Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is a 2007 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Hideaki Anno.
It serves as the first installment of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, which reimagines the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series. The film retraces the plot of the first six episodes of the original anime, set in a post-apocalyptic world fifteen years after a catastrophic event known as the Second Impact.
The story follows Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old boy who is summoned to Tokyo-3 by his estranged father, Gendo Ikari, the commander of the paramilitary organization NERV. As monstrous entities known as Angels threaten humanity, Shinji is coerced into piloting a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Eva unit to combat these threats. Alongside fellow pilot Rei Ayanami, Shinji grapples with his sense of isolation and the immense responsibility placed upon him. The film features notable voice actors from the original series, including Megumi Ogata as Shinji and Megumi Hayashibara as Rei.
Upon its release, Evangelion: 1.0 received positive reviews in Japan, grossing approximately ¥2 billion and becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of its time. The film was praised for its stunning animation and visual enhancements over the original series, incorporating 266 new visual and audio improvements. However, it also faced criticism for being too close to its predecessor in terms of plot and pacing, leading some viewers to feel that it lacked the emotional depth and meditative quality that characterized the original series.
The film's approach to storytelling balances nostalgia with fresh elements that appeal to both new viewers and long-time fans. While it serves as an accessible entry point into the Evangelion universe, some nuances and character developments from the original series may be lost in this streamlined retelling. Overall, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone stands out as a visually striking reimagining that sets the stage for subsequent films in the Rebuild of Evangelion series.