On review aggregators, the film holds a near-perfect score from audiences, with many users on hailing it as "easily the best film of the Rebuilds so far" and "one of the best films of the 2000s".
A quick note on the numbering. The ".22" in the title indicates that this is the home video version of the film, which includes numerous tweaks and corrections from the original theatrical ".0" release. Anno is known for his relentless tinkering, and the BD release of Evangelion: 2.22 features over 1,000 revisions and additional new scenes, making it the definitive version for viewers. This version of the film was released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on May 26, 2010.
You Can (Not) Advance begins with a familiar rhythm but quickly derails the established canon. Shinji Ikari continues to pilot Evangelion Unit-01 under the cold direction of his father, Gendo, alongside the stoic Rei Aayanami. However, the arrival of two new pilots completely alters the social and tactical dynamic at NERV.
The film builds to a climax that is shocking even by Evangelion standards. When EVA Unit-03—piloted by Shinji's friend Toji—is infected by an Angel, the command to destroy it is given. When Shinji refuses, the Dummy Plug system forces his EVA Unit-01 to brutally dismember Unit-03 while a horrified Shinji watches, helpless.
On review aggregators, the film holds a near-perfect score from audiences, with many users on hailing it as "easily the best film of the Rebuilds so far" and "one of the best films of the 2000s".
A quick note on the numbering. The ".22" in the title indicates that this is the home video version of the film, which includes numerous tweaks and corrections from the original theatrical ".0" release. Anno is known for his relentless tinkering, and the BD release of Evangelion: 2.22 features over 1,000 revisions and additional new scenes, making it the definitive version for viewers. This version of the film was released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on May 26, 2010.
You Can (Not) Advance begins with a familiar rhythm but quickly derails the established canon. Shinji Ikari continues to pilot Evangelion Unit-01 under the cold direction of his father, Gendo, alongside the stoic Rei Aayanami. However, the arrival of two new pilots completely alters the social and tactical dynamic at NERV.
The film builds to a climax that is shocking even by Evangelion standards. When EVA Unit-03—piloted by Shinji's friend Toji—is infected by an Angel, the command to destroy it is given. When Shinji refuses, the Dummy Plug system forces his EVA Unit-01 to brutally dismember Unit-03 while a horrified Shinji watches, helpless.