Story: 10/10
The story is set in the final days of the French Monarchy, and it tells of political drama, interpersonal drama and petty drama that, as every person even vaguely familiar with the fate of the historical Bourbon Kingdom of France, ends up culminating in a way rather unfavorable for the ruling class. Focusing on how contemporary society changed, and how the main characters interacted with it and each other, it's a masterpiece of storytelling.
Art: 9/10
This anime is very pretty, even despite it being made in the 1970s and an adaptation of a somewhat artistically bare-bones manga. Despite that, it was very enjoyable to watch and had an undeniable charm to it.
Sound: 9/10
It's from 1979. The music is very good and evokes the feel of late feudal France. The Opening and Ending themes are classics that you most likely will enjoy regardless of musical taste. iirc there's a couple of disco inspired songs in the soundtrack, which make the late 70s charm of this anime even greater.
Characters: 9/10
This series has so many iconic characters that you will love and love to hate, starting from the main characters. Sadly, a scene late in the anime brutally murders one of the characters, who until then was one of my favorites. Unfortunate, and really the only reason why this anime isn't on my Favorites' list.
Enjoyment: 10/10
This anime is a masterpiece. I loved every second of it (except for one scene late in the anime), and was left yearning for more by the time the last episode ended. The music is great, the art is great, the characters are great and without the before-mentioned scene, which ruined the enjoyment of a plot element for me, it would have without a doubt have been my personal favorite anime of all time.
Overall: 9/10
Even if you don't watch old anime, watch the Rose of Versailles. You won't regret it.
Maybe check out the content warnings, as the anime can get heavy at times. And if a scene late in the anime will make you feel empty inside, keep watching. It maintains a consistently extremely high quality despite that.
