Synopsis
“Make a pilgrimage for the past with me.” This is what Mireille Bouquet, a renowned assassin in Europe, received via e-mail. At first she dismisses it but suddenly hears a familiar melody driving her to follow up on the matter. She travels to Japan where she meets the intriguing high school girl Kirika Yuumura who possesses the innate ability in her own words “to kill people this easily” but without feeling remorse…
Review
v
The Breakdown
Although simplified with only four main characters, the plot is complex with riddles and clues within elaborate twists. Each episode ties in to an even greater storyline that climaxes with the fight for who will be Noir.
» The Pros
Many Japanese voice heavy weights went into this series. Mireille’s voice is done by Mitsuishi Kotono who is known for her role as Excel (Excel Saga), Misato (Evangelion), and Sailor Moon. Kirika’s voice is by Kuwashima Houko whose most famous role was the captain of Nadesico, Yurika. Chloe is played by Hisakawa Aya, who played as Yuki Souma in the series Fruits Basket and Sailor Mercury.
|
|
» The Cons
There is one questionable scene between Chloe and Kirika in episode 25 that might offend some people. I thought the scene was unnecessary.
|
» Animation
9 |
Never have I been so awed by any anime series’ background and setting artwork as this one. Very detailed and brilliant. It captures the very taste of Europe. Even when in other countries such as Taiwan, the color and atmosphere is perfect. Character design is slightly thin as with the lack of true anatomy in all anime. |
|
|
» Sound
10 |
The opening theme, Kopperia no Hitsugi, in english Copellia\’s Coffin, is smashing. It is well reminiscent of the beginning James Bond sniper target then shooter scene. The background music, done by Yuki Kajiura (.hack//sign), is like an opera chant yet classical. Although the same pieces are repeated over and over again, its purpose is to highlight either the same dramatic event that happened in the past or to provide tension to the many action scenes in Noir. |
|
» Story
10 |
The plot is the contraption of Tsukimura Ryoei, co creator of EL HAZARD. Noir is like Zorro but with guns instead of swords. It is sort of classy in a sense. Every episode has its share of gun battles where I was often caught amazed at the tricks they would pull. But other than that it can get repetitive because you know who the winner will be. It is impossible in the code of anime to kill off the main characters that early in the series although the ending is debatable whether they were or not. It was not until Chloe was introduced that the plot got interesting. It is a giant mystery novel about the identity of Soldats, who is the true Noir, how are Mireille and Kirika related, who is Kirika really, and how does Artena fit into the grand scheme of things? |
|
|
» Recommend
9 |
Image all the James Bond movies combined to form one series but with women and without the sex. |
|
» Other Information
Language: Japanese with english subtitles
Extras: None
Package: Kirika, left, back to back with Mireille, right, the two main characters of the series |
Monday, September 28, 2026
