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.

Movie Review: Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020)

Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020) directed by Taichi Ishidate

Following on the events of the television series, Violet continues her job as an Auto Memory Doll, a woman who writes letters for others. She also continues searching for The Major, her supervisor in the recent war where she fought as a tool of the army (and lost both her arms--she has mechanical replacements). The Major tried to convince her she was not a tool and, when they both sustained injuries that tore them apart, he told her, "I love you." She has been on a personal odyssey to discover the meaning of those words. By the end of the film, her searches come to an end in a very satisfying way.

The movie jumps back and forth in time as the narrative unfolds. Violet's past and her impact on the future are shown to great effect. The main theme of human connection is woven throughout the story. Violet seeks a greater human understanding as she helps others to communicate to their loved ones. The story is very touching and well crafted.

Recommended.

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.