A closer look
'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' is arguably the most recognizable anime anthem in history, but its creation was a masterclass in procrastination. Director Hideaki Anno originally wanted to use a classical Polovtsian Dance piece, but the network demanded something catchier. The legendary pop track was written in a couple of hours by a lyricist who hadn't even watched the show. The animation team then frantically cut together flashing text, fast mecha cuts, and religious iconography just to match the BPM before broadcast, accidentally inventing the modern anime opening format.
