The appeal and reviews of "NOIR": A dark worldview and detailed storytelling

The charm and depth of "NOIR": Looking back on the journey of all 26 episodes

The TV anime series "NOIR", which aired in 2001, captivated many fans with its unique atmosphere and deep story. This work, which was created by director Koichi Mashimo and production company Bee Train under the direction of Ryoei Tsukimura, who was in charge of the original concept, composition, and scriptwriting, is an original anime that is characterized by its highly free-flowing storytelling and character portrayal. Here, we will look back on the journey of all 26 episodes, exploring the appeal and depth of "NOIR".

Story and worldview

The setting of "NOIR" is a little bit into the future. The protagonists, Kirika Yumura and Mireille Bouquet, are assassins who live in the "underworld" of the European underworld. Kirika has lost her past, and Mireille is a lonely professional with the blood of the Corsican Mafia. After a certain incident, the two team up and start working under the name "Noir". However, there is a deeper meaning hidden in the name that they could never have imagined.

As they carry out "missions" in various places in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Kirika and Mireille come to recognize each other as partners, but the shadow of the mysterious organization "Solda" creeps up on them. As they investigate Solda's true identity and purpose, as well as the true meaning of the name "Noir," a bond as true partners begins to grow between Kirika and Mireille. However, a shocking truth awaits them.

Characters and cast

The appeal of "NOIR" lies in its characters. The voice actors, Houko Kuwashima who plays Kirika and Kotono Mitsuishi who plays Mireille, draw viewers in with their performances that delve deeply into the inner worlds of their characters. In addition, TARAKO who plays Altena and Aya Hisakawa who plays Chloe also bring out the charm of their respective characters.

Kirika appears to be an ordinary girl with a gloomy shadow, and although she has a natural talent as a warrior, she lacks emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and love. By acting together with Mireille, she gradually begins to embody these emotions and awakens to friendship and love. However, it becomes clear that this process itself is part of a larger conspiracy.

Mireille is a lively Parisian woman, but in reality she is a lone wolf assassin. Her father was a high-ranking member of the Corsican Mafia, but was brutally murdered when she was a child, and she has sworn to seek revenge. The reason she helps Kirika and they become partners is because Kirika has a music box that she lost as a child as a keepsake. At first, she treats Kirika as a nuisance, but gradually she opens up to her.

Altena is an executive of the mysterious organization Solda, and always wears a motherly smile, but her true identity is unknown. Chloe is Altena's loyal subordinate, and as an assassin for Solda, she introduces herself to Kirika and Mireille as the true "Noir".

Main staff and production background

Tsukimura Rei, who wrote the original story, composition, and script for "NOIR", is known for its deep story and detailed plot. Character designs were done by Kikuchi Yoko, Shiba Minako, and Miyaji Satoko, and music was done by Kajiura Yuki. Director Mashimo Koichi completed the work under the production company Bee Train.

BeeTrain was known as a company that produced original anime works, which was rare at the time. NOIR was produced as part of that effort, allowing for greater freedom in storytelling and character portrayal. Yuki Kajiura, who was in charge of the music, provided beautiful music that enhanced the atmosphere of the work and captured the hearts of viewers.

Episodes and subtitles

"NOIR" is a series consisting of 26 episodes, each with a different subtitle. Below are the subtitles for all episodes.

• Episode 1: The Virgins of the Black Hand
• Episode 2: Daily Bread
• Episode 3: Assassination Game
• Episode 4: The Sound of Waves
• Episode 5: Les Soldat
• Episode 6: Stray Cat
• Episode 7: The Black Thread of Fate
• Episode 8: Intockerville ACTE Ⅰ
• Episode 9: Intockerville ACTE II
• Episode 10: True Noir
• Episode 11: Moonlit Tea Party
• Episode 12: Assassin's Journey
• Episode 13: Hell's Season
• Episode 14: A Bouquet for Mireille
• Episode 15/Cold Eye Murder ACTE I
• Episode 16/Cold Eye Murder ACTE II
• Episode 17: Return to Corsica
• Episode 18: My Darkness
• Episode 19: Solder's Hands
• Episode 20: The Sin of Sins
• Episode 21: The Dawn of Dawn
• Episode 22: The End of the Journey
• Episode 23: The Last Flowers of Love
• Episode 24: Dark Recurrence
• Episode 25: The Edge of Inferno
• Episode 26: Birth

Each episode depicts the growth and deepening bond between Kirika and Mireille, as well as their battle with Solda. The final episode, "Birth," left a strong impression on viewers, depicting the moment when the two characters' fates intersect and a new "Noir" is born.

Theme songs and music

The theme song and music of "NOIR" are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. The theme song and music are introduced below.

Opening Theme

・Coppelia's Coffin Lyrics: Arika Takano Music: Mikiya Katakura Singer: ALI PROJECT

Ending Theme

・Beautiful Feelings Lyrics: Akino Arai Composition: Akino Arai Arrangement: Hisaaki Hokari Vocals: Akino Arai

Insert song

・Indio
Lyrics: Yuki Kajiura Composition: Yuki Kajiura Arrangement: Yuki Kajiura Singer: chiaki

・A farewell song
Lyrics: Yuki Kajiura Composition: Yuki Kajiura Arrangement: Yuki Kajiura Vocals: Yuri Kasahara

The opening theme, "Coppelia's Coffin," enhances the atmosphere of the work with ALI PROJECT's unique worldview and beautiful melody. The ending theme, "Beautiful Feelings," features the clear singing voice of Akino Arai, and will remain in the viewers' hearts. In addition, the insert songs, "Indio" and "a farewell song," are beautiful songs by Yuki Kajiura, and will liven up the story's development.

Ratings and Recommendations

"NOIR" has captivated many fans with its unique atmosphere and deep storyline. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth and deepening bond between Kirika and Mireille, as well as the battle with Solda, left a strong impression on viewers. The beautiful music and character designs also add to the appeal of the series.

This work is recommended for those who want to enjoy a dark atmosphere and a deep story, and for those who like works that depict the growth of characters and the deepening of bonds. It is also recommended for those who want to experience the high degree of freedom of original anime works. Please enjoy the journey of all 26 episodes.

Related information and recommendations

For fans of NOIR, you might also like the following related information and recommendations:

Related information

・Ryoei Tsukimura, who created the original story, composed the story, and wrote the script for "NOIR", has also worked on many other works. In particular, "MADLAX" and "El Cazado" are recommended for fans of "NOIR".

・Director Koichi Mashimo has also worked on other films such as "Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom" and "Tokyo Magnitude 8.0." These films are also recommended for those who enjoy dark atmospheres and deep stories.

Yuki Kajiura, who was in charge of the music, has also provided beautiful music for other works such as "Fate/Zero" and "Aldnoah.Zero." If you want to enjoy her music, be sure to check out these works as well.

Recommended Works

・"MADLAX": This work was created, composed, and scripted by Ryoei Tsukimura, and is characterized by its dark atmosphere and deep storyline. In particular, the episode depicting the growth of the protagonist and the deepening of his bond is recommended for fans of "NOIR".

・"El Cazado": This work was created, composed, and scripted by Rei Tsukimura, and is characterized by its dark atmosphere and deep story. In particular, the episode depicting the growth of the protagonist and the deepening of his bond is recommended for fans of "NOIR".

・"Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom": Directed by Koichi Mashimo, this work is characterized by its dark atmosphere and deep story. In particular, the episode depicting the protagonist's growth and deepening bonds is recommended for fans of "NOIR".

・"Tokyo Magnitude 8.0": Directed by Koichi Mashimo, this work is characterized by its dark atmosphere and deep storyline. In particular, the episode depicting the protagonist's growth and deepening bonds is recommended for fans of "NOIR".

・Fate/Zero: Yuki Kajiura is in charge of the music, and the beautiful music enhances the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth of the protagonist and the deepening of the bonds between the characters are recommended for fans of NOIR.

・Aldnoah.Zero: Yuki Kajiura is in charge of the music, and the beautiful music enhances the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth of the protagonist and the deepening of the bonds between the characters are recommended for fans of NOIR.

Conclusion

NOIR has captivated many fans with its unique atmosphere and deep storyline. The episodes depicting the growth and deepening bond between Kirika and Mireille, as well as the battle with Solda, left a strong impression on viewers. The beautiful music and character designs also add to the appeal of the series. This series is recommended for those who enjoy a dark atmosphere and deep storyline, and for those who like works that depict the growth of characters and the deepening of bonds. Be sure to enjoy the journey throughout all 26 episodes.