Versailles no Bara
The Rose of Versailles

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This is a review for both the anime/manga, There are sparring differences between anime and manga, the first episode was completely its own thing different from it's manga, even tho most people liked it, It kind of alters the whole point of Oscar's motive

Here we are introduced with a beautiful, charming, elegant but a strong young girl named Oscar who lives in France as she is the daughter of a general who was expecting a boy but instead got a girl baby, whom he later trains under his supervision in order to compete in a male dominant field of military

So to start with, Rose ... of Versailles is the type of anime that is more into the character driven side as the psyche of each characters are partially different and unique in its own different. The characters in this anime/manga is challenged by different norms and traditions of that era. Whether we are talking about Marie Antoinette, who is basically a spoiled brat, she was the archduchess of Austria whose life turns upside down after the whole proposal to be the new queen of France, She was an ambitious girl with different things in her mind, but this changes once she feels the burden of handling a throne, It is a burden far heavy for a child like Marie but the way she grows makes us intrigued even the rest of the cast whether it be Oscar are well developed, A girl with a different burden of preparing your mindset for men's battlefield, the pure brave soul, has her own ups and downs, incidents which challenge her ideology, her confidence, her own incapability as a comparatively weak sex as her fragile body cannot hold up to the likes of men, The way she struggles is what is so intriguing about the story. Even the side casts are fairly developed like Andre, His dynamic with Oscar the one and only he truly loves and also the one who acted as a comrade in the battlefield , or whether it be the queen's actual love Fersen. All of them has their own reasoning and justification for their own actions. Truly a character driven anime/manga, but enough about the characters

The story is well simply not as good as the characters, It's fairly simple but effective. A story related to how the things escalate when the throne is handed over to incompetent children with less EQ level, the tragedy starts through within the inner conflict with the power and responsibilities, the indecisiveness of the king, the incompetency and the whole naivety costed them the trust of the citizens, Simply he trust of the devil's and giving in to greed and lust was the flaw of King and queens reign(Marie was even warned by Maria her mother) they furthermore angered the citizens in their infamous "reign of terror" but all the characters were still so human, u cannot just hate everyone of them u can be frustrated but u cannot brings them down, even tho the story is not as complex or as dynamic as it's characters but the tragedies in this anime/manga is like a Sharp edged knife, which cuts through deep enough when the tragedy hits with it's outstanding sound score by Shinji Ueda and the opening with the ending song is so beautiful

Characters: 9/10
Story: 7/10 (they simply just couldn't change much as it is an already established history, but still could have been better)
Art: 9/10 (simply beautiful)
(Music for anime: 8/10)

Overall I would give this a 9/10, It was really good definitely worth a try

Now this is a true romantic tragedy. Marie Antoinette's end is widely known, and yet as you read through this historic drama you'll often forget the looming dark clouds over her and Fersen. The addition of another main character, Lady Oscar (good luck not being charmed by her) with her own love story ends up working as a parallel to the queen's life. Another person who can't follow the desires of the heart, but unlike the queen she has more freedom, having grown up as a man, and ultimately following the revolution through another lens.
I used to watch the anime with my mum when I ... was really young, it was one of those late evening series. Yes, the drama can get repetitive but for me it was truly moving to finally read Rose of Versailles and experience such an emotional tale.

La Rose de Versailles is a beautiful and emotionally rich work, set in a medium often associated with excessiveness and melodrama. It uses these very traits to its advantage, weaving a story filled with passion and intensity that perfectly complements the historical backdrop it draws from. However, this same emotional depth and dramatic flair might prove to be prohibitive for some audiences, especially those who are less inclined toward heavily stylized storytelling. Yet, for those willing to embrace its grandeur, it offers an experience unlike any other.

With that said, let’s explore what this manga is about and the themes it seeks to convey. We’ll discuss ... whether the beginning might be misleading, how it approaches its key themes, and how effectively it utilizes the major elements of the medium to tell its story.

So, what is this show about?

This manga undertakes the bold mission of creating an original character who reflects her own femininity alongside the ideals of the French Revolution — one of the most controversial periods in human history. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. Every character, even those typically depicted as villainous or superficial, like Marie Antoinette and Robespierre, is rendered with human depth and beauty. They are not caricatures of history but living, breathing figures with motivations, flaws, and moments of vulnerability.

First things later, let’s talk art direction.

Ikeda’s art style is uniquely alive and vibrant. Her focus is almost entirely on the characters, with backgrounds often fading away in favor of a whirlwind of emotions. This creates an intense and deeply personal experience, where the characters themselves become the scenery, embodying the emotional turmoil and historical weight of the narrative.

Her disregard for conventional paneling might remind some of The Sandman's stunning layouts, though Ikeda’s approach is less surreal and more emotionally charged. The visual style mirrors the revolution itself, as well as the character arcs. Early on, in the late 1770s and early 1780s, the panels are elegant and controlled, reflecting the stability of the aristocracy. As the revolution approaches in the late 1780s, the compositions become more chaotic and turbulent, culminating in the grandiose splendor of 1789 when the revolution reaches its most dramatic heights.

So, how does it start?

The first volume serves as a strong introduction, providing a sense of whether you’ll enjoy the rest of the story. The melodrama and distinct art style are present from the outset, pulsating with energy. However, the focus on Marie Antoinette can be a bit misleading. If she were the central figure throughout, the tale might take a very different direction. As the last queen of France, her symbolic role is well known, and audiences may initially expect a narrative centered solely on her. But don’t be discouraged—most of the attention shifts to original characters, and they bring a fresh dynamic to the historical events.

What about the characters?

The characters in La Rose de Versailles are masterfully crafted. Ikeda captures the best qualities of historical figures without shying away from their flaws, with the possible exception of Robespierre. His portrayal, which seems overly sympathetic, is one of the few reasons I wouldn’t label this work a true masterpiece. Despite that, the depth given to characters like Marie Antoinette, who are often reduced to historical stereotypes, makes them feel fully human and elevates the narrative.

The original characters, placed within such a symbolic stage in human history, are elevated by their interactions with these historical figures. Their ideals and personal struggles are given a thematic weight that resonates throughout the story, making them just as important as the ones with real-life counterparts.

What about the story itself?

The narrative take the courses of the French Revolution, intertwining real historical events with the stories of original characters. It adheres closely to the historical timeline, selecting the most relevant moments to create a fluid and engaging plot. The structure allows the drama of the revolution to unfold naturally, while still giving space for personal stories to flourish.

Then, what did I think of it as a whole?

Despite my personal moral qualms with the portrayal of Robespierre, which may ultimately miss the broader point of the story, La Rose de Versailles is, in many ways, a masterpiece. The reading experience can be dense and overly melodramatic for some, but for those who appreciate this style and are drawn to its feminine themes and presentation, it’s an unforgettable work. Its emotional depth, combined with its historical grandeur, creates a unique and powerful experience that will leave a lasting impression on those who immerse themselves in it.