Learning Empathy - Violet Evergarden's Beautiful Writing

Violet Evergarden has hit some powerful emotional high notes in recent episodes. Let's explore how its plot structure allows it to make us ugly cry at will.

Validate me!

In the depths of his Mother's Basement, Geoff Thew creates videos analyzing the storytelling techniques of anime and video games. He has been named the number one Worst YouTube Anime Reviewer by The Top Tens.

[sanadabeach]

"I cried so hard after that episode that it gave me a headache."

*accurate*

[BladedAngel]

I'm so glad Violet didn't just turn out to be the typical Kuudere. The scene when she finally understood what Hodgins meant when he said, "Realize you're body is on fire, and burning up", blew me away!

[hanielmngodo]

"to my brother, im just happy you're alive"

*Ugly crying intensifies*

[commander]

"Thanks, now I'm crying again." - every person who watched Violet Evergarden ever

[theblackreaper]

There is only one word that describes Violet Evergarden-
It's beautiful
I have never ever been so emotional while watching anime

[simonlarimore]

You know a show has a ton of feels when you tear up from watching a review of it.

[sailorsallyrockinrarity]

Episode 10 made me cry a lot.

But episode 3 gave me the first cry. The letter that Violet wrote for Luculia to Spencer surprised me with how simple yet powerful it is to tell someone you appreciate them when they really, really need to hear it.

[LancerJak]

“If you’re ever reincarnated, and marry each other again, I want to be your son again.” How can a soul be prepared with this level of writing?

[Track_Tension]

As a veteran of the US Army (1991-2013) and longtime anime fan, I have never been so moved as I was with this show. I so hope this program gets more promotion as not just a good anime, but as a way to teach family and friends of a member of the military of the changes they will encounter; covering both Violets’ struggle with being an amputee and her mental health issues.
The episode that touched me the most was the one with the veteran who need a crutch to get around. Seeing a character dealing with both mobility issues and Survivor's remorse brought be back to when I was medically retired from the Army.
Seeing Violet go from being this cold and emotionless person to someone, who is able to open up and share her feeling, reflects how many come to cope with the pain of things seen and actions taken in deployments across the globe.
And yes, I too was brought to tears many times.

As a side note, there is a new single episode added to Netflix. (labeled Violet Evergarden special and not included as part of the first season)

[ajferguson]

As a veteran of war (Afghanistan) this anime really hit me hard. Its my new favorite anime. I can really relate to Violet and her long road back from her violent past. The most powerful scene for me was when she asks her boss if she had a right to live after everything she had done in the war. Its something i ask myself daily since coming back.

[jenniferdavis]

And to think the main animator is dead. May she rest in peace.

[isramubashar]

Rest in peace, those poor souls who died in the fire at the place Violet Evergarden was animated.

[hellsgate]

me: "i literally have no tears left"
*episode 10 comes out*
me: ☠️

[cresdc]

But srsly, episode 10 taught me to appreciate those people around me, especially my mother. 😢

[blu-rayy]

After Episode 10:
-Trying to hold my tears since my father and sister is at the same room.
-Lying down.
-goes to bathroom.
-Sits on toilet.
-Cries so much i started making weird noises.
-my sister heard it and opened the door.
-She closes the door.

Yeah...

[juanrafael]

Im late i know but...


I can’t believe some people say “its boring” and “its bland” about this anime(its a FLIPPIN’ masterpiece)

[davidmathews]

I stumbled onto Violet Evergarden by chance without knowing anything about it at all. As a Vietnam Vet Medic with a Bronze Star (yes, I’m an old man) it had me in the first few minutes. Seeing what they did within those minutes I knew the potential of what was likely going to unfold. And it did. No, I didn’t cry. But each episode that I binge watched captured me more and more. Humans are such amazing creatures. How we can allow the complete suspension of the reality that this is a “cartoon” world and let her have a life that affects our emotions so very deeply is amazing. I think this hits harder if the viewer has lost a parent or sibling or another they truly loved. The more human experience one has just gives Violet more to work with. A lost love...a hungered after relationship that never happened...something that hurt you or if you hurt someone and regretted it...and on and on...the painful things that happen to us as humans...the writers, artists and actors bring the emotion of past experiences to make the story and characters real. We don’t have to have had a military experience for Violet to affect us deeply. Our lives are the war and the battlefield that allows us to relate to Violet. Violet is truly a thing of beauty and a special achievement.

[purple]

honestly, crunchyroll needs a "mother of the year" award JUST give it to the mother from episode 10

[pilotmanpaul]

It wasn’t a roller coaster for me, *it was literally like flying a Jet liner into the eye of a Category 10 Storm.*

[macezki]

Violet Evergarden saved my country's economy, by having me buy shit ton of tissues. What a beautiful work of art.