Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll: FUJITA Haruka’s animated film, a story spin-off of an animated series, tells two stories: the protagonist, a letter-writing young woman, is hired to tutor an aristocratic girl; later, a young girl looks for the protagonist to help her have some of her dreams fulfilled. How those stories connect is better left for the narrative to uncover. Alas, the split narrative leaves the impression that these are simply two long episodes stitched together instead of a whole. Prior knowledge of the material isn’t needed, but it helps to understand the world; more relevantly, it helps you see that the protagonist is essentially a catalyst for other characters to connect and express their emotions. The film, like the series before it, has a melancholic tinge, but also a positive outlook. The animation is stupendous: the world is wonderfully designed (WATANABE Mikiko is the art director), with a touch of steampunk aesthetics; the characters are beautiful, very well-designed, and distinctive. The costume design, in particular, is quite attractive. The voice acting is solid: ISHIKAWA Yui plays the protagonist in a subtly quiet performance; KOTOBUKI Minako, as the timid girl she tries to help, shows good range; YUUKI Aoi plays the lovely and lively young girl. Composer Evan Call contributes with a fine, touching musical score.