Noir

On the surface, Noir follows two killers tied to a shared grudge and a buried past. Mireille Bouquet is a coolly efficient assassin whose precision and restraint are legendary. Her routine life shifts when a mysterious email draws Kirika Yumura, a young woman with no memory but a fierce will, into her orbit and a promise of answers about who they really are. The two form an uneasy partnership as they chase clues linked to a thousand-year-old organization that has pulled their strings long before either woman realized it. A haunting melody threads through their quest, hinting at a fate written long ago for two maidens who govern death, known as Noir.

Premiered in 2001, Noir was directed by Kōichi Mashimo and sprang from an original concept by Ryōe Tsukimura. The Bee Train production blends sleek action with moody atmosphere, anchored by Yuki Kajiura's music and a memorable cast, for fans worldwide.

Among anime fans Noir has a devoted cult following for its moody noir vibe paired with kinetic action and Yuki Kajiura's haunting score. It helped define Bee Train's signature style of female led assassins and inspired later projects with a similar atmosphere. Its visuals and music sparked ongoing fan discussion.

Critics have praised Noir for its tight plotting, stylish visuals, and the exploration of memory and identity. The show raises questions about fate versus choice through Mireille and Kirika, balancing brutal violence with quiet introspection and an undercurrent of past lives shaping present decisions.