Anime: Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette

Art & Animation

One of the things that made this anime stick out more in contrast with other World Masterpiece Theater series done decades ago is the modern usage of animation and art style. Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette is a 2007 production that blends a sort of realistic art style that complements the historical aspect of the story. The drawings of buildings represents the 19th century France and it maintains the loyalty that the creators of the TV series have for the original novel. While not being as sophisticated as the modern futuristic or sci-fi shows that aired after the 2000s, Shoujo Cosette is a show that blends both the old with the new.

Sound

The soundtracks featured in this television series were well chosen and blend well with the atmosphere and mood of the series. Because this show has a bittersweet tone and can tend to be very dramatic at some points, you just cannot stick with a rock song that would just destroy the entire atmosphere. The lyrics of the opening track , Kaze no Mukou are the ones that represent this series the most. The usage of rather simple motifs like description of events happening in nature (wind blowing, daisies blooming), bittersweet emotions makes it both attractive and endearing. While in terms of musical preferences I come from a more extreme background, I have to admit that this tune is relaxing and enjoyable; it's just another one of those songs that can make up for a stressful day at work. The ending track, Ma Maman (Watashi no Okaa-san) is not outshined by the opening though, as this one employs a more personal motif, the love a child has for her mother, which compliments the story perfectly.

Story

If there is one thing that I love about this show is that it stays loyal to the original story. Sure, there are moments when the creators wanted to lay some bits of originality, but those do not get in the way of the main events that are happening in the original novel written years ago by Victor Hugo. It seems like the creators of this show were very faithful to the original work and appreciated it so much that the transposition of the story from the novel onto the series was made with utmost care. Someone that appreciated the original work should have no qualms with this series, if we take out the language barrier or some prejudices regarding anime, though that would be a big shame. In terms of story, if I were to compare Shoujo Cosette with another anime show, I would look no further than Emma for the historical aspect (though this time, the setting is the 19th century France and not England) and Clannad for the family bonds that the characters share despite the fact that some of them are not related by blood.

Characters

Probably the main reason why this series kept me entertained until the end. When it comes to character designs and development, this show just blew me off my chair. From young Cosette 'til old Jean Valjean, all characters have some realistic traits that represent their personality that the author portrayed in his original work. An innocent girl with an appropriate character design and image, a sturdy, tall, apparently scary, often misunderstood yet incredibly kind old man in his fifties, a caring yet beautiful mother that places the wellfare of her daughter above everything else, a police man that relinquished any kind of emotional trait who holds the rule of the law above everything else, Shoujo Cosette has some characters that you can definitely relate with. While most of the characters have tragic pasts that remain the cause for angsty moments, they also give that vibe of optimism or hope for a better and peaceful tomorrow. Because the show has a pretty long time span, we can see the evolution of pretty much all characters.

Value & Enjoyment

Being a fan of the original novel since I was young, I hold this show very high in my eyes. It pays respect to the memory of Victor Hugo and it also pays respect to the characters that the author brought to life by writing this novel. It is an important lesson of moral and ethical issues in a society that seemed so decadent and in which good people could easily turn into bad people ireversibly, because of a simple mistake and the fact that they were not given the chance to atone for makes it even more depressing. The religious motif holds a deep meaning in this series and the christian concept of atonement holds a special place for many characters featured in this show. If there is one thing that makes Shoujo Cosette a valueable and enjoyable experience is the fact that it employs a rather simple story line with some complex and profound characters and turns it into a masterpiece that keeps you captivated until the very end. Another good thing about this show is that, unlike the majority of Japanese anime series, this one has probably one of the most complete and satisfying endings I've ever encountered; an ending that just leaves you without asking for more details. Despite all the sad moments of melodrama, at the end you are left with a big grin on your face, a proper result for the magnitude of such a show.

Overall

You just can't demand more from this show. You do not feel the need for another season like most shows scream for today. It is not perfect, but it is probably the closest show to perfection that I encountered until today. Shoujo Cosette is a TV series that is solid in pretty much any aspect. This is the kind of show that is fit for all audiences and it does not discriminate by age. It can be watched by both kids, teenagers, adults and old people too, the feelings that it sends are the same. It is show that urges you to meditate. It shows you the nice side of life but also the cruel side of it without any limitations. But at the very end, there is a lesson that we all most learn from it and keep it in our hearts; even when we experience grief we must always have hope that tomorrow will be better.

Art & Animation:
The drawings, styles are all modern so no worries there. As being a recent anime with a historic theme the rendering of towns villages cabins are all superb.

Sound:
From voice actors to background music, all are excellent. Everything in pace, and genuine. The feelings in each voice, the experiences to drama all catch you. I commend the voice actors for relaying such an amazing storyline to our ears with such warmth, detail and emotion. A++.

Characters:
In a typical anime you have a handful of main characters who pull 1 episode and are never heard again, however here there are tons. There are some you can't stand, some your jumping off your chair "NOOOO" "Do that!!", and then there is Cosette our main character. Her development was superb, each moment of her trials, experiences touched your heart. As every good thing comes a bad thing and the bad thing is our villains, you can hate them, you can be angry at them, but in the end good always triumphs. Watching each character mature in difficult times when poverty was at its highest, watching each character leaves an impact. And as well as most series the protagonist your sympathizing for, here Cosette isn't the only one maturing as her friends following different life path's.

Value & Enjoyment:
If god came from heaven to earth one day and made an anime, this is it. It is a bible load of morals here that anyone will feel it deep down. Each episode, each moment keeps you racing, anxious not knowing whats next. It is so pure and full of entertainment that it for everyone. Each episode is 100% epic.

Overall:
A master piece of epic proportions. This wont be everyone's cup of coffee however the coffee here is one giant mug ready for all willing to give it a try, and if your caught your in for one hell of a ride to epic-ness and man tears. This will touch you deep down, make you hypnotized at each second watching the story unfold, the protagonist mature, and leave you with a bag of emotions guaranteed!