Violet Evergarden: Special

Violet Evergarden: Special is a visually breathtaking, emotionally driven anime aired by Tokyo MX in 2018. It is a side story to the critically acclaimed series 'Violet Evergarden' and aims to delve deeper into the world and the characters that captured the hearts of fans across the globe. As a genre, it's best placed in the ambit of drama, fantasy, and melodrama, but it doesn't limit itself to these labels, making excellent use of a retrospective narrative structure, subtle symbolism, and poetic character exploration.

The show revolves around Violet Evergarden, the protagonist and eponymous character. Violet is a quiet, seemingly stoic young woman who integrates into society following her career as a child soldier in a brutal war that ended not long ago. She secures employment at the CH Postal Company and transitions into the role of an 'Auto Memory Doll,' a professional ghostwriter hired for personalized tasks like writing letters or scribing books.

In the process, she demonstrates her extraordinary typing skills and deep emotional sensitivity, stringing together words beautifully, making even the most mundane sentiments feel profound. In the "Special" episode, Violet continues to master her craft while further exploring her humanity and emotions, leading to slow-burning but impactful character development.

Thematically, the show meditates on several weighty subjects such as war, trauma, and redemption, handled with tenderness and maturity. Central to the narrative is Violet's quest to understand feelings, a reflection of her transformation from an emotionless military tool to a person finding her way in peacetime. Violet's endeavor to understand the language of the heart and the diversity of human emotion forms the backbone of the series.

The world of Violet Evergarden is a blend of familiar and fantastic. The setting seemingly locates in a pseudo-European landscape following a devastating war, with an idyllic countryside, picturesque towns, and cities flourishing with technology and architecture that feels lifted from a different, magical era. The story takes place in an alternate world where typewriters coexist with intricate gem-powered machinery, a unique steampunk aesthetic that adds a magical charm to the show.

The show's true strength, though, is its spectacular animation made by the Kyoto Animation Studio. The magnificent production quality breathes life into the story's universe, creating vivid landscapes and detailed, fluid character animations that culminate in a feast for the eyes. The way the sun's rays filter through the leaves or how the characters' expressions undergo subtle changes only adds to the incredible realism of this animated world. There's a certain magic woven into the visuals, a sense of ethereal beauty.

Another element that deserves praise is the series's music. The background score, beautifully composed, accentuates the drama and adds a whole new layer of emotion to the scenes. It’s hard not to get swept away by the intricate blend of tender piano and strings that bounce between heart-swelling anthems and delicate, introspective melodies.

Moreover, the 'Special' episode also exposes viewers to more of the other characters in Violet's life, offering insights into their stories and struggles. It provides a deeper perspective on an already richly textured and compelling world. This approach allows viewers to form a bond with these characters and better understands their motivations, enriching their overall viewing experience.

Violet Evergarden: Special is more than just a special episode for an anime series. It furthers the narrative, deepens the emotional context, and reinforces the unique charm and impact of the original show. It calls into attention the delicate complexity of expressing human emotions and serves as a moving portrayal of trauma, healing, and redemption. Simultaneously heartrending and hopeful, this beautiful side story is an experience that anime fans should not miss.