‘Violet Evergarden’ is an anime television show from Kyoto Animation based on a series of light novels written by Japanese author Kana Akatsuki. The series was dubbed into English by SDI Media and released in the United States by Netflix. 

Violet Evergarden (Erika Harlacher) was raised as a child soldier in the midst of war. In the last battle she was in, she lost both her arms and her commanding officer Major Gilbert Bougainvillea (Tony Azzolino) tells her, “I love you.” After recovering in a hospital and given new arms, she goes to work for the major’s former superior officer and friend Colonel Hodgins (Kyle McCarley) takes her in and gives her a job at his new company CH postal office. At first, she works in administration, but after witnessing the typists Cattelya (Reba Buhr), Iris (Cherami Leigh), and Erica (Christine Cabanos) working as Auto Memory Dolls, those who write letters on behalf of grieving loving ones. Violet decides to learn to become a doll and understand what Gilbert meant when he told her, “I love you.” The big question is, why has he not come to visit her? 

This is one of the most moving anime I have ever watched. It is brilliantly written, has stellar animation, and an amazing voice cast. The story it tells is somber as you watch Violet, a woman made for war, learn to be a woman of love. My one issue for this series and this includes the “special” is that they would introduce totally new characters for Violet to get to know. There was not a whole lot of character growth for the series’ main supporting cast. Fortunately, Violet’s story is the most dynamic and makes the story flow.

The series touches on themes like harsh realities topics like death, PTSD, abandonment, and child soldiers, but it in no way downplays these themes but shows how beauty, family, and love can help overcome one’s grief. Sure, the show is simplistic with how it talks about these things, but I found myself genuinely moved watching Violet interact with new faces and understanding her past. 

Violet Evergarden’s story is one you become enthralled in as you follow her through wartime and into peacetime as she develops a new persona and searches for peace. 

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my reviews of ‘Cells at Work!’ Season 1 and the Sonic OVA. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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