Hideaki Anno

Born:May 22, 1960

Place of Birth:Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan

Known For:Directing

Biography

Hideaki Anno, born on May 22, 1960, in Ube, Yamaguchi, is a visionary Japanese animation and film director whose impact on the industry is immeasurable. Renowned for his groundbreaking work on the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, Anno has carved out a unique niche for himself in the world of animation. His distinctive style is characterized by a blend of superflatism and postmodernism, creating a visual language that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Anno's creative genius shines through in his meticulous portrayal of characters' innermost thoughts and emotions, often delving into the realms of psychoanalysis and emotional deconstruction. This unconventional approach has garnered him widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His ability to weave complex narratives with deep psychological undertones sets him apart as a true master of his craft.

In addition to his groundbreaking work on Neon Genesis Evangelion, Anno has directed other notable anime projects that have left a lasting impact on the industry. His directorial prowess was recognized with prestigious awards such as the Animage Anime Grand Prix for anime series like Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water and The End of Evangelion. These accolades are a testament to Anno's unparalleled talent and dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling in animation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Anno's personal life has also been of interest to fans and critics alike. In 2002, he tied the knot with comics artist Moyoco Anno, forming a creative power couple that continues to inspire audiences around the world. Their shared passion for art and storytelling has undoubtedly influenced Anno's work, adding another layer of depth to his already rich and multifaceted portfolio.

As a director, Anno is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to authenticity in storytelling. Each frame of his work is infused with a sense of purpose and meaning, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. His ability to evoke raw emotions and provoke introspection sets him apart as a true auteur in the world of animation.

Anno's legacy extends far beyond the realm of anime, with his influence being felt across various mediums and genres. His visionary approach to storytelling has inspired a new generation of filmmakers and artists, cementing his status as a true pioneer in the world of animation. With a career spanning decades, Anno continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

In a landscape dominated by formulaic storytelling, Anno stands out as a beacon of originality and imagination. His willingness to explore complex themes and challenge conventional norms has earned him a place among the most revered directors in the history of animation. As he continues to push the boundaries of the medium, Hideaki Anno remains a visionary force to be reckoned with, shaping the future of animation for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Shin Godzilla

Bus Driver

2016

When a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and tears through the city, the government scrambles to save its citizens. A rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the monster's weakness and its mysterious ties to a foreign superpower. But time is not on their side - the greatest catastrophe to ever befall the world is about to evolve right before their very eyes.

Shin Ultraman

Ultraman (Motion Capture)

2022

The Japanese government sets up a special task force to fight the giant creatures suddenly appearing across the country. Soon, the squad unexpectedly meets a giant silver humanoid who starts appearing every time a space monster attacks!

The Wind Rises

Jiro Horikoshi (voice)

2013

A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane.

The Taste of Tea

Kasugabe

2004

A spell of time in the life of a family in rural Tochigi prefecture. Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project. Uncle Ayano, a successful music producer, is looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sachiko is concerned with why she seems to be followed by a giant version of herself. As the lazy days pass by, each member of the family is followed in a series of episodic vignettes.

Cutie Honey

Office Worker

2004

When Honey's uncle gets kidnapped by the evil criminal gang known as "Panther Claw," she must use her magical powers of transformation to save him. Meanwhile the same crime group has been responsible for a number of other crime sprees across Tokyo. In the process, Honey teams up with the seemingly cold police woman Natsuko Aki and hot shot journalist Seiji Hayami as well as battle the four "claws" of the Panther Claw gang to save her uncle and the rest of the city.

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness

Self

2013

Follows the behind-the-scenes work of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the notable figures Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki.

Production

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

Screenplay

1997

SEELE orders an all-out attack on NERV, aiming to destroy the Evas before Gendo can advance his own plans for the Human Instrumentality Project. Shinji is pushed to the limits of his sanity as he is forced to decide the fate of humanity.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Animation

1984

After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.

Shin Godzilla

Additional Sound Re-Recordist

2016

Shin Ultraman

Executive Producer

2022

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Original Story

2021

In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka and Rei find refuge in one of the rare pockets of humanity that still exist on the ruined planet Earth. There, each lives a life far different from their days as an Evangelion pilot. However, the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.

Shin Kamen Rider

Editor

2023

A man forced to bear power and stripped of humanity. A woman skeptical of happiness. Takeshi Hongo, an Augmentation made by SHOCKER, and Ruriko Midorikawa, a rebel of the organization, escape while fighting off assassins. What’s justice? What’s evil? Will this violence end? Despite his power, Hongo tries to remain human. Along with freedom, Ruriko has regained a heart. What paths will they choose?

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone

Original Story

2007

After the Second Impact, Tokyo-3 is being attacked by giant monsters called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind. The child Shinji’s objective is to fight the Angels by piloting one of the mysterious Evangelion mecha units. A remake of the first six episodes of GAINAX’s famous 1996 anime series. The film was retitled “Evangelion: 1.01” for its DVD release and “Evangelion: 1.11” for a release with additional scenes.

Mary and The Witch's Flower

Executive Producer

2017

Mary Smith, a young girl who lives with her great-aunt in the countryside, follows a mysterious cat into the nearby forest where she finds a strange flower and an old broom, none of which is as ordinary as it seems.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth

Original Story

1997

Originally a collection of clips from the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, Death was created as a precursor to the re-worked ending of the series. Rebirth was intended as that re-worked ending, but after production overruns Rebirth became only the first half of the first part of The End of Evangelion, with some minor differences.

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Original Story

2012

Fourteen years after Third Impact, Shinji Ikari awakens to a world he does not remember. He hasn't aged. Much of Earth is laid in ruins, NERV has been dismantled, and people who he once protected have turned against him. Befriending the enigmatic Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji continues the fight against the angels and realizes the fighting is far from over, even when it could be against his former allies. The characters' struggles continue amidst the battles against the angels and each other, spiraling down to what could inevitably be the end of the world.

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Original Story

2009

Under constant attack by monstrous creatures called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind, U.N. Special Agency NERV introduces two new EVA pilots to help defend the city of Tokyo-3: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed with a secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.

Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01

Key Animation

1987

Ace female test pilot Kusomoto Elle humiliates macho tank driver Lt. Kilgore in the first demonstration of the advanced personal battle tank, the MADOX. Kilgore vows revenge, and gets his chance when the army rather carelessly loses the prototype in Tokyo. The MADOX is found by engineering student Sujimoto Kouji, who doesn't take the time to completely read the manual and ends up zooming around Tokyo trapped in a machine he doesn't quite know how to operate. Guess who gets the job of stopping the now mobile missing MADOX? Poor Kouji. If he's late for his date, it's over between him and his girlfriend. His current attire redefines the term "over-dressed." And to top it all off, Kilgore wants to make him late- as in "the late Kouji!"

Sailor Moon R: The Movie - The Promise of the Rose

Key Animation

1993

While enjoying the flower gardens, Sailor Moon and friends encounter an old childhood friend of Mamoru's: an alien! He's come back to give Mamoru a special flower but doesn't like Usagi and the rest of the planet's inhabitants. Sailor Moon must defend the earth from the evil Kisenian Flower he's brought back... before the evil vines and blossoms overrun the planet!

Macross Plus: The Movie

Key Animation

1995

Three decades after the great war between the humans and the Zentradi, the U.N. government is developing new technologies to use in their transforming fighter aircraft by running tests on the colony planet Eden. Military test pilots and former childhood friends, loose cannon Isamu Alva Dyson and the Zentradi mixed race Guld Goa Bowman, are selected to each pilot a new aircraft (Shinsei Industries' YF-19 & General Galaxy's YF-21) for Project Super Nova, to choose the newest successor to the VF-11 Thunderbolt variable fighter which is currently still in use by the U.N. Spacy military forces. Their own personal grudges end up disrupting the tests, and begin to wreak havoc on the program.

Cutie Honey

Director

2004

Grave of the Fireflies

Key Animation

1988

In the final months of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his sister Setsuko are orphaned when their mother is killed during an air raid in Kobe, Japan. After a falling out with their aunt, they move into an abandoned bomb shelter. With no surviving relatives and their emergency rations depleted, Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive.