Violet Evergarden I: Eternity And The Auto Memory Doll

“Violet Evergarden I: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll” reminds you no matter how much time has passed, you can still be strongly affected by a well-developed character.

Director(s)	Haruka Fujita
Screenplay By	Takaaki Suzuki, Tatsuhiko Urahata
Date Released (Theatrical – Limited)	2/17/2020
Genre(s)	Drama, Young Adult, Animation, Non-English
Duration	1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Noted Cast
Violet	Yui Ishikawa
Amy/ Isabella	Minako Kotobuki
Taylor	Aoi Yûki
Benedict	Koki Uchiyama

This content contains pertinent spoilers.

Violet Evergarden I: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll Plot Summary/ Review (Ending Spoilers & Sequel Potential on the 2nd Page)

Violet, seemingly after the events of the series, finds herself on an almost 3-month assignment not writing a letter but being tasked with helping a young woman, Isabella, be ready and proper for an upcoming debutante ball. This is by no means an easy feat for with Violet seemed as perfect to all who come around her, inadequacy hits Isabella hard. Add in her being sick and a tad aloof, it makes Violet’s presence an annoyance.

That is until she realizes Violet is much more than a perfect robot. Her childlike nature, the same one viewers fell in love with, so does Isabella. Leading to her opening up about her past, which is far removed from her present, and setting the stage for Violet helping to create a reunion between the life Isabella once had and the present she lives through.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

What exactly happened to Isabella’s parents?

Highlights

It Takes You Beyond Tears & Gives You Chills

Isabella (Minako Kotobuki) during her debutante years. — Amy/ Isabella (Minako Kotobuki)

When it comes to Isabella reconnecting with Taylor, a young child she raised for days or weeks, watching time pass between them and the attempts to reconnect will bring not just tears, but strangely chills. Almost like, compared to “Violet Evergarden,” nothing else hits as hard, and with each emotional climax, you can feel something reverberate in your soul.

Which, granted, could be taking things a bit far, but while we are definitely a crier, having it where chills happen during emotional moments is a brand new feeling for us.

Little Comical Moments

Despite the many letters and journeys Violet has gone on between the end of the series and what is covered in this movie, she still has her dumbfounded moments. Scenes which play up how monotone and emotionless she is, and it’ll make you giggle. No major laughs, but definitely a giggle.

The Score Will Bring You Such A Calming Feeling

If you’re not careful, you could fall asleep at points. For the dance of the string section and wind instruments, even as they reach their height, it makes you feel like you’re listening to a lullaby. And it is perhaps that lull that makes it so you never really find yourself checking your watch for the film finds that right balance between using the music to enhance a moment, to play with your emotions (in a sweet way) and also keep you calm and relaxed.

On The Fence

It Seems More Like An OVA You Should Watch At Home Than A Movie For Theaters

Essentially, this feels more like a two-part episode made into a movie than something which deserves you venturing far from home to get to where this is screened. Which isn’t to say it is bad, but is it worth the travel, likely not being able to use whatever theater subscription you may use, and have to pay $15+ to see it? I would say no.

Why? Well, overall, the story may get you emotional, have comical moments, and beautiful music, but it feels like a story that could have been right in the middle of the first season. And to add onto that, it isn’t like there is character development or anything notable that would further the overall story. This is very much self-contained and while we see Luculia and some dude, maybe a husband, other than that, you could easily skip this and not miss much.

Overall

Advise For Those Who Like:

Violet Evergarden
Slow-moving dramas
Stories which push you to cry

Would Watch Again? – One and Done

Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)

Violet (Yui Ishikawa) dancing with Isabella. — Violet (Yui Ishikawa)

While it may not be worth going out of your way to see, as opposed to waiting for it to come on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or another platform, “Violet Evergarden I: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll” is worth seeing. If just for one more experience with this character and her story, and the tears guaranteed to come with it.

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Violet Evergarden I: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll Ending Spoilers

Taylor (Aoi Yuki) when she comes to work for the post office. — Taylor (Aoi Yuki)

In the end, Isabella and Taylor don’t reconnect in person. Isabella did send a letter to Taylor, when Taylor was perhaps 3 or 4, and Taylor did send a letter back, three years later, with the help of Violet and Benedict. However, Taylor decides, until she is a postman who can read, write, and is impeccable at her job, she won’t see Isabella yet. For, so it seems, Taylor wants to show Isabella that her sacrificing Amy, Isabella’s original name before she was discovered to be a York, was worth it. And the only way she can do that is prove Isabella’s sacrifice led to her having the kind of life she always wanted for her.

Is A Sequel Possible?

All things considered, with this movie stepping forward in time, 4 years since the war, we could see time continue to move forward and see Violet deal with the times, alongside her peers. Also, we’re reminded how one wishes to be an author and has submitted short stories. With this film focusing so little on Violet’s peers, a sequel could show more of them.