Watch The Rose of Versailles

Name: The Rose of Versailles
Genre: Anime
Released: 1979-10-10
Cast: Nachi NozawaKeaton YamadaYoshito YasuharaRihoko YoshidaReiko Tajima

TV-PG
1979
1 Season
8.4 (2,142)

The Rose of Versailles is a classic anime series from TMS that aired from 1979 to 1980. The show is a historical drama set in the time of the French Revolution and focuses on the life of a woman named Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, who is raised as a boy so she can become the commander of the Palace Guards of Versailles. The show begins with Oscar's birth and her father's wish for a son to inherit his military legacy. As there are no male heirs, he decides to raise Oscar as a boy and make her the commander of the Palace Guards. Oscar grows up as a skilled swordsman and gains the respect of the people around her. In the series, Oscar navigates the politics and intrigue of the court of Versailles as she protects Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, and becomes her confidante. Through her eyes, we see the luxurious lifestyle of the French aristocracy and the stark contrast of the poor and suffering citizens outside the palace gates. Oscar is a complex character who struggles with her gender identity and her duty as a member of the guard. She is torn between her loyalty to the aristocracy and her sympathy for the oppressed people of France. Her journey throughout the series is one of self-discovery as she comes to terms with her identity and her place in society. The Rose of Versailles is also notable for its portrayal of historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, and Maximilien de Robespierre, among others. The show does not shy away from the darker aspects of the French Revolution and portrays the violence and chaos of the times accurately. The animation style of The Rose of Versailles is unique for its time, with its use of detailed backgrounds and delicate character designs. The voice acting is also noteworthy, with Nachi Nozawa giving a memorable performance as Oscar and Keaton Yamada as the flamboyant Count Axel von Fersen. The show's soundtrack is also iconic, with its sweeping orchestral score that perfectly captures the grandeur and drama of the story. The opening theme song, "Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru" ("The Rose Falls Beautifully"), is a classic that is still beloved by fans today. Overall, The Rose of Versailles is a masterpiece of anime and a landmark in the genre. Its themes of identity, duty, and revolution are timeless and resonate with audiences today. The show is a must-watch for fans of historical fiction, drama, and anime alike.

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Seasons

40. Adieu, My Beloved Oscar

September 3, 1980

During the Storming of the Bastille, Oscar is shot. Bastille Prison falls shortly after, marking one of the first major strides for the French Revolution. Later, Alain, Bernard, and Rosalie reflect on France's shift in power, and the lives that were lost.

39. His Smile Is Lost Forever

August 27, 1980

André has been fatally wounded, leaving Oscar to continue the fight alone. As she struggles with the despair of losing her true love, the French revolutionaries prepare to mount a pre-emptive strike against Bastille Prison, a symbol of Royal tyranny.

38. Before the Door of Fate

August 20, 1980

Oscar and André have found comfort in each other's love, but it's a short-lived comfort. Right after returning to Paris, Oscar rallies Company B in support of the revolution. With the city in chaos, Company B attempts to rally the commoners in their fight

37. On the Night of Their Passionate Vows

August 16, 1980

After finding out that André is going blind, Oscar begins to take notice of the feelings she has for him. But before Oscar has the chance to confront André, they are given orders to return to Paris and take arms against the revolutionaries

36. The Watchword Is "˜Au Revoir'

July 30, 1980

The Queen dispatches the Royal Guards to Paris and Versailles in an attempt to quell the growing discontent of the French people. Oscar, fearing that the French Guards will soon be ordered to fight their own countrymen, attempts to reason with the Queen

35. Oscar, Now Is the Time to Leave the Nest

July 23, 1980

After refusing to remove the commoner's faction from the Estates-General assembly, Oscar is found guilty of treason and her men are locked up, awaiting execution. Oscar's father, overcome with grief, takes it upon himself to deal with Oscar.

34. Now, "˜The Tennis Court Oath'

July 19, 1980

The Estates-General is in full swing. As support grows for the commoners' faction, the nobility and clergy begin to take drastic measures. In conflict with her own feelings on the matter, Oscar is ordered to prevent the commoner's from assembling.

33. The Funeral Bells Toll Amidst the Twilight

July 2, 1980

Facing a debt crisis, King Louis the XVI is pressured to convene the Estates-General. But a more pressing matter is on the King's mind: the failing health of his son, Louis Joseph. Louis Joseph summons Oscar to visit him one last time.

32. Prelude to the Storm

June 18, 1980

Alain accuses Oscar of betraying her comrades when a member of Company B is sentenced to be executed. Oscar convinces the General to reverse the condemned's sentence, but as she travels to Paris to thank him, she and André are attacked by an angry mob.

31. A Lilac Blooming in the Barracks

June 4, 1980

With acts of terrorism on the rise in France, Oscar and Company B are charged with protecting a visiting Spanish Duke. Unbeknownst to Oscar, one of the members of her unit is a traitor working with the terrorists.

30. You Are the Light, I Am the Shadow

May 21, 1980

Oscar's father, regretful for having raised his daughter as a man, now wishes to see Oscar happily married. André is distraught by the news, but has his own share of problems to contend with.

29. The Doll That Began to Walk

May 14, 1980

After leaving the Royal Guards, Oscar enlists with the French Guards and is made the new commander of Company B. But Oscar has her work cut out for her... Company B has a reputation for being particularly rough.

28. André, a Green Lemon

April 30, 1980

Count Fersen learns of Oscars feelings for him, but too little, too late. Oscar has already accepted that they can't be together and to further distance herself, requests permission to leave the Royal Guards.

27. Even if I Should Lose the Light..

April 16, 1980

Just when Oscar and André think they have the Black Knight cornered, he manages to injure André's eye in the ensuing fight and then slip away. While André struggles with the possibility of his being blinded, Oscar attempts to track down the criminal.

26. A Sought Encounter With the Black Knight!

April 9, 1980

A man known only as the "Black Knight" has been robbing the homes of the rich and affluent and giving it away to the poor. Though his actions are helping the down-trodden find some small solace, a crime is still a crime.

25. Minuet of the Unrequited

April 2, 1980

Count Fersen has returned to France, having long been at war in America. When he hears the news of how much Marie's image has been damaged, he opts to help her protect her reputation. Meanwhile, Oscar struggles with her own feelings for Fersen.

24. Adieu, My Youth

March 26, 1980

Jeanne escapes prison and uses her freedom to publish scandalous memoirs regarding the Queen's indiscretions. While the whole of France drinks in the gossip, Oscar exhaustively searches for Jeanne's whereabouts.

23. Cunningly and Resiliently

March 19, 1980

Jeanne's plot against the Queen has been exposed and she stands trial with her accomplices. But rather than accept punishment, Jeanne uses the trial as an opportunity to slander the Queen and Oscar.

22. The Necklace Shines Ominously

March 12, 1980

Marie, having just been blessed with a son, chooses to seek respite in her villa outside of court. Tensions begin to rise, as nobles feel the Queen's actions are a slight against them. Meanwhile, Jeanne is presented with an opportunity to scheme both Ca

21. The Black Rose Blooms at Night

March 5, 1980

Jeanne has had a lot of luck extorting money from Cardinal Rohan, preying on his obsession with the Queen. But as Rohan's impatience grows, Jeanne is forced to take greater risks and sparks Oscar's ire when she attempts to bribe her.

20. Fersen, a Farewell Rondeau

February 27, 1980

Rumors of Marie and Fersen's love affair have spread like wildfire. As the gossip torments the two lovers, Oscar feels powerless to stop it. Then, Fersen must make a difficult choice after receiving news that a dear friend has died in a war.

19. Farewell, Little Sister

February 20, 1980

The truth regarding Rosalie's birth mother is discovered, but the news only serves to cause Rosalie further grief. Meanwhile, Countess Polignac's daughter, Charlotte, is to be married to the much older Duke Roland de Guiche.

18. Suddenly, Like Icarus

February 13, 1980

Oscar is injured during a fight with brigands, but Count Fersen rushes to her aid and saves her life. While Oscar recovers from her wounds, Fersen takes the opportunity to visit Marie; however, Marie's joy in her reunion with Fersen is cut short.

17. Now, the Moment of Encounter

February 6, 1980

While Oscar and André scour through records for the identity of Rosalie's birth mother, Rosalie continues to search for her mother's killer. Hearing of Rosalie from Oscar, Marie Antoinette calls on her to attend court in Versailles.

16. Mother, Her Name Is...

January 30, 1980

In order to help Rosalie avenge her mother, Oscar has been teaching her swordsmanship. Rosalie attends a local ball in hopes of finding the woman responsible, but instead she finds herself under the scrutiny of Countess Polignac's daughter.

15. The Countess of the Casino

January 23, 1980

When Marie feels the pressure to provide Louis the XVI with an heir crushing her, Countess Polignac urges Marie to fake a pregnancy. As France's excitement for an heir grows, so too does Marie's guilt.

14. The Angel's Secret

January 16, 1980

Marie has grown exceedingly fond of the Countess Polignac, who in turn uses their friendship to obtain gifts and estates. Marie does not realize that lavishing Countess Polignac with wealth is bound to have consequences.

13. Winds of Arras, Answer Me...

January 9, 1980

Suspended from her official duties, Oscar takes it as an opportunity to visit her family's estate in Arras. Upon arriving, she is surprised to find whispers of discontent amongst the common folk.

12. On the Morning of the Duel Will Oscar...?

December 19, 1979

Unable to shake the memory of Duke de Guéméné's cold-blooded murder of a young boy, Oscar confronts him. In response, Duke de Guéméné issues a challenge to Oscar - a pistol duel to the death.

11. E 11

July 25, 2013

Now that Marie is the Queen of France, she has obligations to uphold. When she begins to neglect her official duties in favor of basking in Count Fersen’s affections, Oscar feels compelled to intervene.

10. The Beautiful Devil, Jeanne

December 12, 1979

Louis-Auguste and Marie are crowned King and Queen or France, but even as they celebrate, life continues to be difficult for the common folk. Jeanne has managed to find a way out of poverty, but when her sister discovers her amongst the nobility, Jeanne

9. The Sun Sets, The Sun Rises

December 5, 1979

King Louis the XV has fallen gravely ill. While Louis the XVI and Marie Antoinette prepare to succeed him, Madame du Barry fears for her fate in the French court after King Louis' passing.

8. Oscar in My Heart

November 28, 1979

An accident during horseback riding threatens Marie's life and causes Oscar's servant, André, to be issued the King's harshest punishment. Oscar is able to persuade the King to spare André, but soon falls prey to an injury suffered during Marie's rescue.

7. Who Wrote the Love Letter

November 21, 1979

Growing bored with Louis-Auguste's self-indulgence, Marie decides to go to a masquerade ball. There, she meets the tall and handsome Count Hans Axel von Fersen. Marie's interest in him give Duke Orléans an opportunity.

6. The Silk Dress and the Ragged Dress

November 14, 1979

Marie and Louis-Auguste's visit to Paris presents a great danger for them and an opportunity for Duke Orléans to dispose of them. Meanwhile, two sisters, Jeanne and Rosalie, both dream of one day escaping poverty. For one of them, the path is clear.

5. With Tears of Dignity

November 7, 1979

Pressure to acknowledge Madame du Barry's presence at court continues to mount for Marie Antoinette, and she reluctantly accedes to the idea. However, Madame du Barry and Duke Orléans have begun to make plans.

4. Roses, Wine and the Conspiracy

October 31, 1979

Marie Antoinette and Madame du Barry's bitter dispute continues to strain relations between Austria and France. Oscar's family is soon drawn into the dispute when Madame du Barry requests Oscar's mother to be her lady-in-waiting.

3. Sparks Fly at Versailles

October 24, 1979

New to the French court, Marie Antoinette is still learning proper etiquette in her dealings with the nobility. When Marie chooses to snub the King's mistress, Madame du Barry, she makes a dangerous enemy.

2. Fly! The Butterfly of Austria

October 17, 1979

Marie Antoinette's marriage to Louis the XVI is set to occur soon and it falls to Oscar to ensure Marie's safe passage across the Rhine River. Will Oscar be prepared for the dark conspiracy that seeks to ruin the wedding?

1. Oscar! The Destiny of the Rose

October 10, 1979

General Jarjayes, deprived of the son he desperately wanted, names his newborn daughter Oscar and raises her as a boy. Now that Oscar's reached adulthood, she's vying for the position of Commander of the Royal Guards for Princess Marie Antoinette.

Description

The show begins with Oscar's birth and her father's wish for a son to inherit his military legacy. As there are no male heirs, he decides to raise Oscar as a boy and make her the commander of the Palace Guards. Oscar grows up as a skilled swordsman and gains the respect of the people around her.

In the series, Oscar navigates the politics and intrigue of the court of Versailles as she protects Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, and becomes her confidante. Through her eyes, we see the luxurious lifestyle of the French aristocracy and the stark contrast of the poor and suffering citizens outside the palace gates.

Oscar is a complex character who struggles with her gender identity and her duty as a member of the guard. She is torn between her loyalty to the aristocracy and her sympathy for the oppressed people of France. Her journey throughout the series is one of self-discovery as she comes to terms with her identity and her place in society.

The Rose of Versailles is also notable for its portrayal of historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, and Maximilien de Robespierre, among others. The show does not shy away from the darker aspects of the French Revolution and portrays the violence and chaos of the times accurately.

The animation style of The Rose of Versailles is unique for its time, with its use of detailed backgrounds and delicate character designs. The voice acting is also noteworthy, with Nachi Nozawa giving a memorable performance as Oscar and Keaton Yamada as the flamboyant Count Axel von Fersen.

The show's soundtrack is also iconic, with its sweeping orchestral score that perfectly captures the grandeur and drama of the story. The opening theme song, "Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru" ("The Rose Falls Beautifully"), is a classic that is still beloved by fans today.

Overall, The Rose of Versailles is a masterpiece of anime and a landmark in the genre. Its themes of identity, duty, and revolution are timeless and resonate with audiences today. The show is a must-watch for fans of historical fiction, drama, and anime alike.

The Rose of Versailles is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (40 episodes). The series first aired on October 10, 1979.

Where to Watch The Rose of Versailles

The Rose of Versailles is available for streaming on the TMS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Rose of Versailles on demand at Apple TV and Plex.