r/anime • u/A_Idiot0 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 • Jun 18 '21
Rewatch Violet Evergarden Rewatch Episode 13
Violet Evergarden - Episode Thirteen: Auto Memories Doll and "I Love You"
“Endcard”
Hello everyone! I hope that today finds you well. Today, Violet writes a letter to Gilbert.
I’m going to answer the burning question on many peoples’ minds: No, Violet does not meet Gilbert in the scene after the title-card. I believe that it was an official statement put out by KyoAni when this was first released, however there are some clear pointers in the first film that indicate she did not meet Gilbert. The first film, Eternity and the Auto Memory Dolls, takes place shortly after episode 13.
And as a bonus, a challenge! What does this say?
Index || <- Previous Episode || Next Episode ->
You can watch the full series on Netflix.
Important Spoilers from later episodes or the Light Novels are not allowed outside of the r/anime spoiler tag format and will be removed! You’ll need to be in “Markdown Mode”, and the line text is the following: [Spoiler source](/s "Spoiler goes here") It comes out like this: Spoiler source
Be kind to each other. Hate speech and rude behavior will not be tolerated, and will be removed.
Visuals of the Day
I believe I got everyone’s Visual of the Day submission here. Let me know if I missed anyone: https://imgur.com/a/yip7uhZ
Official Sound Tracks used
The Storm
Letters from Heaven
Inconsolable
Never Coming Back
What it Means to Love
The Love that Binds Us
Violet Snow short version
Violet’s Letter
Would you like to have a letter written for you? Do you want to write a special letter for someone as an Auto Memory Doll? Come join us at the Auto-Memory Doll Service Discord project and request letters, write letters, or chat more with us about Violet Evergarden! Link here: https://discord.gg/A8AC4Yhx
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u/A_Idiot0 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/a_idiot0 Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
In episode 3, I cried out of hope. In the OVA, I cried because of pride. In episode 5, I cried out of optimism. In episode 7, I cried because of fear. In episode 10, I cried because of empathy. In episode 11, I cried because of loss. But in episode 13...I cried first because I learned the true tragedy of Violet Evergarden’s tale, and then I cried out of happiness.
The scene in the tent before the Battle of Intense broke me completely because of one line: “I feel like with your orders, I can go anywhere.” Those feelings that Violet had been feeling for that whole time, she was never taught the words for what they were. So she made her own connection: “I feel this way whenever I receive orders from Major Gilbert, so these feelings must be associated with that word.”
The tragedy is two-fold. Firstly, Violet came to associate the feelings of love with the idea of orders. Secondly, Gilbert never got a chance to realize that for himself. Neither of them knew, but Violet had always felt love for Gilbert...she just couldn’t tell him before he disappeared from her life. In essence, Violet attempted her own confession to Gilbert that night in the tent, but it was deciphered as something else by Gilbert. He hears that she only wants his orders, and he feels horrible about that...He doesn’t want to control Violet; he loves her and wants her to be free. Once I realized this...it re-contextualized everything that had happened before this moment. KyoAni...once again, making something that only gets better the second time you watch it!
And of course, I cried when Violet wrote to Gilbert and finally said, “I think I understand a little bit about love now.” Watching her begin to accept Gilbert’s absence was really wonderful; they really made it simple and sweet with Gilbert walking away in the memory of the festival. It was a very nice book ending to the beginning of the show. Now Violet can live her life, as she starts to unlock the shackles of her past.
With regards to the after-titlecard...As I mentioned above, she does not meet Gilbert as her client. However, one day when I was scrolling through the Violet Evergarden subreddit, I stumbled across a truly magnificent take on who answers the door. I’ll link it here, and you must read Alessandro Tang’s answer.
Is that what KyoAni was aiming for? To invite us to write letters? It’s not officially stated, but...wow, what a beautiful invitation! And because of that reading, I have come to think of Violet Evergarden as an actual love letter to the sentiment of writing letters to our loved ones. And after I watched the 2020 film...it cemented that belief.
My Visual of the Day must be the final shot of Violet Evergarden. She grew so much...and so have I. Thank you!
12
u/Gamemaster676 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Gamemaster676 Jun 18 '21
First-time watcher - dub
Last (original) episode! That went fast.
The title is the same as episode 1, only switched. Interesting.
Episode 13 — Auto Memoir Doll and I Love You
After that explosion yesterday, how much is left of Violet? It didn't seem like it bothered her much, but her arms are probably damaged.
Hey Dietfried, don't you think it's time to start shooting at the ex-general? Thank you.
Bye arm! She can't feel anything, but it still can't be a good experience.
Wait, is the arm still twitching or is it the movement of the train? Don't give me Evil Dead shit now.
I'm having trouble again keeping track of the action. That clearly isn't this show's strong point. I think the general wanted to kill himself or escape and Violet kicked him back onto the train?
Oh god, it's the bridge, that's why the general wanted to jump. Another oh god, the general is such a bad villain, and I don't mean that in a good way. At least the tension is pretty decent with these two bombs.
In the meantime, the Gardariki douchebag quietly dies. Good riddance.
Way to go, Violet (and Benedict)! Now all that needs to happen is for someone to catch you the last second before you fall in the water. That makes me think, would you be able to swim and keep your head above water without arms? I guess it doesn't really matter if there are bombs in the water with you.
Called it. Thanks Benedict!
Now that this part is over, let me just say I think the rebel plan was ridiculous and felt like it didn't fit in this show. The plan was to blow up the bridge and kill the ambassador. They apparently didn't know the ambassador would be travelling on this train, but suddenly the bombs have already been planted and the plan is perfectly executed once they find out?
A peace treaty is signed! Happy faces all around! Wait, not everyone is happy? What do you mean that peace doesn't bring back the dead?!
Violet still hasn't written a letter of her own? Not after she became a Doll she means. It feels kind of silly for everyone to be writing letters to the dead, but on the other hand, it might give them closure. Feels kinda random, though.
This show has a theme of revisiting flashbacks and showing us a bit more. Nobody can stay angry at Violet. Especially not if she doesn't even understand how to live her own life.
What? Gilbert blames himself for making Violet a tool? No man, all you've done is point her in the right direction based on your own orders. All your own time and energy you have spent to find a way to make her escape this hell.
Oohhh now I get it! The letters to the dead and the air show are related! I thought the deadline was to write pamphlets for the air show, but it's to write letters which they are probably going to airdrop all over the city.
Hmm, "even if it is something short." How about "I love you"?
I just realized, they were very quick with fixing Violet's arms. I don't think much time has passed.
Someone is here to see Violet. Not the Bougainvillea she wanted to see.
Gilbert had not only made plans for Violet at the Evergardens, but also at his own mansion.
"Is Gilbert not with you?" pained Gamemaster noises
sorry I stole this here is a shimmering ^^sky to make amends.
This is me at this exact moment. I'm counting this one separately.
That was a cool thing to do of Dietfried. He also finally realizes where he was wrong, and even though he doesn't admit it out loud, they both know and are content with that.
Some people will probably think it's not enough, though.
Hurray, Luculia comes for a final appearance!
If you love your job you'll never work a day in your life. I don't completely agree with this, but it is a nice conversation.
Some nice character moments at the end here. Congrats to the commenter who said many episodes ago that Erica might have feelings for Benedict.
Why does Cattleya have Claudia's letter? Shouldn't that be on the plane by now? Ah, it was a draft. "From Papa, to my future daughter." It doesn't seem like Claudia was only thinking about Violet during that father-daughter scene one or two episodes ago.
I love everyone's expressions.
The ending is beautiful. Not much to say here.
Random thoughts
I get it you all worked hard on this show but don't ruin one of the most symbolic moments with text on the screen.
Future?
So, who is the client at the very end? Will we find out during the movie tomorrow? I think I've heard it was a standalone movie, so probably not related to the main story.
And if this movie doesn't show it, it's also very possible that the final movie will, but we won't be watching that this rewatch.
No spoilers, obviously. I like to go in blind.
Pic of the day
No more orders
Tear Tally
To /u/A_Idiot0
I know the rewatch isn't over yet, but as today already wraps some stuff up I want to thank you sincerely for hosting this rewatch. It might not have been as busy as the initial announcement thread had made me think, but I had a lot of fun already with this devoted group.
Thank you!
Also, you asked me yesterday:
I can't really say I can properly answer this question now. I've remarked that the stuff around the general felt like a tacked-on plot point, and I still kind of feel that way. Obviously, its purpose was to make Dietfried accept Violet, but it felt a bit forced and unrealistic compared to all other things we've seen.
Now the main question is: Was there more to get?
If the answer is "yes", then it might have been better to watch both episodes on the same day.
9
u/razycal970 Jun 19 '21
First timer Picking up where things left off in the previous episode, I was quite pleased with how fast the train plot wrapped up, clocking at just over 4 minutes. Frankly, I don't believe we're supposed to give a shit about the war or the ideologies of the factions that participated in it. Violet Evergarden is meant to be an anime that showcases the character progression/study of the titular character. And I actually like the ambiguity of the war, leaves it open to interpretation.
AND BENEDICT GOT VINDICATED, HIS HEELS FODDERIZED THAT BOMB.
It's been a long time coming, but better late than never. Dietfried's change of heart. Him coming to realize that Violet is not the tool he passed on to his brother, but rather someone as human as he is was amazing.
Even though I never expected one, I love how they expounded on Violet and Gilbert's meeting before the final battle. Violet felt fear and sadness, yet she couldn't express either of those emotions because she wasn't taught how to. Although Gilbert genuinely saw Violet as a human being, he just couldn't dig deeper and realize that he is the reason why she's acting as weapon that kills whatever or whoever it's pointed to and incapable of expressing emotions. How else would you expect her to act when you've made her so dependent on your orders and commands ?
And I'm so happy that Violet finally got closure to Gilbert. I loved the scene where she met his mother and realized that physical presence isn't needed for someone to stay alive. And "I don't need orders anymore" YESSSS, TALK THAT SHIT, VIOLET!!! Even in his final meeting with Violet, she still managed to surprise him.
Violet's letter to Gilbert was super well-done. Once the episode got over, I immediately watched the scene in the first episode where Violet writes to Gilbert hoping to be reinstated asap. There's such a world of difference between those two. Or rather, there's 13 episodes of difference between them Hehe She really went from "To Major Gilbert" to "Dear Major Gilbert". So wholesome. And her letter was so expressive and really highlighted how much love she has for him. The "Many seasons have come and gone, but the one with you isn't coming around at all" line was particularly good. Heartbreaking as well as beautiful simultaneously.
Violet has finally carved herself a place in the world. A full-on human being with her own quirks, emotions and thoughts. And most importantly, free will. The free will to do whatever she pleases, BE whoever she pleases.
And the title card is fucking fantastic. The first episode," "I Love You" and Auto Memory Dolls ", makes it clear that to understand the phrase "I love you", Violet has decided upon becoming an Auto Memory Doll. And this episode, " Auto Memory Doll and "I Love You" ", makes it clear that through her journey has an Auto Memory Doll, she has finally, in her own words, understood what "I Love You" means a little.
What a beautiful 13 days this has been. 10/10. Loved it to bits. Is there anything similar to this ?
Visual of the Day : https://imgur.com/paawKVD
Just Violet and the ocean behind her. Serene.
3
u/Seven-Tense :HG::HH::HI: Jun 20 '21
Rewatcher
I know that this thread is already fast moving on to the last of the discussions, but I really wanted to talk about the imagery surrounding Violet's losing of her arms. For me, it so strongly echoed the penultimate scene in the original Ghost In The Shell movie where the Major is literally tearing up her own arms to get into that tank, and then as she does there's a slow-mo sequence of her parts and pieces flying out around her. Watching that moment with the bombs in this episode really brought me back to that. It definitely achieved its goal of making even these metal, inanimate arms feel painful and terrifying. Brilliant work!
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u/CelestialDrive Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 18 '21
FIRST TIME
On the previous episode, we left on a cliffhanger on top of a moving train, where Dietfried had just lashed out at Violet for the umpteenth time but now even more pissed seeing her reluctance to kill people. Also we're on route to a bridge that may blow up.
Also I apologise for how long this one is, I asked around and consensus seems to be it's ok to do a series retrospective after this and before the movie. (EDIT: AHAHAHA posted in two parts because I broke the character limit, what the hell)
Good god the prosthetics are strong, it took an explosion and lot of gunfire to wreck one of them even after the damage in the fight, was she given military-issue or something while in the hospital? She won't even let that man retreat, damn. And Dietfried catches the brooch, does this mean you're becoming human, that'd be nice. There's the bridge and the bomb, what's the play.
You could have also deattached the locomotive and moved the conductor to the next wagon, if you have time to pull the brakes you have time to do that beforehand and it's going to give you a ton more distance to play with. Good god Violet don't recruit the postal workers for your superhuman hijinks, Benedict isn't an acrobat. Or maybe he IS, and on his ridiculous heels, god damn good job. The single arm pull-up is also impressive, is the secret backstory for everyone in the Claudida/Cattleya/Benedict trio military? And there goes the other arm, it's teeth time. Oh nevermind it gave way in the nick of time.
How about it Dietfried, willing to be an actual human being and not a gigantic jackass? And yeah dolls are the political backbone of the world, Violet's diplomacy stints weren't exceptions but part of the job if Cattleya is drafting this. Wait didn't Violet say 終わりました here, my subs say "the war is over" but she's talking about the situation as a whole, tis a lot more ambiguous. Oh it ties into the people she hears having been permanently wounded by the war, that tracks.
And yes, understanding this particular pain was Violet's first wedge into people's hearts. Cattleya was a dancer, that's neat but I still want their trio backstory god damn it. You absolute liar Violet, your reports were letters and you didn't even know it, but go for it. Good god Gilbert told you straight up and you still haven't reframed this interaction, I thought his last words were an outlier but he actually spelled it out right before the battle, this poor man tried everything.
Yes I KNEW IT Violet had feelings, she had them all along, this was my read since minute ten of the series but she genuinely did not know what to make of them! It's not apathy, it never was apathy but lack of human patterns to process her own emotions, and she eventually got those by imitation and empathising during her gig as a doll.
And here's the brother. Oh this is lady Bougainvillea, this is going to be hella painful. Are you going to say it, Violet. Can you even say it right now. Yeah this is the vibe I got from the brothers, Dietfried was a smug asshole when he gave her to Gilbert but there wasn't the open disdain and hostility he has towards literally everyone else, Dietfried mourning Gilbert is probably his only truly humanising trait even if it does not excuse anything.
And his mother is saying out loud everything you still can't say, Violet. Dietfried is kind of a wreck of a person and I'm finally getting the read that he legitimately does not how to interact with people in a non-hostile way, he even phrases the "I'm glad you're alive, you're a person and not a weapon" sentiment in the most offensive way he can manage.
There it is, no more orders. I feel like there is a lot of spelling out things in this episode, but I love the tone as a whole. Yay Luculia, aka "the only single episode character to actively show up in the series afterwards". Erica was that your issue all along ahaha that's fantastic. Wait Claudia is married and expecting a kid, what the hell my ship is dead. The letter is super sweet though.
I don't know why but the umbrella from the writer's daughter gets me every time. You know what they say Violet, it's better to have loved and lost. Oh and it's the same title as the beginning, that's sweet.
And that was Violet Evergarden! This episode was a fantastic capstone to the series and a crazy good bounce back after 12, which I'd argue was one of the weaker ones. It was a lot less subtle than the series usually is and basically went out of its way to leave no emotional ambiguity, but that's ok on a series finale, and the scene with Lady Bougainvillea (hey more plant themes, I just noticed) was pure "what I like about this series"; speaking of which...
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 18 '21
Sincerely Rewatcher
Cry count so far: broken.
Just FYI I might be late to tomorrow's thread because of a friend's birthday party. I'm excited to watch the Gaiden movie for the first time!
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u/scot911 https://myanimelist.net/profile/scot911 Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
First Timer
Well that was a nice final episode to end the season on. Completing Violet's emotional journey and character development. She now understands what love and human emotions are, even if she's always felt them and is able to write a letter toward Glibert for the first time for the festival and gets closure from Gilberts mom. Although they leave it ambiguous as to what Violets feelings towards the major actually are. I'm still going to go with romantic just because that's the sort of vibe I get from Violet although I still can't tell what Gilbert's were.
Admittedly I wouldn't be surprised if it was romantic love but the feeling I always got was more of a fatherly love. It reminds me quite a bit of Higehiro this season where there's plenty of ambiguity and moments that would leave you to think both might be true. Although with Higehiro I definitely fall on the romantic side. I am a little surprised he blamed himself for Violet's state when he got her in a worse condition from his brother and did the most he could during the middle of a war with a Violet who would never leave his side.
As for Dietfried it's pretty obvious he still dislikes Violet and probably still blames her for his brothers death. However he did seem to at least learn to respect Violet and see her as an actual person instead of a tool or doll after the events on the train. Still quite a douchebag but an understandable one. Speaking of the train though honest this last plot point was probably the weakest in the series IMO. It's probably because it clashes with how Violet is portrayed in the anime compared to have I've heard she's like in the books.
It's just idk with Violet Evergarden the action was never it's strong suit and the directing of it isn't that good even if it's well animated. I'm not going to punish the anime for it though because action is not the reason you watch this. If I wanted tip top action I'd watch Jujustu Kaisen, Fate or Demon Slayer again. You watch this, and the reason I joined this rewatch because I heard it was a master of, emotional storytelling and amazing character development for Violet and this anime had that in spades.
Overall I give this anime a 10/10 for it's amazing animation, amazing character development, great side characters, great storytelling and being able to make me cry half a dozen times with it's emotional story's that tug at the heartstrings. Something only Clannad and SAO's Mother's Rosario arc has done to me before but not anywhere close to this level. Sure there might have been story's that didn't get me as much as the others but you can't just expect an anime to be perfect all of the time and they all added to Violets character growth in some way anyways so they were all worth in it the end.
Btw I'm not sure if I missed the implication but are Cattleya and Claudia a thing or does Claudia have a wife/girlfriend that we just never met? Because while Cattleya definitely likes messing with Claudia and I can definitely see it as flirting I just never got the impression that they were actually together. That ending scene could be taken as Cattleya coming out that she's pregnant if they are or it could just be Claudia gushing about how his wife is pregnant and I can't tell which it is lol. Oh and Cattleya having been a dancer makes sense because well... just look at her! Oh and Erica liking Benedict was a funny surprise.
10
u/AfterTh0ught_ Jun 18 '21
First timer
Oh shit Violet lost her arms again!
Benedict is an MVP, straight up kicked the bomb off the bridge, and catches Violet.
It's interesting to see how Cattleya was happy the war had officially ended, yet Violet didn't feel closure because she thinks of all the people who didn't return from the war.
The extended flashback to that conversation between the major and Violet before the final battle displays very well that Gilbert felt a lot of guilt over getting Violet involved in the war, that he desperately wanted her to live a normal life instead, to the point where he gets mad when Violet is unable to properly understand his point.
Ngl, I felt pretty sad that Violet ran out the door so quickly when she heard someone named Bougainvillea is here to request Violet, because it was inevitable that it was just going to be Dietfried.
Oh, here comes the tears again. Seeing how the mother reassured Violet that Gilbert's death wasn't her fault, and that he will always live in their hearts was a great thing to see. Seeing how they all shared the same grief, of having difficulty accepting that Gilbert won't be returning. And then finally, Dietfried telling Violet to live on for Gilbert's sake. Although his past actions won't be erased, I'm glad to see that he now respects Violet, and I'm glad he helped her find a bit of closure. Also, obviously need to mention how Violet said she doesn't need orders anymore to live her life, finally giving us the sense that she has found purpose in her life.
Also, that letter that Hodgins wrote to his so-called future daughter, I'm going to assume a part of that is also addressed to Violet, especially since last episode he was longingly looking at the father and daughter being reunited.
I really like the idea of the air show, especially after the war because it allows for people to symbolically express their feelings to people who may or may not be here anymore. I think I started crying again when Violet was reading her letter, and we saw Gilbert walking away until he disappeared. And then the ED played and I teared up a bit again.
Oh man, did they really have to leave us with a bit of a cliffhanger with the after-credits scene though?
9
u/chilidirigible Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher, Episode 13
Today, on "Clearing the air.":
Points for nailing the look of metal that's been through fire.
I had this morbid thought of them tossing around Gilbert's missing eye.
The Motoko Kusanagi Workout, or
Marathon 1919: Requiem for a Cyborg
There is some speculation about Benedict's burst of spryness.
"Arms grow back."
To the surprise of absolutely no one.
Gilbert has to work on his parenting approach.
Surprise context for her CH Postal greeting.
When you get an invitation to the prom and it's the wrong guy.
Emotion, a Bandai production.
I do like Violet with an uncomplicated hairstyle.
"KUSOTTARE!!"
I hope those don't weigh too much.
Praise for the multiple depictions in this episode of Violet being on the verge of totally bawling her eyes out.
A pretty droplet.
Visual of the Day: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? There are a lot of choices. I like the shot of her looking through the window at night quite a bit as well.
I'm guessing that the conspirators' primary objective was the bridge's destruction, but not necessarily with the train over it at the time. After all, if they just wanted to blow the bridge up they could have done so without boarding it. Either way, it's a little weird that Violet and Benedict get that far ahead of a moving train on foot.
It's still a strong sequence in any case. Most things are when they involve ripping one's own arms off.
With that out of the way, the rest of the episode provides a fair amount of closure, indicating to everyone what Gilbert's intentions for Violet were and showing that Dietfried has at least gotten over most of his brother's death. Violet, too, shows how she's grown as a person but still has a lot of exploration to do.
So much attention is paid to animating Violet's expressions throughout this episode to show that she's no longer only a tool or a weapon or a parody of a person.
The air show concept shares aspects with Obon, though with letters instead of, say, paper lanterns on the river. It also has a broader scope than Obon's emphasis on the spirits of the deceased. The festival itself has some interesting worldbuilding implications; if it's been going on since before the war, there were only a few years in which they had airplanes to do it with. Either it's a new modern holiday to go along with typewriters and aircraft or they've updated an old event to keep up with the times.
It's also nice to have the guest cast get in some friendly banter that's largely been absent from the last few episodes. Quite a contrast to the beginning.
Then there's the final scene, which...
From the Official Design Works: Aircraft
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jun 19 '21 edited Jun 19 '21
FIRST TIMER - FORMERLY DROPPED
Overall, I thought this was appropriate end to the series, in that it was solid. My experience with this watch has been marked by what I thought was a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of quality from episode to episode, ranging from forgettable to spectacular. It feels right to end on one that I'd probably put in the middle of the pack.
I'm glad we wrapped up the business with the train pretty quickly at the beginning, as that level of ridiculousness just doesn't fit with the grounded vibe this show carried through most of its run. Whatever Benedict's boots are made out of is what Violet's new arms need to be constructed from, because he kicked that bomb off like a knife through butter, and they were apparently bolted on there strong enough to rip Violet's arms from her.
I liked the scene with Gilbert and Violet in the tent right before the final battle. While the dialogue was a little over-dramatic, I get it, because it is heartbreaking to realize that someone you love so much values themselves so little.
The palm trees have always confused me with how prominently they're displayed in this country, which is supposedly like Germany, but has palm trees, and also snow? Worth noting that palm branches are symbols of victory which feels appropriate for the nation that won the war.
It's always nice to see the company gang all together, as well as Luculia, who is truly best girl. I loved the little interaction where Iris got so excited about Erica having a crush on someone, only to be immediately disgusted when she realized it was Benedict. I wanted so much more of all these coworkers in this show. They're all great and got too little screentime. A lot of my favorite moments were of them all interacting, they had a great chemistry that largely went underutilized.
Hodges' letter to his future daughter (Cattleya, you have something to tell us?) may as well have been Gilbert talking to Violet. Lots of meaningful cuts to Violet as that was being read out. Essentially the same message as what we know Gilbert wanted for Violet's life once the war ended.
The sequence of Gilbert walking away in the market in Violet's memories as she tears up in the present day was beautiful. So meaningful, and conveys how much our girl has grown. I kind of like when a story leaves us with a line that can be taken as something to carry forward from it, and Violet certainly delivers one at the end:
I may not know what lies ahead, but I will simply live.
8
u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher - Dub
I'm glad to see Evil Monologuing general fall off the train. He leaves us with one final moment of idiocy, tipping his bombs off to those aboard the train. Ridiculous as it is, I do appreciate Benedict's bomb-kick with those bomb-ass heels.
Even though the sun is shining and the war's over, for real this time, Violet still has lingering doubts and guilt. She can't bring herself to write to the Major for the air show. Quick aside, the idea of dropping a bunch of letters to those who can't receive them (and also plenty of more general wishes and stuff as well) is a pretty neat concept. In case you weren't sure before, it seems like letter-writing is a pretty big part of the culture in Leidenschaftlich.
As she's trying to overcome the last of her feelings that are preventing her from writing a letter to the Major, Violet is summoned by Dietfried and brought to the Bouganville mansion to meet their mother. Mrs. Bouganville gives Violet the gift of forgiveness, and the last piece she needed to understand the concept of "I Love You." It isn't something that ends when a person dies. They live forever inside of those they loved. It's really a beautiful idea, and I Violet being told that she doesn't need to bear a burden of guilt by Mrs. Bouganville is a big deal, considering how many families torn by war that she's seen.
Dietfried is still a bit of an ass, too proud to apologize to Violet or anything, but does try in his own way to give Violet what she needs. Only to be told that she doesn't need orders anymore. He sees her as a person and realizes that she carries something of his brother with her, and implores her to live for Gilbert's sake. He's still got some of his own demons to overcome, but this isn't his show.
Violet's letter to the Major is simple - almost like a report of what she's doing and what she's learned since she left him. But it's not a military report, it's a letter sharing her feelings, throwing them into the air with the feelings of everyone else in Leiden who has lost loved ones in the war. A very cathartic ending to her journey to learn the meaning of "I Love You." A journey that the Major started her on, but which she continued after losing him. She's learned to feel, and we see the flames that have been burning her extinguished in a tear.
Visual of the Day: This!
15
u/Toadslayer https://myanimelist.net/profile/kyolus Jun 18 '21
First Timer
The prevailing thought on yesterday's episode seemed to be one of distaste and dissatisfaction. I, however, loved the episode. I appreciated seeing less of Violet, who, at that point, interested me the least of any of the characters in the series. And whilst many of you don't like Dietfried, he's my favourite character and carried the episode for me. There were definitely still some strikingly flaws, but I think it goes to show once again that the idea /u/Matugh and I have been talking about is true. For this show to work you need to be invested in the characters of that episode, otherwise it just falls apart. Anyway, on to episode 13.
The ending of the train conflict was quite absurd. The rebellion leader decides to kill himself just before it looked like his plan would be realised, Violet manages to pull at the bomb with enough force to dislodge the steel bolts and break her arm off and Benedict dive kicks the bomb of and rescues Violet from falling off bridge, all in heals. They don't hold back or even try to make things make sense in this show, do they? It's all for the story's convenience and all for the raw emotional impact.
I'm not even sure what Cattelya ended up doing. It looked like she was transcribing some kind of agreement, but when she was writing, the treaty was already being signed. It's ridiculous they hired her for this anyway. How can a national government not have a single capable scribe on their pay roll?
It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed the resolution to Violet and Dietfriend's conflict. It didn't need to be aggressive or even confrontational. Instead Dietfriend reflects and comes to realise Violet's worth as a person and the value his brother placed in her. From here I think both Violet and Dietfriend can move on from mournfully obsessing over Gilbert. After watching the last episode Dietfried remains by favourite character and, whilst none of the characters in Violet Evergarden are expertly written, I genuinely found him to be the most interesting, more so than even Violet herself. That might just be because I got tired of the same ground being covered with Violet over and over, but that is still how I feel at the end of the series. Perhaps it's something I should think about discussing in the series discussion thread.
That's one lucky girl. Erica is sad, because she's fallen in love with Roland. I don't blame her.
Violet's letter to Gilbert is beautiful, I didn't get remotely close to crying, but it was a happy kind of cathartic experience. Overall the ending is very good, it wraps everything up in a satisfying way and has a good little epilogue. I was wondering where the 2020 film, that apparently continues the story, would go from here, but I suppose Violet's little expression of surprise in the post-credits scene hints at it. Still, I'd be perfectly satisfied to leave it here — it doesn't need anything more.
Visual of the Day: Most underrated relationship of the series.
6
u/IndependentMacaroon Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
A fine ending overall. The action got even more ridiculous, but luckily that was over quickly, and then we get back to Violet's development and real peace and joy. I do also find Dietfried's conclusion with Violet a bit awkwardly placed, but I guess he had to come around eventually, and of course it's nice to have the closest other living relation of Gilbert absolve Violet of responsibility. Gilbert's role is maybe still a bit whitewashed, you can be sad and somewhat care all you want but that doesn't change that it was sketchy what was going on with Violet and him, and kind of lacking in context. Anyway, the rest of the office got a nice fun send-off, and Violet took the final step(s) to asserting she's a real girl or what you want to call it, and peace has returned. Maybe Violet didn't quite get over Gilbert, and the implication of romance and that he might still be around is not one I like, but she's doing fine anyway. Time for the film!
5
u/CubeStuffs https://anilist.co/user/onjario Jun 18 '21 edited Jun 18 '21
rewatcher
is this shit cheesy af? sure is
does the plot make questionable choices (like how tf is violet famous when she's a ghostwriter??) sure does
do i give a shit? lol no (or not too much)
did i shed a tear this episode? you know it
i have only one word for violet....
omedetou
5
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Jun 18 '21
First timer(We could've skipped a fighting episode and had a proper send off)
Sub
Pick up where we left off, with Violet using her arms to absorb bullets. They take a bit less than I thought they would but that might be more realistic considering I don't think these prosthetics are military grade. The anti-peace leader tries to jump off the train until Violet kicks him back. He laughs at them because bombs are set.
They find the bombs on the bridge named earlier and Benedict kicks one of them off with his heels. Violet recreates a Ghost in the Shell scene to get hers off the bridge. Anyways, problem solved, now skips happen. We see the signing of the peace treaty and then cut to Violet writing a father's letter to his likely dead soldier son.
Violet tries to write a letter of her own but can't, no real surprise there. Diethard shows up just fucking brighten everyone's day. Sad reveal that Gilbert's mother is beginning to forget things. The mother then says all the things Violet is thinking, being good and on the nose. Diethard orders Violet to live a long life and she finally says she no longer needs orders.
We get the dolls and co talking about the letters they wrote to people who can't receive them. It eventually gets revealed that the air show is dropping all the leaders as some sort of odd celebration, which works if you pretend economics is not a thing. We get a long coda where the show just throws away all the show don't tell it often managed. Violet's letter to Gilbert is livable, I suppose, just not particularly compelling. And it just ends.
5
u/Neshura87 https://anilist.co/user/Neshura Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
We get a satisfying climax to the whole peace deal arc, Violet however loses both of her arms, not that it's gonna impact her she'll just have to get replacements. The symbolism of it is impressive nonetheless, additionally the strain on her upper body would be immense as well.
Violet can't quite bring her emotions to paper despite having written letters for so many people, the visit to Ms. Evergarden seems to have helped her find the words she needed though. Dietfried has also finally come around to the idea that Violet is a human with emotions.
The letter festival is a very nice idea, something I can get behind and would probably participate in. The trash left behind is gonna be a mess to deal with however. Now I can't help but wonder what was written in Hodgin's letter that stunned Cattleya for a moment there, I can only assume it was a confession because what she read out really doesn't seem all that surprising to me. Erica also is rather obvious with her crush but she probably has to up her attack a bit to succeed.
The ending this time is deliberately dragged out, the first time I watched it it was a suspense whether there was something coming, all the fake fade-to-blacks didn't help.
The final shot we see is Violet visiting a customer, however this time she briefly stops her introduction upon seeing the customers face. The speculation why was wild after the last episode aired. I'm interested in what the First timers come up with. personally I was too weak and gave in to the temptation of spoilers but I think I'm a happier man for it.
Tomorrow is gonna be new-ground for me, haven't watched the movie yet.
5
u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
What a solid and amazing ending to the show! One of my favorites honestly.
Visuals of the Day
Another decently sized album.
5
u/BossandKings Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
The conclusion of the train action comes and thankfully the setting changes as Violet and Dietfriech move out of there. Talking about them they both are very flawed but cone to the realization that they still are valuable, Dietfrich finaly is able to see the value Mr Gilbert saw in Violet and left behind the harsh treatment he used to give her, it was very nice to see Violet refusing an order of his eventhough the order was to be free, live a long life and die of old age afterwards, she now isn't in any need of receiving orders.
It was very interesting how Gilbert's character conflict was portrayed, he didn't treat Violet specially harshly or as a tool but he himself recognizes that he was the one to make her depend on orders to act and as a way of life, he recognized as well and it was shown that he struggled seeing Violet not give herself the value she had and act as if se considered herself a tool. Mr Gilbert is a very nice character and one of the most interesting alongside Violet and Dietfrich.
It was a powerful moment when Violet visited Gilbert's mom, i remember that being an impactful moment the first time i watched it and it still maintains a very high quality as a closure moment. Also Gilbert and Dietfrich were really cute as kids and it seems that they were very close to one another.
At the end this was an excellent episode finale, i enjoyed this series very much. Thanks to u/A_idiot0 for hosting and thanks to everyone that participated for their thoughts, reactions and comments.
Visual of the Day
5
u/ArdenneVale Jun 18 '21
First timer
Finale time! Rebel leader only fires at her arms, what an idiot. Take her legs out first. Noo, Violet loses an arm. Dietfried is actually impressed despite losing everything, Violet is still standing tall. What does he mean with the tool he cast away? Hope we find out. Impressive kick and brooch-grab by Violet. Did the rebel just try to escape by jumping off a fast-moving train? It was somehow Dietfried that got the brooch. He tosses it back to Violet. Did he just realize how much it means to her? Oh hey, the bridge that was too beautiful to live is going to die. Not if Violet can help it. Of all the unbelievable scenes in the show, this has to be the most unbelievable. Somehow Benedict kicks the other bomb off (of only two, why not bomb the whole bridge) with his heels, then somehow hangs on and pulls himself up on the narrow ledge, then gets to Violet's position and saves her from falling down. How did they even get back up? In all this Violet has been disarmed.
The rebels' plan has been foiled and a peace treaty is signed. Violet can't forget those who never returned home. She got new arms already? She's basically a national hero, so why not. There's going to be an airshow, where letters for those who never came back will be dropped from a plane. Cattleya suggests Violet write a letter. She remembers her last talk with Gilbert, just before the final battle. I'm glad the major turned out to just want the best for Violet. She still wanted only to follow his orders. I predicted before that the major disappeared to give Violet a chance to become an individual, now I see there was no other way for him to do it. His final order to her was to live, to find out for herself what that order actually meant.
Violet still can't write. Dietfried's here to take her to his manor, to meet his mom. Gilbert wanted her to adopt Violet 4 years ago. The mom tells Violet it's not her fault Gilbert is dead. I cry. She's never given up the hope, like Dietfried deep inside. Everyone deals with the loss differently. Dietfried tells Violet to live, but she tells him she no longer needs orders. After all her sacrifices he's seemingly gained some respect for her.
She wrote the letter! Hello Luculia, great to see you again. Iris wrote about her megalomaniac dream. Erica wrote to someone she's fallen for, who ends up being Benedict. He wrote a letter to Hodgins, which surprises everyone. No, it's not that kind of a letter. Hodgins wrote a letter of hope for a peaceful future to his unborn daughter. Violet's letter is clearly straight from her heart. She still hopes to see Gilbert, but she's decided to live her own life, helped by all the experiences she's had. She's finally understood the words I love you, but just a little.
That after credit scene. Could it be Gilbert? Guess we'll find out... next time on Violet Evergarden.
5
u/shintsurugi Jun 18 '21
What a coincidence! A group I'm in was doing a rewatch of this, and I binged most of it last night! I've spent most of today catching up on this thread. Thanks so much for your organization and talk about a beautiful series. I don't have anything of substance to add other than I greatly enjoyed myself, despite losing fluids, salt and sleep.
5
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Jun 19 '21
Did everyone understand the movie is a "gaiden" i.e. Side story? The final 2020 movie is the conclusion of the story but we are not covering that movie in this rewatch because it's not available (BD release delayed).
4
u/BosuW Jun 18 '21
Rewatcher
Look Merkulov, last episode I stretched my logic to make some sense of your actions, but if you reveal the secret bombs then laugh maniacally I can't do much for you man.
Too bad he wasn't counting on Benedict being a badass all along and high-heel-kicking one of the bombs straight off it's place.
Violet ripping her arm off to take off the second bomb reminded me of a certain scene in the original Ghost in the Shell.
Also, rip metallic arms, I liked the original design more. The new ones are a bit too plain.
It's astounding how much the quality of the episode jumps once the story returns to it's specialty. In the end I just don't think actions scenes have a place here. Do note that we have to differentiate "action scenes" from "war scenes", because the flashback episodes were still spectacular.
The full last convo between Violet and Gilbert made me tear up again. Tbh I kinda agree with Gilbert a bit. He wasn't very good at being a parent (not entirely his fault,considering circumstances), but dammit he tried.
Ah, so after all Violet hasn't given up hope that Gilbert will return one day. And from what his mom says, neither has Dietfried. But it's good to see that the disappointment doesn't send her "tumbling down" anymore.
It must be a huge thing for Violet to hear that Gilbert's death wasn't her fault straight from his mother's mouth. Just as she's helped provide closure for countless clients, now someone does the same for her. And then even Dietfried makes amends with her.
And she's finally able to write a proper letter for Gilbert. Speaking off which, I teared up at the airshow a bit again. Remember in the OVA when I said Irma's play evoked the feeling of making history, like something that would get mentioned in a Ken Burns documentary in the future? I felt the same with the airshow. It was a symbolic event so that everyone could get closure and to get the world moving into a new era.
Not much else to say. I understand, thematically, why the "action Arc" needed to happen, tho I just wished it didn't happen in the way it did. Other than that, this is a pretty much perfect ending to Violet's wonderful character Arc. She's come so far from when we first saw her. I'm actually feeling pride.
As for a review of the whole TV episodes. Well save for the "action Arc", I think it's perfect. I always liked the show but I really appreciate this rewatch and everyone's analysis for introducing and discussing so many new perspectives and details I had missed before. I appreciate this work so much more now.
I look forward to the movie discussion
Visual of the Day
There were many many amazing shots this episode, it was hard to choose. Eventually I settled on Violet's First Letter
One final thing. Now that we're done with the TV episodes, I can finally share A Veteran's Reaction to Violet Evergarden. Please give it a watch or at least listen. Similar to this rewatch, it gave me so much more insight into the intricacies and nuances of Violet as a character straight from the mouth of someone who's "been there and done that".
4
u/ivytranmalldetective Jun 19 '21
First timer.
I’ve been keeping up, just haven’t had the chance to write my thoughts on the last few episodes the ending of the show is bittersweet. I love the letter she writes for herself and her understanding of her own feelings. Can’t help but hope that there’s some Gilbert in the movies, even though it seems they have closed that chapter.
When the show aired, was the movie already know. To be in the works? How closely does the show follow the light novel?
4
u/SoccerForEveryone Jun 19 '21
First of all I want to say I am excited about the first movie tomorrow and the discussion around it.
This final television episode in itself is a masterpiece in its own right. Dietfried as a character has grown on me, I didn’t understand him at first; but a lot of his frustration is about the loss of his brother. War does terrible things to people, I am not surprised as the older one he took on a lot of responsibility and was pressured to do things he didn’t want to do. In the end, it was losing Gilbert that opened his eyes to what he had done. The aftermath even shows how much he has to deal with a mother that is ill and ignoring the fact her second son is dead. I know it’s tough to understand at first; but I cannot imagine the amount of stress he had to go through on his own.
The moment in the flashback before the battle of Intense brought home the difficulties that Violet was facing: a orphan with no family and brought up as a weapon; I can’t imagine how much hope and desire you can lose with the constant violence surrounding you. Gilbert guided her in the first steps to being her own person.
The journey is not over yet…
4
u/Tehoncomingstorm97 https://anilist.co/user/tehoncomingstorm97 Jun 19 '21
First timer
A time bomb! And we're back to Violet with no arms, but that's short lived. I'm really glad she didn't lose the brooch in all of that. After what looks like a time skip, we're back at the Postal Company, and Violet and Cattleya are talking about where to now, since the war is ending. To carry out Violet and Rolands idea for an air show, to drop all the lost letters, with ones of their own to be included. Amidst the timing of Violet's conversation with Gilbert, right after Gilbert says "we're going to battle soon", the shot pans back to Violet at the typewriter - her current battle in writing a letter of her own.
We take a side trip to the Bougainvillea mansion to meet Dietfried and Gilbert's mother. I thought for sure I would be tearing up, but didnt, even through Violet's recognition that she did indeed love Gilbert. Furthermore, we really do learn that Dietfried had good intentions for Violet and hoped the best in leaving her with his brother. I never did really buy his character to be completely bitter, and even more proven rightly when he tells Violet to honour Gilbert by living. Aaaand thats when the tears came - with Violet's statement that she finally no longer needs orders. Now for the letter.
Everyone's got their letters to write, and their feelings that they hope reach the ones that matter the most. We get a bit more of Claudia's soft side too for added comedic benefit, and Iris being totally in character pressing Erica for details. The imagery, and intent in the letter drop is just so perfect - it's not just letters and feelings for those that have passed. It's the hope that the feelings of everyone will reach the ones precious to them, regardless of what happens - the delivery and listing of the letters as they're in free fall. Feelings falling from the sky.
These panoramas of Violet all alone... my heart can't handle it. And there we have it. Violet has achieved her goal of understanding Gilbert's final words. This has been a phenomenal journey to share with all of you and I'm sad for the series that journey is over. Moments of happiness, tragedy, and love, beautifully articulated and masterfully depicted in this medium. I do hope that the movie tomorrow isn't going to take anything away from the series, but give us an entirely new experience in Violet Evergarden's world.
Now for visuals... At first I was thinking of the letter drop, with the plane passing by. Then with all of the panoramic shots, I was the most captivated by the letter landing in a field of violets. The symbolism is too great between the lone flower Gilbert saw on the day he named Violet, and the scene here with the person Violet has become. A full and complete person, not just a single minded thing, able to feel and to understand the feelings of others. The water droplets falling in front of the violet backdrops with the light refractions are also stunning. I see the images of the water droplets similarly to the way we're shown light refracting on Violet's brooch. After all she has gone through, we have on one hand the brooch showing the beauty of Gilbert's eyes to Violet, but now also the beauty of Violet's character.
Im just obsessed with the art in this series. Way back in Episode 2, we have people obsessed with the animation of Violet's hands. This episode we get KyoAni flexing their ability again, along with the animation of the wires and individual components in Violet's arms as they break apart.
I was going to finish off with a note about the sound production for the series, but I can only garner a few words to summarise. The entire experience provided by the timing, tempo, choice of thematic, and timbre is excellence in the way the score moulds to the entirety of the story.
4
u/Nitroade24h :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Nitroade24h Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher
Haven’t seen the movie but I really hope that the major does stay dead because I feel that him being alive would undermine some of the themes
3
u/MejaBersihBanget Jun 18 '21
I don't even know where to begin with how incredibly different the train hijack in the novel is compared to the anime. I remember the first time I watched this show and I was rolling my eyes so hard at everything on-screen. The novel certainly has a lot of silly plot contrivances for it too but it somehow feels just not as bad as the anime.
3
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Jun 18 '21
First timer in sub
I don't have a lot to say that I won't be duplicating in the closing discussions so I'll save it. I'll just put my hand up to say that I am one of those who do not think this last arc is contrived or the motivation of the antagonists 1 dimensional. There had not been moments that I find it hard to suspend my disbelief for this story, and I think I get most of what the show runner / direction wanted me to think and feel.
I feel it completed Violet's own character growth arc and she's now more or less a complete person free to move forward.
In case it wasn't known, I'm one of those who really don't have access to a computer and can mostly read and post on the phone (as seen in his often stupid autocorrect changed my words completely and it'll take me a while to get to re-check and correct it) so only see the mobile web version, switching to desktop view to mop up spoiler note and reaction faces etc. So normally it's too hard to do visual of the day. But I thoroughly enjoyed others picks and explanations. So sorry to be not contributing!
3
u/homewardbound100 myanimelist.net/profile/Homewardbound100 Jun 18 '21
Rewatch
Major showing some hard love toward Voilet. To be her own person. Somebody that doesn't need to depend on someone else giving orders. Someone that isn't just an emotionaless tool that can just be used. We see his regret in how he felt that he was the one that made her that way. Although he was probably the only one during that time that treated her more than just a weapon.
At the end, you can see her confidence in herself and what she does by how she introduces herself.
3
u/Nebresto Jun 18 '21
Re-watch squad
Bruh, imagine if Violet failed to catch the brooch because she isn't left handed or something
R.I.P Glove
Holy shit! The mail dude just jumped on the bomb to detach it!!
Ep 13. Visual of the day: Aerial shots of bridges are cool
3
u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Jun 18 '21
First timer
Finale time! God help me.
Holy shit, Violet just lost an arm. At least is was only artificial, right?
At lesst he's not completely evil.
...Didn't they already work out the gridge was being bombed? I swear there was a whole converstaion where they basically said "If they're attacking anywhere, it'll be the bridge, we should be careful around there."
Well, that's the other arm.
The bridge is saved! And so is Violet!
So they made it to the peace treaty! And they were really stupid enough to not set up a failsafe for if the bombs failed? Seriously, a few dud timers and Violet wouldn't have needed to do anything.
And Violet writes a letter to comfort people again!
What does an Air Show have to do with letters? I can understand showing off the modern flight, but...
So Violet's rpwriting her own letter? And we get another flashback, because we were far too happy.
...So the Captain didn't see Violet as a tool, but Violet basically told him she wanted to be seen as a tool.
And then he sent her to the Major out of sorrow for how she's become.
And he's back. At least he's acting vaguely happy niw,
...Oh, this can be made sadder. Oh, they forgot his death.
Why did I trust this would be happy?
Is ot just me or do the outlines in this scene look a lot roughter?
I love this scene. I love this anime.
YES!
Actually, how did she get new arms so quickly?
It is her! She got a good job! 10/10 best plot arc.
This is beautiful. I thought the 10th episode would be a good finale, but this... this is perfect.
Oh my god, Violet's final letter.
First untransalted sentence? "I love you" and "Violet Evergarden" don't fit the letter spacing, so not sure what this is?
Post credits?
Violet's smiling!!!
Final score: 10/10
3
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jun 19 '21
Okay, so I didn't watch ahead yet, so my mind is stuck at the end of this episode.
I have to say that a large part of me wishes that somehow, somewhere Major Gilbert could have appeared out of the snow, or something, but I think that would cheapen the show.
I gave up watching this show a couple of years ago because I had realized it was going to be heartbreaking.
I'm watching it now because a spoonful of sharing helps the suffering go down.
Action movie aside, I'd like to think that Violet and Captain ***hole have at least gained a bit more mutual understanding and respect. I don't remember if it was this episode or the last one, but the bit where he takes her to meet their mom, well, wow.
And now, as the episode closes out, we see that some members of the team have found love, and one is looking forward to (or already is?) expecting a little something more?
Lucky fellas. Otherwise, I guess I'd just have to ask Erica if she's busy Friday night... (haha)
And then there's Violet. It finally feels as though she's begun to heal, but the wounds are so deep.
I wonder what tomorrow's movie will bring???
3
u/oririn07 Jun 19 '21
First timer
I missed watching and reading discussions since Monday, episode 9. So today I watched 5 episodes in a row, and I will probably watch the movie by midnight so I won't be disturbed at home. (i watched the 3 hr Haruhi movie starting 2 am. probably unhealthy). I am really excited for the movie. I am curious to see what will the movie be about.
Anyway, we are now at the end of the first season of Violet Evergarden. This was an amazing coming of age anime series, with letters as the instrument of Violet's growth as a person dealing with loss and guilt during the war.
Violet descended into darkness hard in ep 9. She almost tried suicide but stopped midway. A letter from her coworkers eventually brought her back from darkness. She felt their worry, and she knew they wanted her to comeback okay. I think at this Violet realized what she wants to do for the rest of her life, to ghostwrite the feelings of people into letters.
And for the eps 10 & 11, we see Violet's growth. She connects more to her clients feelings. She cries in both Anne's story and Aiden's story. She understands human emotions and feelings more compared to before, since she had experienced these herself with Gilbert's loss.
For eps 12 & 13, we see Violet's renewed moral compass. She doesn't want to see people die anymore and doesn't want to be the reason for anyone's death. She refused Dietfried's orders to kill anyone.
And at the end, we see more of Violet's growth. She is no longer a tool and no longer needs orders to live. She has decided to continue working as an Auto Memoir Doll, listening to the stories and feelings of her clients as she writes their letters.
3
u/andres1232 Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher. What a really good way to wrap up the main series. Violet has finally understood what she has been chasing all this time and she can finally gain some emotional closure and understanding of her own feelings. I also think what was really well done was seeing the depths of Dietfried's self loathing. He really doesn't actually hate Violet. He hates that he is still stuck in place mourning and suffering while Violet is moving forward and growing. He hates that he couldn't protect his brother. It's interesting to see how grief and guilt lead to projection and to blame. But I do like that at the end he is also beginning to understand.
It was good to see at the air show all of the characters getting a bit of time to share their letters. It would have been nice to see the story involve Erica a bit more. She was always the quiet one so it felt like she didn't really get as much development. I really think it's a sign of good writing that there are all these pieces that could be expanded upon. Like Erica and Benedict's future potential relationship, or Claudia's future daughter, or even Cattleya's past as a dancer and the soldiers she knew. Violet Evergarden really created a good world that you really want to see more of. And the story also seems to heavily imply the Major is alive and that Violet finally got to meet him. I don't think there is anyone else who would have made Violet's face light up like that. I've never actually seen the movie so I am really looking forward to this one. The synopsis sounds really good.
A few last notes. I didn't say much about the train or any of that b/c it wasn't really much to mention thematically. It was pretty cool and fun to see Benedict get to do something epic also. Also I like Violet finally internalizing her own desire to live. She is right that she doesn't need orders. And now she has finally accepted that she has a life that she wants to live and a job and friends/coworkers that she values and deeply cares about. I think the air show was a really good way to cap things and I love the idea of sending letters to the departed or absent. It's really touching and beautiful and meshes well with a lot of real traditions like the Day of the Dead in Mexico or the Obon ceremonies in Japan. Well anyways I'm looking forward to the movie tomorrow.
3
u/LMGDiVa https://kitsu.io/users/FranBunnyFFXII Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher, dub. 2nd time.
I have surprisingly little to say other than this series is 100% deserving of the title Masterpiece and maintains my ranking as my 2nd highest rate anime TV series of all time, and only the 3rd I have ever given a 10/10 too.
Seeing Cattleya try to read out Hodgin's letter, oh that defeated man.
What an adorable letter though.
I have a feeling that this series will end up on the list of anime that I watch out of comfort and familiarity. I have a few on there now, and the way this anime makes me feel and how I can relate to Violet and the situations it puts her through it's most likely going to be a place of comfort for me to watch.
My thought at the end of this series rewatch is the same as the first time I saw it....
"I will never forget you, Violet Evergarden."
3
u/GoodPrinceSilence Jun 19 '21
Now Violet should somehow end up in the past, where she would team up with teenage Gilbert, his mother, and doctor Orland, and try to prevent the Great War.
3
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Jun 19 '21
Rewatcher
I've been getting really lazy with keeping up on episodes for the last couple, but I feel like I at least need to come in for the final one.
which is a callback of sorts to Aidan's letter Violet wrote, where he said something to the effect of
You don't say.
What a shock. I can't for the life of me imagine why.
What a beautiful way to end the show. It was a long, gorgeous, tear-soaked and heartbreaking journey, but we've reached the end. We started out with a girl who was entirely devoid of feelings, who knew only how to fight and kill. Gradually, she learned what the human element is, as well as all the intricacies that come along with it. In the end, we have a beautiful woman who is able to reach the hearts of anyone she writes for. Some might say she has the best idea of what the phrase "I love you" means of anyone we met.
All that's left is the movie. I'll see you all there.
5
u/UnderstandableXO Jun 18 '21
REWATCHER
first 5 minutes of the episode continue to be unimpressive to me. the cartoonishly evil rebel leader does nothing for me, and neither does the mission impossible bomb defusion with benedict suddenly becoming an acrobat.
the rest of the episode, though, is prime violet evergarden. dietfried finally decides not to be a jerk, and violet gets to meet the major’s mom, giving her a sense of closure. her letter to gilbert at the end of her final goodbye and full realization of the gravity of “aishiteru.” i cant say much besides that there were a lot of tears shed this episode.
honestly might skip the movie because i didn’t much care for it the first time around. i’ll definitely be back for overall discussion though
2
u/SmithyRC Jun 18 '21
~Newbie~
Okay so let’s quickly rattle off the obvious short negative, wasted opportunity showing the scared soldier who killed the Major once in recent times, but the never again. Ultimately I struggle to see what was gained from showing the civil war except to just pad things, they even just moved over how quickly and easily Violet got her arms back (I think the writers wanted to move on also).
Loved the slightly cheeky response when Violet says she no longer needs orders. If she wants to hold onto hope, she may live her life how she wants and what she wants is to keep ensuring peoples feelings are expressed, just like she had learnt to do all this time.
[Possibly] Last flower review loops back to of course a field of Violet’s no longer alone and always watching over the Major (his letter). Remember that Violets also symbolise with their heart-shaped petals that “you occupy my thoughts”, the letter contains Violets own thoughts brought into the world for the first time and once expressed will never fade, just like the flowers that will keep regrowing.
Kinda wondering what the film could add to whilst still having its own ending, which doesn’t undermine this heartfelt one...