Saturday, December 26, 2009

Review: Le Chevalier D'Eon (2006-2007)


Le Chevalier D'Eon (2006-2007) is a Japanese historical anime that takes place in 18th century France. It is a supernatural twist to the tumultous events that lead up to the French Revolution. It contains scenes of blood, gore, and murder so it is not suitable for young audiences. It contains 24 episodes.

It is Paris (1742), and King Louis XV still ruled the kingdom. A casket floats along the Seine River with the word "Psalms" written in blood and contains a deceased woman's body. Her name was Lia de Beaumont, a loyal servant to the king. Her only twin brother, D'eon, loyal knight and spy for the king, determines to discover the truth behind her sudden and violent death. According to the Catholic Church, her soul cannot enter heaven and will continue to wander the earth unless she seeks vengeance.

Throughout his journey, D'Eon searches for her murderer. However, there are some strange movements throughout Europe. Three companions accompny him to help with his investigiation, including the disappearance of a number of French women. They encounter revolutionaries, supernatural forces (magic, warlocks, corpses), and betrayal. D'Eon never imagined that he would become the vessel for Lia's angry and restless soul.

This anime is loosely based upon the real French cross-dresser, Chevalier d'Eon, who was a French diplomat, spy, soldier and Freemason who lived the first half of his life as a man and the second half as a woman. He referred to himself as Lady Lia de Beaumont, and the anime uses actual historical events to develop the plot.

Overall, this is one of my favorite historical animations of all time. The original soundtrack is beautiful (enchanting classical instrumentals that takes you back into time), and the storyline is breathtaking and adventurous. The soul of Lia wants revenge, and she is a great fighter. I like how the author took a supernatural twist with this tense period. Eventually, the proletariat rebelled against the monarchy and aristocracy. I highly recommend this anime. It is now available in English dub version.


Trailer


Owari no Mata Kotoba Ariki ~At the End, There Still were Words!~ (one of my favorite songs on the OST!)


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