Violet Evergarden Gaiden: Eien to džidó šuki ningjó

In my opinion, movie adaptation is better suited for Violet Evergarden stories than the anime series. The fact that this adventure has an uninterrupted seamless narrative makes it much more intense. So, I found this movie quite moving in two different parts, and for a few seconds, it managed to convince me that postmen really do deliver happiness (even though you then realize that they also bring bills and subpoenas which destroy that poetic image...). Again, the animation is really beautiful, and the soundtrack too - I was completely satisfied, although it was still missing something to have me be completely enchanted, although I just cannot figure out exactly what it is... 8.4/10. (15.02.2020)

Anyone who enjoyed the best part of the series about the ex-soldier girl Violet learning empathy and awakening her own feelings will find another nice addition in this film, or just the opposite. The film is a typical safe bet, replicating the parts of the original anime that garnered the most acclaim. Violet definitely benefits from the harmony and slight "interweaving" of the plot, which can’t be done in 22 minutes, and so the running time lets it afford to build the plot gradually by constantly adding candy to the fire. I connected with the otherwise stiff Violet's relationship with Isabelle and Taylor much more easily and comfortably, the touched smile came more naturally to my face and I enjoyed the oozing kindness to the fullest (Mmph, was there dancing? There was dancing! And I can handle that). The biggest letdown is the relegation of Violet and the entire writing company to the role of observers rather than active figures in the story, especially since we've grown accustomed to them playing the most important parts in the series. The strong connection these characters have with the audience from the series made it harder to feel here precisely because of their passivity and a certain emotional detachment as they perhaps too mechanically hit the notes of their profession. I welcomed a bigger role for Benedict the postman, unfortunately for my taste he was as overly robotic as his colleague Violet (those shoes of his...). And while it might just have been the cherry on top to make the picture complete, I still missed that desired and expected specific closing moment that would have driven home the happy ending; for there are no clouds to be found here. I would sing odes to the impeccable form under the direction of the KyoAni animation studio and composer Evan Call, I’d have no problem whatsoever with repeated and continued productions from them. The world of Violet Evergarden offers ample opportunities to roll more and more heartfelt stories from the typewriter, and I personally would have been content to just harmoniously enjoy the scenery of Leiden. The film didn't surprise me with anything, but I had an inkling of what it was serving up and what I would be sinking my teeth into. A satisfied 4 stars. (20.10.2020)