Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
Fourteen years after Third Impact, Shinji Ikari awakens to a world he does not remember. He hasn't aged. Much of Earth is laid in ruins, NERV has been dismantled, and people who he once protected have turned against him. Befriending the enigmatic Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji continues the fight against the angels and realizes the fighting is far from over, even when it could be against his former allies. The characters' struggles continue amidst the battles against the angels and each other, spiraling down to what could inevitably be the end of the world.
Despite its tight budget of $13.0M, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo became a box office success, earning $67.3M worldwide—a 418% return. The film's compelling narrative resonated with audiences, illustrating how 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: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012) reveals meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Hideaki Anno's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 36 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Asuka and Mari pilot EVAs in space to retrieve Shinji from Unit-01, establishing a world 14 years after Near Third Impact where Shinji has been abandoned and the world has changed drastically without him.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Shinji sees a Rei-lookalike with Gendo and attempts to reach her, but she doesn't recognize him. He realizes the Rei he saved is truly gone, shattering his hope for reconnection.. At 12% 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 71 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Shinji pulls the Spears and triggers Fourth Impact instead of restoration. Kaworu sacrifices himself, his choker detonating to stop the Impact. Shinji loses the only person who showed him unconditional acceptance. Literal death of his guide and metaphorical death of hope., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 76 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Asuka drags the broken Shinji from Unit-01. There is no triumphant realization - only the grim acceptance that he must continue existing despite having lost everything. The threshold is survival itself, not understanding., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo against these established plot points, we can identify how Hideaki Anno utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo within the animation genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Asuka and Mari pilot EVAs in space to retrieve Shinji from Unit-01, establishing a world 14 years after Near Third Impact where Shinji has been abandoned and the world has changed drastically without him.
Theme
Misato coldly tells Shinji he will no longer pilot EVA, introducing the film's central theme: the consequences of running away and the pain of being unable to connect with others who have moved on.
Worldbuilding
Shinji awakens on the AAA Wunder to discover 14 years have passed. His former allies treat him with hostility. He wears an explosive choker. Rei is gone. The world he knew has been destroyed, and everyone blames him for Near Third Impact.
Disruption
Shinji sees a Rei-lookalike with Gendo and attempts to reach her, but she doesn't recognize him. He realizes the Rei he saved is truly gone, shattering his hope for reconnection.
Resistance
Shinji is held captive on the Wunder. He remains catatonic, refusing to engage. He debates internally whether to give up entirely or find a way forward. No one will explain what happened during the 14 years he was absent.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Shinji bonds with Kaworu in NERV's ruins. They play piano together, Kaworu explains the Spears and offers hope that Shinji can restore the world. The promise: Shinji can fix everything and bring back the world he lost, including Rei.
Opposition
WILLE attempts to stop Shinji and Kaworu. The Spears are revealed to be wrong - not the Spear of Longinus but two Longinus Spears. Kaworu warns Shinji not to pull them but Shinji, desperate to fix things, refuses to listen to anyone trying to stop him.
Collapse
Shinji pulls the Spears and triggers Fourth Impact instead of restoration. Kaworu sacrifices himself, his choker detonating to stop the Impact. Shinji loses the only person who showed him unconditional acceptance. Literal death of his guide and metaphorical death of hope.
Crisis
Shinji completely breaks down after Kaworu's death and causing another Impact. He becomes catatonic with despair, consumed by guilt and self-hatred. He has now caused two apocalypses by trying to help, losing everyone he ever cared about.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Asuka drags the broken Shinji from Unit-01. There is no triumphant realization - only the grim acceptance that he must continue existing despite having lost everything. The threshold is survival itself, not understanding.
Synthesis
The aftermath unfolds as WILLE secures the area. Asuka and Rei Q extract Shinji. The world continues in its broken state. Shinji is retrieved not as a hero but as a broken boy who must face the consequences of his actions.
Transformation
Shinji sits catatonic and broken in the wasteland with Asuka and Rei Q. Unlike the Status Quo where he was physically trapped in Unit-01, he is now psychologically trapped in despair, completely unable to connect with anyone. The transformation is negative - utter devastation.