Watch Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion

Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion is a documentary that explores the mind and creative process of one of the most important anime directors of all time. The documentary was produced by NHK, and it premiered in Japan in 2019. The documentary is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different aspect of the director's life and work. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone who is a fan of anime, and it provides a rare and fascinating look into the world of one of the most unique and talented directors in the industry.

The documentary begins by tracing the history of Hideaki Anno's life, from his childhood to his early years as an animator. The documentary shows how Anno became interested in anime and the steps he took to become a professional animator. Through interviews with Anno and his colleagues, we learn about his early successes, including the creation of the popular anime series Gunbuster.

The documentary then delves into Anno's most famous work, Neon Genesis Evangelion. The series is often credited as being one of the most influential and groundbreaking anime series of all time. The documentary provides insights into the creative process behind the series and the challenges that Anno faced in making it. Through interviews with Anno and other members of the production team, we learn about the difficulties that were faced in the making of the series, including the pressure from the network and the public. We also learn about Anno's personal struggles during this time and how they influenced the story and characters in the series.

An important aspect of the documentary is its exploration of Anno's mental health and how it was impacted by the making of Evangelion. The documentary shows how Anno's struggles with depression and anxiety influenced the creation of the series and the characters within it. Through interviews with Anno and his colleagues, we learn about the importance of mental health awareness in the anime industry and how Anno's struggles have helped to bring attention to this issue.

The documentary also explores Anno's other works, including his live-action films and his role as a mentor to young animators. We learn about the significant impact that Anno has had on the anime industry and how his work has inspired a new generation of anime creators.

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its examination of Anno's creative process. We see how Anno approaches the creation of his stories, and the intense attention to detail he brings to every aspect of his work. We also see how Anno is constantly pushing himself and challenging his creativity, even at the expense of his personal wellbeing.

Throughout the documentary, we see how Anno is a deeply introspective and thoughtful person, who is constantly struggling with his own inner demons. We also see how this has fueled his creative drive and allowed him to create some of the most inventive and groundbreaking works in the anime industry. The documentary provides a fascinating look into the mind of a true artist, who is never satisfied with their work and who is constantly seeking to challenge themselves and create something new.

In conclusion, Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion is an essential documentary for anyone who is interested in the anime industry or the creative process of a master filmmaker. Through its exploration of Anno's life, work, and challenges around mental health, the documentary provides a rare and fascinating look at one of the most important anime creators of all time. The documentary is a testament to Anno's talent and hard work, and it shows how his work has helped to shape the anime industry into what it is today.

Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 29, 2021 and on NHK