Anime Review
Storyline:
Season 1
Season 1
Set in the days of Victorian charm, this anime is about a young maid (Emma) who works for Kelly Stowner, a former governess, in Victorian London.
One day, Stowner's former student William Jones pays her a visit at her residences. Unexpectedly, William ends up falling in love with the beautiful and soft-spokened Emma. However, he is a member of the gentry (the status between upper middle class and nobility) and his family's heir, and she is merely a maid, not even employed by his family. In the novels, this would mean either elevating Emma's social status with a secret noble heritage, or William disowning himself from his wealthy family, thus lowering himself to Emma's social rank.
As William and Emma fall deeper in love, their social status set them firmly apart. We see the class-crossed lovers act overtly with honesty and dignity; no elaborate disguises or schemes for a midnight rendezvous here. In fact, Emma's employer and William's former governess, Kelly Stowner encourages their affair, believing that love can overcome even obstacles as strong as society. However, she is the exception to the norm. William's father is strongly opposed, as are some of the Jounes servants. William's siblings, Arthur, Grace, Vivi and Colin see it as social suicide and willfully putting the family into jeopardy. Emma and William, however, are both well aware of the turmoil that their relationship is causing for themselves and the people around them.
Season 2
One day, Stowner's former student William Jones pays her a visit at her residences. Unexpectedly, William ends up falling in love with the beautiful and soft-spokened Emma. However, he is a member of the gentry (the status between upper middle class and nobility) and his family's heir, and she is merely a maid, not even employed by his family. In the novels, this would mean either elevating Emma's social status with a secret noble heritage, or William disowning himself from his wealthy family, thus lowering himself to Emma's social rank.
As William and Emma fall deeper in love, their social status set them firmly apart. We see the class-crossed lovers act overtly with honesty and dignity; no elaborate disguises or schemes for a midnight rendezvous here. In fact, Emma's employer and William's former governess, Kelly Stowner encourages their affair, believing that love can overcome even obstacles as strong as society. However, she is the exception to the norm. William's father is strongly opposed, as are some of the Jounes servants. William's siblings, Arthur, Grace, Vivi and Colin see it as social suicide and willfully putting the family into jeopardy. Emma and William, however, are both well aware of the turmoil that their relationship is causing for themselves and the people around them.
Season 2
Moving on from the relationship with William Jones, Emma leaves London to work as a maid in the Molders family.
Set in 19th century England, Emma: A Victorian Romance Act Two starts one month after Emma ended her relationship with Williams Jones. Hoping to move on in life without William, Emma leaves London in search of a fresh start. Working in her new job as a maid in the Molders family estate, Emma’s quiet and demure nature soon catches the eye and respect of the sullen but kind-hearted footman Hans.
Back in London, William Jones is also trying to come to terms with life without Emma. Whenever he feels down, he is comforted by Eleanor Campbell, the daughter of a viscount. After persistence by both the Jones and Campbell families, William gets engaged to Eleanor.
Fate then plays a cruel joke, as Emma and William are made to meet again and to realize their feelings for each other have remained unchanged. William decides to renounce his engagement to Eleanor resulting in Eleanor’s father deciding to have revenge on the Jones family.
Media:
Opening Theme: Silhouette of a Breeze - Ryou Kunihiko
Set in 19th century England, Emma: A Victorian Romance Act Two starts one month after Emma ended her relationship with Williams Jones. Hoping to move on in life without William, Emma leaves London in search of a fresh start. Working in her new job as a maid in the Molders family estate, Emma’s quiet and demure nature soon catches the eye and respect of the sullen but kind-hearted footman Hans.
Back in London, William Jones is also trying to come to terms with life without Emma. Whenever he feels down, he is comforted by Eleanor Campbell, the daughter of a viscount. After persistence by both the Jones and Campbell families, William gets engaged to Eleanor.
Fate then plays a cruel joke, as Emma and William are made to meet again and to realize their feelings for each other have remained unchanged. William decides to renounce his engagement to Eleanor resulting in Eleanor’s father deciding to have revenge on the Jones family.
Media:
Opening Theme: Silhouette of a Breeze - Ryou Kunihiko
Closing Theme: Munuet for EMMA - Tokyo Recorder Orchestra
My End Verdict:
My End Verdict:
This is a refreshing sight to see in both romantic anime and literature. I simply love the setting in based on the historical London. It's a gem! Go watch!
Rating: 4.4/5.
Rating: 4.4/5.
Scenes / Snapshots
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