Victorian Romance Emma

Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma

Also Known As: Emma

Genre: Romance/Drama

Format: 12 Episodes

Allegiance: Studio Pierrot

Director: Tsuneo Kobayashi

Vintage: 2005

Intelligence Agency Report by: Phate

The setting is late 19th century London, and William Jones is next in line to inherit the Jones Family estate. However, William, upon meeting a woman named Emma, falls in love, and soon it is apparent that Emma shares the same feelings. This love between the two will not be easy, as William is one of the gentry, Emma a maid, and the barriers of class and wealth will stand as obstacles between the two.

Field Agent Report by: Phate

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

9.00
8.75
9.25
8.50
9.25

Overall

9.00

(not an average)

The maid theme in anime is something that hasn't been taken too seriously in the past; used as a tool mainly for comedy and fanservice. Based on the manga by Mori Kaoru of the same name, Victorian Romance Emma sets itself up as a refreshing contrast to this stereotype.

For most of the series, Emma showcases one of the best plots and a couple of the best characters I've seen in anime in recent memory. Simple and nicely paced, the main focus on the story is on the romance between Emma and William Jones, and the obvious complications it brings. Both characters are very well-developed, and I found it easy to grow fond of and relate to both of them. The supporting characters, particularly Kelly Stoner and Hakim, are just as likeable. However, I couldn't help but want more development with some of them, especially Eleanor Campbell, particularly given her role as the daughter of a wealthy family and the girl that everyone else thinks William should marry.

Both the visuals and the music are wonderful. While the animation is generally average, the main strength in the visuals lies in the beautiful character designs and authentic, 19th century England backdrop. The soundtrack was simple, but is comprised of beautifully composed pieces, and it was a joy listening to throughout the series.

A fear I was having when getting towards the end of the show was how the people at Studio Pierrot were going to adequately wrap up the story in only twelve episodes. Needless to say, when the credits began to roll in the last episode, I wasn't satisfied. While the ending was very emotional and even got me a bit choked-up, it felt incomplete, with the show just begging to be continued. I later learned that the show was originally meant to be 36 episodes but was cut to 12 due to funding, and the ending shows this.

However, ending this on a bit of a sour note is definitely not what Emma deserves. Even with the downsides in mind, Emma proves to still be an exceptional romance tale, far above many others in anime. I give it my full recommendation.

Field Agent Report by: Lady Sage

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

9.25
9.00
9.00
9.50
9.50

Overall

9.25

(not an average)

No, this anime is not based on the novel by Jane Austen, and thank goodness for that. After all, I’ve always found Victorian romances rather dry reads, with emotionally constipated characters and obsolete value systems that I’ve never been able to relate to. As such, I did not have much hope for Emma. Fortunately, I was proven entirely wrong.

This is not your average Victorian romance, nor is it your average romance anime. Instead of revolving around the predictable “will they, won’t they” plot most romances these days utilize, the story is about how the world will perceive the forbidden love between William and Emma during a time when class meant everything. The cast is quite likeable. Although as figures from Victorian England, they’re not as dynamic and over-the-top as most anime characters, they are very real, from William’s awkward eagerness to Emma’s shyness.

The creators obviously went out of their way to create a sense of authenticity in addition to the believable characters. Everything was meticulously researched, even such minor details as servants ironing newspapers or scattering ash to make the floor easier to clean. Even the music seems to have been pulled straight out the Victorian Age, composed entirely of simple instrumental pieces.

Unfortunately, Emma fails when it comes to an ending. Pierrot went over budget and had to cut the series to a third of its planned run, using a stopping point instead of a true conclusion with heartbreaking results. Nonetheless, I strongly recommend this series for romance fans looking for something a little different.