Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll
Plot
Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll unfolds as a poignant tale of growth, self-discovery, and the transformative power of words. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the esteemed Ashford Academy, an elite institution that caters to the daughters of noble families. Among its students is Lady Isabella York, a young woman who has seemingly been handed the keys to a luxurious life. However, Isabella's aristocratic upbringing belies a sense of numbness and disconnection from the world around her. As she navigates the hallowed halls of Ashford, she finds herself struggling to find meaning and purpose in her existence. In an effort to help Isabella overcome her challenges, her family hires Violet Evergarden, an Auto Memory Doll with unparalleled skills, to tutor her privately as a handmaiden. Violet, a former soldier with a storied past, has dedicated her life to using her extraordinary abilities to help others convey their thoughts and emotions through the written word. Her precision and dedication have earned her a reputation as one of the most skilled Auto Memory Dolls in the world. Initially, Isabella is unimpressed with Violet's presence, perceiving her as a mere servant who was born with a silver spoon. Isabella's reluctance towards Violet stems from her own insecurities and disillusionment with the expectations placed upon her as a member of the noble class. As the days go by, however, Isabella begins to notice subtle cracks in Violet's otherwise impenetrable facade. Violet's struggles to connect with Isabella are mirrored by Isabella's own attempts to reach out to her new handmaiden. It is through their interactions that Isabella comes to appreciate the complexities of Violet's past and the circumstances that have shaped her present. Violet, it turns out, has seen her fair share of hardship, having once been a soldier with the Western Army and having lost comrades in the Great War. As Isabella delves deeper into Violet's experiences, she begins to see her tutor in a different light. Violet's proficiency and determination are no longer the only attributes that define her, but also her vulnerability and capacity for empathy. The catalyst for change in Isabella's life comes when she confides in Violet about her long-lost sister, Taylor. Isabella's relationship with Taylor had been particularly close before she vanished without a word, leaving behind only a note that seemed to suggest she had abandoned her family. The loss of her sister has left Isabella struggling with feelings of abandonment and rejection, which have contributed to her overall sense of disconnection from the world. Moved by Isabella's story, Violet offers to write a letter on her behalf, one that will convey the emotions and longing that Isabella has been unable to express. As Violet sets to work, she is faced with the daunting task of recreating the memories and emotions that Isabella has suppressed. Violet's process is marked by a sense of reverence, as she seeks to do justice to Isabella's story and bring it to life on paper. Throughout the letter-writing process, Isabella is forced to confront her past and the unresolved emotions that have haunted her. With Violet's guidance, she begins to unravel the tangled threads of her relationship with Taylor and starts to understand the complexities of her sister's decision to leave. The act of writing becomes a form of catharsis for Isabella, allowing her to confront the fears and insecurities that have held her back for so long. As the letter nears completion, Violet imparts a valuable lesson to Isabella: that words have the power to heal, to connect, and to transcend even the most profound of emotions. Through their joint endeavor, Isabella and Violet forge an unbreakable bond, one that extends far beyond their initial tutelage. In Violet, Isabella finds a friend and confidante who understands her struggles and supports her journey towards self-discovery. As they close the chapter on their shared endeavor, Isabella and Violet emerge as stronger, more compassionate individuals, forever changed by the act of creation that has brought them together.
Reviews
Joseph
Without Kyoto Animation, Violet Evergarden might have been too hollow and pallid.
Savannah
The first half-hour is like a yuri fan service: bathing and sleeping together, holding hands doing that dramatic run often seen in Japanese dramas, playing with hair strands, waltzing in white tailcoats. They give the fanboys what they want first, then start the actual plot and drop tear bombs. The boy next to me, probably a student, wiped his tears twice, but I, as an adult, commend myself for holding back (sort of). A packed hall of 600 people, silent as if empty from beginning to the very last second of the rolling staff credits. With such an immersive theater experience, who cares if my understanding of the plot is hampered by language by 30-40%? I love my country. Kyoto Animation must rise again!
Alana
Seeing the staff credits at the end was unexpectedly the hardest and most emotional part for me since the events of the story unfolded.
Norah
Five stars for Kyoto Animation's noble character and exquisite artistry, minus two stars for Kana Akatsuki's forced and nonsensical original script. The author is an ordinary person who has neither experienced the complexities of high society nor the hardships of the lower classes, yet insists on writing a touching love story, resulting in what we see here. Happy people can never imagine what unhappiness is like.
Charles
As someone who isn't a huge fan of the franchise, or even anime in general, I can see that the overwhelmingly positive reception in Japan stems largely from the emotional connection to the studio itself. Honestly, I struggled to connect with any of the emotions portrayed, whether it was the "saintly" protagonist, the sisterly bond, or the exploration of teenage problems. The weight of the war backdrop also felt diminished. I'm left feeling confused and somewhat lost. What exactly is the core appeal or value of Kyoto Animation?
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