Sometimes Symbolism Spoils Series

[MDWigs]

Ok sorry for the alliteration, it's 2 AM here and I just finished re-watching Noir (episodes 17 through to the end tonight).

Anyway I noticed this the first time through, but it because really obvious to me the second when I knew the ending...

The picture at the start of every episode (and in numerous other places throughout the series, including on the watch) of the two "maidens" holding swords that are Noir is what put me off. It is obviously symbolic of Mireille and Kirika, Mireille on the left with the long hair and Kirika on the right with the short hair.

The long hair stands out particularly, because of the three "Inner Trees", Mireille is the only one with long hair. When I first watched the series and Chloe was introduced as the "True Noir", I pretty much thought instantly that this couldn't be so because of the symbolism in the picture that we are shown.

It just put me off a little. Of course come the end you knew that Mireille and Kirika were going to stay together and become Noir, I mean that was the obvious thing to happen, they go through a bunch of trials, break up, get back together and in the end triumph over all adversary. It is classic storytelling and Noir does it exceedingly well, however that little bit of added symbolism sort of spoiled it for me, and took away whatever doubt and apprehension I may have had.

I am not saying that Noir isn't an excellent series. It is, and the scenes are terrific, especially later in the series. I just lost something in watching it because of that symbolism and that disappointed me. It came as no surprise to me when Kirika defends Mireille from Chloe, and I would have liked it more if it had.

Anyway sorry that is just my little rant, it didn't really spoil the whole series for me, just looking back a second time it was a flaw that got to me, and I didn't think it was particularly needed.

[scanned]

Its totally up to you, how you see that symbol of Noir. These minor details never manage to ruin anything for me. There are alot more serious questions, which to concentrate on. Thats my two cents. =)

[LonelyDevil]

ah, that is an excellent point ^^

but may i ask you one question?

What did you think of EVa, or Utena then?

[MDWigs]

Oh don't get me wrong, I love symbolism in general. I thought the amount of symbolism in Eva was fantastic. However in this case the symbolism was just a little too much, it wasn't so much symbolism for me as it was blatant foreshadowing of the ending.

[thedarkmarine]

I just fast foward thought those scenes and never gave it much thought.

[Seventh Child]

MDWigs, I see your point. Noir is rather predictable at times, and there are a number of slow parts, but overall I still choose to see it as one of the best animes I have seen. I personally felt that it was one of those animes that had a lot of style, and quite an impressive amount of substance. Someone who chooses to give Noir a fair chance can easily oversee all its flaws to appreciate it completely. :) (I'm not saying that you haven't, just making a point).

[Excession]

I must admit I noticed that the hair that the two maidens who graced the pocket watch (amongst other items) matched that of Kirika and Mereiyu.

There was enough time during some of the slightly slower episodes to ponder than and realize that they must somehow be involved due to the obvious symbolism.

Come the last third of the series, however, it ceased to hold any meaning concerning the plot and ending events. After all, it was possible that the events foretold could be changed by the actions of any one of the three main characters.
Not to mention that during the last third of the series I was captivated to the point of forgetting, as the story unfolded and became even more interesting.
It is, in fact, the ending four episodes (or so) that caused me to rate Noir among the best series I have seen (however limited or great that number may seem to be).
That, its music and the attention to detail in some of the scenes involving character interaction really carried this anime (from my point of view).

[MDWigs]

Ok just to clarify my position: I love Noir. I rate it up among my favourite series of all times. It is fantastic.

I was just pointing out a specific instance within Noir itself and using it as a springboard to address a much larger issue of symbolism spoilers in general.

[Seventh Child]

Originally posted by MDWigs
Ok just to clarify my position: I love Noir. I rate it up among my favourite series of all times. It is fantastic.

I was just pointing out a specific instance within Noir itself and using it as a springboard to address a much larger issue of symbolism spoilers in general.

Understood and accepted. :)

[BanzaiRyusan]

and don't forget about when they went through the doors and mirielle stood on the left where a big symbol of the statue with long hair was and kirika where the statue of short hair was..

of course i have noticed this.. and was overjoyed that chloe couldn't be one of them.. besides it still could have came that way.. but thanks to kirika-chan.. mirielle is safe =)

http://ryusan.net/noir/bed

my screen shots