Evangelion: 2.0 You Can

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance is a 2009 Japanese animated film directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki and Hideaki Anno, who also wrote the film's screenplay. It is the second installment in the Rebuild of Evangelion film series, which is a retelling of the original 1995 anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The movie continues and expands upon the narrative of the first film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, following the psychological and action-packed battles of its characters as they confront the enigmatic Angels, massive creatures intent on destroying humanity.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been ravaged by the calamitous event known as Second Impact, the story of Evangelion: 2.0 revolves primarily around Shinji Ikari, voiced by Megumi Ogata, a young boy who is recruited by the secretive organization NERV to pilot a giant biomechanical mecha called an Evangelion. These Evangelions are humanity's last line of defense against the Angels, who appear in Tokyo-3 with increasing hostility and for reasons that are initially obscure. Alongside Shinji are other pilots: the enigmatic Rei Ayanami, voiced by Megumi Hayashibara, and the brash Asuka Langley Soryu, voiced by Yuko Miyamura.

The movie opens as new characters and plot elements are introduced, expanding the world of Evangelion significantly. Mari Illustrious Makinami, voiced by Maaya Sakamoto, is a new pilot who makes her enigmatic debut in thrilling and explosive fashion, adding more complexity to the group dynamics and the ongoing mystery of the Angels and NERV's true objectives. The cast is rounded out by its returning characters, including the stern NERV commander Gendo Ikari, the compassionate and mysterious Misato Katsuragi, and the stoic Dr. Ritsuko Akagi.

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance further explores the psychological depths and motivations of its characters as they wrestle with their own personal demons and the gravity of their roles as pilots. Shinji continues to grapple with his relationship with his distant father, who directs NERV, and the immense responsibility resting on his shoulders. Rei, who has difficulty expressing emotions, seeks to better understand the meaning of human connection. Asuka, meanwhile, faces her own inner turmoil, marked by a fierce independence and a fear of becoming obsolete.

The film is recognized for its stunning visuals, featuring a blend of traditional 2D animation and pioneering CGI effects, which create intense and dynamic battle sequences between the Evangelions and Angels. These set pieces are known for being a blend of visceral action and surreal imagery, painted against the backdrop of a world that is a blend of futuristic and apocalyptic design. The animation quality is crisp and vivid, standing as a testament to the progress in animation technology that occurred between the original series and the Rebuild films.

On a deeper level, Evangelion: 2.0 delves into religious and philosophical themes that are a trademark of the Evangelion series. Symbols and references to Judeo-Christian lore are intertwined with the narrative, and existential questions about the nature of the self, human purpose, and individual agency are examined throughout the story. These themes are delivered in a narrative that is as much about introspection and the search for meaning as it is bombastic action and mechs versus monsters combat.

Furthermore, the film's music, composed by Shiro Sagisu, echoes the grand and often haunting themes of the story, combining classical orchestration with contemporary beats. The score evokes the necessary emotions during battles, quiet character moments, and high-drama scenes, adding layers to the cinematic experience of the film.

Evangelion 2.0 also serves as a pivot point in the series' narrative, taking significant creative liberties from the original anime. New plot points are introduced, and events familiar to fans of the series are reimagined, leading to fresh interpretations of the story and characters. This serves to engage both longtime fans and newcomers alike, creating a sense of unpredictability about where the story will lead next.

Overall, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance is a bold continuation of the Evangelion saga that balances thrilling mecha action with thought-provoking themes and rich character development. The film satisfies those seeking a deeper narrative experience, as well as viewers who are intrigued by its stunning animation and imaginative battles. As part of a series that has had a pervasive influence on the medium of anime and pop culture at large, Evangelion 2.0 stands as both a homage to and an evolution of its groundbreaking predecessor.