There is no greater devastation that that which is left in the wake of war. Long after peace is achieved the scars of war both visible and invisible remain. Amongst these innumerable scars perhaps none run deeper than those sustained by child soldiers, whose innocence and lives are sacrificed on the battlefield. Kyoto Animation's 2018 series Violet Evergarden follows one such child soldier as she struggles to adjust to civilian life while facing the trauma of her past and the pain of growing up. In its portrayal of one girl's journey from weapon to woman Violet Evergarden offers six of the most thought provoking, heart wrenching, and ultimately inspiring hours in all of animation.
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| The power of the pen is mightier than the sword |
The story begins with child soldier Violet recovering in a hospital after losing both of her arms in battle. During her recovery she receives a visit from a former comrade, Claudio, who informs her that the war has ended and her superior officer and father figure, Major Gilbert, is missing in action. She is then discharged from the hospital with fully functional prosthetic arms but without a family, home, or profession to return to. While everyone around her is relieved at the war's end, she finds herself lost without the structure and comradery of military life. In an effort to help Violet adjust to civilian life and atone for his own survivor's guilt Claudio offers her a job at his company, the CH Postal Company. Unlike a traditional postal service, the company offers a variety of services including ghost writing letters for its largely illiterate customers. After witnessing her colleagues' work she becomes determined to pursue a career as one of the company's renowned 'auto memory dolls', or ghost writers, and learn the true meaning of Major Gilbert's last words to her, "I love you". The series then follows Violet as she navigates her new life, her past trauma, and the depths of the human heart.
While film and television are proliferated with war stories celluloid has rarely captured the aftermath of war and its lasting toll on survivors with the complexity and gravitas of Violet Evergarden. Violet's travels aptly highlight the devastation of a post-war landscape as she encounters the war's continued impact upon her colleagues and customers. In several episodes she encounters characters struggling to pick up the pieces of lives shattered by loss and learns to make sense of her own loss in the process. She also experiences the dramatic social changes that wars leave in their wake as she witnesses the political upheaval, shifting gender roles, and economic turmoil of a nation struggling to rebuild and redefine itself. Most notably, through Violet's story the series depicts the struggles of veterans as they adjust to the demands of civilian life while they continue to face loss, trauma, and injuries. Even as it explores difficult topics and dark themes the series is essentially a tale of redemption. With each new assignment Violet witnesses the ways in which people overcome even the most devastating of losses to help one another to rebuild their lives. She also assists her customers in their own efforts to come to grips with various traumas and atone for their conflicted pasts. Even in the midst of its many compelling stories, the series' greatest transformation is Violet's own as she grows from emotionally damaged child and 'tool of war' to a compassionate and independent woman in command of her own destiny. For an emotional journey that you won't want to end pack up your suitcase and join Violet Evergarden.
| Say hello to my little friend! |
The unique vision of the original 2015 graphic novel is brilliantly brought to life thanks to the series' mesmerizing soundtrack and breath taking animation. Drawing from the real life events of World War I that inspired the graphic novel, the series pays apt homage to the fashions, manners, and architecture of early twentieth century Europe. Similarly, the classically influenced soundtrack matches the setting without limiting its atmosphere to any specific era. As a result, Violet's adventures in the fictional Leiden are lent just enough realism to keep the story grounded in our own world. The series successfully creates its own unique setting by mixing its historic influences with futuristic elements and blending cultural influences from around the globe. In this way the series offers a tale that relates to our own history while still immersing viewers in a story that is truly out of this world. For a glimpse of some of the most achingly beautiful animation to grace the small screen pay a visit to the scenic world of Violet Evergarden.
At once a unique coming of age story and a universal tale of the toll of war Violet Evergarden relates a story that is easily one of the most visually dazzling, emotionally compelling, and entirely original stories in all of animation. Through its awe inspiring landscapes and captivating character designs the series creates an immersive world which viewers will be hard pressed to leave. The lilting soundtrack perfectly compliments the events on screen without becoming intrusive and will linger in viewers' memories long after they have completed the final episode. The script portrays Violet's journey with a subtlety, emotional complexity, and unflinching honesty that is certain to resonate with viewers of all walks of life. For an animated experience that colors outside of the lines embark upon the adventure of a lifetime with Violet Evergarden.
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| These boots are made for walkin'.... |
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