Noir
Synopsis
On a sunny afternoon in her Paris apartment, assassin-for-hire Mireille Bouquet receives a strange email from Kirika Yuumura, a young student from Japan, inviting her to "make a pilgrimage to the past" together. Initially thinking the email is nonsense, she changes her mind when it begins playing a song that she recognizes from her youth. Upon first meeting each other in person, the two are suddenly ambushed by gun-wielding men. While Mireille is capable of fending off the assault, she discovers that Kirika is quite adept in combat situations after she takes out several gunmen on her own. Despite her proficiency at killing, Kirika laments her inability to feel remorse for her victims. In addition, Kirika apparently has no memory of how she came to acquire the skills she possesses or even of her real identity. Sensing shared history between them, Mireille agrees to team up with Kirika, and together, they embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of their pasts. Operating under the codename "Noir," the duo's fragile alliance is tested as they begin accepting jobs, each one bringing them closer to the truth of who they really are. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions on Noir are mixed. While the show is praised for its stylish visuals, music, and character dynamics, it is criticized for its slow pacing, repetitive plot, lack of realistic violence, and underdeveloped characters. Some find the mysteries compelling, while others find the explanations weak, leading to a somewhat divisive reception overall.
Strengths
- Stylish animation with detailed European settings enhances the tone.
- The soundtrack is exceptionally beautiful and memorable, perfectly matching the action and emotional drama.
- Well-developed main characters with intriguing and tense relationships.
Weaknesses
- The plot develops slowly, with a repetitive 'assassination of the week' format in the first half.
- Action sequences lack blood and realistic impact, diminishing the tension.
- Inconsistent plot with unexplained elements and plot holes.
- Some characters are underdeveloped or feel out of place.