Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
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.
Despite its limited budget of $10.0M, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance became a solid performer, earning $44.3M worldwide—a 343% return. The film's bold vision found its audience, showing that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009) showcases deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Masayuki's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 52 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Shinji lives a relatively stable life as an EVA pilot under NERV's command. He operates Unit-01 with marginal competence, still plagued by self-doubt but functioning within the system.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when The Seventh Angel attacks. Unlike routine missions, this battle proves catastrophic—Unit-05 self-destructs, and the Angel demonstrates unprecedented power, forcing NERV into emergency protocols and revealing the inadequacy of their current approach.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 83 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Rei dies/sacrifices herself attempting to defeat Zeruel by self-destructing Unit-00. Shinji witnesses her death—the person who helped him open up emotionally is gone. This is his darkest moment: complete helplessness and the death of hope., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 89 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Unit-01 awakens in berserk mode, achieves god-like power, and annihilates Zeruel. Shinji tears open the Angel's core and retrieves Rei. However, this triggers Near Third Impact—Unit-01 begins apocalypse. Kaworu descends with the Spear of Longinus to stop it, impaling Unit-01 and halting catastrophe., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance against these established plot points, we can identify how Masayuki utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance within the animation genre.
Masayuki's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Masayuki films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Masayuki filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Masayuki analyses, see Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Shinji lives a relatively stable life as an EVA pilot under NERV's command. He operates Unit-01 with marginal competence, still plagued by self-doubt but functioning within the system.
Theme
Misato tells Shinji: "You mustn't run away." The theme of confronting one's fears and responsibilities rather than retreating into isolation is established early, previewing Shinji's core internal struggle.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to NERV operations, the EVA pilots (Shinji, Rei, Asuka), and the Angel threat. Mari Illustrious Makinami is introduced piloting Unit-05. The post-Second Impact world, EVA synchronization mechanics, and interpersonal dynamics between pilots are established.
Disruption
The Seventh Angel attacks. Unlike routine missions, this battle proves catastrophic—Unit-05 self-destructs, and the Angel demonstrates unprecedented power, forcing NERV into emergency protocols and revealing the inadequacy of their current approach.
Resistance
Asuka arrives and joins as the Second Child. Training sequences show the pilots attempting to synchronize and work together. Rei begins showing more emotion. Shinji debates his role and worth, questioning whether he should pilot. Misato and Ritsuko guide the pilots through preparation.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The promise of the premise: epic EVA battles against increasingly powerful Angels. Coordinated combat sequences, the beach battle against the Seventh Angel, pilots bonding, Shinji growing in confidence. Exploration of EVA capabilities and pilot relationships.
Opposition
Zeruel, the most powerful Angel yet, appears and devastates NERV. Unit-00 and Unit-02 are destroyed. Rei is critically injured. Gendo's cold manipulation becomes apparent. The cheerful camaraderie collapses as the pilots face overwhelming force and institutional betrayal.
Collapse
Rei dies/sacrifices herself attempting to defeat Zeruel by self-destructing Unit-00. Shinji witnesses her death—the person who helped him open up emotionally is gone. This is his darkest moment: complete helplessness and the death of hope.
Crisis
Shinji falls into despair, screaming in anguish. He confronts the void left by Rei's death. Gendo coldly manipulates the situation. Shinji must process whether anything matters, whether connection was worth the pain, whether he should act at all.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Unit-01 awakens in berserk mode, achieves god-like power, and annihilates Zeruel. Shinji tears open the Angel's core and retrieves Rei. However, this triggers Near Third Impact—Unit-01 begins apocalypse. Kaworu descends with the Spear of Longinus to stop it, impaling Unit-01 and halting catastrophe.
Transformation
Closing image: Shinji is trapped/crucified in Unit-01, frozen in space. Unlike the opening where he was passively following orders, he took ultimate action—but the cost is apocalyptic. He chose connection and nearly destroyed the world. Transformation is ambiguous: courage gained, but at catastrophic price.