TV-Series
Description
"Lady Oscar," also known as "The Rose of Versailles," is a historical drama set in 18th-century France, primarily during the years leading up to the French Revolution. The story centers on Oscar François de Jarjayes, a noblewoman raised as a man by her father, General Jarjayes, to succeed him as the commander of the Royal Guard. Oscar grows up to become a skilled swordswoman and a loyal protector of the French royal family, particularly Marie Antoinette, whom she serves as a close confidante and bodyguard.

The narrative intertwines Oscar's personal struggles with the broader political and social upheavals of the time. As a woman living in a man's role, Oscar grapples with her identity, societal expectations, and her feelings for André Grandier, her childhood friend and servant, who harbors unrequited love for her. Their relationship evolves against the backdrop of court intrigue, class disparity, and the growing unrest among the French populace.

Marie Antoinette's journey is another focal point, depicting her transformation from a naive young queen to a controversial figure whose extravagance and detachment from the suffering of the common people contribute to the monarchy's decline. The series explores her relationships with key figures, including her husband, King Louis XVI, and her confidante, the Duchess de Polignac, as well as her eventual downfall.

The plot also delves into the lives of other characters, such as Rosalie Lamorlière, a young commoner whose fate becomes intertwined with Oscar's, and Count Axel von Fersen, a Swedish nobleman who becomes romantically involved with Marie Antoinette. These subplots highlight the stark contrasts between the aristocracy and the impoverished masses, emphasizing the growing tensions that culminate in the French Revolution.

As the revolution unfolds, Oscar's loyalty to the monarchy is tested, and she begins to question her role in a system that perpetuates inequality. Her journey reflects the broader themes of justice, sacrifice, and the search for personal and societal redemption. The series concludes with the fall of the monarchy, the execution of key figures, and Oscar's ultimate fate, which is marked by both tragedy and heroism.

"Lady Oscar" is a richly layered narrative that combines historical events with personal drama, offering a compelling exploration of identity, duty, and the human cost of revolution. Its portrayal of complex characters and its attention to historical detail make it a standout in the genre of historical anime.
Information
The Rose of Versailles
ベルサイユのばら
Lady Oscar - The Rose of Versailles
Type: TV-Series
Anime Episodes: 41
Movie/Episode length: 25 min.
Date: 10/10/1979 – 09/10/1980
Categories
Genre
DramaRomance
Settings
FantasyHistorically
Tags
Gender Bender
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Episodes
Staffel 1
1Oscar! The Destiny of Roses
2Flutter! Austria's Butterfly
3Sparks Falling Over Versailles
4Roses, Wine, and Conspiracy...
5Tears Falling With Dignity
6Silk Dresses and Ragged Clothes
7Who Wrote the Love Letter?
8The Oscar of My Heart
9The Sun Sets, The Sun Rises
10The Beautiful Devil Jeanne
11Fersen Leaves for the North
12The Morning of the Duel, Oscar is...?
13Oh, Winds of Arras, Answer...
14The Angel's Secret
15Countess of the Casino
16Mother, What is That Person's Name...?
17Now is the Time to Meet Again
18Suddenly, Like Icarus
19Farewell, My Younger Sister!
20Fersen, A Circle Dance of Memories
21A Black Rose Blooms at Night
22The Necklace's Ominous Radiance
23Cunning and Tough!
24Adieu, My Youth
25Unrequited Love's Minuet
26I Want to Meet the Black Knight!
27Even if I Lose the Light...
28Andre, A Pale Lemon
29A Doll Starting to Walk
30You are the Light, I am the Shadow
31Lilacs Bloom in the Barracks
32Prelude to the Storm
33In the Twilight, The Funeral Bells Ring
34Now, "The Tennis Court Oath"
35Oscar, Now, The Time of Separation
36The Password is "Farewell"
37The Night of Passionate Vows
38At Fate's Door
39That Smile Will Never Return!
40Farewell, My Darling Oscar
41The Rose and Women of Versailles
Cast
Comment(s)
Staff
  • Storyboard
    Makura Saki
    Hideo Takayashiki
    Yoshihisa Sekine
  • Music
    Kōji Makaino
  • Character Design
    Shingo Araki
    Michi Himeno
  • Animation Director
    Shingo Araki
    Michi Himeno
  • Producer
    Shunzō Katō
    Seiichi Ginya
  • Screenplay
    Keiko Sugie
    Masahiro Yamada
    Yoshimi Shinozaki
  • Episode Director
    Minoru Okazaki
    Akinori Nagaoka
    Mizuho Nishikubo
    Shunji Ōga
    Tetsuo Imazawa
    Yoshio Takeuchi
    Yasuo Yamayoshi
  • Original creator
  • Art Director
    Ken Kawai
    Tadao Kubota
    Toshiharu Mizutani
  • Director of Photography
    Hirokata Takahashi
    Masao Miyauchi
Production
  • Production
    Tokyo Movie Shinsha