Thursday, December 12, 2024

TV Review: Violet Evergarden: The Series (2018)

Violet Evergarden (2018) directed by Haruka Fujita and Taichi Ishidate

With the end of the war, ex-soldier Violet Evergarden decides she was to become an Auto Memory Doll. The Dolls write letters for others, crafting the words to communicate honestly and vividly. Violet is very withdrawn and emotionless, making viewers wonder if she is a robot. She does have mechanical hands, which let her type at high speeds, a plus for the job. But her frank honesty is not a good fit. She goes to a school for Auto Memory Dolls that refines her skills. Her real interest is discovering the meaning of the words "I love you" which she heard from a dear friend just before she was injured. The job proves helpful as she travels the country, writing letters for others, exploring their problems and longings, and learning more about herself.

The story is very charming with enough mystery to keep viewers engaged. The series is based on a Japanese light novel that was very popular. The fictional world has some steampunk elements, though that is not the focus. The plot follows Violet as she experiences a great variety of people and viewers see more of her back story. The thirteen-episode length gives her plenty of time to explore the world and her place in it. 

A bonus episode was made about an opera singer hiring Violet to write a love letter. The story fits between episodes 4 and 5, though the series does not spoil anything about this particular episode. Viewers should splice it into their watching of the series, but it won't hurt to watch it after the series either.

I enjoyed this anime series available on Netflix.

Recommended.

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