As the new anime film adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda’s classic manga, The Rose of Versailles, premiered in Japan on January 31, 2025, eight additional cast members have been revealed. This release commemorates the series’ fiftieth anniversary and has already generated considerable excitement among fans.
New Voices Join the Revolution
The film boasts an impressive voice cast, with both returning and new talents lending their voices to beloved characters. The latest additions include:
- Sora Tokui as Louis Joseph
- Minami Tanaka as Marie Thérèse
- Atsushi Tamaru as Lasalle
- Daiki Yamashita as Jean
- Yuuto Suzuki as Francois
- Junta Terashima as Pierre
- Wataru Takagi as Duke de Guéméné
- Hironori Kondo as De Launay
These actors join the previously announced main cast:
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Oscar François de Jarjayes
- Aya Hirano as Marie Antoinette
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga as André Grandier
- Kazuki Kato as Hans Axel von Fersen
Other previously announced cast members include Shunsuke Takeuchi, Takuya Eguchi, Miyu Irino, Fukushi Ochiai, Banjō Ginga, Mayumi Tanaka, and Hitomi Kuroki.
Production and Creative Team
The film is directed by Ai Yoshimura, with Tomoko Konparu handling the script. Mariko Oka serves as the character designer, ensuring the visual appeal of the characters remains true to the original manga. The music is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, who will create a score that captures the drama and romance of the story. The film is produced by MAPPA and co-distributed by Toho Next and Avex Pictures.
A Story of Love and Intrigue
The Rose of Versailles is a historical drama set in late 18th-century France, during the reign of Marie Antoinette and the lead-up to the French Revolution. The story revolves around Oscar François de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a man to become her father’s heir and serve as a palace guard. The narrative also follows Marie Antoinette, the Austrian-born queen of France, and explores themes of love, duty, and social upheaval.
Synopsis
In the opulent court of Versailles, four individuals find their destinies intertwined:
- Oscar François de Jarjayes: A young woman raised as a son, serving as a palace guard.
- Marie Antoinette: The elegant queen of France, caught in the political turmoil of the era.
- André Grandier: Oscar’s loyal servant and childhood friend.
- Hans Axel von Fersen: A handsome Swedish count who becomes entangled in the queen’s affections.
As the French Revolution looms, these characters navigate their personal struggles against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.
Manga and Anime Legacy
Riyoko Ikeda’s The Rose of Versailles manga, serialized from 1972 to 1973, is considered a pioneering work in the shojo genre. Its compelling characters and historical setting have captivated audiences for decades. The original anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment in 1979, further solidified the series’ popularity.
A Faithful Adaptation
The 2025 anime film aims to be more faithful to the original manga than the first anime series. The movie focuses primarily on Oscar François de Jarjayes and Marie Antoinette.
Release and Anticipation
The Rose of Versailles anime film was released in Japan on January 31, 2025. The release date was announced on the official website in October 2024, heightening the anticipation among fans.
Promotional Trailers
Several trailers have been released to promote the film, including character-focused trailers for Marie Antoinette, Oscar François de Jarjayes, and André Grandier. A trailer highlighting Hans Axel von Fersen was also released on the film’s premiere day.
Streaming Preview
To further build excitement, Toho offered free streaming of the original anime series in Japan, with five episodes released each week.
Themes and Historical Context
The Rose of Versailles explores themes of gender identity, social class, and political revolution. The characters grapple with personal desires and obligations within the rigid social structure of 18th-century France. The film also provides a glimpse into the historical events that led to the French Revolution, including the extravagant lifestyle of the French aristocracy and the growing discontent among the lower classes.
Influence of the French Revolution
The French Revolution serves as a critical backdrop, influencing the characters’ lives and decisions. The film portrays the societal tensions and political intrigue that ultimately led to the downfall of the French monarchy.
Music and Sound Design
The film’s music, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, aims to enhance the emotional impact of the story. In addition to the score, a special song titled “Aristocrats in Masks,” composed by Tomoko Kaneharu and arranged by Hiroyuki Sawano, is featured in a singing scene within the movie.
