The End of Evangelion (1997)

Shinji Ikari grapples with overwhelming guilt and despair after the shocking revelation regarding his friend Kaworu Nagisa. This emotional turmoil sets the stage for his subsequent encounters and decisions throughout the story.

During a visit to Asuka Langley Soryu in the hospital, Shinji witnesses her vulnerable condition, which exacerbates his feelings of powerlessness. In this moment of recklessness, he accidentally exposes her vulnerabilities, leading to a profound self-realization of his own failures.

The shadowy organization SEELE orchestrates events to carry out their catastrophic plan, the Third Impact, aiming to eradicate all life on Earth. This plots a dire backdrop against which Shinji's personal struggles unfold.

Shinji's father, Gendo Ikari, concocts a scheme to merge the soul of his deceased wife Yui with Unit-01. This revelation complicates the already tangled relationships within the narrative, emphasizing the personal stakes involved.

SEELE launches an attack by deploying the Japanese military to take control of NERV, leading to chaos among its staff. This action intensifies the conflict, drawing multiple characters into a desperate fight for survival.

Amidst the turmoil, Misato Katsuragi orchestrates Asuka's transfer to Evangelion Unit-02, which ends up submerged in a lake. In a moment of connection, she urges Shinji to pilot Unit-01, sealing their bond with a poignant kiss.

Rei Ayanami becomes integral to Gendo's plans due to her connection with the Angel Lilith. Her role highlights the intricate ties between personal identities and the greater conflict that looms.

Asuka awakens from a coma, realizing that her deceased mother's essence resides within Unit-02. This revelation empowers her to confront the military forces, showcasing her resilience amidst overwhelming odds.

In a critical moment, Shinji finds himself piloting Unit-01, which breaks free from its restraints. As he soars above the NERV Headquarters, he is struck by the devastation surrounding him, including the lifeless body of Asuka.

Rei's betrayal leads to her fusion with Lilith, resulting in her transformation into a colossal, white figure. This pivotal moment serves as a catalyst for the impending Third Impact, heightening the stakes for everyone involved.

The emergence of the Lance of Longinus from the Moon provides SEELE with the means to trigger the Third Impact. This powerful artifact represents the convergence of human and celestial forces in their quest for control.

Shinji, immersed in chaos, confronts his inner demons as Lilith's essence clouds his mind. In this spiral of introspection, he grapples with feelings of worthlessness, leading him to a tragic resolution about existence.

The Human Instrumentality ritual becomes a frightening reality as human bodies dissolve into the primordial fluid of LCL. This process threatens to erase individuality, merging everyone into a single consciousness.

Amid the existential turmoil, Shinji experiences a transformative epiphany about life embracing both joy and suffering. This pivotal realization propels him to reject Lilith's imposed reality.

In a profound conclusion, Shinji and Asuka find themselves on a barren shore, reflecting the scars of their past. Their emotional confrontation illuminates the weight of their shared experiences amidst a ravaged world.