The highly anticipated sequel to Kyoto Animation’s renowned TV anime adaptation of Kana Akatsuki’s novel, “VIOLET EVERGARDEN: THE MOVIE” is finally screening in Southeast Asia via official distributor Purple Plan! We at SO JAPAN have had the privilege of viewing the film, ahead of its release on 3rd December in Singapore, 4th December in Vietnam, and coming soon to Malaysia and Indonesia.

For the uninitiated, “VIOLET EVERGARDEN” is set in a world that has just recently ended a bloody war, with new technologies being developed to make life better. One of them is the Auto Memory Doll, a machine that could take down dictation and type out manuscripts. Eventually, the Auto Memory Doll became a profession for young women who were adept not just with the typewriter but also with human relations.

The titular character, Violet Evergarden, was a child soldier who survived the war and had grown to become one of the industry’s most celebrated Dolls. However, those close to her know that she harbours a secret pain: the loss of her beloved commanding officer Major Gilbert Bougainvillea.

“VIOLET EVERGARDEN: THE MOVIE” picks up where the TV anime series left off. The Auto Memory Doll is now history, having been replaced by the telephone and other newer technologies. A young girl grieves the loss of her doting grandmother, and is bequeathed with a stack of letters that her grandmother had been treasuring all her life. The girl learns that these letters were commissioned by her great-grandmother from the famous Doll Violet Evergarden. She then sets off on a trip to learn about the life of the Auto Memory Doll who had made such an impact on her family.

Before heading to the cinemas, we do suggest rewatching the TV series and the subsequent special episodes to refresh your memory, as a lot of the minute details in the film will be lost on someone who has never seen them. Fans will have a lovely time spotting all the references and recalling the episodes that tugged at their heartstrings. Adding to the pleasure is Kyoto Animation’s restrained style and seamless animation, which make even mundane things such as walking down a cobblestone street seem timeless and elegant.

Without trying to give too much away, the film also brings to a conclusion one of the biggest questions left hanging by the TV series — all because of a letter marked return-to-sender. A beautiful touch that brings the theme of “letters from your beloved” full circle, everyone who has been quietly watching over Violet will be delighted with the film’s conclusion — after you’re done wiping away your tears.

Overall Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The general release of “VIOLET EVERGARDEN: THE MOVIE” will be starting on 3rd December 2020 (Thursday) in Singapore, featuring Japanese audio with English and Chinese subtitles. The movie will screen exclusively at Golden Village cinemas islandwide including Plaza Singapura, Vivocity, Grand Great World City, Funan, Bedok, Paya Lebar, Tiong Bahru, Suntec City, Tampines, City Square, Jurong Point, Yishun, and Bishan.

VIOLET EVERGARDEN: THE MOVIE
💲 Pricing: Variable
⏰ Date: 13 December 2020 Onwards
📍 Venue: GV Cinemas Islandwide
🎟 Tickets: https://www.gv.com.sg/GVMovieDetails#/movie/3740