Okay, let's be real for a sec. We're talking about The End of Evangelion. You know, that movie. The one that scarred a whole generation. And, of course, the music by Shirō Sagisu.
Everyone raves about it. They call it genius. They say it's the perfect soundtrack to the apocalypse. But... I have a confession.
The Unpopular Opinion
I think some of it's... a little much. Okay, a lot much. Don't get me wrong. Shirō Sagisu is a master. He’s basically the Mozart of giant robots and existential dread.
But sometimes, it feels like he's trying too hard. Like he's deliberately crafting the most emotionally devastating sounds possible. It's effective, sure. But is it enjoyable?
"Komm, süsser Tod" - A Case Study
Let’s talk about "Komm, süsser Tod." It’s iconic. It's probably playing in someone's head right now. It's basically the anthem of Instrumentality.
But, honestly? It's a bit cheesy. The lyrics are… well, let’s just say they’re not subtle. It's like a J-Pop song decided to have an existential crisis.
I can imagine the scene. Sagisu-sensei says, "Let's make something REALLY depressing!" And they went all in. Maximum feels. Maximum angst.
The Beauty of the Simpler Tracks
The real gems, in my humble opinion, are the quieter tracks. The ones that don't scream "THE WORLD IS ENDING!" They whisper it.
Think about the piano pieces. Those are beautiful. They evoke a sense of melancholy and loneliness. Much more effective than a choir wailing about AT fields.
These are the tracks that really get under your skin. They linger in your mind long after the credits roll. They don't need to be bombastic. They just *are*.
When Less is More
Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm too cynical. But sometimes, I feel like the intensity of some of the Sagisu's End of Evangelion tracks detracts from the emotional impact of the scenes.
It's like they're over-explaining the feelings. “THIS IS SAD! FEEL SAD NOW!” We get it, guys! The giant naked Rei is already doing a number on my psyche.
Sometimes, silence is golden. Or a simple, haunting melody is enough. We don’t need a full orchestral breakdown every five minutes.
Still a Masterpiece, Though
Look, I'm not saying Shirō Sagisu is bad. He's a legend. And The End of Evangelion soundtrack is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Even with its over-the-top moments.
It's just that... sometimes I wish he'd dialed it back a notch. A little less screaming, a little more… introspection. Maybe.
But hey, what do I know? Maybe that's what makes it so special. The sheer, unadulterated emotional power. The feeling that you're witnessing something truly epic.
Ultimately, it's a subjective thing. Music is like that. But if you agree with me, even just a little, then I salute you, fellow contrarian.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go listen to "Thanatos - If I Can't Be Yours" and wallow in my feelings. Just not *too* much.