A new promotional video highlighting André Grandier, a central figure in Riyoko Ikeda’s iconic manga The Rose of Versailles, has been released ahead of the anime film’s debut. The film, produced by MAPPA, premiered in Japan on January 31, 2025, and is part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the beloved series.
André Grandier: A Character of Loyalty and Love
The promotional video focuses on André’s unwavering loyalty and deep affection for Oscar François de Jarjayes. André, Oscar’s childhood friend and servant, is portrayed as a man of steadfast will and devoted heart. Voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga, André’s character is a commoner who stands by Oscar, a woman raised as a man to become her father’s successor in the French Royal Guards, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of pre-revolutionary France.
A Glimpse into André’s World
The trailer offers glimpses of André’s internal struggles and his unwavering support for Oscar as they navigate the complexities of the French court and the growing unrest among the people. It emphasizes his determination and the sacrifices he makes out of love and duty.
The Rose of Versailles Film: A 50th-Anniversary Celebration
The Rose of Versailles anime film is directed by Ai Yoshimura with a screenplay by Tomoko Konparu. Mariko Oka is responsible for the character designs, while the music is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and KOHTA YAMAMOTO.
The Cast
The film features a stellar 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
Production Details
The film is produced by MAPPA and co-distributed by Toho Next and Avex Pictures. The project was initially announced in September 2022 as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the manga series.
Story and Themes
The Rose of Versailles is a historical romance that follows the lives of Oscar François de Jarjayes, Marie Antoinette, André Grandier, and Hans Axel von Fersen in late 18th-century France. The story explores themes of love, duty, class conflict, and the impending French Revolution.
A Pioneer of Shojo Manga
The original manga, serialized from 1972 to 1973, is considered a pioneering work of the shojo genre and has sold over 23 million copies worldwide. Its impact on Japanese and international popular culture is undeniable, sparking interest in French history and culture.
Bonuses for Theatergoers
During the first two weeks of the film’s screening in Japan, theatergoers received a reproduction of Ikeda’s drafts of two famous scenes from the original manga as a bonus.
A Musical Adaptation
The film creatively adapts the story into a musical format, with music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. The musical numbers are used to express the characters’ emotions and move the story forward, adding a unique dimension to the adaptation.
The Original Anime Series
The original The Rose of Versailles anime series, produced by TMS Entertainment, aired for forty episodes in 1979 and was directed by Tadao Nagahama and Osamu Dezaki.
Reception
The film has been praised for its music and its attempt to condense the sprawling story of the manga into a single film.
Other Characters
The movie also features other prominent characters, including:
- Alain de Soissons voiced by Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Florian de Gerodelle voiced by Takuya Eguchi
- Bernard Châtelet voiced by Miyu Irino
- Louis XVI voiced by Fukushi Ochiai
- General Jarjayes voiced by Banjo Ginga
- Maron Glacé Mont Blanc voiced by Mayumi Tanaka
- Madame Noailles voiced by Fumi Hirano
- Louis XV voiced by Hōchū Ōtsuka
- Rosalie voiced by Saori Hayami
- Colonel d’Agout voiced by Jin Yamanoi
- General Bouille voiced by Akio Ōtsuka
- Madame Jarjayes voiced by Sumi Shimamoto
- Robespierre voiced by Kenshō Ono
The Rose of Versailles: A Lasting Legacy
The Rose of Versailles remains a beloved and influential work, captivating audiences with its compelling characters, historical setting, and timeless themes. The new anime film promises to bring the story to a new generation while honoring the legacy of the original manga and anime series. The focus on André Grandier in the latest promotional video underscores the importance of his character and his enduring appeal to fans of the series. His loyalty, love, and strength of character make him a vital part of the story’s emotional core, and the film is sure to explore these aspects in depth.
