Noir Episode 1 Review

*SPOILER ALERT! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK*

Noir focuses on two main characters: Kirika and Mireille, who are both assassins. From the perspective of this episode, the theme is psychological in a sense where Kirika is searching for her identity in order to understand her “behavior”. In the episode, she questioned her skill after killing a group of men in black that easily. We can observe a bit of Kara no Kyoukai here which also focuses on the psychological aspect of killing. 

Yumura Kirika

The atmosphere is very mysterious and mythical. The direction of this episode has something to do with Noir (a figure) in general. Mireille is also has something she want to know which has something to do with her identity, particularly her past. The episode foreshadowed a specific event in Mireille’s childhood after Kirika opened the pocket watch that released a music box-like sound. The pocket watch seemed to have a connection between the two distinct characters of this episode.

It’s interesting to know that the episode and the anime in general focus on the psychological aspects of these two characters. As for now, the plot of this anime is still not clear but the premise is evident in this episode. The transition of scenes can be confusing at times but it tells something about a particular deep element which will be determined at the end of this anime. 

Mireille Bouquet

The art is very 90s style since its original release was in 2001. Thus, the color palette and movements of the characters are quite slow and primarily emphasize the characters’ postures rather than the pacing of their movements. It’s nice to see such style of art. Such nostalgic feeling. Of course, we can never forget how beautiful the background music is. The music has a European-Historical tune that raised the mysterious vibes of the episode. The opening music is very gothic and mythical with a touch of darkness in it. As expected from Ali Project for the opening theme and Yuki Kajiura for the background music. The music is also giving some hints regarding the anime’s direction.

Overall, this anime caught my attention. The anime has a mysterious and psychological start to serve its viewers despite of its flaws mainly on the violence aspect. I don’t recommend this for action-violent anime lovers because of that lacking aspect but it is very interesting to look at given its nice start.