Noir Volume 1: Shades of Darkness
Noir is a very apt name for this anime series. In many respects it adheres to the conventions of a traditional live action 'film noir' movie. There is an emphasis on shadows and silhouettes to heighten tension and to create uncertainty during the action scenes, and the series uses unusual and distorted camera angles to identify a threat to the lead characters or as a signifier to important and strange events.
The series whilst borrowing techniques from film noir also uses storylines and occurrences from other movies. The idea of an amnesiac that has the seemingly natural ability to kill others is Image 1 of 3. Click to enlarge
I guess this is where a big problem for the series lies. There is nothing in any of the episodes that is truly original and can be easily identifiable from other films or series. That is not to say it is without merit, it does have some very good action sequences such as a shoot out in a darkened casino when Noir's only chance of Image 2 of 3. Click to enlarge Image 3 of 3. Click to enlarge

Visually the series is very good, the movements of the characters are believable and the use of light and dark tones creates an interesting setting. There are also nice details in the animation that helps, such as a cars suspension reacting to a passenger getting in and out of the car.
The music and sound effects are also of a high standard. The musical score will often reflect Noir's setting with Parisian accordion music playing during the scenes in Paris. A continuing choral score is used throughout the fight scenes in the series and works adequately with the visuals to heighten the suspense.
In the end Volume 1 is an average anime series. It borrows too heavily from other films and series to be viewed as a groundbreaking piece of animation, and the slowness and over reliance on flashbacks makes the series difficult to watch on occasions. It does however have well executed action sequences, and both the visuals and audio are of a high standard. But I will not be returning to this series until volumes 2 and 3 become budget releases.
Noir

Publisher
ADV
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year of production
2001
Directors
Koichi Mashimo
Production
Production IG, TV Tokyo, Victor Entertainment
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