Approx length: 40 episodes ~25 min each, or 14 volumes of manga
Where to find it: It was recently rereleased within the past 2 years or so. I know for sure you can get both manga and blu-ray anime from rightstufanime.com, though you can probably find them elsewhere too. There is no English dub for it, but there are dubs out there in multiple other languages if that’s going to be a thing for you. If you’re lucky you can find old used DVD releases floating around as well.
What is it, in summary?: (I’ve only watched the anime) It’s a historical shoujo anime from the 70s that starts with a man who wanted a son, but got a daughter instead. So naturally he named her Oscar and raised her like a son so she eventually becomes a bodyguard and confidant to Marie Antoinette. The series follows them as they grow up amidst the turmoil that is the precursor to the French Revolution and Oscar must choose where her loyalties lie.
What do you love about it?: I’ve always had a morbid fascination with the French Revolution and this anime really packed a punch, combining real historical people and events seamlessly with original characters and storylines. With the advantage of hindsight, we as an audience know that the ending is not going to be a happy one, and is so eloquently forecasted through both the narrative as well as character interactions. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised at how *good* the anime looks. I was expecting the production to be similar to Utena (my beloved), but you can tell so much love and care was put into it to make it as visually pleasing as possible for the time. I’ve seen it said it is also one of the pioneers of the “shoujo” art style, which I can easily believe.
What sort of things are you likely to request for it?: Character studies, probably, especially of Oscar and her relationship with gender and how that affects her relationships. I would also love a story with even more historical research put into it, and crafting something from that.
Are there sections of canon (rather than the whole canon) that can be consumed by themselves to fulfil your requests, or that showcase particular characters and relationships?: Unfortunately no, you kind of have to watch the whole thing.
Content warnings (ie, rape, incest, racism, gore/violence): Off the top of my head, period-typical violence, period-typical gender roles, terminal illness, one scene of a man trying to force himself on Oscar.
Versailles no Bara | Rose of Versailles
Versailles no Bara | Rose of Versailles
Media:
Anime and Manga
Approx length:
40 episodes ~25 min each, or 14 volumes of manga
Where to find it:
It was recently rereleased within the past 2 years or so. I know for sure you can get both manga and blu-ray anime from rightstufanime.com, though you can probably find them elsewhere too. There is no English dub for it, but there are dubs out there in multiple other languages if that’s going to be a thing for you. If you’re lucky you can find old used DVD releases floating around as well.
What is it, in summary?:
(I’ve only watched the anime) It’s a historical shoujo anime from the 70s that starts with a man who wanted a son, but got a daughter instead. So naturally he named her Oscar and raised her like a son so she eventually becomes a bodyguard and confidant to Marie Antoinette. The series follows them as they grow up amidst the turmoil that is the precursor to the French Revolution and Oscar must choose where her loyalties lie.
What do you love about it?:
I’ve always had a morbid fascination with the French Revolution and this anime really packed a punch, combining real historical people and events seamlessly with original characters and storylines. With the advantage of hindsight, we as an audience know that the ending is not going to be a happy one, and is so eloquently forecasted through both the narrative as well as character interactions. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised at how *good* the anime looks. I was expecting the production to be similar to Utena (my beloved), but you can tell so much love and care was put into it to make it as visually pleasing as possible for the time. I’ve seen it said it is also one of the pioneers of the “shoujo” art style, which I can easily believe.
What sort of things are you likely to request for it?:
Character studies, probably, especially of Oscar and her relationship with gender and how that affects her relationships. I would also love a story with even more historical research put into it, and crafting something from that.
Are there sections of canon (rather than the whole canon) that can be consumed by themselves to fulfil your requests, or that showcase particular characters and relationships?:
Unfortunately no, you kind of have to watch the whole thing.
Content warnings (ie, rape, incest, racism, gore/violence):
Off the top of my head, period-typical violence, period-typical gender roles, terminal illness, one scene of a man trying to force himself on Oscar.