Movie Review: Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (2019)

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (2019) directed by Haruka Fujita

This movie is set a while after the end of the series but before the movie. Violet has developed as a person, being more aware of emotions. She has two jobs in this movie. In the first half, she travels to a girls' finishing school to help a young woman get ready to marry into the upper class. The student is from a well-to-do family but was adopted at a later age, so she does not have the familiarity and refinement of the upper social strata. Violet passes herself off as a handmaid for the young woman so she can give her lessons in manners, etiquette, and social skills.

Many years later (i.e. the second half of the film), a young girl comes to the postal service wanting a job. She is under ten years old and cannot read or write, providing a big challenge. She's plucky and enthusiastic, so her upbeat attitude sways Violet's more reluctant co-workers. The young girl also has a connection to the young woman in the first half which gets resolved in a nice way.

While there are no big surprises in this movie, it does hit all the right notes for a Violet Evergarden story. It is charming and winsome, leaving a happy feeling for viewers.

Recommended, highly for fans of the show.