas on 15 March 1997 as the second half of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth. The combined film earned ¥1.1 billion in distributor rental income and ¥1.87 billion in total box office gross, demonstrating the continued commercial appeal of the Evangelion franchise.
The film’s incomplete nature was a source of frustration for many fans, who had expected a complete conclusion to the series. Gainax announced that a second film would complete the story, which would eventually become The End of Evangelion.
International Release
Manga Entertainment released Rebirth internationally as part of the Death & Rebirth package. The English dub maintained the same voice cast as the television series, with additional voice acting for new characters introduced in the military sequences.
The international release faced some of the same criticisms as the Japanese version, with viewers frustrated by the incomplete narrative. However, the film was generally praised for its improved animation quality and more action-oriented approach.
Reception
Rebirth received a mixed reception from critics and fans. Whilst many appreciated the return to a more conventional narrative structure and the improved animation quality, the film’s incomplete nature limited its impact. Critics noted that it felt more like an extended preview than a standalone work.
The military invasion sequences were praised for their intensity and realism, providing a stark contrast to the abstract imagery of the television series’ final episodes. The Mass Production Evangelions were particularly well-received, with their disturbing designs contributing to the film’s apocalyptic atmosphere.
However, the abrupt ending left many viewers feeling unsatisfied, and the film was generally regarded as a necessary but incomplete step towards the more complete conclusion that would come with The End of Evangelion.
Legacy
Rebirth served its primary purpose as a preview of the new direction for Evangelion’s conclusion, successfully building anticipation for The End of Evangelion. The film demonstrated Gainax’s commitment to providing a more conventional ending whilst maintaining the psychological complexity that made the series distinctive.
The Mass Production Evangelions introduced in Rebirth became iconic elements of the Evangelion mythos, appearing in various merchandise and later media. The film’s approach to depicting military action in an anime context influenced later works in the mecha genre.
Despite its incomplete nature, Rebirth is considered an important transitional work in the Evangelion franchise, bridging the gap between the television series and the theatrical conclusion. Its themes and imagery continue to resonate with fans and have been referenced in subsequent Evangelion projects. merchandise and later media. The film’s approach to depicting military action in an anime context influenced later works in the mecha genre.
Despite its incomplete nature, Rebirth is considered an important transitional work in the Evangelion franchise, bridging the gap between the television series and the theatrical conclusion. Its themes and imagery continue to resonate with fans and have been referenced in subsequent Evangelion projects.
Credits
Cast
| Character | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Shinji Ikari | Megumi Ogata | Spike Spencer |
| Asuka Langley Soryu | Yuko Miyamura | Tiffany Grant |
| Rei Ayanami | Megumi Hayashibara | Amanda Winn-Lee |
| Misato Katsuragi | Kotono Mitsuishi | Allison Keith |
| Gendo Ikari | Fumihiko Tachiki | Tristan MacAvery |
| Ritsuko Akagi | Yuriko Yamaguchi | Sue Ulu |
Crew
- Directed by Anno Hideaki and Kazuya Tsurumaki
- Written by Anno Hideaki
- Music by Shiro Sagisu
- Character design by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
- Mechanical design by Ikuto Yamashita
- Produced by Gainax and Production I.G
External links
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth on Wikipedia
- Evangelion: Death and Rebirth on the Evangelion Wiki