As Beautiful As She Is Broken
By far one of the biggest surprises to come out of the winter season, the enchanting yet heartbreaking tale of Ms Evergarden has captivated audiences not only through its stunning visuals but with a premise that manages to poignantly touch on some painfully realistic themes. At the helm of it all is our titular lead, who for all her unsocial tendencies and porcelain appearance might just be on of the most complex characters of the year.
If you find yourself put off by all the hype, then let us put your mind at ease by giving you three reasons why you need to check out this series!
#3: The Animation
Yes, we know that visuals aren’t everything and can’t really compensate for a lack of a good story, but how can you not be blown away by this anime’s spectacular presentation? Every location seems to be taken straight out of a painting, with each character practically aglow. Violet herself is nothing short of radiant at times. You couldn’t ask for a better foundation to house this tragic tale.
#2: Violet
While her lack of emotion and social norms are what defines her character during the early stages of the anime, many still might find it hard to invest in Violet’s journey given her cold and awkward demeanour. To that, we say you need only have a little patience. Throughout the series, her confusion towards her feelings regarding her former commanding officer, as well as her initial inability to tap into her emotions, slowly start to shift. For every client she meets, she discovers something new about herself, all of which culminates in her become more human with every passing episode. Its a painful process, but one that’s fascinating to behold.
#1: Auto Memory Dolls
As intriguing a person as Violet is, the only reason she shines so brightly is thanks to this meaningful and investing profession. Essentially a ghostwriter, Auto Memory Dolls traverse the land, typing out messages for clients who wish to express their emotions in the most eloquent of ways. This leads to Violet encountering all manner of different people, cultures and attitudes. In some cases, Violet manages to help a client a conquer an internal obstacle, while other times she uncovers a new aspect of her own humanity. Overall, this motif manages to express the importance of writing, communication and the complexities of the human heart in a truly beautiful way.
She may have stolen the show for many, but can you guess where Violet Evergarden landed in our picks for the Top 10 Anime of Winter 2018?