- two maidens who govern death, peace of the newly born, their black hands protect.
Mireille Bouquet is a young, attractive woman, who lives in Paris. There are certain gaps in her mind, concerning her past. However what she does know is that she is pretty good at completing assassination tasks. She is very skilled in that profession and is yet to meet her match. Someday she receives a weird email from someone, and it only states “Let’s make a Pilgrimage to the past”. Intrigued, she meets this person. She appears a bit younger than Mireille, and does not know anything about herself. The only clue she has is an ID card, which says that her name is Kirika Yuumura. Probably a school girl, but is far more distressed about her past and is trying to find the truth. Mireille and Kirika agree on a pact – once it all becomes clear, Mireille is going to kill Kirika. And Kirika agrees whole-heartedly.
Without having checked Wikipedia or other sources, I believe the year is 1999 CAPTAIN’S BLOG, SUPPLEMENTAL (02/07/10) – The story takes place around 2009-2010. The world in fear about the coming millennium, many believe the end-times are upon us. As Mireille and Kirika set sail to find out the truth about Kirika’s past, they are endeavouring into a journey that has permanent effect on both lives, one way or the other. They learn about an apparently secretive group which only refer to themselves as The Soldats. There is also a mysterious book involved, apparently very old, and holds vital keys to background information of this secretive group as well as maybe both of their pasts.
The core characters of the show, starting from top, clockwise: Altena, Chloe, Kirika Yuumura, Mireille Bouquet
Unlike most anime shows, this one actually names real world cities and countries. The main setting is France and Paris, but places like New York are mentioned, as well as Tokyo and Taiwan. Even Berlin is mentioned at some stage. I find this very interesting so I mention it here.
Set in a very real world with very realistic characters, and no super-powers of any character, “Noir!” will keep you at the edge of your seat. If you like X-Files and/or Millennium (both by Chris Carter), then you will enjoy this very much so – even if you’re not an anime fan. To me at stages the show had the same depth and mood as Millennium, The Soldats and The Millennium Group seem to be a very similar breed of people.
As the show progresses the plot gets incredibly deep. Again, there will be moments that you will witness in shock and awe. You’ll wonder what happens next, why happened what happened. And up until yesterday I have seen 22 of a possible 26 episodes, and the finale of the show just now.
And once again it has been an emotional finale… the book has closed amazingly on another fantastic story which surely is one not to be missed. It has been a ride for all people involved – mostly for you as the watcher of the events. I’m just amazed. Wow.
Bee Train and Victor Entertainment, the people behind “Madlax”, did a FANTASTIC job on this one. Again, the voice acting is top notch, the music does a lot to the show, again. No wonder if Yuki Kajiura composes a soundtrack. If she’s mixing it up, you can be certain that the music experience is unparalleled to any other. ESPECIALLY when she and anime come together… I tell you that much.
“Noir!” is the first of the three Girls-With-Guns shows by Bee Train and Victor Entertainment. If you liked Madlax like I did, then you have no choice as to watch this one.
From the makers of Madlax: Noir. Let’s make a Pilgrimage to the past, shall we?
Noir!
Original release: April 6, 2001
Genre: Mystery, Action
(c) 2001 Bee Train, Victor Entertainment
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