1990-2000s mecha anime series or movie, white mecha, wings, and pilot sacrifice

Question

Looking for a mecha anime, either a series or movie between 1990 and early 2000s.

All I remember is the mecha being white and wielding a sword. I don’t recall if the pilot had angel type wings or the mecha did.

The scene I remember most vividly is the pilot sacrificing himself and slowly dying within the mecha armor somewhere in a forest. I remember opera type music playing in the battle prior to the pilot's death.

I’ve watched The Vision of Escaflowne and Cybuster since the armor is similar to what I remember but neither had the scene I just mentioned. If I recall correctly it was on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim. Currently watching Gundam Wing in my attempt to locate it.

Answer 1

Based on the discussion in the comments I am going to suggest you are looking for Neon Genesis Evangelion. The original anime series was made in the 1990's and was subsequently followed by a mini-series and then an anime film remake series. There have a been a couple of english dubs any one of which you could have seen.

There are mecha, multiple images and references to angles, weapons that appear as giant swords or knives and classical music scoring scenes. It has been suggested in the comments by @Ryan_L that you may be thinking of episode 23. Episode 23 can be seen here... although the image quality is very low. It does take place in a forest and is very likely what you describe.

I wonder if you are thinking of the ending of the End of Evangelion which features multiple white mocha with large wings. You can see a youtube clip here...