posted this to my blog, but I thought it might be relevant here too:
As a long time anime enjoyer, I am very excited to review an episode that is far from my first foray into anime.
Violet Evergarden's first episode is an illuminating look into the horrific long-term impacts of child soldiering. Returning from the war, Violet is lost, absolutely obsessed with her army superior Gilbert. I have seen few depictions of characters in all of my anime watching days that I would describe so aptly as "down bad." To the audience, and perhaps also to her red haired friend, Violet appears to be the perfect model of the submissive woman. She would do anything for Gilbert, not only that, she is eager to do anything for Gilbert. She is constantly asking about him, we can almost get a hint that her obsession with Gilbert is so intense it is beginning to make her red haired friend jealous.
Speaking of this red-haired fella, he places a very interesting role in this anime. It's difficult to tell who he is as a character. Is he a lying, manipulative, possibly even pedophilic depiction of a man who is solely interested in women and promoting the success of his postal company? Or is it perhaps more positive and optimistic? Is he truly struck by this girl? Does he understand her struggles? Does he truly want what's best for her, and does he believe an entrance into the world of mail could uplift her life and change it for the better?
I'd love to learn more about the dynamic between Mr. Red and Gilbert. Does Red resent the way Gilbert treated and perhaps took advantage of Evergarden? What actually went down between Red and Gilbert when discussing Violet's future? It's interesting to theorize on this. Does Gilbert want a better, more independent life for Violet, and is Red perhaps taking advantage of her, disobeying Gilbert's orders because she still has value to offer? Or is Gilbert simply ready to dispose of Violet now that her hand has been damaged? Is Red trying to protect Violet from this sad reality of the man she holds so highly?
I can't help but be struck by how much commentary on the economic system of capitalism can be drawn from this first episode. Violet seems to only find value in herself when engaged in the "grind," whether that's in working for the post office, or for working for the military. Employment is her only means of happiness. We perhaps see this most clearly when she's brought to stay with a family and relax, finally be taken care of for once in her life. However, she cannot let herself settle. She insists that she would rather "be disposed of" if she is no longer valuable. She struggles to find joy and happiness within herself. Instead, she seeks it through the validation of society, by feelings of "productivity." When remembering her age, the audience can't help but feel sympathy to Violet's apparent unresolved internal needs.
And what review of Episode 1 of Violet Evergarden could be complete without some analysis of the ending. To be totally honest, even as an avid anime watcher, this ending left me perplexed. Is, and perhaps I am misinterpreting based on a lack of understanding of Leiden's culture (the fictional city, not to be confused with the very real Dutch one), is Violet seeking to become a sex worker? It's difficult to tell, and maybe I am making bounds and jumps here. That's to find out in the next episode. But that certainly how the other woman, the goth chick, in the scene is portrayed. What's interesting, the Red man seems to support this. Seems to believe that this is evidence that Violet is capable of love. If it is true that this is a discussion around sex work, I think it raises a highly important question central to the series, and potentially central to the modern male mind as a whole. Is sex work evidence of love? Does the prostitute really love you? If I am to interpret this scene correctly, the creators of Violet Evergarden would perhaps suggest that yes, becoming a prostitute is an act of love. Is that not the ending monologue from the red haired man? That Violet's sudden interest in sex work is in direct opposition to the long-time rumors that she is incapable of love? I am interested to see how this storyline plays out. Potentially I am projecting too far here, but certainly seems as if the story has veered into a strange new direction in the last few minutes of the episode.
Overall, Violet Evergarden's first episode was well worth a watch, and I'm excited to see how the story develops. It offers insightful commentary on child soldiering, (child) sex work, capitalism, love, paternal guidance, submission, prostitution, war, productivity, the post office world, and so much more. Violet seems to be a very appealing protagonist for the male eyes and mind, and I'd highly recommend to any man interested.
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