Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
SEELE orders an all-out attack on NERV, aiming to destroy the Evas before Gendo can advance his own plans for the Human Instrumentality Project. Shinji is pushed to the limits of his sanity as he is forced to decide the fate of humanity.
The film earned $20.6M at the global box office.
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%)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997) exemplifies strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Kazuya Tsurumaki's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 27 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Shinji sits catatonic in a hospital room beside comatose Asuka, representing his complete emotional withdrawal and the shattered state of NERV after the TV series ending.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when The JSSDF begins their brutal invasion of NERV, massacring personnel throughout the Geofront. The scope of SEELE's betrayal and the vulnerability of NERV becomes devastatingly clear.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Shinji chooses to enter Unit-01 after Misato's death, accepting that he must pilot again despite his fear and pain. Simultaneously, Asuka launches in Unit-02 to fight the Mass Production Evas., moving from reaction to action.
At 44 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat The Mass Production Evas brutally dismember and devour Unit-02 and Asuka. Her defeat is visceral and devastating, shattering any hope that individual will and strength can overcome the inevitable., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Shinji, in his internal world, is confronted by Asuka's rejection: "I would never love you." All hope of connection dies. He chooses Instrumentality - the death of individual identity and the dissolution of all AT Fields., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Shinji's rejection of Instrumentality allows individuals to return if they choose. The world reverts from the sea of LCL. Rei/Lilith disintegrates, and Shinji awakens on a shore littered with the remnants of failed creation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion against these established plot points, we can identify how Kazuya Tsurumaki utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion within the animation genre.
Kazuya Tsurumaki's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Kazuya Tsurumaki films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kazuya Tsurumaki 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 Kazuya Tsurumaki analyses, see Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Shinji sits catatonic in a hospital room beside comatose Asuka, representing his complete emotional withdrawal and the shattered state of NERV after the TV series ending.
Theme
Misato tells Shinji "You're going to pilot Eva again" - establishing the film's core theme: the inescapability of pain and the necessity of choice even in a world of suffering.
Worldbuilding
SEELE initiates their assault on NERV headquarters with the Mass Production Evas. Misato attempts to mobilize defenses while Shinji remains withdrawn, and Gendo begins his own plan for Instrumentality in Terminal Dogma.
Disruption
The JSSDF begins their brutal invasion of NERV, massacring personnel throughout the Geofront. The scope of SEELE's betrayal and the vulnerability of NERV becomes devastatingly clear.
Resistance
Misato guides Shinji through the war-torn NERV facility toward Unit-01, sacrificing herself to get him there. Asuka awakens and realizes her mother's soul resides in Unit-02, giving her renewed purpose.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Shinji chooses to enter Unit-01 after Misato's death, accepting that he must pilot again despite his fear and pain. Simultaneously, Asuka launches in Unit-02 to fight the Mass Production Evas.
Premise
The film delivers its promised apocalyptic Eva combat. Asuka battles the MP Evas while Shinji remains trapped in Unit-01. Gendo advances his plan with Rei in Terminal Dogma, and the true nature of Instrumentality begins to unfold.
Midpoint
The Mass Production Evas brutally dismember and devour Unit-02 and Asuka. Her defeat is visceral and devastating, shattering any hope that individual will and strength can overcome the inevitable.
Opposition
Shinji witnesses Asuka's destruction and screams in anguish, triggering Third Impact. Rei/Lilith begins merging all human souls. The film delves into Shinji's psyche as he faces the choice between Instrumentality (oneness) and individuality (pain).
Collapse
Shinji, in his internal world, is confronted by Asuka's rejection: "I would never love you." All hope of connection dies. He chooses Instrumentality - the death of individual identity and the dissolution of all AT Fields.
Crisis
Humanity dissolves into LCL as the boundary between souls vanishes. The film depicts the horror and serenity of unified consciousness - the oceanic oneness Shinji sought, but which ultimately feels like death rather than peace.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Shinji's rejection of Instrumentality allows individuals to return if they choose. The world reverts from the sea of LCL. Rei/Lilith disintegrates, and Shinji awakens on a shore littered with the remnants of failed creation.
Transformation
Shinji and Asuka lie on the beach of the post-Third Impact world. Shinji attempts to strangle Asuka, she caresses his face, he breaks down crying, and she says "How disgusting." They have chosen painful existence over peaceful oblivion.