Violet Evergarden Movie: A Breathtaking Farewell (with a Hint of Longing)

Let me tell you about an anime movie that left me a teary mess, but in the best way possible: Violet Evergarden Movie. Now, I’d already fallen in love with the series – the story of Violet, a former child soldier turned “Auto-Memories Doll” (a fancy term for someone who writes letters for others), is a masterclass in emotional depth and stunning animation. But the movie? It takes Violet’s journey to a whole new level.

Violet Evergarden Movie: Closure, Feels & Stunning Animation (A Review)

Here’s the thing: Violet Evergarden is a story about healing. It’s about a young woman grappling with the trauma of war, the loss of loved ones, and the struggle to understand emotions she never had the chance to experience. The series beautifully portrays her growth as she learns to express herself through the written word, helping others navigate their own complex feelings.

The movie, however, feels like a culmination of that journey. It’s a bittersweet farewell, tying up loose ends while leaving you with a lingering sense of hope (and maybe a teensy bit of longing, but we’ll get to that later).

Now, the movie unfolds in a few different ways. There’s a new story arc following Violet as she takes on a job writing letters for a terminally ill boy in a hospital. This one might feel familiar if you’ve seen the series – Violet encountering people facing loss and helping them find solace through words is a recurring theme. But here, there’s a stronger focus on Violet’s own past, with some surprising revelations that shed light on her time as a soldier.

Another interesting element is the introduction of a new character – the granddaughter of a woman Violet wrote letters for years ago. This story acts as a framing device, offering a glimpse into Violet’s legacy and how her work impacted others. It’s a clever way to introduce viewers who might be new to the series, but for fans like me, it adds another layer of emotional resonance.

However, where the movie truly shines is in its exploration of Violet’s relationship with her commanding officer, Major Gilbert Bougainvillea. Remember him? The kind, gentle soul who taught Violet to read, and write, and even gave her her name? Well, the series left his fate ambiguous, and let’s just say the movie offers some long-awaited answers (and a whole lot of feelings).

I won’t spoil the specifics, but let me tell you, the way they handle the Major’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It provides closure for Violet’s emotional journey, but also leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

Speaking of wanting more, that’s the only real downside I found with the movie. There are a few subplots that felt a bit rushed, and the animation, while still gorgeous (it’s KyoAni after all!), wasn’t quite as consistently jaw-dropping as in the series. Maybe it’s because I was so invested in the characters and the story that these minor details didn’t matter as much.

Overall, Violet Evergarden movie is a spectacular farewell to a character who has captured the hearts of many. It’s a tearjerker, yes, but it’s also a celebration of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. It left me feeling satisfied, yet yearning for just a little bit more of Violet’s story. Maybe someday we’ll get a glimpse into her future, who knows? But for now, this movie is a beautiful and fitting conclusion to her journey.

Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Yu Alexius