The Rose of Versailles (1979)
A landmark anime epic following Lady Oscar, raised as a man, commanding the guards of Versailles on the eve of revolution.
The Rose of Versailles - Series Information
- Original Title: ベルサイユのばら
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 1980
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 10, 1979 (United States - NR), October 10, 1979 (Germany - 12), October 10, 1979 (France - 12), October 10, 1979 (Australia - PG), October 10, 1979 (Mexico - AA), October 10, 1979 (Italy - T), October 10, 1979 (Spain - 13), October 10, 1979 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: The Rose of Versailles (US), ليدي أوسكار (United Arab Emirates), Lady Oscar (SA), A Rosa de Versalhes (BR), Una spada per Lady Oscar (IT), 베르사이유의 장미 (KR), Versailles no bara (JP)
- Production Companies: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
- Production Countries: Japan
The Rose of Versailles - Plot
Raised from birth as a man, the Lady Oscar commands the palace guards at Versailles in the years before the French Revolution. Her beauty and noble spirit make her a shining figure in the eyes of both men and women but she is torn between her chosen life of service and duty to class and country and her own heart and desires. She lives as a noble amidst the opulence of Versailles but her keen senses and compassion are not blinded to the poverty of the French people.
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The Rose of Versailles - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Reiko Tajima
- Miyuki Ueda
- Tarō Shigaki
- Nachi Nozawa
- Rihoko Yoshida
- Yoneko Matsukane
- Yoshito Yasuhara
- Keaton Yamada
- Hisashi Katsuta
- Reiko Mutoh
Writers
- Keiko Sugie
- Masahiro Yamada
- Yoshimi Shinozaki
The Rose of Versailles - FAQs
Is The Rose of Versailles based on a true story?
The series is based on Riyoko Ikeda's acclaimed manga of the same name, first published in 1972. While the story centers on the fictional Lady Oscar, it is set against the very real backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, weaving in historical figures like Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, and Axel von Fersen with remarkable authenticity.
Why is Oscar raised as a man in the series?
Oscar's father, a general desperate for a male heir to carry on the family's military legacy, decided to raise his youngest daughter as a son. This upbringing grants Oscar access to power and command, but also places her in constant tension between her social role and her identity as a woman with her own desires.
Where can you stream The Rose of Versailles?
The Rose of Versailles is available to watch with ads on Pluto TV, Retrocrush, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Cineverse. You can also stream it for free on Plex Channel. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the latest options.
Is The Rose of Versailles worth watching today?
Absolutely. Decades after its debut, The Rose of Versailles remains one of the most influential anime ever made. Its exploration of gender identity, class struggle, and political upheaval feels remarkably modern. The emotional depth of Oscar's journey and the sweeping historical canvas make it essential viewing for animation fans and history enthusiasts alike.
How many episodes does The Rose of Versailles have?
The main series consists of 40 episodes, which aired on Nippon TV from October 1979 through September 1980. There are also 3 additional special episodes available. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, making the full series a richly rewarding watch across its single season.
What impact did The Rose of Versailles have on anime history?
The Rose of Versailles is widely credited with revolutionizing the shoujo anime genre, proving that animation aimed at young women could tackle complex political and social themes. It inspired generations of creators and helped establish the template for dramatic, character-driven anime. Its influence can be felt in countless series that followed over the next four decades.
Who directed The Rose of Versailles anime series?
The series was directed by two directors across its run. Tadao Nagahama helmed the first half of the series before his passing, after which Osamu Dezaki took over and brought his distinctive visual style — including his signature pastel freeze-frames — to the second half, elevating the show's emotional and artistic impact significantly.
What are good anime series similar to The Rose of Versailles?
If you loved The Rose of Versailles, consider exploring Legend of the Galactic Heroes for its sweeping political drama, or Wandering Son for its thoughtful take on gender identity. The Heroic Legend of Arslan offers a similarly grand historical adventure, while Bibliophile Princess provides a more lighthearted but equally elegant period romance.
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