Violet  Evergarden

anime - on Netflix - 13 episodes (viewed 07/07/18)


This is a lushly animated film, in the sense of its art, vibrancy of color and even to the physical movements of the characters. This anime is for adults or older teens. The plot concerns a nation divided by war, trying to commit to peace. Violet Evergarden is an Auto Memory Doll. A Doll is a ghostwriter who writes letters for clients seemingly unable to express themselves. Violet's previous occupation during wartime was something akin to a Special Forces operative. Both her abilities and her physicality made her almost a super-soldier. The soundtrack is a little manipulative in pulling emotions out, to me a negative quality. However the format of having different stories for each episode elevates this anime with its writing.  Do not be put off by the first episode. It begins as most anime do, with a very young character, very attractive with unusual abilities. While this anime is violent, the violence is not gratuitous. The violence has effects seen on the bodies of individuals but also on the quality of life concerning locals who live near or within the violence.  In an almost stealth way, the viewer is moved towards concept of the futility and illogic of war and conflict.  Many of the characters have a definitive arc. The last 10 minutes does unfortunately fall into typical anime trap of being a bit silly, sappy and  presenting an ending that may diminish the drama of the rest of the series. However, Violet Evergarden is an anime that is worth the time investment of its 13 episodes.