Quartile rating: 8/10 · 1 rating
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.
Evangelion 2.0 is a masterclass in escalating tension and emotional payoff. The plot builds with purpose, layering character drama onto apocalyptic stakes before detonating in the final act — Shinji's decision to trigger Third Impact is one of anime cinema's most stunning turning points. Cinematography is exceptional: Anno and his team deliver sequences of breathtaking visual invention, particularly the Ramiel battle and the climactic Awakening scene, which marry abstract imagery with visceral impact in ways few animated films attempt. The ending is genuinely extraordinary — emotionally overwhelming and narratively bold, recontextualizing the entire Rebuild project. Novelty is above average but slightly tempered by its nature as a reconstruction of existing Evangelion material; while it expands and reimagines brilliantly, it still operates within a known framework. Acting (Japanese dub) is solid and emotionally committed, particularly Megumi Ogata as Shinji, though supporting performances are less consistently exceptional.