The next person stereotyping anime as a mere “child’s cartoon” will be sent to the gallows. I’m currently re-watching Noir and the depth of the theme and allusions to other cinema and literature is astounding.
In the first six episodes, the most commons references that are to Leon: The Professional and various Ernest Hemingway writings.
Indeed, Mireille’s care of her plant, the taking in of Noir and the shift to Noir caring for the plant are key plot cues in Leon: The Professional.
Mireille is also seen to quote Ernest Hemingway at one point. In episode six, The Lost Kitten, the setup of the story is virtually identical to Hemingway’s “Cat In The Rain.”
Anime for children? Perhaps the target audience may never grasp the symbolism and allusions rampant in Noir, but this is well worth the watch for educated adults.
