Watch Lady Oscar
- TV-14
- 1979
- 1 Season
-
5.8 (683)
Lady Oscar is a historical anime television series set in 18th century France at the height of the reign of King Louis XVI. The shows was released in 1979 and aired on the Japanese cable television network Animax. With 40 episodes, this anime series is a retelling of the classic French novel "The Rose of Versailles" by Riyoko Ikeda.
The show features a young woman named Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, who was born to an aristocratic family in France. Her father, a highly ranked commander in the army, had always longed for a son and so he raises his daughter as a boy. As a result, Oscar is highly skilled in sword fighting, horse riding and other masculine pursuits, and she eventually joins the Royal Guard of the Palace of Versailles, where she becomes a personal bodyguard of Marie Antoinette.
Oscar's character is portrayed by Catriona MacColl, who does an excellent job in bringing the character to life. She is a skilled rider and makes the fight sequences look flawless on-screen. Her performance as Oscar is the highlight of the show. The viewer is constantly reminded of the difficulty of growing up as both a girl and a soldier during a time where those were two mutually exclusive identities. This, in turn, gives Lady Oscar an interesting dynamic that separates it from other anime shows.
Barry Stokes stars as Hans Axel von Fersen, a dashing Swedish Count who is drawn into the web of intrigue at court. He is handsome and charming and catches the eye of both the queen and Lady Oscar. His character is akin to a tragic hero, and he does a remarkable job at portraying a nobleman who is torn between his love for the queen and his loyalty towards his country.
Patrick Allen plays the villainous Duke d'Orléans; a scheming, conniving man who seeks to undermine the throne and seize power for himself. Allen does a great job in playing the role of a twisted individual who will go to any lengths to achieve his goal. His deep, booming voice adds an extra layer of menace to his character.
The animation style is elegant and vivid, especially the character designs. The costumes are opulent and intricate, which is fitting for a show set in the lavish court of the Sun King. The backgrounds are also highly detailed, with the animators paying attention to the architectural landmarks, such as the Palace of Versailles and the streets of Paris.
Lady Oscar is not your typical anime show. It contains a lot of historical references and political intrigue, which makes it a captivating watch for viewers who are interested in history. The show is also notable for its themes of women's rights and gender identity. Oscar's character, who takes men's roles and wears men's clothing, is a standout example of the show's strong feminist message. It is impressive that this anime show tackled gender issues decades before it's become more common in modern day anime.
The series also addresses the economic hardships of the time, with the French Revolution as a looming cloud over the horizon. The viewer sees the growing discontent of the peasants, who are struggling to make ends meet, in the background of the show. This gives viewers an opportunity to understand the economic problems which led to the French Revolution, a topic that's not usually shown on anime shows, until now.
With its stunning visuals, strong characterizations, and intricate plot, Lady Oscar is a must-watch for any anime fan. The show's unique focus on gender issues, political intrigue, and historical context make it a refreshing take on historical fiction that still resonates with viewers today. Its blend of drama, romance, and adventure make it a timeless classic worthy of a re-watch for old and new audiences.
Lady Oscar is a series that ran for 1 seasons (56 episodes) between October 9, 1979 and on Animax