Following the cataclysmic battle against the Angel Sachiel, protagonist Shinji Ikari finds himself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Despite his valiant efforts, he remains plagued by self-doubt and struggles to understand his place in the war. As he grapples with his personal demons, a new threat emerges on the horizon, threatening to plunge the world into even greater chaos.
The secretive organization NERV, tasked with defending humanity from the Angels, continues its mission under the watchful eye of Gendo Ikari, Shinji’s estranged father. As NERV unveils new weapons and technological advancements, tensions rise within the organization. Hidden agendas and ulterior motives come to light, causing distrust and sowing seeds of betrayal.
Meanwhile, Shinji’s relationships with his fellow pilots, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, evolve in unexpected ways. Rei, the enigmatic and seemingly emotionless pilot, becomes more entwined with Shinji’s life, raising questions about her true nature and purpose. Asuka, the fiery and independent pilot, grapples with her own inner turmoil, desperately seeking validation and struggling with her own vulnerabilities.
As the Angels grow stronger and deadlier, NERV is forced to push the boundaries of technology and morality to new extremes. The Eva Units, colossal biomechanical mechas piloted by the chosen few, become crucial weapons in the battle for humanity’s survival. However, the consequences of these experiments threaten to unravel the fragile bonds between the pilots and those who control them.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance plunges viewers into a world filled with stunningly animated action sequences, intense character development, and philosophical undertones. The series explores complex themes of identity, loneliness, and the nature of human connection. With each twist and turn, the line between protagonist and antagonist blurs, leaving audiences questioning the very nature of heroism and the cost of victory.
As the story hurtles towards its breathtaking climax, Shinji and his comrades must confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices. Friendships will be tested, alliances will be shattered, and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. In a world teetering on the edge of annihilation, the true battle may not lie with the Angels but within the hearts of those who fight them.
Background:
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance won first place in the animation category of the French Lyon Asian Film Festival, narrowly beating Symphony in August in an audience vote. It also won the Award of Excellence in the animation category at the 33rd Japan Academy Awards and, consequently, nominated for Animation of the Year at the same event in 2010.
