Emma: Episode 01

Right off the bat, let me inform the readers my enthusiastic fascination for Historical England. But forgive the naive assumptions in the entry, for most of my education on the subject comes from those, um, romance novels. *blushes furiously*

As soon as learned of an anime to be called Emma, I immediately thought of a Jane Austen adaptation. Alas, it isn’t so. But much to my surprise, the series is to be set towards the end of 19th century England (turn of the century?). Although off by one monarch (technically, two but who’s counting), Victorian’s polite society is still a delectable period to revisit. An anime depiction covering the social implications of a romance between two class distinctions is welcome change this spring.

Emma works for a seemingly strict yet kindly gray-haired ex-governess. One day,a former charge visits her mistress’ house unannounced. Later, a mutual fascination emerges between the housemaid and the young master. Ahhh…forbidden love strikes again, a soap-y yet still intriguing scenario.

Emma is a rather subtle series. The brief pauses, the wistful and meaningful looks, and even the heavy focus on Emma’s hands and William’s feet seem to be filled with significant undertones, especially the lace handkerchief (symbolizing a proper lady, perhaps). Emma’s genteel demeanor comes from her mistress’ guidance but how about her birth parents. Is she really born from a working class background or could she possibly be born from a ‘proper’ yet disgraced family (the cliche mode)?

Because of pure curiosity, I’ve been waiting for the release of this subbed version of this show. Fortunately, the slight wait paid off. The production value is unexpectedly topnotch, from the animation right down to the music. I think this series will be marked permanently on my watch list. For a detailed summary and insightful entries, I direct you to Satoshi and BluWacky.

Hmmm…now, I want to rewatch Princess Sara. Different themes yet has a slightly similar atmosphere.