NOIR – Volume 1: Shades Of Darkness

This release had all necessary ingredients to be an average one: two girls ‘earning their bread’ by killing – one amnesiac, other with troublesome past. ‘Run & gun’ entertainment, mystique and beautiful eyes… yes, it’s all there.
But ‘NOIR’ is far from average creation. Carefully measured amount of abovementioned motifs blended with real noir elements in sophisticated screenplay by Ryoe Tsukimura and enriched by superb direction by Mr. Kouichi Mashimo ( some battle scenes/ fighting moves will amaze you!) tastes great.
With added realistic sound sequencing and specific music ( reminiscent of “Stoa”, “Ophelia's Dream” etc. plus classical and other instrumental scores) you will fully experience the atmosphere of “NOIR”. Yes, it is dark and complex - certainty mixed with intrigue and animosity with respect. In excellent balance.
And now the girls:
As expected, totally opposite. Mireille Bouquet, experienced assassin, blonde and French by the way, meets teenager Kirika Yumura, quiet Japanese in position similar to which certain Ludlum’s character is in. ‘Unlikely pair’ type of films has been Hollywood style for a decade now – but this is not Disney production. Although, by the number of close-ups on girls’ eyes you might think different (why so many?). My fears that this would be a film for girls only, with annoying giggles and romances and cuddly pets were unbased. But it is far from ‘killing machine girls pissed at the world and people that caused their pain’ type of story. To repeat my words: excellent balance. Notice the smoothness and steady streamline of action. Some repeating scenes could affect the flow of the story, but I guess they were necessary in these early episodes.
With certain dead awaiting in the end, the girls continue through the journey of discoveries and ‘jobs’ and we continue watching. And enjoying. And, more importantly, asking for more. All credits and accolades to Bee Train production team. And ADV for finally preparing NOIR for ‘region 1’. Excellent. Addictive.