Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (released as Evangelion 2.22 in some versions) is the second film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series. The story continues after repeated attacks by the mysterious Angels: NERV recruits two new pilots — the enigmatic Makinami Mari Illustrious and the fiery Asuka Langley Shikinami — while Shinji Ikari struggles with guilt, duty and growing emotional strain. Behind the battles, Gendo Ikari and the secretive organization SEELE press forward with a clandestine project that directly involves Rei and Shinji, deepening the series’ questions about identity, control and the fate of humanity. Watching this film you’ll experience a bold mix of high-octane mecha action and intimate, often uncomfortable character drama. The animation is vivid and modernized compared with the original TV series — expect inventive, kinetic fight sequences, striking visual design, and a powerful score that heightens both spectacle and melancholy. At the same time the movie leans into psychological tension: Shinji’s internal conflict, Asuka’s abrasive confidence, and Mari’s mysterious calm all create an emotionally charged atmosphere that alternates between thrilling and unsettling. The film is best for viewers who enjoy layered, sometimes ambiguous science-fiction that balances visceral set pieces with heavy thematic weight. It moves faster and introduces changes relative to the classic series, so it rewards attention to detail and repeated viewings. You’ll leave with dramatic images and unanswered questions — bigger plot arcs are advanced and many mysteries remain, making it essential viewing for fans following the Rebuild saga.

Actors: Kotono Mitsuishi, Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara

Directors: Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Hideaki Anno

Runtime: 112 min

Genres: Action, Animation, Drama

46 /100 7.9 /10 6.2 /10