The Rose of Versailles Review: Romanticized French Revolution Version Returns in a Musical 50 Years Later

The Rose of Versailles Review (2025) | Leisurebyte

Director: Ai Yoshimura

Date Created: 2025-04-30 12:30

Editor's Rating:
4

The Rose of Versailles Review: Bringing back one of the most iconic stories in anime history as a film, Netflix’s adaptation of the popular manga is ready to reignite people’s interest in the French Revolution. This film not only captures the essence of the popular series to the best of its ability, but also layers the old and new animation styles that captivated the audience. Celebrating 50 years of Riyoko Ikeda’s masterpiece, this film also has an OST that contributes to the magic it has in store for the audience today.

-No Spoilers-

The Rose of Versailles Review

The plot of the film follows two women wishing to live a life different from what has been handed down to them: Queen Marie Antoinette and female general Oscar François de Jarjayes. One is a queen from a neighbouring country who is set to lead France while ignoring the wishes of her heart. The other is a woman raised as a man who needs to uphold her duties to the Queen, the Country, and her House.

50 years after the release of the original masterpiece created by Riyoko Ikeda, this film not only manages to uphold the magic that once took over Japan, but also adds its own touch. The animation style is obviously different from the series that was released based on the manga, but it also has hints of the original work that bring a sense of nostalgia right from the start. Animation production studio MAPPA not only brings out the elegance and grace of the noble characters but also captures the scenes from angles that have hints of its over-the-top style.

What I really love about the film, however, is the way it captures this masterpiece and presents it to the audience in the timeframe of a movie. The songs all beautifully convey the characters’ feelings and support the movie in compressing the film’s elaborate plot. Surely, capturing the essence of a manga with 14 volumes and a series with 40 episodes isn’t easy, but I love the way it is done in this film. It not only captivates the audience but also brings out the details of the French Revolution in the way Riyoko Ikeda’s work once did.

Coming to the story, surely this is a more romanticised version of the French Revolution. The main characters of the historical event are all present, and their story is created in a way that would captivate the audience. This film does the same, and presents the dark times in a colourful animation that brings back the nostalgic animation styles to the best of its ability. The sparkle in the eyes of the main characters and the wonderful expressions are all present in this film, which carries the original in its own subtle way.

Altogether, this is surely a treat for fans of the story and viewers alike. The plot continues to infactuate the audience while the characters and their pain once again break out hearts. Make sure to watch through the credits, as an explanation of what follows after the final scene satisfies the curiosity of the viewers.

Summing Up

The Rose of Versailles is a nostalgic anime film that brings back one of the most significant Japanese manga back to life and celebrates the 50-year mark that it has achieved. It is beautifully made, and you can see the overlapping new and old animation styles throughout the film, which only captivates the audience. Meanwhile, the plot once again rouses our interest in the French Revolution, just like it did 50 years back.

Watch The Rose of Versailles movie on Netflix.

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