Evangelion 2.22 You Can Not Advance [Part 2 of 4]

Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance: A Riveting Dive into Chaos and Emotion

If you thought the first film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series was intense, Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance cranks everything up to eleven. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Masayuki, with Hideaki Anno at the helm of the screenplay, this 2009 film is the second installment in the tetralogy reimagining the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion. And let me tell you—this isn’t just a rehash of the original series. It’s a bold, fresh take that dives deeper into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters while throwing in jaw-dropping action sequences.

A Story That Refuses to Play It Safe

Picking up where Evangelion 1.0 left off, 2.22 introduces new characters like Mari Illustrious-Makinami, who pilots Provisional Unit-05 to take down the Third Angel. Meanwhile, Asuka Langley-Shikinami (yes, her last name’s different now) and EVA-02 make their explosive debut, battling the Seventh Angel. But the real chaos begins when the Eighth Angel attacks NERV HQ, and EVA-03 gets hijacked by the Ninth Angel during testing. Shinji, ever the reluctant hero, is forced into action—only to discover Asuka is aboard the compromised unit. What follows is a brutal, heart-wrenching sequence where Gendo Ikari’s cold pragmatism takes center stage, switching EVA-01 to the Dummy System and forcing Shinji to confront the horrifying consequences of his father’s decisions.

Fans have praised 2.22 for its willingness to deviate from the original series. As one reviewer put it, “The triumph of Evangelion 2.22 is not so much in disassembling its predecessor and re-arranging it to form a new story, but more that the characters make more sense now in this reshaped narrative.” The film doesn’t just retell the story—it reinvents it, adding layers of complexity to Shinji, Rei, and Asuka while introducing new dynamics that keep even veteran fans on their toes.

The Dub vs. Sub Debate: Does It Matter?

One of the hottest topics among fans is whether to watch 2.22 dubbed or subbed. On MyAnimeList, the debate is alive and well. One user raved about the English dub, calling it “one of Funimation’s greatest works” and claiming it elevated the film into their top 10. Another chimed in, saying they “found absolutely no problems with the dub,” while others eagerly awaited the next installment (Evangelion 3.0) in hopes of a subbed release.

Personally, I’d say both versions hold up brilliantly. The dub captures the emotional weight of the characters, especially Shinji’s internal struggles, while the sub retains the raw intensity of the original Japanese performances. Whichever you choose, 2.22 delivers a punch that’s hard to forget.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

The animation in 2.22 is nothing short of breathtaking. Studio Khara and Gainax outdid themselves, blending traditional hand-drawn artistry with cutting-edge CGI to create some of the most visually stunning mecha battles in anime history. The fight against the Eighth Angel is a standout, with its surreal, almost dreamlike destruction of Tokyo-3.

And let’s not forget the soundtrack. Shiro Sagisu’s score is a masterclass in tension and emotion, weaving classical motifs with haunting choral arrangements. The use of “Komm, süsser Tod” (a track from The End of Evangelion) in a pivotal scene is a stroke of genius, adding an eerie, almost ironic layer to the chaos unfolding on screen.

Final Thoughts: Why 2.22 Stands Out

Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance isn’t just a sequel—it’s a statement. It takes the foundation of Neon Genesis Evangelion and builds something darker, more unpredictable, and infinitely more gripping. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this film will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the series.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “You Can (Not) Advance kept me… dare I say?… riveted.” And honestly, that’s the best way to describe it. Riveting, relentless, and utterly unforgettable.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rewatch that final act—because no amount of preparation can soften that emotional gut punch.