Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is an enchanting, visually spectacular, and deeply emotional anime television series that was released in 2020. Crafted by the renowned studio Kyoto Animation, the show is based on an award-winning light novel series written by Kana Akatsuki. The narrative is set in a post-war epoch, intimately entangled with themes of devastation, healing, and the often unbearable weight of human emotions.

The series introduces us to Violet, a young woman, who unfolds as the core around which the entire narrative swirls. Violet is depicted as a former soldier who was a tool of warfare, devoid of emotions and connectivity with the human world around her. Having only known a life of orders and commands, Violet struggles to understand the daily nuances of civilian life.

The story truly takes flight when Violet happens upon the profession of an "Auto Memory Doll." Dolls are essentially ghostwriters who translate the feelings of others into words for a wide array of communications such as personal letters, business correspondences, and even novels. Caught between the intricate play of words and heartfelt emotions, Violet embarks on a breathtaking journey.

She is employed by C.H Mail Services, a postal company that also manages a fleet of Auto Memory Dolls. It is here she is introduced to the impact of the written word, opening up a world she has yet to grasp, one brimming with various human emotions. Violet seeks to understand the multidimensional aspect of human feelings that stretch far beyond her taught black and white perspective of life.

With this newfound passion, she ardently wishes to comprehend the perplexing term "I love you," a phrase she was once told but never fully understood. Thus, begins Violet's profound expedition into the labyrinth of human emotions, a journey interspersed with poignant detours and meaningful encounters. It's a narrative not just about self-discovery but about resurfacing from the abyss of war and recapturing lost humanity.

Each episode is an articulated novel in itself, introducing new characters, stories, and shades of sentiment which, although appear disconnected initially, beautifully converge as the story unfolds. It is through these stories and interactions that Violet gradually blossoms from a stone-faced tool of war to a kind-hearted, empathetic individual understanding and expressing her own emotions.

From the perspective of technical animation, Violet Evergarden is truly a marvel. Its aesthetic richness is almost unparalleled, each frame brimming with meticulous and spellbinding details. The series adopts a semi-realistic style that displays a perfect blend of Western and Japanese landscapes, architectures, and cultures, immersing viewers in a harmonious fusion of the modern and traditional.

Epic, sweeping shots of lush scenery and bustling cityscapes -- all beautifully bathed in light and shadow -- only amplify the storytelling. The colors used throughout the series have a historical palette, leaving a substantial visual impact on viewers. The character designs are truly enchanting, each unique yet beautiful, reflecting the individual personality visually.

The series' auditory element is equally praiseworthy, with Evan Call’s orchestrations doing wonders to heighten the ambiance. The sound design is immersive, with gripping narratives beautifully accentuated by powerful soundtracks that weave together a tapestry of emotions waiting to be explored. The perfect synchronization of visuals and audio creates a mesmerizing viewing experience that doesn't quickly fade.

The storytelling of Violet Evergarden is augmented by the beautifully penned dialogues that deal with intricacies of human feelings, memories, acceptance, relationships, and recovery. The series manages to hold the viewers' intrigue by fusing the mystery element with Violet's self-discovery journey, nudging us to explore the depths of humanity and compassion.

Violet Evergarden is a tale of metamorphosis, where a young woman transforms from a war tool into a messenger of sentiments. It's a journey of heartrending emotions, of losing and finding oneself, and ultimately, of tracing the path to self-redemption, making it a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.