Classics: A Review of Scent of a Woman By Lauren Ennis

The saying goes that when the student is ready the master will appear. When faced with a crisis at school young Charlie Simms finds the unlikeliest of masters in curmudgeonly Colonel Slade. Over the course of one weekend both men are tried and tested in ways that leave them profoundly changed for the better. At once a coming of age story and a tale of redemption, 1992's Scent of a Woman is just the sort of film that they don't make them quite like anymore. 

The story begins with prep school student Charlie Simms applying for a job to help pay for his flight home for Christmas. He replies to an ad on the school's job board and finds himself tasked with acting as a companion to blind and abrasive retired colonel Frank Slade over Thanksgiving weekend. Before he can start his new position, however, Charlie witnesses his classmates engaging in a prank against the school's headmaster. The headmaster then offers him a proposition; tell who was behind the prank and obtain a personal reference for admission to Harvard or refuse and face expulsion. Even as he grapples with his decision, Charlie finds himself whisked along for Frank's 'last hurrah' spree in which he plans to engage in the height of life's pleasures before succumbing to a military style suicide. Over the course of the ensuing weekend both Charlie and Frank learn valid lessons in honor, integrity, and what it means to be a man.

Scent of a Woman relates a deceptively simple tale of two men thrown together by chance for a holiday weekend. This character study strikes an unusual balance between slice of life indie drama and compelling coming of age story the likes of which Hollywood has rarely seen. The focus upon Charlie and Frank's unique crises allows viewers to get to know both characters, even as it raises vital questions about our own personal experiences and choices. The script deftly weaves between moments of tense drama, sly comedy, and unabashed romance without a single misstep. Similarly, the gradual pace and engaging performances ensure that even at their most outrageous the characters feel unnervingly real. In an era in which cinema is dominated by larger than life action heroes the struggles that Charlie and Frank face seem relatively simple, and entirely relateable. As a result, viewers will be hard pressed not to empathize with and root for these two very different characters. Even as it presents viewers with two entirely human and all too flawed leads, it offers valid lessons in integrity, honor, and responsibility that remain as resonant now as they were in 1992.  This holiday season breathe in the full charm, laughter, and inspiration that await within Scent of a Woman.

"If you make a mistake and get all tangled up just tango on"

Nearly thirty years after its release Scent of a Woman remains a fan favorite thanks to the work of its cast. Gabrielle Anwar turns in one of the film's most memorable performances in her show stopping cameo as Charlie and Frank's sultry acquaintance, Donna. In an early supporting role as Charlie's sleazy classmate and fellow witness, George, Phillip Seymour Hoffman displays the talent that would make him one of the most versatile actors in modern Hollywood. James Rebhorn expertly captures the petty vindictiveness of headmaster Mr. Trask. Richard Venture and Bradley Whitford personify world weariness and bitterness as Frank's beleaguered brother and nephew. Even in the midst of engaging performances the film is dominated by the unlikely duo of Chris O'Donnell and Al Pacino. O'Donnell aptly portrays Charlie's journey from idealistic boy to a young man of integrity without missing a beat. Pacino more than earns his Oscar in a performance that begins intentionally over the top but gains nuance and complexity as both Charlie and viewers get to know the man behind the bravado.

Coming of age story, slice of life, and tale of redemption; all of these things and more can be found in the Scent of a Woman. The script utilizes wit and emotion with equal skill as it relates a simple tale to profound effect. The uniformly superb work of the cast brings the film's array of colorful characters to vibrant life. Through its call to honor and unabashed belief in redemption the film offers lessons in integrity that we could all benefit from being reminded of. This Thanksgiving weekend hit the town with Charlie and Frank in Scent of a Woman.

Classics: A Review of American Crime Story: Impeachment By Lauren Ennis

 In 1998 the world learned the name 'Monica Lewinsky' and neither blue dresses nor the words 'sexual relations' have been the same since. The latest installment in the American Crime Story anthology relates the infamous scandal that erupted in the wake of White House intern Lewinsky's affair with President Bill Clinton. Rather than merely rehashing familiar headlines, the series offers an insider's view of the Paula Jones lawsuit, the Lewinsky affair, and Clinton's impeachment courtesy of the women who lived them. Missing out on this scintillating mix of political intrigue, sexual politics, and media scandal would be nothing short of criminal.

The photo that launched a thousand headlines

The story begins with Linda Tripp working in the Clinton White House as secretary to Deputy White House Counsel and personal lawyer to the Clintons, Vince Foster. Following Foster's alleged suicide Tripp is moved to the Pentagon where she meets White House intern turned DOD secretary Monica Lewinsky. The two bond over their shared outsider status and Lewinsky reveals that she is engaged in an affair with married President Bill Clinton. Meanwhile, Clinton is already engaged in a legal firestorm stemming from Arkansas civil servant Paula Jones' sexual harassment allegations. Eventually the paths of all three women are placed on a collision course that will redefine modern American politics.

American Crime Story: Impeachment tells the story behind the story that the American public thought they knew and makes for addictive drama in the process. Rather than limit its focus to the well worn details of Lewinsky and Clinton's affair, the series instead broadens its scope to include the events leading up to Clinton's impeachment and the inevitable fallout from the ensuing media circus. As a result, the series relates not the tawdry soap opera that dominated headlines in the late 1990's, but instead a damning indictment of America's media and political elites and the wreckage that they leave behind. The decision to tell the story from Lewinsky, Jones, and Tripp's perspectives proves to be one of the series' greatest strengths. Not only does this narrative structure offer vital insight into each of their unique experiences and motives, but it also highlights the ways in which all three were manipulated, used, and discarded by the very people and institutions that they trusted most. In this way the series flips the popular narrative which attempted to reduce all three women to little more than caricatures and instead offers an alternative, more complicated, tale which casts the supposed heroes of the impeachment saga in a decidedly darker light. The interlocking stories additionally ensure that the series relates a tale of power, corruption, and exploitation rather than merely the racy details of a scandalous affair. The series particularly sets itself apart from other recent dramas through its refusal to bow down to political correctness and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. For example, the series acknowledges the corruption allegations that dogged both Bill and Hillary Clinton for decades and even goes so far as to make numerous sly references to the notorious 'Clinton Body Count' conspiracy theory. For a must see all-American political drama tune in to American Crime Story: Impeachment.

The series transports viewers to the Clinton White House thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Colbie Smulders and Judith Light infuse their performances as Republican operative Ann Coulter and Jones' attorney Susan Carpenter-McMillan with cool charisma. Billy Eichner steals each scene in which he appears as eccentric guerilla journalist Matt Drudge. Taran Killam perfectly balances insecurity and brutality in his portrayal of Jones' husband, Steve. Margo Martindale turns in another endlessly engaging performance as indomitable literary agent Lucianne Goldberg. Edie Falco combines steely resolve with cold calculation to bring the larger than life Hillary Clinton to the small screen. Clive Owen infuses his all too human portrayal of Bill Clinton with a fascinating blend of charm, ambition, and sleaze. Even in the midst of its superb supporting performances the series is dominated by its three leading ladies, whose multifaceted performances reveal the humanity behind the headlines. Annaleigh Ashford is achingly vulnerable in her girl next door turn as Paula Jones. Beanie Feldstein explores the woman behind the 'other woman' label in a portrayal of Monica Lewinsky that blends effervescent charm, endearing innocence, emotional trauma, and ultimately resilience. Sarah Paulson showcases an acting master class in a performance that goes beyond merely capturing Linda Tripp's public persona to fully embodying Tripp in all of her contradictions and complexity. Through their combined efforts the cast lend viewers an insider's view of the drama behind the drama of the Clinton administration that is certain to satisfy viewers across the political spectrum.

Through its unflinching portrayal of the scandal plagued Clinton White House American Crime Story: Impeachment sets itself apart as one of the most daring productions to ever grace the small screen. Through its well paced and intelligent script the series breathes fresh life into the familiar saga of the Clinton impeachment while offering pointed commentary at today's political climate. The series' performances bring the infamous women embroiled in the impeachment scandal to vivid life with a complexity and humanity that the media denied them. In an industry defined by woke trends and limited by fears of cancel culture the series defiantly pulls back the curtain on the hypocrisy, callousness, and machinations of America's political and media elite. Throughout the series Paula Jones, Linda Tripp, and Monica Lewinsky each yearn to share their side of the story with the American public; thanks to American Crime Story: Impeachment they just might have finally done so.

Classics: A Review of The Witches By Lauren Ennis

 The moon is glowing bright and everyone is ready for a fright; Halloween is upon us once again. In all of cinema there is perhaps no ghoul, ghost, or monster as reviled, beloved, and recognizable as the witch. Even amidst the sassy teens, seductive sirens, and creepy crones that populate Halloween's cinematic covens few films capture the wickedness of witchcraft with the thrills and chills of 1990's The Witches. This Halloween spend your witching hour with The Witches if you dare.

The story begins with Luke learning about the existence of witches from his grandmother, Helga She tells him about her childhood in Norway, including the tale of how her neighbor was abducted by witches. She warns him that witches are real and hide in plain sight as they seek to rid the world of all children. When his parents are killed in a car accident Luke is entrusted to his grandmother's care. Soon after he moves in her she falls ill with diabetes, prompting the pair take a trip to the English seaside per her doctor's recommendation. Strange things start happening almost as soon as they arrive at their hotel, which is hosting a convention for the 'Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children'. When he accidentally witnesses the society's meeting Luke is horrified to learn that they are actually a coven of witches who are every bit as wicked, grotesque, and powerful as his grandmother described. He then sees them transform another boy, Bruno, into a mouse to demonstrate their plan to turn all of the children in England into mice. Before Luke can escape and reveal their plan the witches discover him eavesdropping and turn him into a mouse as well. It's then up to Luke, Bruno, and Helga to foil the witches plans and save the day before all of England's children are reduced to rodents.

From its first eerie lines The Witches sets itself apart from other family films. Rather than relating an uplifting adventure in which the hero follows their dreams the film instead relays a spine tingling supernatural thriller that will even have adult viewers on the edge of their seats. The film offers a refreshing respite from recent efforts which present witchcraft from a politicized, feminist, perspective in its unflinching portrayal of its truly wicked witches. The film also stands apart from more recent films that attempt to transform classic villains into misunderstood anti-heroes by not only acknowledging, but reveling in its witches' unbridled villainy. With the exception of a softened ending the film maintains the dark sensibility and cynicism of Roald Dahl's original novel and is all the better for it. Through its refusal to conform to the norms of mainstream family fare the film remains faithful to its original source material and shows a respect for its young viewers that is too often lacking in children's entertainment. The film's practical effects from Jim Henson's workshop are by turns adorable, disturbing, and never less than mesmerizing. The infamous witches convention and Luke's final triumph over the coven in particular remain the stuff of childhood nightmares and are guaranteed to leave viewers longing for the days before CGI. For truly bewitching viewing take flight with The Witches.

Grandma knows best

The by turns whimsical and unsettling world of Roald Dahl is brilliantly brought to life thanks to the work of the cast. Rowan Atkinson brings his signature dry humor to his performance as the hotel's concierge, Mr. Stringer. Charlie Potter is a delight as the gluttonous Bruno, whose haplessness makes him a perfect comic foil to the courageous Luke. Mai Zetterling is the grandmother that we all wish we had in her equal parts warm and steely turn as Helga. Jasen Fisher strikes an ideal balance between innocence and resilience in his performance as Luke. Even in the midst of uniformly excellent performances the film is dominated by Angelica Huston in her iconic turn as the Grand High Witch. Her performance is nothing short of a master class in villainy as she effortlessly alternates between understated elegance and blind rage in her dual performance as the Grand High Witch and her alias Miss Ernst.

Easily one of the most imaginative and terrifying films in all of family cinema The Witches is a wickedly delightful way to top off your Halloween. Through its dizzying visuals and daring script the film takes viewers on a journey into a dark fairy tale the likes of which only Roald Dahl could dream up. The superb performances bring the darkly whimsical tale to life and ensure that the story maintains its grounding even when the plot is at its most outlandish. For truly spellbinding Halloween viewing join Luke, Helga, and Bruno in The Witches.

Not just another pretty face

Classics: A Review of Brave New World By Lauren Ennis

 Imagine a world free of pain, hunger, disease, and conflict. Picture a world in which everyone fits in and no one is ever lonely. This is the paradise of New London, the brave new world  in which everyone is happy because "if you're not happy you're nothing at all". Based upon Aldous Huxley's classic novel, Peacock's 2020 drama Brave New World takes viewers on a journey into a world in which the lines between utopia and dystopia blur and the future might be closer than we think. At once a warning for the future and an apt commentary on modern life this series bravely goes where few series have gone before.

The story begins in the futuristic , eternally tranquil society of New London. New London's citizens are genetically engineered and raised by a social collective to fulfill their designated role in the city's rigid social caste system made up of Alphas, Betas, Gammas, and Epsilons. Residents happily spend their days working at jobs chosen for them and their nights engaging in state-sanctioned casual sex, all while under the influence of state supplied mood stabilizers. As a result, citizens are always happy but never fulfilled. Just outside of the city's limits lies the 'Savage Lands' where people live in a society that is socially and technologically similar to our own. These 'savages' live in grinding poverty while performing for New London tourists, but possess all of the freedom that their seemingly privileged counterparts lack, as well as all of the complications that come with it. When two New London tourists are rescued by a savage during an attempted rebellion the two worlds are set on a collision course that leaves everyone questioning if utopia is really such a paradise after all.

Over the course of its nine episodes the series aptly portrays the central characters and conflicts of the classic novel while adding knowing nods to our own brave new world. For instance, while the original novel portrayed the savage lands as something akin to a Native American reservation the series instead depicts them as a living history museum. This alteration allows the series to offer insight into how people might view our world in the future with a sly critique of the ways in we have already begun to alienate ourselves from our history and culture. Similarly, the series adds a dystopian element of social control through the inclusion of Indra, the digital intranet that keeps New Londoners connected to and visible to each other at all times. Through the characters' use of Indra the series emphasizes New London's oppressive control of its citizens with a nod to such recent phenomena as the rise of social media and reality television, the advent of social credit systems, and the creation of the modern surveillance state. The series particularly shines in the ways that it brings its technocratic society to vibrant life. In its depiction of the by turns dazzling and disconcerting New London the series takes viewers on a journey into the future while foreshadowing the dangers posed by our own society as we increasingly replace such institutions as family, religion, and community with science, technology, and government .In this way the series explores Huxley's central themes while offering commentary on the ways in which those themes relate to the modern world.

The series also uses its nine hour running time to infuse each of its characters with a complexity that they lacked in the novel. For example, Lenina and John are portrayed in the novel as one dimensional representations of their societies, with Lenina personifying the superficiality of pleasure seeking New London and John symbolizing the primitive passion of the savages. In the series both characters are provided with complex personalities and satisfying story archs as they come to terms with the brave new world surrounding them and their place within it. Similarly, Bernard is spared the banishment that he suffers early in the novel, which allows the series to explore his struggle to reconcile the shallow social norms of New London with his yearning for personal connection and a purposeful life. Through the expansion of characters and updates to the plot the series offers an original take on a classic story that is certain to leave viewers bravely daring to ask questions about our own world and what the future holds for it.

Oh brave new world with such people in it

Huxley's 1932 novel is brilliantly brought to life thanks to the expert work of the cast. Nina Sosanya infuses New London's conflicted ruler, Mustafa Mond with a humanity that ensures she is more than a stock villain. Demi Moore gives her best performance in years in her tragic turn as exiled Beta, Linda. Hanna John-Kamen is mesmerizing in her charismatic and slyly comic performance as New London artist Wilhelmina. Harry Lloyd perfectly captures the elite smugness of Alpha Bernard, while aptly highlighting his yearning to belong. Jessica Findlay Brown infuses Lenina with intelligence, depth, and charm as she portrays Lenina's journey beyond the blissful ignorance of her regulated existence. Alden Ehrenreich turns in a magnetic performance as tormented savage John with a vitality that perfectly contrasts the vapid culture of New London.

Brave New World breaks New London's most sacred rules; it makes viewers think and feel and invites them to question the world around them. Through its expert combination of cerebral drama and sly wit the series brings Huxley's classic novel to vibrant life with a refreshing modern twist. The performances capture both the shallow superficiality of New London's conditioned residents and the tortured passions of the savages while infusing each of the characters with depth and humanity. At once an unsettling glimpse into the future and a critique of the present Brave New World makes for some of the bravest viewing in recent television.

Classics: A Review of The Undoing By Lauren Ennis

How well do we really know those who we hold nearest and dearest? This is the question that lies at the heart of the hit HBO drama The Undoing. At once an apt legal thriller and a riveting portrait of a family driven to the brink, the drama explores what we do when we're forced to question everything that we thought we knew. Through its gripping performances and compelling script the series transcends the limits of a traditional 'who done it' to take viewers on a psychological journey that asks what we would do if our own lives were to come undone. Join Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant for a mystery that will have you guessing at every turn in The Undoing.

You are fake news!

The story begins with psychologist Grace Fraser living a modern dream with a successful career, a happy family, and a magazine spread worthy home. During a school committee meeting she encounters her polar opposite in sultry struggling artist Elena Alves. When Elena is found brutally murdered after a school fundraiser the police discover her connection to Grace's oncologist husband, Jonathan. As she is drawn ever further into the legal and media firestorm surrounding the case cracks begin to show in Grace's seemingly picture perfect existence. What follows is a masterful mystery and legal thriller that is guaranteed to leave viewers on the edge of their seats through its every twist.

The Undoing sets itself apart from other recent television thrillers by presenting viewers with two mysteries rather then one. The central murder provides plenty of thrills as it offers a variety of likely suspects and shocking revelations around every turn. The second, and more compelling, mystery lies in the question of who Grace and the characters surrounding her really are. It is this question that drives the series' most gripping drama as it explores the universal conflict between our perception of our own lives and the reality that we're living. By exploring Grace's inner world the series highlights the ways in which we can become so consumed by the image that we project of ourselves that we can lose sight of who we are. This point offers particular poignance in an increasingly competitive society in which our every memorable moment is documented and distributed over social media. The depiction of a family in crisis makes for some of the series' most gripping drama as the Frasers find themselves increasingly suspicious of one another, even as they attempt to prove their own innocence. The fractured family dynamic creates a conflict is thought provoking as well as thrilling as it asks viewers what they would do if they were to walk in Grace's shoes. Enjoy a drama that will leave you guessing at every turn and asking questions long after the final credits fade in The Undoing.

This looks like the beginning of a beautifully awkward friendship

The story is brought to thrilling life thanks to the work of its stellar cast. Matilda de Angelis expertly balances sensual allure and vulnerability as the tragic Elena. Ismael Cruz Cordova conveys the torment and fury of Elena's betrayed husband, while still ensuring that Fernando remains sympathetic. Edan Alexander is heartbreaking in his turn as Elena's young son, Miguel. Noma Dumezweni is mesmerizing in her charismatic turn as Jonathan's attorney, Haley. Lily Rabe infuses her portrayal of Grace's witty friend, Sylvia with warmth and humor. Noah Jupe portrays Grace and Jonathan's son, Henry with an emotional depth and authenticity that belies his young years. Donald Sutherland gives a masterful, scene stealing, performance as Grace's devoted father, Franklin. Hugh Grant utilizes his signature charm while still hinting that there may be something more sinister lurking beneath Jonathan's innocent facade. Even in the midst of uniformly superb performances Nicole Kidman dominates  in a performance that blends intelligence, determination, vulnerability, and desperation in her portrayal of Grace's efforts to come to grips with her perfect life coming undone.

The Undoing perfectly blends legal and domestic drama to explore the ways in which we delude ourselves into seeing what we want to see even when the devastating truth is staring us in the face. The tightly written script weaves a refined tapestry of mystery, murder, and passion that is nothing short of gripping. The stellar work of the cast is guaranteed to keep viewers mesmerized through every minute of its six episodes. For a picture perfect thrill ride among New York's elite tune in to The Undoing.

This calls for a little 4D chess...

Classics: A Review of Cruel Summer By Lauren Ennis

 Adolescence is a time marked by change, insecurity, and mounting social as well as academic expectations; in short, it's one of the cruelest periods that many of us experience. In the new hit series Cruel Summer the confusion and pressures of adolescence combine with a local crime to form a mystery that will keep viewers guessing until its final frame. At once an engrossing character study and a twisting thriller, the series sets itself apart from Freeform's typical teen fare to earn it a place amongst the year's best dramas. As school gets back in session soak up the last remnants of the season in Cruel Summer.

As the story begins it is 1993 and Jeannette Turner is an awkward, naive, nerdy teen spending the summer with her friends and loving family. Meanwhile, her wealthy and beautiful classmate, Kate Wallis, is leading a seeming teenage dream as the most popular and sought after girl in school. One year later, however, the series shows that Kate has gone missing while Jeannette has taken her place with both Kate's friends and boyfriend. The series then flashes ahead to 1995 to reveal that Kate has returned after spending a year held captive in the basement of the school's vice principal. The lives of both teens are then turned upside down when Kate publicly claims that Jeannette witnessed her being held captive and refused to help her escape. What follows is a mystery that spans three years and two perspectives in pursuit of the truth with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Through its combination of innovative storytelling and intricate mystery the series explores the ways in which social pressures, personal insecurities, and trauma can bring out the cruelty in all of us. The start of the series initially presents both Jeannette and Kate as innocents struggling to navigate the murky politics of small town society, high school hierarchies, and fraught family dynamics. As the story progresses, however, the character of both girls comes into question as each is portrayed in increasingly contradictory lights. In this way, the series highlights the ways in which we all too often present one, idealized, version of ourselves to the world while keeping our true selves out of public view. This conflict between our public personas and our authentic selves is particularly pertinent in an era dominated by social media, in which we compare our own, imperfect, lives with the seemingly perfect images that we view online. Through its focus upon Jeannette's evolution from self described nerd to teen queen the series reveals the ways in which the desire for acceptance can become a consuming obsession. Similarly, Kate's strained relationship with her mother and abusive relationship with vice principal Martin Harris reveals the dangers of social pressure and the ways in which we all too often disappoint ourselves in our efforts to avoid disappointing others. The depiction of the girls' legal battle conveys the trauma that both have endured with unflinching honesty, while still offering hope for recovery. The series' approach to its central mystery as a question of 'how' and 'why' rather than 'who' done it adds additional emphasis to its central themes while developing each of the characters with complexity and realism. In the midst of its intricately plotted mystery the series also offers a journey back into the 1990's that is sure to satisfy your nostalgia craving while offering vital insights that continue to resonate today. Join Kate and Jeannette for a summer to remember in Cruel Summer.

The series transports viewers back to the 1990's with an authenticity that will keep Gen X'ers begging for more. Allius Barnes turns in an endearing performance as Jeannette's loyal friend, Vince. Harley Quinn Smith steals each scene in which she appears in her charismatic turn as mischievous misfit Mallory. Froy Gutierrez lends darker depths to his equal parts charming and callous portrayal of class heartthrob, Jaime. Blake Lee infuses Kate's abductor, Martin Harris, with a humanity and moral ambiguity that ensure that he is more than just another stock villain. Olivia Holt expertly portrays Kate's journey from teen queen, to victim, to survivor with an emotional honesty and maturity that belies her young years. Chiara Aurelia captures Jeannette's yearning to belong and scorn for a society that has rejected her with a mesmerizing ferocity. Together Holt and Aurelia's performances perfectly complement one another in portrayals that personify society and adolescence at their most cruel.

Combining teen drama with mind bending mystery, this ode to all things 90's is as tantalizing as summer itself. Through its tightly written script the series successfully navigates alternating timelines and perspectives without missing a single beat. The series explores such adult topics as trauma, abuse, and identity with a depth and gravitas rarely seen in teen dramas. The uniformly superb work of the cast revives the 90's nostalgia in all of us while relating a universal tale that will appeal to audiences from Generation X to Generation Z. Hit the hot summer streets with Kate and Jeannette in Cruel Summer.

Classics: A Review of Violet Evergarden By Lauren Ennis

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.

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. 

These boots are made for walkin'....