Violet Evergarden is an incredibly special series. If you haven’t checked it out, I urge you to stop what you’re doing and give it a try. Just sit back and let the show carry you away. It’s special for a number of reasons, reasons that I could quite literally spend all day exploring but I’m not here to discuss the series. The hit anime show came out in 2018 and sure we’ve had some fantastic specials but fans, including myself, have been desperate to find out what happens next. But there’s always a bit of anxiety that lingers when a film aims to conclude a near-perfect story. Can a film really provide and satisfy such a large audience that have invested so much into Violet and her endeavour?
The answer is yes. I was mentally prepared to say goodbye to the characters and setting I fell in love with but I won’t lie, I was worried. Turns out I didn’t need to be. Violet Evergarden is a visually beautiful and emotionally charged film that will surely leave fans happy. Happy but emotionally drained. As the well-timed sniffles and silent sobs filled the screening, it became clear that Violet Evergarden was able to tug on our heartstrings repeatidly. There was something that each of us could relate and attach ourselves to. Whether it was Violet, The Major, or the idea that expressing yourself can be truly difficult, there was always something there that made Violet Evergarden: The Movie feel real.
So where do we find ourselves in Violet Evergarden: The Movie?
Well, Violet Evergarden, a former child soldier turned “Auto Memory Doll” scribe, has made a name for herself. By writing letters that evoke the feelings her clients cannot, Violet hopes to understand the meaning behind the “I love you” said to her long ago. When a terminally ill boy asks her to fulfill one last request for his family, Violet must confront her own feelings of love, loss, and her past with the one who told her those cherished words in order to write one final letter.
To put it simply, the film in fantastic. What separates it from other hit shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer, is that Violet Evergarden is purely focused on the characters. While it is definitely one of the most visually stunning films I have seen, the film concentrated fully on telling a deep, meaningful and heartbreaking story. The series got me quite a few times but the film was on an entirely different level. With a surprising and heartwarming connection to one of the best episodes of the series as a means of structuring the film, we are constantly bombarded with a variety of emotions. Sure, Violet Evergarden isn’t an action-packed ride from start to finish. But it delivers an emotional punch at every possible opportunity. As soon as the lights went down, everyone was ready for what would be a rough yet equally satisfying journey.
I am the Auto Memories Doll, Violet Evergarden
The animation. I cannot stress this enough. The work done by Kyoto Animation is abolsutely insane. The entire film is enchanting. The bright colours, the crisp detail, the charming character designs and the vivid environment help create a wonderfully immersive experience that made me wish I could visit the vibrant and busy state of Leiden. Wouldn’t that be a treat? The animation in the series is still equally as brilliant. But watching Violet Evergarden on the big screen was something else. We were blasted to a new world and lured in by its beauty and wonder. Violet Evergarden wouldn’t be what it is without Kyoto Animation’s outstanding dedication to the craft. Violet Evergarden doesn’t need action on an apocalyptic scale to fully engross and transport its audience. Not at all. All it needs is a typewriter and one lost girl looking for a new life.
I don’t want to dive into the story too much but tissues will definitely be needed. The tears will be worth it though because Violet Evergarden gets the closure she desires and deserves. Before walking into the movie, I was wondering how I wanted Violet’s story to end. There were quite a few possibilities. I think it’s safe to say that she got the ending that a majority of people will be pleased with. What I found so interesting about it was the way it approached the greatly desired happy ending. It isn’t at all what people expected especially with the addition of a flashforward subplot. But it worked beautifully. It somehow left us with some unanswered questions yet eradicated the need to have those questions answered.
It’s such a spectacle in it’s own way. Violet Evergarden: The Movie is an absolutely stunning piece of art that perfectly concludes this innocent and pure story about love. Not only does it provide a satisfying ending, which is ultimate what we wanted, but it gives us a story that is worth caring about. The film isn’t just about Violet and the Major. But the story concerning a terminally ill boy is the glue that holds everything together. It was an absolute joy to watch. It’ll always be regarded as one of my most beloved anime films to date.
Check out the trailer below:
Violet Evergarden: The Movie was released in cinemas in UK/IRE for one-day only on 1st July 2021. However, due to popular demand additional screenings were added so make sure you don’t miss out. For tickets and screening information, you can visit www.VioletEvergardenFilm.co.uk
Have you seenViolet Evergarden: The Movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and be sure to check out more anime related news here. James has also been recommending various different shows so if you are looking for something new to watch, look no further.
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