Anime fans, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Violet Evergarden. This stunningly animated series, produced by Kyoto Animation, takes us on a journey through a post-war society where former soldiers struggle to find their place in the world. 

Violet Evergarden, our protagonist, is no exception. Her journey of self-discovery is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as she learns to navigate life beyond the battlefield and connect with others in a meaningful way. 

In this anime review, we’ll delve deeper into the world of Violet Evergarden and explore what makes this series a must-watch for any anime fan.

Violet Evergarden Synopsis

Violet Evergarden is a 13-episode anime series produced by Kyoto Animation, based on the light novel series of the same name by Kana Akatsuki. Set in a post-war world, the story follows the journey of Violet Evergarden, a former soldier who was used as a weapon during the war.

After the war, Violet is taken in by Claudia Hodgins, a former army officer who now runs a postal service company. Claudia sees potential in Violet and decides to hire her as an Auto Memories Doll, a profession that involves writing letters on behalf of others who are unable to express their feelings.

Violet struggles to adapt to her new job, as she has trouble understanding emotions and expressing herself. 

However, she is determined to become the best Auto Memories Doll she can be. This was partly because of her desire to understand the meaning behind the last words of her commanding officer, Major Gilbert Bougainvillea, who told her “I love you” before he disappeared in the final battle of the war.

As Violet takes on various jobs as an Auto Memories Doll, she encounters people from all walks of life, each with their own unique story to tell. Through her interactions with them, Violet begins to learn more about human emotions and relationships, and slowly but surely, she starts to develop her own sense of self and purpose.

Throughout the series, we see flashbacks to Violet’s time as a soldier, where she was used as a weapon and had no control over her own fate. These flashbacks provide insight into Violet’s past and how she became the emotionless person she is today. 

We also see glimpses of her relationship with Major Gilbert, which becomes a major plot point later in the series.

As Violet continues to grow and learn, she begins to uncover the truth behind Major Gilbert’s disappearance and what he meant by his final words to her. This leads to a climactic conclusion where Violet must confront her past and reconcile her emotions in order to move forward with her life.

Violet Evergarden is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant series that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of communication. 

Through Violet’s journey, we see the importance of understanding and expressing emotions, and how doing so can help us connect with others and find meaning in our lives.

Is Violet Evergarden worth watching?

Violet Evergarden is a series that resonates deeply with viewers due to its beautiful animation, emotional storytelling, strong female lead, themes of love and relationships, rich world-building, memorable music, and well-developed characters. 

The series is a true gem in the anime world, and its popularity is a testament to its quality and appeal. Here are more reasons that make Violet Evergarden worth the watch!

1. Stunning Animation: 

One of the most striking features of Violet Evergarden is its stunningly beautiful animation. The series is visually breathtaking, with detailed backgrounds, fluid animation, and intricate character designs. The attention to detail is unparalleled, and many viewers are left in awe of the series’ sheer beauty.

2. Emotional Storytelling: 

Violet Evergarden is a deeply emotional series that tackles heavy themes such as loss, trauma, and the struggle to connect with others. The series is known for its ability to tug at the heartstrings, with many viewers reporting tears or intense emotional reactions while watching the show.

3. Strong Female Lead: 

Violet Evergarden is a complex and well-developed character, which is a rare and welcome sight in anime. As a former soldier struggling to adapt to civilian life, Violet is a relatable and compelling protagonist who many viewers find themselves rooting for.

4. Themes of Love and Relationships: 

Love and relationships are at the core of Violet Evergarden, with the series exploring different types of love, from romantic to familial to platonic. The series emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, and many viewers find this message both powerful and uplifting.

5. World-Building: 

The world of Violet Evergarden is intricately crafted, with a rich history and mythology that is gradually revealed throughout the series. Viewers are drawn in by the show’s attention to detail and the way it immerses them in its fictional world.

6. Music: 

The series’ score, composed by Evan Call, is a standout feature of the show. The music is beautiful and haunting, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the series.

7. Character Development: 

The characters in Violet Evergarden are well-rounded and undergo significant growth throughout the series. From Violet’s journey of self-discovery to the supporting characters’ own struggles and triumphs, viewers are invested in the characters’ growth and development.

Everything that sucks about Violet Evergarden 

While Violet Evergarden is a beloved and critically acclaimed series, it is not without its flaws or criticisms. However, these criticisms do not detract from the series’ overall quality and impact on its viewers.

1. Slow Pacing: 

Some viewers find the pacing of the series to be slow, particularly in the earlier episodes. While the slow pacing allows for more character development and emotional impact, it can also be frustrating for viewers who are looking for a faster-paced story.

2. Lack of Diversity: 

The series has been criticized for its lack of diversity, particularly in terms of its cast of characters. The majority of characters are white or light-skinned, and there is a lack of representation for characters of color or diverse cultural backgrounds.

3. Predictable Plot: 

Some viewers have criticized the series for having a predictable plot, particularly in the later episodes. While the emotional impact of the series is still strong, some viewers feel that the story lacks surprises or twists.

4. Unrealistic Character Designs: 

While many viewers praise the series’ animation, some have criticized the character designs as unrealistic or overly stylized. In particular, some viewers feel that the female characters’ designs are overly sexualized, detracting from their overall depth and characterization.

5. Underdeveloped Side Characters: 

While the main characters in Violet Evergarden are well-developed and complex, some viewers have criticized the lack of development for the supporting cast. In particular, some of the side characters feel underutilized or underdeveloped, which can be disappointing for viewers who are invested in their stories.

6. Excessive Emotionality: 

While many viewers appreciate the emotional impact of the series, some have criticized the series for being overly sentimental or melodramatic. This can be a matter of personal preference, but some viewers feel that the series goes too far in its emotional appeals.

Final thoughts on Violet Evergarden 

In conclusion, Violet Evergarden is an emotionally powerful and visually stunning anime that has captivated audiences around the world. 

With its beautiful animation, memorable music, and powerful themes of love and communication, the series is a true masterpiece of its genre. 

While it has received some criticism for its slow pacing, lack of diversity, and predictable plot, these criticisms do not diminish the series’ overall quality and impact. 

As a whole, Violet Evergarden is a must-watch anime that will leave viewers moved and inspired by its heartfelt storytelling and beautifully crafted world.