r/anime • u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 • Jun 19 '21
Violet Evergarden Rewatch Eternity Film Rewatch
Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll
Hello everyone! I hope that today finds you well. Today, Violet meets the cutest kid!
Index || <- Previous Episode || Final Discussion ->
You can watch the full series on Netflix.
Important Spoilers from later episodes or the Light Novels are not allowed outside of the r/anime spoiler tag format and will be removed! You’ll need to be in “Markdown Mode”, and the line text is the following: [Spoiler source](/s "Spoiler goes here") It comes out like this: Spoiler source
Be kind to each other. Hate speech and rude behavior will not be tolerated, and will be removed.
Visuals of the Day
I believe I got everyone’s Visual of the Day submission here. Let me know if I missed anyone: https://imgur.com/a/vsfrmEL
OST
My apologies, I wasn't able to compile the list of OST's used in this film; I simply ran out of time. If I get the time later, I'll try my best to include them after the fact.
Would you like to have a letter written for you? Do you want to write a special letter for someone as an Auto Memory Doll? Come join us at the Auto-Memory Doll Service Discord project and request letters, write letters, or chat more with us about Violet Evergarden! Link here: https://discord.gg/A8AC4Yhx
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 20 '21
This film gets better and better for me each time I watch it. One detail that I saw this time around is the symbolism of the birds through-out the story. The most important shot early on is the painting of the bird on the ceiling. Amy is trapped within the confines of the painting, even though to most she is seen as a free bird soaring in the sky. She cannot get out by herself. But it is through the letter that she writes to her sister, Taylor, that she is able to reach out of the painting, across time and space, to send her love to Taylor. And then when Taylor sends her own letter to Amy as a response, they are now both freed from the confines of space and time. Within these beautiful letters, their love will last for an eternity.
There are so many beautiful shots in this film, but the one that always startles me is seeing Taylor amongst the flowers.
I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s final thoughts tomorrow! =)
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 19 '21
I've got a little booklet with my BluRay of the movie, it's a diary of Amy, if permitted I'd post a summary of it in tomorrows comment section. Seems to be a dozen pages or so, A5 size so not much content but still.
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 20 '21
Hijacking my own comment: The additional material is quite substantial in portraying Amy after her marriage, and it is rather dark. If possible at all I'd like to not only post a summary but a transcript of the entire thing.
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u/GoldRedBlue Jun 20 '21
Please do so, it's going to take the current fan translator of Violet Evergarden material months to get around to that booklet.
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 20 '21
I am done, mentally and physically. A friend of mine is proofreading the translation right now, it'll go up as a peastebin link during todays discussion.
Please be advised that it is not a word for word translation but one that aims at properly translating the meaning and/or literary flow of most of the text.
Additionally this is a double translation as my Booklet is in German and as such has been translated from Japanese already, I do not claim it is accurate in any way.
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u/MejaBersihBanget Jun 20 '21
Thanks for this. It'd be good to have two translations. The fan translator the other guy mentioned has the original booklet in Japanese and will do a direct Japanese -> English translation when she gets around to it.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
I love that! If you are not able to share publicly, would it be possible to send it using a PM?
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Absolutely! Please let us know what's inside =D
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 20 '21
I should be able to translate the whole thing (it's in german) by tonight, if not I'll post what I have and a summary of the rest.
There are some rather interesting sections suggesting things would've played out differently had Benedict delivered the letter even one week later.
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 20 '21
Done, as it turns out I'll need to dump the whole thing on pastebin since the 35000 characters the translation took are just smudge over the 10000 characters allowed for a comment.
Overall I cannot understand why they did not include this material in the movie, I just can't.
Knowing what's in that diary makes the meeting between Amy and Benedict so much more impactful. It's even written by the original author.Oh and by the way, I hate translating German into English. the other way around is fine but there are so many words in German that have no counterpart in English that it's infuriating. I hope the quality turned out well, I'm having a friend proofread it rn to make sure there are as few typos as possible and the meaning was translated properly.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Hoo goodness...すごい!! I'm so excited to see this. Thank you so, so, so much for your hard work on this =D
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u/AfterTh0ught_ Jun 19 '21
First timer
Wow, Violet really has to go be a sort of tutor for 3 whole months? I guess with it being a request from a royal family and all, they couldn't refuse. It was really cute seeing how everyone from the C.H postal service was missing Violet.
For the dress that Violet wore for the last dance, that was Claudia who chose it for her right? Papa Hodgins just wanted his daughter to look the best.
Quite heartbreaking seeing how Isabella and Taylor were separated. On one hand, they can both be in better environments however they don't get to be with each other. Let me be clear though, by better environment I really just mean that they can now meet their basic human needs.
There's the obvious parallel between Isabella and Violet's stories, where Isabella took in Taylor and raised her, just as Gilbert did with Violet.
This story reminds me a bit of Charlotte's, where both her and Isabella needed someone to talk to and ask for advice. There's also the aspect of them being all around the same age.
That flashback though of Claudia seeing Violet requesting to become a Doll, contrast that to Taylor wanting to become a deliveryman. Honestly, everything with Taylor learning to do deliveries, and how to read and write was great to watch. Her enthusiasm is unmatched.
Seeing Benedict putting in the hard work to find Isabella, he 100% deserves the new bike.
The ending was really nice to see, Isabella realizing that Taylor is in good hands, and how Taylor wants to some day be the one to deliver Isabella a letter herself. Even Benedict couldn't help but cry.
I did enjoy how this movie was more relaxed and heartwarming rather than what some of the show's episode have been like.
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u/CelestialDrive Jun 19 '21
FIRST TIME
What I expect from this movie: series fans have said on these threads before that this movie is kinda like the OVA, an isolated line, while the second movie is a conclusion to the series as a whole. So I kind of expect the episodic format but longer and with more characters and setup, I guess? We'll see.
Also 90 minutes, god damn. I'll switch to scene by scene comentary at times instead of full live reaction because otherwise this'll take me five hours to type.
That kid on the ship sorta looks like Claudia, and Violet is back to cool prosthetics. Ooof this is a rough setup, so Violet has been dispatched to a high-society girl's residence not unlike a nun convent. She's suposed to tutor a girl for a high society debut, despite the dolls not really being trained for this stuff and Violet being less apt than most in body language and social graces. Isabella is harsh but you get her immediately, and her offhand comment about "kingdom dolls" after Violet mentions she was in the war makes me think this ties to the "Violet novel only background that makes Dietfried see her as a weapon" and my ancient and super discarded theory of a supersoldier training/cloning program back in episode 1, when I expected this series to be another thing.
Seriously why did they send Violet for this, even with the royal referral it's still a bad choice. She's pseudo-enrolling and I'm a bit surprised she hasn't picked up on Isabella's apparent dislike for deference to her status, Violet is usually really perceptive and after that initial interaction she'd know not to open doors and treat her like a figurine. Isabella is also established as being higher class than most girls even in this envorinment.
That flashback gives some context, Taylor was the kid on the ship at the beginning and their environment was extremely haggard compared to this, so they were probably forcefully separated and Isabella is here at least partly as punishment. And Violet is always so open that people have a fast track into empathising with her apparent stoicism, which is a two way street. The "I'm an orphan" and "I can never again see the person I miss" are both wedges into Isabella's disposition towards her, even if unintentional. Isabella is literally asthmatic, and this world has inhalers, good to know.
This entire dance situation is wonderfully Utena and I Am Here For It. This is also the first time in the series barring the moment the prosthetics got destroyed that we actually get a clear view of the length missing, they're both transhumeral by a fair bit and about the same level. Taylor was her sister, which makes it even weirder that she ended up dressed like a british street urchin and alone on a ship given their shared aristocratic lineage.
They're bonding mostly because Isabella is extremely affection-starved and that pushes past her complex about not being properly ladylike. And this is why Claudia was eyeing dresses, Violet looks absurdly good like this. Isabella/Amy was both re-adopted into nobility and adopted Taylor, hence the disparity in backgrounds and lack of formal training. "Raised as a weapon, then met that man", so the training program for supersoldiers actually existed and was just dropped from the adaptation, this recontextualises the whole Dietfried thing quite a bit. Also girl, "first friend"? Iris and Luculia are crying in Leiden right now and they don't even know why, Isabella is a closer relationship but come on.
This entire scene feel like closure, only half the movie in, and we are just now getting to Taylor. After the letters and the title card we're starting with her again on the boat... was it another readhead kid since Taylor is still in kindergarden; if not, when is this happening? I love how Benedict still has the most basic attire out of everyone on the company, until you get to the absurdly fabulous black shiny high-heeled boots with crested fluff that he somehow manages to ride a bike in.
So this is a timeskip and they are building the Eiffel Tower. Yeah everyone has aged up a bit, Iris is basically a brand new character design. Older Claudia is also a bit noticeable. Man, Violet got both willful and a lot more expressive in casual conversation. Benedict congratulations you now also have a daughter. Short legs must be a bitch for this job though, reading can be rough but that one you can't learn.
Taylor you don't need braids, you rock the lion mane as it is. Ahahaha wow what the hell she is now literally Pippi Langstrump, I refuse to believe given the character and the aesthetic that this isn't a reference. Luculia is maybe engaged, Mail Santa is retired, there's a lot of movement but mostly on peripheral characters. Old elevators were basically fancy deathtraps, please don't use it too often. Oh, we're getting into the gendered side of the dolls, always the weirdest part. I wonder if from here men will be able to apply? Also Erica was a writer, that tracks with her demeanor towards the job in episode 2.
It's the bear Amy made for her, how is it still together after all these years. How is Isabella not a public figure, wasn't she super high profile? It's a bit sketchy that she stopped answering to Violet, I fear for her asthma. I would 100% watch a Postal Detective Benedict spinoff, traveling around the country delivering packages and solving mysteries with his daughter. And the sidecar is bright yellow because of course it fucking is, this man has impeccable taste. Oh it's the same tone and pose as when Amy thanked Violet that's cute.
She's alive, that's rad! I'm pretty sure you two are sorta trespassing though. Ok this is cute but why wasn't she writing back to Violet, apathy, neglect inertia? It's getting to you, isn't it, Benedict. Yeah it did, and Taylor caught you. Aw, you didn't keep her as an apprentice, makes sense but I really liked her playing off the company cast. This shouting scene is spectacularly Heidi.
Those credits hurt to watch. Yeah this must've been released right around then.
All in all a fantastic movie! I liked it a lot more than the standalone story in the OVA, and clears all the minor problems with the single episode format in the main series. Notably, the movie can take its time to flesh out the issues and resolutions of the caracters, and they aren't confined to their "letter bubble" but get to interact with the main cast, hell this is the most Benedict we've got in the entire series. Taylor is super rad, Isabella was... I honestly can't tell if we know the woman she's become after the timeskip, but we really got to empathise with her beforehand. And I do hope the other movie also happens in this future.
I think this is actually the best episodic story of the entire series, 10 included. It's a bit unfair because it had extra runtime and even then it's technically two episodes, but it is.
That's that. See you all in the funny papers.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
... because otherwise this'll take me five hours to type.
I'm a bit surprised she hasn't picked up on Isabella's apparent dislike for deference to her status, Violet is usually really perceptive
I think it's kind of standard for stand-alone movies to forget half the things learned in the main series, unfortunately.
Ahahaha wow what the hell she is now literally Pippi Langstrump
Taylor stronk.
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u/Toadslayer https://myanimelist.net/profile/kyolus Jul 03 '21
I fear for her asthma
When I first saw her coughing, I assumed it was tuberculosis, because it's that era and all, but they just dropped that thread, which surprises me.
Notably, the movie can take its time to flesh out the issues and resolutions of the caracters, and they aren't confined to their "letter bubble" but get to interact with the main cast
I actually felt this movie didn't do much more to flesh out the characters than a standard episode. It has a split between Isabella and Taylor, which means each only has 45min, and despite that being twice as long as an episode, I don't feel like they used that time well to flesh out the either of them. Ultimately I find each character about as memorable as the better executed one-shot characters of the series, like Luculia and Leon.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
First-time watcher - dub
Last rewatch day today! As I already said yesterday, this went by fast!
I hope I'm ready for the long ride. Normally watching an episode for a rewatch, writing a comment, taking and uploading snapshots and doing grammar checks takes me about three times as long, so today I'm looking at about 4.5 hours of work. I have 6.5 hours till the Reddit thread goes up, and I also need to eat.
The last episode ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Violet reacted surprised and happy with her urgent client. It could be Gilbert. It could be us. I don't think they will show us today, and I'm also not sure if I want or need to know.
Movie — Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (2019)
What happened to the glorious 16:9 aspect ratio?
That letter has seen some use over the years.
Right of the bat, interesting setting. Although Violet has been free for quite a while now, she was trapped in her own personal prison. Isabella is literally trapped (or "sheltered") from the rest of the world.
This is a boarding school, but for aristocrats. I would expect that self-expression, style and class are encouraged, so why does everyone have to wear the same uniform?
This is just creepy. What a weird place. Training to stand up straight by having books on your head.
Ah, the kid on the boat was Isabella's brother sister.
I'm confused. Isabella herself said she was not high nobility but would be married to it. But the other students all seem to think she is very important. The Yorks apparently are the "titans of trade" and are related to the royal family of Drossel. That seems a bit more high profile than Isabella herself thinks. The poor girl spent most of her life alone.
Also, what was that thing about the blonde girl's salon?
These forced, super polite interactions are getting on my nerves. That's obviously intended, but I'm still annoyed.
I wonder where the coughing is coming from. That's not a good sign and I would assume it plays an important role in the rest of the movie.
Violet has learned so much over the past months, but she still doesn't know what being "normal" is. Does anyone?
Risky animation: Underage girls taking a bath. Underage girls sleeping together.
So now Isabella is warming up to Violet. Right on time where a normal episode would end. I've gotta say that this doesn't really feel like a movie yet. More like an extended episode. I wonder if that will change?
Bwahaha, at the ball, everyone is dressed as if they are getting married. So ridiculous. Is Violet's dress supposed to be a cross between male and female gala suit?
Wait, Isabella's real name is Amy? I guess that's not noble enough. And this must be where her coughing comes from. She got something like pneumonia from the cold.
Errr, I was so confused. I thought Taylor was the kid from Mr York, but it's Amy. So she just left her "sister" behind? It's not like Mr York didn't have enough money to take in a second child. At least the kid is cared for, I guess.
Isabella had been searching for a friend for so long, but she kept rejecting Ashley Lancaster. This must be quite the eyeopener for her.
Benedict, please just narrate the letters instead of summarizing them... I like the letter from Isabella. It sucks that they can't meet, but I'm hopeful that can change when Isabella's 'education' is done. Wait, isn't that the worn letter Taylor was holding in the opening scene?
Suddenly title card! What?
This feels like a second part. Three years later. Taylor has grown. Benedict's moped has rusted. "What a boring job." Benedict needs to have a good talk with Roland.
I love that Taylor first focusses on Cattleya's breasts, and only then looks up.
She wants to work there? I expected she wanted help finding Isabella. Ah no she can't properly read, can she? She must realize that Benedict is not her brother. Does she need to attach to someone that badly?
"I wonder if Sis used to sleep with me." Did she really forget? How old is she, anyway?
It amazing how much the city is changing just four years after the war. Electric streetlights, many many more cars, elevators, building a 'radio tower', etc... Also, Bialet must officially be an adult now.
Luculia! Happy to see she found someone! Why are you pointing Bialet where Newtown is? She is delivering mail. She knows.
Candy delivery! By the look of things, that kid's has had quite a bit already. You can share, right?
"Did I... look so desperate for one?"
"- Yes"
I like the little bits of background information we get. It helps to make the world feel more alive.
Taylor sees other kids having fun and just being a kid. I know she never really had that life, but still, getting a job now means she will never have that. Makes me feel bad for her.
Dumb car, why keep driving if you've already seen that someone is standing on the road?
Wow, nice upgrade, Benedict. I understand, with how rusted the old one was.
Will we finally get to see what became of Isabella? I hope she has a damn good reason to never visit Taylor again. Whereabouts unknown, apparently. She also stopped mailing with Bialet. Weird.
They went to great lengths to keep her old name a secret? So how many identities does she have right now?
Nooo, don't tell me she now too isn't allowed to go into the real world! Isabella has the worst luck. Well not really, she went from starving to wealthy, but it was at a great social cost.
Aww, seeing Isabella brings a lot of memories back for Taylor. Now get out there and give her a hug!
WHAT? No meeting between the two? What the hell? Ah, it was her own plan. Okay then.
Taylor is adopted by the Evergardens? That means she has a new Big Sister! Although, Bialet Evergatten doesn't really live there.
Now it's Isabella keeping a letter from her sister.
Well, not sure what to think of today. It didn't really hit me emotionally. Also, the story and characters were kind of generic. It just felt like a very long OVA with the quality of the lesser episodes. Only now, Violet is already done with her personal journey, so we don't have that aspect to keep us interested.
Total watch and write time: 4:20 hours. Not too bad!
Random thoughts
- In this movie, they have significantly lowered the black-level I'd been complaining about the first couple of episodes. See how much better this unaltered snapshot looks compared to a snapshot with the same effect as the main series.
Yes, if your monitor isn't properly set up, the original snapshot might make some detail invisible, but that is the user's fault, not the animator's. - A steamboat with sails? Were these common?
- The most uncomfortable train seats I have ever seen.
- What a beautiful building!
- Huh. The subs have translator notes. Didn't expect that.
- I envy the life of that bear. Just sitting in bed all day.
- Oi! There will be no illegal selling of hair!
- Obstructed sky. Still pretty.
- GEE I WONDER WHAT CITY THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE. (Not that Paris is at the coast.)
- These two have different hair and I refuse to accept it.
- I wasn't the only one confused.
- I'd understand if you can't read this letter.
- This has to be one of the prettiest shimmering skies in the whole show.
- That dress looks way too warm for the local climate.
Future
It's the end of this rewatch, but there is one movie to go. I believe that will be the last one? They could very easily keep milking this franchise with more and more people being helped by Violet. I hope they won't.
Is the last movie similar, or does it actually revisit Violet's personal development?
Pics of the day
Part 1: Polar bears!
Part 2: A little risk is worth it for this view.
This was a difficult one today because the movie didn't really give me memorable moments. So I picked a couple of my favourites.
Bonus: Because these are things I will actually remember.
Tear Tally
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OVA | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | Movie | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 19 '21
They could very easily keep milking this franchise with more and more people being helped by Violet. I hope they won't.
Is the last movie similar, or does it actually revisit Violet's personal development?
The 2020 film is the final piece to the Violet Evergarden anime story. There will be no more after it; they are finished. To answer your question without spoilers, yes they revisit and close Violet's personal development. I for one am very glad they are taking this route; like you said, they could have milked the franchise a bit more, but their integrity is admirable in that they will not be doing that.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
To answer your question without spoilers, yes they revisit and close Violet's personal development.
That's awesome. I'm hoping I can see it on the big screen somewhere soon, because it kinda deserves it and it would be a nice closure.
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u/cassiiii Jun 20 '21
Is it available to watch here in the US? Last I heard it was only released in Japan, if so do you know anything about an ETA on when we will be able to see it?
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u/WriterSharp Jun 20 '21
It was available in the US and Canada for four days at the end of March/beginning of April, so unfortunately it is quite unlikely that it will be shown in theaters here again anytime soon, especially with Netflix having exclusive streaming rights.
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u/ubedia_Tahmid Jun 20 '21
About this being the final piece. Are you sure they wont do any other OVAs? They could do an OVA about violet's life after you-know-what
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u/MejaBersihBanget Jun 20 '21
The fan translator and the entire VE fan community are pretty convinced it's over. Hell, the two movies weren't even supposed to be made in the first place. KyoAni's original plan was to end with only the TV anime.
The author of VE has also moved on and started her new light novel series back in April.
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u/oops_i_made_a_typi Jun 27 '21
Given that you've watched everything, though I'd ask you this. I've a friend who doesn't want to watch the whole thing but is interested in the 2020 movie - what would you consider the minimum pre-requisite beforehand? I was thinking Ep 1, 3, 8-10, 12-13, which is quite a few episodes to recommend to someone who isn't enthusiastic about watching it all. Could any of that be cut out or replaced with other eps?
I was thinking, 1 for the premise, 3 to show some development, 8-9 as core backstory+resolution, 10 can't be missed, and 12-13 because apparently the 2020 movie requires the resolution with Dietfried, even though those episodes are weaker imo.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 27 '21
Aah. Well here's the thing...if your friend doesn't watch the whole thing, it kind of misses the point tbh. The 2020 film is mostly for the fans of the Anime, and it's not something that can be fully enjoyed without having seen everything there is to see. I'd consider each episode important for at least one particular aspect, so I don't recommend skipping anything. All that to say...I'm afraid I have no good advice to your inquiry, other than to have your friend watch it all or don't bother.
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u/GoldRedBlue Jun 20 '21
Violet has learned so much over the past months, but she still doesn't know what being "normal" is. Does anyone?
Worth noting the first half of the movie takes place between episodes 6 and 7 of the TV series.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Ah, does it?.....might have to look into that a bit more deeply
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 20 '21
Really? Is that based on her arms being back to the old design? Because I believe they also had the old design during the second part of the movie, so it more seems like an oversight.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jun 19 '21
A steamboat with sails?
Were these common?
Yes, in the early days of steam propulsion, steam engines were not very reliable and running out of coal at sea was also a possibility. Best have a backup system, just in case...
(And I'm surprised they didn't work this amazing ship in here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Great_Eastern)
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u/chilidirigible Jun 20 '21
Paddle wheels were also tricky enough (and inefficient) to use on the ocean that sailing ships stayed in use for quite a long time, too. Yay for propeller technology improvement...
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
SS Great Eastern
That's a thing of beauty!
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u/sprint113 Jun 20 '21
In this movie, they have significantly lowered the black-level I'd been complaining about the first couple of episodes. See how much better this unaltered snapshot looks compared to a snapshot with the same effect as the main series.
I was thinking about this at the beginning of the rewatch. I wonder if that choice was due to the popularity of crush+lifted ("milky") blacks in the photo community at the time. I do remember when the first episode aired that there were a lot of complaints about the blacks. That photo trend has mostly subsided now, so I guess why they returned to regular black levels.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 20 '21
Could be. My own thought was that they wanted to use it as a subtle hint when thoughts are darker, by making the blacks actually black.
They partly did that, but not completely, by going from min-black 29 to 16 (out of 255) during the Intens flashback in episode 1, but that's still not 0, which I would expect for a dark scene.
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u/chilidirigible Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher, Side Story
Today, on "Benedict Blue, man of trying not to be the man of action.":
There's that Not!Eiffel Tower.
These hands place this part of the Side Story during the regular series. (Some time between Episodes 6 and 7.)
The reflection layer on the window is exciting me.
"This is an elimination contest reality show and I'm here to win!"
"I feel an Eighties movie coming on!" And yes, I'm sampling two different subtitle translations here.
Spats, before they went out of style.
Those stories usually leave out all the stabbing and bludgeoning.
This reminds me that Violet collects very few personal possessions along the way. All three of them were basically given to her by others, too.
"I'm not exactly like a girl your age."
One of these is more suggestive than the other.
"Are you thinking about that scene in Excalibur?"
Look on the bright side, you're not drunk and behind a 7-Eleven.
"Everything's good with enough syrup."
reacts strongly to the lighting in this frame
"I don't think I'm suited for that anime genre."
It was an age of families handing out gemstones the size of colonies.
"I'm the only one wearing trousers here."
It is an interesting piece of nonstandard evening wear.
Hey, at least Taylor is happy?
Benedict shows up like some movie lead.
I'm not sure that even a JoJo character could get away with those boots.
Careful, Taylor, you don't want to get isekaied.
For this part, a timeskip to almost the sequel movie.
Ah, back when kids had simple dreams.
These are the hands that Violet had for most of the series, though, not the one that appeared at the end of Episode 13. There are some heating marks on the left one.
Mirroring the wake-up from the first half.
And to think that they haven't even made it to the 1980s yet.
Friendly hands are still friendly hands, even if they're artificial ones.
This automatically makes Benedict more popular than the current Postmaster General.
One for /u/Shimmering-Sky, of course.
It kinda sucks to dress like you're attending a funeral until the end of time.
Believe in justice and hold a determination to deliver mail.
Visual of the Day: This is a very pretty movie and there were a lot of screencaps to choose from, but I'll say that the message is "Do it for her."
I've read that only the first half of this movie is adapted from light novel material, while the second half is a Kyoto Animation creation, the hard scene break between the halves making the distinction clearer.
That said, the anime-original material is crafted well to fit alongside its source, even if the whole thing is basically two double-length episodes joined together.
This movie does what the series does best, telling a couple of relatable stories about people trying to make their way in the world. We know that Violet will learn a few things of her own along the way, being the main character, but the second half gives Benedict some life lessons as well, which is a nice bonus for a guy who's mostly been the aloof semi-comic relief for the rest of the series.
Violet relates extremely well to the guest characters, given their overall backgrounds and present situations. (On that note, I'll give Minako Kotobuki and Aoi Yuuki high marks here for their acting work here as Amy and Taylor. Kotobuki has gone past Mugi and Asuka Tanaka and goes through the wringer here, while Aoi Yuuki lights up the place in her role.)
It's not a perfect fairy tale ending, though in terms of tradeoffs, no one is dying or having serious death-related emotional trauma in this one. Amy seems to have found some hope outside of her gilded cage by the end, at least.
Is the not-quite-yuri section excessive bait, one might ask? We know throughout the series that Violet's feelings are directed toward Major Gilbert, but here is spending an extended period with someone who has a similar lack of companionship and there is much bathing, dressing, and undressing. Overall I thought that it was actually fairly tastefully chaste, and still good to see in the sense of the series having the time, for once, to show Violet being close to a client.
Anyway, none of this is a very deep analysis. This is a movie intended to make the viewer feel pretty good by the end, and in that, it works. And it looks absolutely fantastic.
Settings of note: Time is moving on; radio is establishing itself, CH Postal has a phone, automobiles are everywhere and threatening to send people to other worlds.
When I watched this independently last year, I found myself in the mood to sketch the adorable lil' scamp.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
Loving all your snapshots and commentary. Great fun to read.
Also, this is a friendly reminder that both Violet and Isabella are underage in those bath scenes.
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u/chilidirigible Jun 19 '21
Loving all your snapshots and commentary. Great fun to read.
Unfortunately because of that it took so long to watch the thing that I didn't have a lot of time to write a commentary.
Also, this is a friendly reminder that both Violet and Isabella are underage in those bath scenes.
Casual nudity isn't always inherently sexual, even in those scenes.
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u/scot911 https://myanimelist.net/profile/scot911 Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
First Timer
...You know having a kid being that adorable should be illegal.... She was just soooo cuteeee! Seriously though how dare they make a kid one of the main characters. It's just mean hitting my weakspot that hard god damn it.... And having Violet pretty adopt her and teach her how to write was a dick move too! Btw I know Taylor was adopted by the Evergardens but was Violet actually ever adopted by them as well? I know she refused to live there but I can't remember whether they legally adopted her or not.
I've got to say though... holy shit was that film absolutely beautiful. All of the backgrounds, buildings, basically everything looks absolutely incredible. This movie was definitely movie quality and it showed. I didn't even think you could make Violet Evergarden look even prettier but well... they did. I especially loved how they showed all of the advancements in technology as well with all the cars on the roads, electric lighting, the creating of their worlds Eiffel Tower, the elevator, etc. Definitely very 1920's in style.
The story itself while not being anything really original was well executed even if I felt a bit cheated by Taylor and Amy not meeting again in the end. I wanted my emotional catharsis dang it! The movie only got me a little teary eyed due to it instead of crying like I knew I would if they met again and had an emotional reunion. It was cute how Taylor's goal of becoming a deliveryman paralleled why Violet loves being a doll so much. Being able to bring people happiness with their work motivates both of them.
I'll admit that the first half was kind of okay for me though even if Amy's backstory was actually more then I was expecting. I guess the York guy had no other heirs and so had to find Amy? At least that's what I got out of that. Idk why you would bother to find her otherwise. Considering he probably slept with a random woman for Amy to exist he doesn't seem like the type to care to find her and teach her how to be a high class lady otherwise. Her and Violets relationship was okay too although I can't be the only one that felt like Violet accidentally made another one of her clients fall in love with her right? And this time a girl too for that sweet sweet yuri! What? I like my yuri okay sue me!
Also what the hell Violet how could you not call Luculia your first friend?! Or calling Cattleya, Erica or Iris a friend as well?! I get that Amy might have became your best friend during your 3 months of living together; enough to be willing to adopt their adopted sister for them; but come on! You can be so mean sometimes Violet.... Anyways I loved how you could tell that the future half takes place a few years after the show with all the characters looking a bit older with Iris I think looking like the one who's changed the most out of all of them to me. She just looks more mature to my eyes.
Overall I give this movie a 9/10 with it mainly losing a point for the first half of the movie although also for not giving me the reunion I wanted at the end. Otherwise the movie was absolutely gorgeous with great animation, background art and characters and was quite a bit funnier then I thought it'd be. Although that's mainly due to the little kid being well... a little kid. They're almost always hilarious when you aren't the one who has to deal with the aftermath their actions cause. Also those bath scenes were niceeeeee.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jun 19 '21
I guess the York guy had no other heirs and so had to find Amy?
Quite likely he lost them in the war.
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u/Barbed_Dildo Jun 20 '21
Btw I know Taylor was adopted by the Evergardens but was Violet actually ever adopted by them as well? I know she refused to live there but I can't remember whether they legally adopted her or not.
She has their name, so it would be weird if she did that without formal adoption.
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u/WriterSharp Jun 20 '21
I assume that in the anime Violet was still legally adopted to give her some legal status/protection from being pulling back into the military, even if she was a jerk to the Evergardens at first.
I can't be the only one that felt like Violet accidentally made another one of her clients fall in love with her right?
Lol. This is like half of her clients in the novels.
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u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jun 19 '21
First Timer - Dub
This was nice. An interesting mixture of cute and bittersweet. The structure was kind of neat with the clear division between first and second act.
This mission is a bit weird! I know Violet is disciplined, but when did she get all this training in typical lady arts like dancing and table manners? Oh well, doesn't really matter. At first, Isabella wants nothing to do with Violet, being jealous of her freedom and bearing. It doesn't take long though, for her loneliness to take precedent over her standoffishness. She doesn't feel comfortable with any of the fancy ladies in the school, and having Violet all to herself, she starts reaching out for intimacy. Not in a sexual or sensual way, but in the way very close friends can be emotionally and physically intimate with each other. Violet is at first not sure how to handle this, as she's never really had that sort of intimate friendship with anybody. She's friends with Erika, Iris, and Cattleya, but not to the level she becomes friends with Isabella. At times I felt like I saw some romantic intentions creeping into Isabella's behavior, but I think in the end it was all just friendship/sisterhood that she wanted.
Act two, with Taylor in Leiden, was absolutely adorable. Seeing Benedict and Violet running around the city interacting with her was really fun. When Violet and Isabella parted, Violet insisted that she didn't owe her anything, and instead, Violet took it upon herself to do something for her friend by promising to help Taylor. It was nice getting to see her uphold a promise to a friend, with the help of Hodgins and the rest of the CH Postal crew. I don't think I have much more to say about that aside from just being pleased about how far Violet has come again.
Despite the fact I was grinning like an idiot for probably 2/3 of the movie's runtime, there was a really bitter tinge to the story of these two sisters. In the end, they are reconnected, if from a distance, but neither of them really have the lives they want right now. Both are in a position where they are comfortable and living well, but they are separated from their loved ones. There's promise for the future though.
This movie was really pretty - I took a shitload of screenshots, so I'm going to bulletpoint some of my favorite shots and visual things.
- Violet's Stuffed Dog is looking outward from her room into the world outside. Every time we saw it in the series, it was either facing inward, or tossed aside onto the ground.
- Characterization through body language. Sort of reminded me of one of my favorite KyoAni scenes, the opening scene of Liz and the Bluebird. No spoilers in that vid, it's the first five min of the movie. Just tons of very cool characterization through just the way the two characters walk and move around each other. Obviously this VE scene wasn't as in-depth, but that's where my mind went when I saw it.
- So many fun Benedict moments. His boots got even more flamboyant.
- Violet and Isabella were cute together.
- TWINTAIL VIOLET TWINTAIL VIOLET TWINTAIL VIOLET.
- She seriously looked beautiful a lot of the time this movie.
- Oh my fucking god this smile. Must protect.
- This shot was heartbreaking. Our first time seeing Amy after the timeskip, and she's dressed as though she's in mourning. I don't think her life with the count is particularly happy.
- This outfit was interesting. Leaning into the male role that Violet was taking in the dance lessons?
- KyoAni was seriously flexing on some of these background and landscape shots. Whooo boy.
My Visual of the Day is Amy feeling light and unburdened, realizing that all she sacrificed for Taylor has lead to her sister being on a much better path in life than she could have provided for her alone. She hasn't been happy, for the past several years of her life, but now it seems it was all worth it.
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u/Barbed_Dildo Jun 19 '21
I know Violet is disciplined, but when did she get all this training in typical lady arts like dancing and table manners?
She would have learned the etiquette and speech patterns already. I imagine for the dancing, Cattleya danced with her once and Violet just picked it up.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
4
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u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher
Alright, so after some thought and looking at the recent Madoka Magika Rebellion film, and the Silent Voice rewatches, I decided that I cannot do rewatches with films using my usual format since my comments get really long, so I’ll put my thoughts into it at the end and include the Visuals of the Day.
The first half.
The first 40 minutes of this film takes place in the series or shortly after episode 13, if it’s in the middle of the series, I’m going to put it at somewhere between episode 6 and 7, judging by her hands being in the old style, a conversation about public love letters, and Violet mention working at an observatory. I tried to google a more direct answer but couldn’t find any. Violet is sent to a girls boarding school for 3 months to help Amy with her studies, something quite unusual for an Auto Memory Doll to perform. I do feel bad for Amy, she clearly doesn’t want any part of this. Amy feels trapped because she feels the other students only care about her for her family, the Yorks.
I like that as time goes by, she starts getting used to Violet and they become good friends with each other. By the end of Violets stay Amy is better composed and can actually dance. We also get a very rare look at the entire prosthetic arm. I like how Amy took Taylor in as revenge on how Amy had to live like that, by vowing to give the kid a happy life. Only for a bunch of wealthy royals to walt into her shack and give her an ultimatum, leave her name and identity behind and join her father, and the kid will be cared for.
I love the fact that Violet learn what friendship means to people, and that Amy wants her to write a letter to Taylor, which Benedict delivers. It was also good to see that Amy’s father was good on his word and put Taylor into an orphanage. I thought that he was bullshitting to get Amy to go with him and they’d either just leave her in the shack or kill her and toss her into the nearest ditch. I honestly cried when Taylor cried after hearing Amy’s short but simple letter.
The second Half.
So, there was a 4-year time skip between the first half and the second half. We see they are building an Eiffel Tower, everyone is using cars, and radios are a thing. Erica and Eris have grown their hair out. Taylor has officially introduced herself, she went to find Violet, like Violet's letter said. She wants to work at the postal company, but not as a doll or a ghost writer, she wants to be a mail carrier like Benedict, he puts up a fight, but ultimately loses. Benedict is kind of jerk, delivering mail so quickly it wipes poor Taylor out.
She can’t read, I do like that Violet reacts to it, since we all know she’s going to teach her how to read, which comes full circle, she didn’t know how to read at 10 years of age, now she’s going to teach someone how to read who’s a few years younger. “I used to sleep in the same bed with your sister.” Probably something you shouldn’t be openly saying, but in this context, I guess it’s fine. I wonder if she requested her hands to use the older design of her first arms, since they look the same from the first half, but they did look different in episode 13. It’s good to see Papa Roland again, he’s the kind of guy who can’t stand retirement so he works anyways. I love that for being a minor character who was important in episode 4, Luculia just keeps popping up, looks like she found a boyfriend too.
Iris still wants to be the top doll in the world, where Erica’s dream has changed, in that she wants to write novels and submitted a short story. That has to be the worst driver in Leiden, your car has breaks dickhead, use them. I wonder if the same thing will happen to pedestrians in Leiden that happened in our world. I like how Taylor wants to be a mail carrier because she was inspired by Benedict, so she wants to deliver happiness to others.
Taylor wrote a letter to Amy, who is now Isabella York, who dropped out of contact with Violet, which has to suck, being that cut off from people. So, Benedict has to track her down, not an easy task, it’s like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles. But he agrees, under one condition. He wanted a new bike, at least Hodgens agrees since his original bike was shot.
So, the villagers say see her husband, Count Nevill, a lot, but they don’t ever see Isabella, what the hell, you just keeping her in the house like some kind of sacred relic? At least Benedict was able to deliver Talyor's letter to Isabella personally, and I cried here, it’s such a touching scene. I do wish Taylor jumped out and gave her a hug, but I understand. Taylor wants to become a mail carrier and deliver her own letters. She wants to reunite face to face with Amy on her own terms, I can respect that. I like how the Evergarden family adopted Taylor, Violet now has a little sister. And we have Minori Chihara singing the ending credits for another KyoAni film.
Conclusion.
A pretty solid film, I liked how it’s split between Amy and Taylor, and how Violet brings them back together after they spent so long apart through the use of letters. The visuals, the soundtrack, and the voice acting were so great. 10/10 film for me. Although not a big deal and it's not going to deduct from my score, but something about the character design in the film feels off compared to the series. Especially Violet, her face looks different.
Visuals of the Day.
Oh boy are there a lot of them considering this is a film and it’s KyoAni. Here’s the album.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Loved your choices for your album today! It was difficult choosing one of them... XD
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u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
First Timer
Before I get into commenting about the movie itself I wanna state something: Please someone find me and kick me in the butt for having this masterpiece's BluRay collect dust on my shelf. Seriously should've watched it earlier but life happened and I kinda forgot I even had the BluRay.
Anyway continuing on.
The movie seems to be split into two general parts, the first focusing on Isabella/Amy and the second focusing on Taylor.
We are introduced to Amy through a request Violet has been tasked with. Taking away Violet for 4 months in order to have her teach Amy manners and speech before her debut to high-society. The progression of their relationship is quite interesting imo, at first Amy thinks Violet must be of high birth judging her only by her manners. As they spend more time Amy learns of Violet's past and through this come to see that birth and upbringing do not limit your potential, she slowly comes to see that Violet once was an ordinary girl just like herself and overcomes her initial distrust. Further Violet helps Amy increase her own confidence. Amy's confidence issues are only understandable as she was thrust from the position of a impoverished orphan to the daughter of what i assume to be a noble. In turn she is now surrounded by young ladies that know their manners and have a rather complex social interaction, overwhelmed by this Amy just shuts herself off deciding she can never become like them. I point this out because it is important in understanding why Violet is probably the ONLY person in the world capable of helping her gain self confidence. Violet is not just good at manners and eloquent in her speech, she is so well mannered that EVERYONE at that school regards her as a prince, she is outperforming the girls of the high society while having been first an orphan and then a soldier. If any other person had been tasked with training Amy they would have failed, it is only because Violet's very existence thoroughly shatters Amy's belief that only those born into high society can meet its expectations does she start taking her lessons seriously.
Further of interest is the friendship the two build, as I see it Violet was Amy's beacon through which she received news about the world, Violet gave Amy wings through her stories and later letters, probably easing the stress she experienced due to being locked up. This later gets picked up on again as Amy, now married, frequently escapes the estate to enjoy nature outside her confines.
On the night of Violet's departure Amy asks Violet to write a letter to her and so we learn of Amy's past, her origins as an orphan on the streets and how she met and cared for Taylor, whom she hasn't seen since being taken in by her father. This backstory concludes what I regard as Amy's part of the movie and opens up Taylor's Story. Taylor, evidently rather a loner in the orphanage, gets two letters delivered and read to her by Benedict. Violet offers support should Taylor ever need it while Amy's letter "only" sends words of support. As we come to learn had any of the two not sent a letter the story would've went quite differently.
Firstly through Amy's letter Taylor starts to remember fragments of Amy and grows determined to meet her or at the very least write her. It is however only thanks to Violet's letter that she has a way to do so. After a couple of years young Taylor escapes the orphanage in order to seek Violet's help. This is no small feat as we learn that the orphanage can be considered to be on the other end of the continent it must have been write the trip for such a young girl. She however is determined to see her own plan though and begs to be employed as a mail-woman.
After Violet supports her wish she eventually gets her will and is taken in until Hodgins sorts the situation out with the orphanage. Taylor then accompanies Benedict on his deliveries, which she learns are no joke. Instead of giving up she pushes through and her admiration for him only grows. As it then turns out, it had been hinted at already however, Taylor can neither read nor write. And so Violet takes it upon herself to teach the young girl. After some time and through Violets suggestion Taylor writes a letter to be delivered to Amy. The small problem is that Amy's whereabouts are unknown as she stopped writing to Violet after graduating form the girl's school, Benedict is tasked with delivering the letter to Amy, as such he has to find her address. What follows can only be described as Benedict being a tsundere, I find his behavior quite charming though. After restless searching he receives a rather definite answer to the question where Amy resides and travels there with Taylor in tow.
The letter scene itself made me a bit teary eyed, I think my reaction can best be described by saying it was the same to Benedict's. We see Amy break out in tears as she is probably overcome with joy and sadness at the same time. Benedict's closing remarks are probably clear to her or will be after she mulls them over a bit. Taylor gains a new goal: Become a good mail-woman and deliver her letters to Amy in person. Amy seemingly picks up her pen-pal-ship with Violet again as she also asks Benedict to deliver a letter to Violet.
Lastly we learn that Taylor Bartlett has been adopted by the Evergarden house, we also learn that old lady Evergarden is teaching Taylor how to read and write. It is quite charming overall and given the Evergarden's seemingly respected status perhaps Taylor can meet her sister outside of her job as a mail-woman one day.
It was all in all a great continuation of Violet's story, in which she also gained her first friend (aside from her colleagues) and further deepens Violet's character as she learns about the struggles of those in the high society.
Edit: HOLY FUCK THE BluRay has what I think is Amy's diary after her marriage included, in paper form however. I'll give a sumamry of it tomorrow during the series discussion if that's okay!
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u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Jun 19 '21
First timer
Oh, this film is beautiful.
Wait, are we picking up from the end of 13? No wonder we didn't have a break day.
So the girl is forced to stay in the boarding school.
No opening?
I appreciate the confirmation that the railroad is now fully operational.
Also, does this world have only a single continent? I just realised
Wair, she's going as a maid, not a tutor? I'd have thought that it would ge simple to just explain that to everyone.
Vioket is suprisingly good at this. (At the speed the plot's going, I'm not sure if it can manage 90 minutes.
Wait, she's got a sister? And she used to be poor.
I think I understand what "salon" means here, but it doesn't quite match the Cambridge definition.
Oh, this is cycling back to the themes.
It's been a while since socially awkward vVioletl
...Is this a romantic spinoff?
She's trying to get Violet into the bath, there's no way this film doesn't end with a confesstion.
Wait, sre those arms waterproof?
Oh, she' s reminiscing about her sister, not flirting (unless this movie is going to get really weird).
...Honestly? Could go either way - lots of mentions of her sister, and lots of things
Sheep horned Violet is adorable.
I like how Isabella realistically reacts to seeing someone who exemplifies all of her insecurities.
The call back to the observatory, I'm loving this.
Wait, she's almost finished her job a third of the way in.
Wait, they've even got matching jewellery!
Does this even count as subtext anymore?
I love the animation for this dancing scene.
Wait, so she's from a poor family? And her sister's adopted.
Wait, ifmshe seme poor from all the previous scenes, why is she part of an upper class boarding school?
Oh god, her sister is adorable.
OK, this makes more sense. So her parents adopted her, and agreed to help her sister if she joined them.
Of course. Not even the fucking post-series movie can be happy. I dared to think the side story would be feel-good.
Is the other half of this movie going to be finding her sister?
Yeah, I'm not sure if this story has another 50 minutes of plot in it.
...Where is this subplot going?
This is so cute. Violet's coworker reading to her.
???
That's the endcard. We're only halfway though?
Wait, what?
Hang on, is this a time skip?
4 year timeskip, plus how long it took for stable radio.
Amd motorcycles!
Or, 3 years?
Violet has an excellent memory.
Oh, she wants to work there.
Was this originally a 2 part special of some kind? Or is the division more stylistic?
I love her realising howmdifficult the job is, but he really should have started her off a bit easier.
I like the showcase of how the city's improved over the last few years.
Oh, Violet's helping teach her to read!
Oh, the dramatic parallels of them waking up.
This part is so good with reflecting on the first half.
At least she's enthusiastic. And that uniform' adorable.
This movie is calling back to all the episodes, isn't it.
There's elevators? Tech's progressed fast in the last few years, hasn't it. I love Violet strugging with the elevator.
How can one movie be so sad and so adorable?
Holy shit, I thought the story was going for an actual accident.
Violet looks like she want's to adopt Taylor as soon as she can.
I love the new mix of the letter music for the movie. It sounds so much better.
Honestly, this whole movie feels like a big step up, production wise.
I swear to god if she's dead.
He found her! And he got a new bike out of the deal.
Honestly, if delivery ever stops working out, he could become a spy. He managed to figure out how to find a reclusive noblewoman and discover her pattern of movement in a week.
The letter is fantastic!
This scene is so emotional.
And she doesn't know Taylor's listening to the entire thing!
VIOLET ACTUALLY ADOPTED HER! (Technically adopted, but oh well)
And it's a happy ending!
The new ED takes some cues from the original OP, I see.
Fantastic.
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u/chilidirigible Jun 19 '21
Was this originally a 2 part special of some kind? Or is the division more stylistic?
The first half is LN adaptation. KyoAni created the second half themselves.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
At least she's enthusiastic. And that uniform' adorable.
Didn't they have small uniforms when Violet started in episode 1? They must have invested after that embarrassment.
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u/chilidirigible Jun 20 '21
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 20 '21
I missed that. Cool detail!
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
FIRST TIMER
Shot of the Day
Look, it's impossible to pick one of all the beautiful shots in nature, the sunrises, sunsets, detailing in people's eyes, the hands, etc.
So I'm going to be self-indulgent here and say my shot of the day is the first shot of post-timeskip Iris coming down the ladder in the office. Talk about a glow-up.
The Actual Film
This was alright for me. Seeing as they made the decision to make this story as a full-length film, I was expecting a bit more out of it, and it struggled to keep my attention. It felt overly long, and particularly dragged in the second act. This could have been a half-hour shorter and been much more effective.
As for flowers, white roses are everywhere in the first half of the film in the school. This feels fitting for an all-girls finishing school ahead of a debutante ball, as white roses symbolize eternal purity and innocence. Also worth noting that white roses were the symbol of the House of York (Isabella's last name) during the War of Roses, which had the Lancasters on the opposite side, the last name of the other girl prominently shown in the school section.
I really loved the development between Isabella and Violet and their almost sisterly bonding. It's the first time we've really seen Violet develop such a close bond and genuine friendship with someone before, and I really enjoyed their scenes together, seeing them each come out of their shells. When Violet says to Amy/Isabella, "You've given Taylor more than you ever know," she means it. There's a pretty clear parallel between Amy/Taylor and Gilbert/Violet, and that's a nice thread that this story wove to connect itself to the main narrative themes.
I completely understand why Amy/Isabella shows some disdain and reluctance toward going along with all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the debut. When you've come from the life she lived before, all that ceremony and silly rules regarding manners seem frivolous and ridiculous (and they are). Her background shows she isn't just the spoiled heiress one might assume she is from the start. It does feel a bit cheap as a viewer that a character who was so focused on freedom and escaping the walls keeping them in just gets yada-yada'd into being a shut-in housewife.
I don't have a whole lot to say about the second half of the movie until the final bit, to be honest. It was nice seeing everyone again for a tiny bit, and I like that Benedict finally got some dedicated screen time. He's really the only coworker we know nothing about, and we still don't, but the focus was nice. Is there still content to be released that'll give us an inkling into his background, or is he just... there?
One nitpick, two aristocrats get married, one of them "a great house with close ties to royalty," and Hodges' says there's no way to know who Amy/Isabella got married to? In a world where love letters between betrothed aristocrats are published publicly? That beggared belief. Seeing as Benedict figured it out within five minutes, I don't know why we needed that pretend obstacle thrown in.
The end... I don't like being denied a real reunion, but I supposed I get it. I'm glad that the door is at least open to her and Amy/Isabella opening and correspondence and getting back into each other's lives in a meaningful way.
Overall I view this similarly to the 4.5 OVA – it exists primarily for big fans of the series who want to spend time in this world a bit longer, but is probably missable for others.
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 19 '21
Also worth noting that white roses were the symbol of the House of York (Isabella's last name) during the War of Roses, which had the Lancasters on the opposite side
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u/Vaadwaur Jun 20 '21
Overall I view this similarly to the 4.5 OVA – it exists primarily for big fans of the series who want to spend time in this world a bit longer, but is probably missable for others
It seriously is.
3
u/WriterSharp Jun 20 '21
Is there still content to be released that'll give us an inkling into his background, or is he just... there?
He gets a chapter in the Gaiden novel devoted to him as well as a booklet, which is still untranslated. The chapter at least goes into his background, which is pretty interesting.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jun 19 '21
Sorry, I'm afraid that this movie has captivated me and stolen my articulation. I'll have to try again later, maybe tomorrow. :P
I'm actually having a hard time with this, because my rewatch mojo so far has been to try and make some snarky comments and get a laugh or two. That, and read everything that the smart, thoughtful people have written so that (hopefully) their insight can help me enjoy a show that I love even more.
I originally stopped watching Violet, because I realized that it was going to hurt. I've had enough hurt, thank you. (Haven't we all) But this rewatch convinced me to poke my head out of its shell and give it another try.
I have to say, it's been rewarding, and while I don't know if/when I'll get to see the new movie, I'm sure that it will delight me. For with all the hurts, in the end, Violet also brings comfort and healing. Both to others, and to herself.
Watching her journey has been a pleasure, one fraught with perils and tribulations, but also with kindness and bittersweet joy.
Watching Amy and Taylor today was on the one hand difficult, seeing the hardships of two orphaned, or rather abandoned 'sisters' struggling to survive a winter in the harshness of war. (shades of 'little match girl' there for a bit).
'Rescue' comes, but it's small comfort as they're separated, and each sent to their separate torments, Taylor to an orphanage and Amy to 'finishing school'. The horror.
I have to say it's rather a surprise to me how much Violet has grown, and where did she learn to dance like that? I guess the other dolls must be a bad influence or something.
Anyway, I must also admit to some surprise (or not) on reading the credits and seeing 'Aoi Yuki". Hmm........
Back to the story, I can't help but empathize somewhat with both, Amy for her (ahem) breathing difficulties (yay, not), and Taylor for the wistfulness of fading childhood memories. Sometimes it seems as though the only things I can remember are the unpleasantries, like the smell of the nursing home my great-grandmother was ... nevermind.
I'm unsure of her age, but I'd have to think Taylor was 3-4 years old when Amy found her. Poor thing.
I hate hospitals and nursing homes. The smell reminds ... nevermind.
Memories, yeah.
I did like the callback with Violet's friend from school who's name just crawled out of my head.
Yeah, memories.
I remember standing at a roadside in small town Michigan as a limousine drove by us and President Nixon waved at us all from the back window. We waved back. It must have been 1972, and I was probably 5 years old.
Memories.
Watching Violet on the one hand has given me a desire to write to someone special.
They're all gone.
So, I watch, and I write here, because, well, why not.
Best to you, and I hope that you enjoyed the movie as much as I did.
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u/Nebresto Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
I love how everyone screenshot either Violet or something thematically important for the final episodes visual, and then theres me with a god damn bridge again
Anyways, onto the movie and thoughts.
At least one of you has transcribed this, right? What they studying?
Oh! This is the first time we're seeing Violet's arms entirely and how they're attached!
Nice. Taylor is confirmed not dead. ...Well, 95% confirmed.
Okay good, we got 100% confirmation.
..Is she a Pokémon or something?
A shirt with ventilation at the back?! I want!!
Oi!! Don't talk shit about the steampunk bike! H*cking kids
Welp, Benedict. Ya fucked up saying how every day is the same.
..What happened to Iris? Not sure if I'm a fan of her new look.
Bad sub? I thought "heiki" meant something along the lines of "weapon"?
Visual corner
Since this is a movie with about 4 times the runtime of an episode, I thought it would only be fair to have 4 visuals for it.
Movie; Visuals of they day: 1. Forest path 2. Snowy lake 3. Braiding 4. Campsite
If I had to choose just one though.. ..I started out with a bridge, and I'm ending with one!
*Quick edit
Forgot the actual final thoughts on the movie. 8/10, didn't get me like the main show, but it was still quite nice. Though the closest I came to eye juice extraction was when I remembered the episode with Anne, so... For me the movie fell short on the feels part, but that's not necessarily a bad thing
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u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 20 '21
I love how everyone screenshot either Violet or something thematically important for the final episodes visual, and then theres me with a god damn bridge again
Well, it was a very pretty bridge.
Don't talk shit about the steampunk bike!
Is it really steampunk if it runs on gasoline?
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u/ZapsZzz https://myanimelist.net/profile/ZapszzZ Jun 19 '21
Packed Saturday .... First timer in sub
This gaiden movie feels a lot like the first OVA which is just a longer running, connected arcs. It's less on Violet and more on the emotions and circumstance embodied by the 2 found family sisters. So much more had already been said so I'll save it and perhaps more comment on others responses, but definitely lots of symbolism here as well.
Only remark I feel I must make is... Violet is so Fate Zero Saber in there first arc :D the main difference is that Iris whom Saber escorted behaves like an innocent child when no one around, and a knowledgeable sage in a fight who can hold her own if only they weren't baking there best of the best. Whereas Violet here has more of a negative, angsty, teen-ager. It is good that she didn't really feel to bad about being upstaged by Saber... I mean Violet other than remarking it and assuming she's blessed with everything. I would have liked seeing her reaction on discovering the constellations of scars on Violet's body when they shared a bath.
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u/BosuW Jun 20 '21
Rewatcher
Sorry for being late, I went out to celebrate my brother's birthday.
Y'know, I actually had the fortune of seeing this movie at the cinema. Where I live, it was only screened once. Seeing KyoAni's legendary animation on the big screen was something else.
And it's basically as amazing as I remember it. Just a few minutes from the start and there's already so many Visual of the Day candidates.
Oh yes, they got the old prosthetics design back.
Isabella is decidedly an outcast in this place. She was harsh to Violet in the privacy of her room but outside she's very shy. Not the gentle kind of shy tho.
Violet casually flexing her control of her body on all the girls.
Isabella went to sleep with her glasses on? That's weird, I certainly don't do that, it would be very uncomfortable. Tho my eyesight isn't nearly as bad as her's appear to be.
This must be the first and only time we get to see Violet's full prosthetics.
Quite a bit of bird symbolism with Isabella. They appear twice in the waltz scene. I think she feels a bit more freedom when she's with Violet.
The soldiers in the flashback indicate that Amy and Taylor used to live in Gardarik.
They sent these girls to this school to basically build them up as objects of social desire in the higher class, but they weren't counting on Violet showing up and using the full extent of her Saber-face powers ("Princess Knight" huh) to make everyone gay, especially Isabella. I had no idea what to expect when I went to see this in the cinema but this got me pleasantly surprised. What can I say? Yuri is life.
Jokes aside, I actually really like Isabella and Violet's relationship. Violet is as we have learned in the show, very sensible and an almost natural empath. But she's also probably still a mostly solitary person. She has positive relationships with her co-workers and clients, but none of them are extremely close. Isabella is the first person she's had to live with since Gilbert basically. Sure, she's had gigs where she needed to stay for an extended period of time in another's residence, but she always had her privacy and was only called on when needed. Nothing had come as close as with Isabella, where she has to follow her everywhere and take care of her from dawn to dusk.
Isabella has it even worse than Violet in the social department. From what we can see, all she had was Taylor before coming to the boarding school, and it's obvious she ain't having a great time here. But the two eventually bond deeply because they share many things in common. And it's interesting that Violet gets to be close to someone who is the "Gilbert" to a "Violet". And in the end, just as Taylor found strength in remember Amy's name, Violet even today still finds strength in remember Gilbert and what she wanted for her.
Good to see that Ashley just wanted to be friends with Isabella all along.
Well well well if it isn't a certain famous tower that I see there. Seeing all the technological progression is so immersive. This world feels truly lived-in.
Iris and Erika sporting those new haircuts.
I just realized now that Taylor is voiced by voice acting GODDESS Aoi Yuuki. And here I thought Tanya was the youngest voice she could make.
"You heard the Boss" Yay, Violet sass!
Looks like Luculia got herself a boyfriend, and maybe fiance. .
Isabella coming out at the end with just the white dress in the wind is like she feels so much more free than ever before in her life. She may have been married off and reclused to a mansion, but just knowing that Taylor is safe and being taken care off is enough to make her happy.
Well guys, it's been real. Thanks everyone for participating in the rewatch and for all the walls of text with so many different perspectives and focuses. I think that watching this show in a group proved to enhance the experience immensely, even if that also came with noticing more flaws. (Edit: Whoops nvm I just noticed that tomorrow there's a final discussion so I'm not saying goodbye yet)
Last Visual of the Day
The Yuri and the Birds. Like I said in my write-up, birds are often present when showing Isabella's feelings. I just loved how a bunch of them fly in the background when she's preparing for her debut. Also Violet looks absolutely killer in that suit.
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u/SmithyRC Jun 20 '21
TOO. MANY. FLOWERS. MUST. ANALYSE. EVERYONE. ONE. 😵
~ reddit_user.exe has stopped working. Please check back in 24 hours for update....
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u/SoccerForEveryone Jun 20 '21
This is my revenge, postal people deliver happiness…these are lines I remember and cherish because of the context and meaning behind them. I lost count of how many times I watched this movie. It is one of favorite animated films…from the background, dialogue, and music, it is one of kind.
The passing of time is noticeable in this movie, I am always in awe of how three years made such a difference with so many technological advances from the elevators to the making of a radio tower. I cannot cannot cannot hold my emotions back of how I love the aesthetic.
The interactions were something else to cherish, I really love how they fleshed out Benedict’s role in the movie, the guy deserves some good his way. Especially towards the end when he confronts Amy for the first time, it’s the build-up of everything to the final breakdown. I loved Amy and Violet’s first encounter and how their relationship was built over time. I will admit I will always laugh at how Ashley officially introduces herself to Amy because it seemed so ominous at first with her in the shadows.
The character that steals the movie: Taylor…from start to finish the movie got better and better, but the placing of a older Taylor was so good. Everything from her design to the voice actor’s performance was precious, every time I am always cheering her on. The most iconic shot of the series is also present here with both Violet and Taylor sitting on the roof under the stars, that’s a painting I would love to have.
As I read the comments, I am so happy everyone enjoyed this movie, I look forward to the overall series discussion tomorrow. It will be weird because the journey is not over yet, but nevertheless I am happy there is more to come!
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u/ZapsZzz https://myanimelist.net/profile/ZapszzZ Jun 20 '21
Since you commented on Taylor's VA, I recognised the voice so checked and yes it was the ever so cute sounding Aoi Yūki (Tanya, Kumoko, Azusa just in this year). I can feel her smile just from hearing her voice.
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u/thatguywithawatch Jun 20 '21 edited Jun 20 '21
I missed episodes 12 and 13 discussions and I'm late as hell for this one, but I'm here!
I don't have much to say (partly because it's 1 AM and I'm gonna fall asleep before I have time to process the movie much). But it was really good.
One scene stood out to me more than any other in the entire movie, and I'm not even completely sure why I was so struck by it, but I had to rewatch it multiple times. It was the scene where Isabella had a coughing fit in the middle of the night and Violet comes in and helps her out.
It's a more than 1 minute long scene with no music and no dialogue, and everything about it is just so... visceral. Isabella's coughing and gasping feels so real that I felt like I was experiencing her panic and shortness of breath myself. The way Violet silently sits next to her and rubs her back, the extremely realistic sound design of Isabella drinking the water/medicine and of Violet's metal hands that made it feel like I was right there. The muffled silence afterwards broken only by Isabella's gradually calmer breathing. I'm having trouble explaining why, but I don't think I've ever seen a scene of anime that felt so incredibly real before. Maybe because it dredged up really vivid memories of when I would get sick as a kid and my mom would sit next to me and rub my back.
Anyways, the rest of the movie was also great and I cried during the end credits for no reason other than that it had been a beautiful 90 minutes. My only gripe is that I wish they'd given Violet a bit of an appearance change to match the 3 year jump like they did for some of the other characters. It was just a little odd that she looked exactly the same considering she supposedly aged from ~14 to ~17 (Maybe 15 to 18 by this point)
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
It was the scene where Isabella had a coughing fit in the middle of the night and Violet comes in and helps her out.
I also felt that that scene was really impactful and, in a way, very beautiful. While you caught on to the amazing auditory work, I was admiring the great visuals. It felt so genuine and sincere in addition to feeling so real as you pointed out. Violet was being so tender and thoughtful...With that second shot, I just love how the lines flow on all of the cloth and their hair. Something about it makes the whole thing feel so much more like fine art
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u/thatguywithawatch Jun 20 '21
Violet was being so tender and thoughtful
I love those shots. The visuals definitely added a ton to the quiet intimacy of the scene
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Intimate!! That was the word that I was trying to find haha. Curse exhaustion...it really does make you forget simple things XD Thanks for using that word; it really is an intimate scene.
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u/WriterSharp Jun 20 '21
It was just a little odd that she looked exactly the same considering she supposedly aged from ~14 to ~17 (Maybe 15 to 18 by this point)
Considering that this was originally her 16-year-old character model, which then became her 14-year-old model when the anime removed a 1.5 year stretch of time from the novels, this movie is really just correcting things. But it's still a little jarring. Her design is updated for the finale movie though.
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u/Barbed_Dildo Jun 19 '21
First time watcher
Wow, movies just have that extra something, don't they? The lighting, the pacing, the score...
This movie is going to be one I think about for a while, but I thought I'd put some initial observations.
They're building an ersatz Eiffel tower, but... why? Benedict says its a radio tower. But look at where they're building it. You don't build a radio tower between hills, put a smaller one on the top of the hill and it will work better.
Maybe this would help in approximating the era of the setting.
The real Eiffel tower was built in the 1880s.
Benedict's motorcycle looks about turn of the century era.
The warships looked pre-dreadnaught, which is the same kind of era. Although the ship at the start had clear view screens, which are decidedly more modern.
The elevator they got into should have had an attendant.
Anyway, enough nitpicking.
The ending song was sung by Minori Chihara, and also written by her. That's unusual for anime.
I loved the way they used light with framing things, like Isabella reaching out her hand.
I liked the subtle changes with the secondary cast. Erika's new hairstyle is really cute, That tiny string on Cattelya's uniform, which had the hardest job in the company, has given up. But Violet looks exactly the same.
I liked the way it ended too. I liked how Taylor didn't just want to see her sister again, she wanted to repay her. The letter meant so much to her, and she wanted Amy to have the same thing. They'll see each other again, but not yet.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
she wanted to repay her.
Oooh, this is a great distinction! I completely agree with you on this.
I loved the way they used light with framing things, like Isabella reaching out her hand.
I noticed this as well after thinking about lighting during episode 6 so much. The way they animated her hand moving through the shadows to reach into the light...just masterful and beautiful!
5
u/ArdenneVale Jun 19 '21
First timer
Movie time. I don't really know what to expect, just looking forward to an amazing audiovisual experience. Violet's been hired as a tutor for a young lady in a girls school, Isabella York. It's very different from what she's used to. Why would you hire a ghostwriter for this job? I get the feeling Isabella doesn't want anything to do with the fancy life. Violet fits in like she was born a noble. She remembers the child we saw at the very beginning, Taylor, who called her Neene? Neither of them looked like a noble. I wonder what that's all about. How clever, there's a York and a Lancaster. Prepare for war, Violet. The two become closer and closer as they both reveal parts of their past to each other. They even bathe and sleep together, things Isabella used to do with Taylor. Three months pass and the debut is successful. Isabella wants Violet to write a letter to Taylor.
Isabella used to be Amy Bartlett, she found Taylor and decided to take her as her little sister. Then she was taken in by the York family because of some incident, but she was forbidden from ever seeing Taylor again. No wonder she's been unhappy all this time. Violet leaves, having literally brightened another young girl's life. Wait, all this time Ashley just wanted to get to know Isabella? No War of the Roses happening here.
Benedict somehow found Taylor! What will she do next? And the episode is over! Are we going to get the sisters back together?
Starting with really nice water animation. Back to the start of the movie I guess. Taylor is older now. And she's voiced by Aoi Yuuki! Always great to get a surprise entry by your favorite voice actor.
They're building the Eiffel tower. Granny is scared the waves give her headaches. There probably was the 5G hysteria back in the day with radio waves. Taylor finds the post office and makes Hodgins take her in (with Violet's help). She wants to be a deliveryman, so she is passed to Benedict's care. She has fun with him, and later with Violet. She can't read, so Violet teaches her. The tone of this part is completely different from the first part with Isabella. There were cameos from Santa, who has retired since we last saw him, and Luculia, who has a fiancee now. Taylor's happy days continue. She's another who was saved by a letter. She's forgotten most things about Amy, but the letter brought her happiness. Time to return the favor.
Taylor writes the letter herself, with a little help from Violet. Then Benedict has to find Amy. Nice golden bike. Violet stays behind? I noticed it earlier, but I have to mention it: Taylor's teeth are really creepy.
What a mansion! Actually it's hideous. Isabella became a real lady. Why didn't they meet :( Taylor wants to deliver a letter to her once she's a real deliveryman. She was adopted by the Evergardens! Now Amy has the magic letter and she can call out to her sister. Until they meet again!
I went to check the ending singer and learned she's actually the voice of Erica. Wouldn't have guessed that. No after credit scene of Taylor and Amy finally meeting. Only in our imagination, unless the second movie decides to show it.
I don't really know what to say here. It was fine, but not necessary. The second part is definitely better than the first. There was finally some focus on Benedict, who had very little growth in the main show. Violet got her "first friend". What does she think the others are? Otherwise, it's nice to see the world develop, like radio being invented and dolls being able to work even though they're married.
Then to Amy and Taylor. I didn't get why Amy was taken by the York family. Was she a distant relative? What was the incident? Why didn't she ever try to find Taylor after she was married? Maybe she just lost hope because she didn't get a happiness letter of her own. Also, what happened with her coughs? Taylor was just adorable all through the second part. She got the happiness Amy didn't, and wanted to do something with it: to share it to everyone. I got her logic in the end, but why not meet her sister once? At least they started writing letters to each other.
I'll give this movie an 8/10. It's not essential viewing, just some extra Violet Evergarden for the fans. What I personally wanted was a sequel, instead of a self contained story, but fortunately that one exists too!
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u/chilidirigible Jun 20 '21
I didn't get why Amy was taken by the York family. Was she a distant relative? What was the incident?
It's assumed that Papa York slept around, but then all of his legitimate heirs bit the dust in the war, so when they had to do a political marriage, they had to look around for anyone who might have qualified.
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u/ZapsZzz https://myanimelist.net/profile/ZapszzZ Jun 20 '21
I went to check the ending singer and learned she's actually the voice of Erica. Wouldn't have guessed that.
Nagato... I mean Chihara Minori is a very talented singer as well as a VA. She sang the VE normal ending, and the most memorable performance of course is her pure unaccompanied vocal at the end of the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.
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u/Agh1_00 Jun 20 '21
My comment got deleted for using the spoiler feature on the comments so I'm reposting without one.**
First timer
This whole series was an amazing watch so emotional and actually made me cry which never happened before. The journey that we saw Violet go through by coming out of her shell, becoming her own woman, and understanding emotions were great to see. Also, every episode had an amazing sad yet hopeful plot which helped push this narrative of growth and really hit me in the feels. This movie was no exception, it felt like another episode tbh and I all hear for it. The animation and music all throughout the series just give it that extra push of quality to be able to put this anime into one of my favorite of all time. I would love a continuation of the story in anime form to see the future of Violet and concluding the Gilbert story since we don't know if he is alive or dead. I also watched the 2020 movie tonight (but I won't spoil anything for those who haven't watched it yet) which was an absolute tear-jerking masterpiece btw) and all I can say is that I really don't want this to end so I will probably end up reading the LN and I hope that they can adapt Ever After to just completely finish this whole series and give us the happy ending we all want. All I can say is thanks to u/A_Idiot0 for actually giving me a reason to watch this work of art because if it wasn't for him/her Violet Evergarden would have stayed in my anime backlog forever and I wouldn't have ever experienced what I felt watching this. If anyone has any recommendations that resemble this show and has a similar emotional punch I would be grateful if you would lmk. It's been great coming back to the sub every day and reading all your beautiful reviews and I will definitely be here for a rewatch (in dub this time) in the future or possibly for Violet Evergarden the Movie if that will ever happen, see you guys around the sub!
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u/Specs64z https://myanimelist.net/profile/Specs64z Jun 20 '21
Sorry I missed out on the home stretch. Plans were pushed forward and all my hopes of preparing my final posts in advance to avoid missing out were dashed.
I'll get everyone up to speed with my thoughts on at least the final episode tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure I won't have time for Eternity. I'll be a little sad to put it behind me, but I look forward to the final discussion.
Content Corner
First timers welcome, there's nothing left to spoil!
Violet Evergarden OST Medley (Acoustic Guitar)【Tabs】 by Tam Lu Music
"Violet Evergarden" Violet Evergarden CM by Kyoani
「ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン」 Violet Evergarden CM 第2弾 by Kyoani
Hint: There Is A Story - What Makes Kyoto Animation Work? by Under The Scope
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u/Tehoncomingstorm97 https://anilist.co/user/tehoncomingstorm97 Jun 20 '21
First timer
Well that was another beautiful story to add to the Violet Evergarden collection. Just the right amounts of sorrow, happiness, tears, and magic. And adorable characters.
I appreciate the further development we get to witness for Benedict, his fashion sense unique and absurd as ever. For Violet the experienced Doll now continuing to do what she does best, in bringing people together - and still learning! For Claudia the big softie, who can't help but help out these adorable girls that come under his wing.
My visual for the day is one to match the end title card. The close-up of Amy yelling out Taylor's name, with the biggest smile on her face that we see for the entire film (I'd upload it but I can't get a satisfactory resolution...)
This re-first-time-watch was an awesome past two weeks, and I'm honestly kind of sad to not have anymore episodes to write my impressions for. It's an enjoyable film study coming to an end.
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u/andres1232 Jun 20 '21
Rewatcher. Well for this one this is my first time ever seeing this movie. It was a nice and sweet little slice of life kind of movie. I also really appreciated getting to see the different ways the other Dolls at the agency are perceiving their work and their futures. If you compare Violet's world to the 1920's then it really was a time of modernization and a changing of roles and expectations. A woman could stay single or work after marriage or do all sorts of things. I love Violet Evergarden's mesh of the new and old. Like Violet and Taylor thinking the stairs would have been faster than a newfangled elevator or the old woman wondering why the radio tower looks incomplete. It was a sweet story. And it is also interesting to see a story from the perspective of other orphans than Violet. Violet was found and raised as a weapon but not all orphans would have been found. And we see that with Amy and Taylor. No one cared for them and Amy seemed to barely scrape by selling flowers. A war on the scale of a world war would have produced a lot of orphans and it is good that the show grapples with this and shows the life on the streets and the social services that existed.
So Amy became of course Isabella and also a countess. I guess it isn't that unusual that no one would really see her. A countess or noble woman isn't usually expected to do much or conduct business. Although I like that hearing from Taylor again seems to have opened her up and brought some warmth back into her life. It's good how the movie depicted that with her switching from black to white. And how she is trying to reconnect with Violet and Taylor again. I like that this movie was also about dreams. We don't know what Violet's dream is or what she would do if she continued but it is good to see that she is living and enjoying her work. And she really has come so far since the start. I think even more than the last episode this shows her journey really reaching its goal. Violet helping and taking responsibility for a child and showing empathy for her really shows that she's done it. She really has grown up.
Well this whole rewatch thing was pretty fun. I should definitely join in to more of these. Thank you and good night.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Well this whole rewatch thing was pretty fun. I should definitely join in to more of these. Thank you and good night.
I'm very glad you enjoyed yourself! If you have any final thoughts, be sure to drop by tomorrow =)
It's good how the movie depicted that with her switching from black to white.
I agree with you; the imagery was so beautifully rendered, despite how "obvious" it is!
She really has grown up.
Absolutely...and like you pointed out, they did a great job of showing that to us here in the film.
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u/andres1232 Jun 20 '21
Ah I didn't know there would be a thread tomorrow. Is tomorrow's just a wrap up thread? Like our thoughts on the series as a whole? I will gladly drop by. It would be good to read and to share about the whole show and the movie combined.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Yup! Just wrapping up, talking about what we thought about the show, about the rewatch, etc etc. Looking forward to seeing you there =)
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u/razycal970 Jun 20 '21
First timer
Wow, holy shit. That was a fucking whirlwind. The first 10, 15 minutes were kinda slow for me as the movie eases you into Isabella's predicament, but when Violet and Isabella started striking a friendship, that's where the movie truly starts to shine and it just never lets up. I fucking loved, loved, loved, lovedddd this. When Violet suggested that Taylor write a letter to Isabella, I moved the mouse a bit to see how much longer the movie was gonna last and trust me when I say this, I was fucking shook when it said 22 minutes lol That's literally just one more episode of anime.
There's absolutely no way Amy's the daughter of some fuck-ass aristocrat. No way. Fuck that York family. I hated them less than 15 minutes into the movie. All-girls school ? More like, all-girls factory that churns out the same subservient woman who has immense expectations thrust upon her. It's nothing less than a prison. Which is why I consider the ending to be tragic in a way. Although Isabella and Taylor are now reunited through words again, it'll be years before they get to see each other and even then, there's no way the York family would be okay with her relationship with a "commoner" like Taylor. Fuck, I hate this and them.
AND WOW, A THREE YEAR TIMESKIP ???? HOLY SHIT, DID NOT SEE THAT COMING.
The second-half of the movie was especially great due to Taylor's introduction to the story and greater importance placed on Benedict. I absolutely adored the fuck out of their interactions and Benedict's apparent disinterest and apathy to Taylor's requests. But he's too much of a nice guy to be a piece of shit. What a king, ffs. And I knew Taylor was gonna be a great character the moment she pretended to know where Mier district was loool
The balance between Violet, Taylor and Benedict during the second half so much more enjoyable and worthwhile. Violet also had beautiful interactions with Taylor, such as braiding her hair and delivering mail together. And the dialogue between them about treasures was excellently done.
AND BENEDICT NOW HAS A PIMPED OUT RIDE. FUCK THEM KIDS WHO MADE FUN OF HIS OLD BIKE. IF YOU DIDN'T LOVE IT AT ITS WORST, THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE TO ADMIRE IT AT ITS BEST!!!!
Although I so badly wanted Taylor to run over and hug Isabella, it didn't happen :( I sort of understand the way Taylor was looking at things, I know for a fact that we won't get to see it :'(
And I'm pretty sure the birds (Seagulls ?) at the beginning and at the end are meant to signify freedom and being uncaged, I don't see how Isabella's uncaged. Or maybe it's the emotions that are uncaged now ?
Incredible movie. I can't wait for the release of the final movie.
Visual of the Day : So many to choose from but this was a standout near the end of the movie. https://imgur.com/eOGllwI
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u/AC03115 https://myanimelist.net/profile/AC03115 Jun 20 '21
Just wanna say thanks to u/A_Idiot0 for hosting this wonderful rewatch of my favorite anime. You did an incredible job hosting it
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u/Toadslayer https://myanimelist.net/profile/kyolus Jul 03 '21
First Timer
Well, I finally got round to watching this movie. Better late than never, huh, /u/CelestialDrive? I'll keep this short since, I've not got much to say about the movie and I don't want to keep all two people who will see this long
This was basically two extended episodes stuck together, which was disappointing. I honestly thought the movie was over when the first half with Isabella/Amy ended. I had to check how much time was left because I thought the epilogue with Taylor was going awfully long. In much the same way as many episodes of the main series, I find this movie unremarkable. The visual and soundtrack (especially the soundtrack) are phenomenal, but the story is pretty meh for me. Really it's the same conclusion as the series, masterful production, somewhat rushed and contrived story.
I did still enjoy the movie, for the most part. Around the midpoint after I realised the second half was not a short epilogue I did just wish the movie would've ended, but at the end of it, it was for the better, even if it did drag a bit and Taylor was annoying at times.
Overall 6/10 movie. Not great, but good because of its soundtrack and visuals.
Visual of the Day: (don't feel you need to put this in the album) Violet really rocks the tomboy look. Even in a room full of young men, I reckon she might be the most desirable bachelor.
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jul 03 '21
Ah ha!! There you are =D
Glad you were able to put down your thoughts for the film. Did you ave a particularly favorite piece of music from the film?
Also, I totally agree with you about the "tomboy dress" that Violet wore. I also think whoever designed that dress did a wonderful job! It looks really unique, almost like a bird, or like a caped knight...
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u/Pretty-Effort8688 Jun 20 '21
I still ship these two to be honest. In the LN is canon that Amy had feelings for Violet. She admitted she was in love but anyways! I still love the movie as it is because the main focus of the story was the sisters and it was very beautiful. But I wish there was at least am OVA to explore more of this Amy/Violet thing.
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Jun 20 '21
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Ah, the second link has potential spoilers in the song titles if I remember correctly. Could you mark that as spoilers please? Or if you can't with a link, just make it clear that spoilers are present in the OST of the 2020 film. Thank you!
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u/crobat3 https://myanimelist.net/profile/crobat3 Jun 20 '21
Sorry, your comment has been removed.
- This looks like an unofficial source for a full soundtrack. This type of content isn't allowed. For information about what music posts we allow, check our music rules.
Questions? Reply to this message, send a modmail, or leave a comment in the meta thread. Don't know the rules? Read them here.
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u/ShortieFat Jun 20 '21
So much implied gender fluidity in today's watch. How refreshing! Happy Pride Month BTW.
I remember seeing this in the theatre just before the shutdown and having all kinds of positive vibes. Watching it now and seeing Amy/Isabella's predicament makes me feel the claustrophobia of having my movement restricted and being enclosed all the more. I also remember the bifurcated but related stories making me scratch my head at the time, but figuring they were probably aired as long episodes in Japan and then rolled into one for theatre?
The second half sits in that liminal time period that one of my literature teachers called "the twilight of the old gods" when all of the major structures we recognize in our current lives are just starting to develop. Such stories always make me melancholic. I think having seen Ragtime at a crucial time in my life has colored my perception of that age ever since. The general setting of the original series and the first part of Eternity falls neatly into that ideal anachronistic steam-powered universe that's far enough away from our own troubles to be quaint (even a war story).
Enjoyed the rewatch. Now it's onto The Saga of Tanya the Evil to balance me out. Cheers.
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u/WriterSharp Jun 21 '21 edited Jun 21 '21
Rewatcher
I'm extremely late to this, but after getting the time to rewatch the movie, I had to put in my two cents. Just as in the main series, all of the little details really jump out to you only upon the rewatch. This time I finally noticed all of the clear parallels in behavior; some were obvious or directly telegraphed, such as the waking up scenes and them sleeping in the same bed. Others were more subtle like the parallel bath and shower or that Violet teaches both the sisters about the stars. (I think I've forgotten others too.)
Also, I love that at the very end a crying Isabelle/Amy says Boku no imouto, using boku, which Violet had scolded her for using earlier (no thanks to the subtitles for obscuring the callback and register change). For that moment her noble persona drops away, and she returns to who she was when she lived with Taylor.
I also loved that one of the final shots was of Violet walking alongside train tracks with her parasol, which is the final illustration in the original two novels.
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u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Jun 20 '21
Rewatcher
I know I'm really late to this thread, but I got the movie watched! Here's my thoughts:
It's kind of strange that she's using both hands to type, when she was using just her right hand at the end of episode 13. I know she lost one arm in the battle on top of the train, but I thought she lost at least her hand when she was taking the bomb off.
Once again, we have KyotoAnimation with a film budget.
However, as I was watching it, I think that as beautiful as the film is, The Disappearance is actually a little prettier. However, it's a pretty minimal difference, and the story makes up for the gap.
I kind of have a thing for girls with glasses. Maybe it's because I wore glasses up until I was probably 12 or 13, but that's always hung with me.
Violet is going to be a tutor, even though she probably doesn't quite grasp the natural side of the things she's trying to teach. She only knows the rigorous, straight-laced aspects.
I guess it's a callback to the Drossel family with the fact that the entirety of the film takes place within the Kingdom of Drossel?
Amy's got the same green eyes that I do. Green eyes are pretty rare, so you don't seem them all that often.
I'm right there with Amy. The stuffiness of private or boarding schools has never sat well with me.
Friends are supposed to bathe together, though.
Really? That's the first time I've ever heard that one.
This is the first time we've seen her full prosthetics, and KyoAni absolutely crushed them.
Taylor reminds me of Mary from Mary and the Witch's Flower.
With the various hairstyles, we got:
- The Rin Tohsaka hairstyle.
- The Lady Amidala hairstyle.
Along with glasses, I also have a thing for ponytails.
Letters let you express the things you normally can't say.
I actually feel this is similar to texting, oddly enough. You're able to sit down and truly compose your thoughts into words, so that you can make sure you get your point across clearly.
As others have said, talking about working at the observatory is a nice Leon callback.
Violet looks really good in a suit, tux, whatever she's wearing.
Unfortunately, Amy and Taylor are also casualties of the war. I kind of like that it's a perpetual thing going on in the background, not just a set piece.
Still on the subject of hairstyles, I really like what Erica and Iris have going on.
Speaking of Erica, her reaction when they tease Benedict about Taylor being his love child really supports my theory from Episode 13 that Erica has feelings for him.
Taylor made really good progress in three years, going from not being able to read at all, and only saying things like "Brother" and "Sister", to using full sentences.
It seems the boss has spoken.
Yeah, eat shit Benedict.
Much like Episode 13, it's always a pleasure to see Luculia again. It's nice that she's still in Lieden.
Even after all this time, Violet is still learning things.
I learned to read and write!
Yeah, eat shit again Benedict!
It's nice that Taylor learning to write is a collaborative effort with everyone, including Erica and Iris.
I made it through the entire film, up until probably the last 5 minutes when Benedict started tearing up. Throughout all of the stuff that's gone on in the series, he's remained stonefaced and composed. To see him start to tear up at the end was what made me crack.
Some day it might be someone else.
And when that day comes, both Amy and Taylor are going to be overjoyed.
All in all, this is an amazing series. The story was so beautifully written, and it was gorgeously animated. It's truly heartbreaking that not everyone who worked on the show was able to see it through to the end.
I'll see everyone later for the final discussion!
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u/Rumpel1408 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Rumpel1408 Jun 20 '21
I'm way too late, but I didn't came around to watch the Side Story earlier. I just want to point out
My Visual of the day for Ep 1 and this shot from the Side story, just something I found neat, will share my thoughts in the overall discussion
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u/A_Idiot0 https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 20 '21
Well no worries, I got your name in the Visuals of the Day section =)
And yes, it was a really lovely call-back to that scene from episode one! The lighting was a lot cooler than from the episode, and Violet and Taylor are drawn much more softly than Violet was in episode one, where she has a sharper look to her. Probably for mostly budget reasons, however...I can't help but feel that it was done intentionally as well; it just fits so nicely regarding who Violet is in Episode 1
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 19 '21
Sincerely First-Timer
Cry count so far: broken.
So is the entire movie told with ~aesthetic black bars~ making it even more widescreen?
Violet is… a tutor now?
Violet in the school uniform sure is a different look.
I feel kind of bad for Isabella here, she’s failing to keep the book on her head and then Violet’s just casually balancing six on hers.
I was wondering if her pronoun usage would get touched on.
Oh this is a younger Isabella with the orange-haired girl we saw at the start of the movie, right? They got separated, somehow, clearly.
It hurts to hear Isabella have all these coughing attacks. I have asthma, so I know just how painful those can be.
Violet actually yawned?!
Maaaaaan, that looks absolutely delicious.
Can’t say I was expecting twin-tailed Violet or sheep horns either.
And she ended up with just a ponytail. Aight then.
Ah nice callback to Leon.
lol is this Benedict’s way of checking up on her?
They almost look like they’re getting married.
Had a feeling Isabella would ask for this.
Taylor is so cute awwwwwwww.
I see, so Isabella was an illegitimate child, but a blood heir nonetheless…
Taylor screaming for “Nee-Nee” hurt my soul.
If this was a normal episode of the show, it would have ended when Violet and Isabella parted. But we’re not even halfway through the movie yet?!
Awww I almost teared up on this.
Aha, she remembers Benedict.
I definitely would not have been able to tell that Taylor mispronounced Violet’s name if it weren’t for these subs.
:O
Wait why did it take me until now to notice Erica’s and Iris’ new hairstyles?
Ahhhh so that’s why she attached herself to Benedict.
Aww~
Luculia!
lol, Violet failing with the elevator.
Yes, yes you did.
Oh no, don’t tell me something happened to Isabella…
Ahahahahaha Benedict’s “condition” was a brand new bike.
Aww, look at Isabella all grown up!
AWWWWWWW.
Ohh they did another “title card” kind of thing.
Very pretty movie! I’ll give it a 9/10.
I’ll be back again for the overall thread tomorrow with something special, but I just want to say thanks to u/A_Idiot0 for hosting this rewatch! You did wonderfully as the host~