a review that does not contain SPOILERS

credits to @ReturnToMonke for the format

Introduction;

Violet Evergarden: A story about a young girl who used to be known as "The Weapon", reintegrates back into society by writing letters.

Violet Evergarden (animated by Kyoto Animations) is undoubtedly one of the most unique and emotional anime I’ve ever seen. Who knows how long I cried~ especially after watching episodes 7 and 10.

The anime has a very elegant soundtrack, gorgeous graphics & cinematography, with a heartfelt and mature story about love and empathy.

Source Material;

Vaioretto Evaagaaden is a Japanese light novel series written by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase. It won the grand prize in the fifth Kyoto Animation Award's novel category in 2014, the first ever work to win a grand prize in any of the three categories (novel, scenario, and manga).

Kyoto Animation published the first light novel on December 25, 2015, under their KA Esuma Bunko imprint. (Wikipedia)

Story;

The story revolves around the amanuenses known as Auto Memory Dolls, which were initially hired by a scientist named Dr. Orland to assist his blind wife Molly in writing her novels, but were later hired by others who required in their services. The term presently refers to the business of writing for others (ghostwriters).

The story takes place in a postwar setting following an emotionally detached Violet Evergarden, whose journey of reintegrating back into society, with her search for her life's purpose now that she is no longer a soldier.

And begins to reconnect with her feelings while searching for the meaning of her mentor, and guardian's final words to her, "I love you."

Violet Evergarden is a masterpiece in lots of aspects.

The stories are truly touching and heartfelt, and thus we can easily sympathize along with all the characters.

The emotions that were portrayed all throughout the series are not only relatable and genuine, but the manner in which they have been presented in the series; are very strong and profoundly beautiful.

Visuals;

Violet Evergarden already has a lot going for it, and one of its greatest aspects is definitely its art.

The graphics are bright, vibrant, and aesthetic. And the cinematography is elegant in its scene transitions and camera movement.

The anime flows from scene to scene with such fluidity and with abrupt changes of some which are meant to amaze you and/or catch you off guard.

Furthermore, the anime's managing of plot devices~ such as Violet's brooch, is absolutely fantastic. An anime that was as mainstream as this~ and yet is just so imaginative and poignant.

Characters;

Violet, our titular main protagonist, is very endearing, and enticing. Of course, make no mistake, she has her flaws but, they contribute to her becoming more entrancing and beautiful, as she develops.

She is indeed a very captivating character. One of those you will very much root for and wish the best throughout the series. This is magnificent since the series focuses on her development in empathizing, and understanding emotions.

Amidst being the most important character, Violet isn't the only good character in this series. Since all of the stories are so emotionally-driven.

Majority, if not all, of the characters have distinct personalities, issues, and goals. And they do.. in actuality, feel very human.

Symbolism;

You can read her as a personification of love, which initially lacks empathy and degenerates into blind obedience and violence.

But the same love, guided by empathy, achieving a liberating, life-saving power.

Score;

"Composed by Evan Call (Hakumei and Mikochi, Swarzesmarken), the Violet Evergarden score is among the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to in any anime film or series. While there is a catchy opening and ending theme song, it is the score that plays throughout key scenes that really stays with you. The songs are good enough to be standalone classical music pieces, often employing strong violin leads."

-Limarc Ambalina

The Final Verdict;

Violet Evergarden is definitely a must-see for any anime fan or watcher. When I tried to recall the series' flaws, nothing really major comes to mind.

The series has everything ranging from great music to nicely animated action scenes to drama, romance, and more.

Violet Evergarden only had a 13 episode run, along with one special episode and two movies. So you could literally binge this in a single day.