Search - Noir - Hit List (Vol. 2) on DVD

Assassins wrapped in a mystery.

T. Austin | Van Nuys, CA United States | 04/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"NOIR, in a nutshell, is about the lives of two sultry assassins in search of their identities. It is primarily an action melodrama with kick [...] music, exotic locations, and of course assassinations. NOIR is not Shakespeare, nor T.S. Elliot, but I find it a heck of a lot fun to watch.We still have our two assassins wrapped inside their own individual mysteries though we do inch closer to an explanation of who they are and how they got so hard-boiled. NOIR episodes are primarily two act plays with the characters and situations carefully set up in the first act and the resolution of the problems therein taking place during the second act.In the first DVD our two hired guns usually assassinated people of dubious intent or who just plain deserved it. That paradigm blurs a little here in this second DVD whereas a target in one of the episodes was not necessarily a bad man; but that is up for debate. As a result, this particular episode gave the characterizations and the plotline much more texture. The dub is excellent with some very fine voice acting. The character design is very good, especially MireilleÕs hair which lays on her shoulders like structures rather than Òspiky massesÓ. Liner notes come with this DVD, which even explains the kind of guns the characters use such as the Beretta M1934, and a Walther P99. Other weapons are described as well if you are interested. It also contains some production notes too and more. If you like anime with female centric characters with character appeal; rather than "fan service" flashing, this one is for you."

Quel dolce souno.... de passati giorni....

Philip Wester | Stockholm, Sweden | 04/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This show is original and constantly surprises you. Ok, so it does get a bit predictable in the end, but what show doesn't? It's not your normal "Ouh, girls fight bad guys, lots of action"-show. This show actually has depth and a good plot to it.
But the constant flashbacks are a bit annoying, especially if you, like me, watch at least 3 episodes at every setting. It feels like the makers were trying to make the episodes longer by inserting flashbacks that we'd already seen before because of a lack of material.Another thing that the show has going for it was the great score and lyricized songs. However, it's still a bit odd how every single character in the show spoke Japanese although the show took place in France and that most of the songs with lyrics had lyrics in Italian. But the songs are nonetheless great, Canta Per Me being the greatest. Too bad there isn't any Karaoke version of it out there. I'd love to be able to download it and sing it at my weekly school assembly.All in all, this is a good show. Download it (the fansub), buy it or borrow it from friends. Great show, great characters, great music."

In this one the action heats up, and the mystery deepens.

Courtland J. Carpenter | Fort Wayne, Indiana United States | 11/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mireille and Kirika are back as the team NOIR in the second DVD release. This one consisting of four episodes, instead of five this time. In the beginning episodes, Kirika hunts an old, expatriated Russian agent. The agent had a long history of evil deeds, but currently has been a tireless worker to aid refugees in the town. A pure white cat seems to have some symbolic ties with the target. Through Kirika's fascination with the cat, and other information observed by Mireille, we learn that Kirika has more feelings than she lets herself show.The next episode is full of flashbacks, and mysterious spiritual messages, on the meaning of Noir, and the ties between the two women. In Japanese culture, I believe an invisible red thread connects two lovers, here a black thread is mentioned, as to be connecting two people, who share a common destiny.The DVD ends with a two-part story that explores some of the fears, and childhood memories of Mireille's back in Corsica. Silvana, a heartless, and accomplished assassin is the target. There is some apprehension on Mireille's part, as she has a long standing fear of this woman, who apparently knows no fear herself. The body count really mounts with this one. The action scenes are artistic, and spectacular, as is the scenery. The other main theme of the two-part story is that Silvana holds a document, a contract originally put out on Mireille's own parents. Will it reveal something more about the people chasing NOIR from the shadows?Once again the music seems appropriate, and spectacular for these episodes. I believe it serves as a substitute for the lack of comic, or other relief, contained in the dark tone of the series. It seems to convey a missing pulse in the two main characters. Killers who, for the most part, must be portrayed as heartless and cold. Even if you're starting to tire a little of the contract killing stories, remember this is more about style. Stay tuned for the next DVD in the series. Things change quickly, great new characters are introduced, and the story behind NOIR shifts into overdrive!"

Better than average "shoot-em-up"

H. A Huffman | Mt. Prospect, IL USA | 05/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The second volume of Noir shows me that this series is continuing to evolve into a deep, engrossing Anime drama; and that is a good sign. DVD #2 contains stories that delve deeper into the origins and motivations of the series' two main characters. It is more enterttaining than the first DVD due to the "more action, less flashbacks" formula, thankfully. Fans of this genre should love this series since it contains core themes in common with all good Anime titles: Decent to Good animation, an interesting story and characters and well constructed action sequences."