Search - Noir - The Firing Chamber (Vol 3) on DVD

A deffinate "WOW"

Lizabeth Stephens | Phoenix, Arizona United States | 05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This edition of NOIR I have to say is my personal favorite. It starts with the startling new character Chloe, and a whole bunch of questions. This girl is a mysterious yet talented killer that kept me on the edge of my seat going "who" "Why" and "man I love this show!!" I deffinately must say that it didn't dissapoint me in the least and I am eagerly anticipating the next volume's release - you see, the last episode ends very unexpectedly and leaves you with a whole bunch of questions and excitement that just made me want to pop from all the exitement!!
I deffinately reccommend this volume to any and all who want to see a good exiting and wonderfully made few episodes about the mysterious assasins. :)"

Never Let the Right Hand Know...

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 05/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The surprise in this third DVD in what has proven to be one of this years most stylish issues, is the sudden appearance of a mysterious killer who keeps doing Noir's jobs for them. Of course, when you are a pair of assassins, this doesn't create a sense of gratitude and Mirielle and Kirika go one full alert. When a promising information source is killed, Mirielle decides that Les Soldats are involved, but this helps little. Les Soldats are as inexplicable as the mysterious assassin is.Chloe, the viewer finds out, is a pure killer, capable of a cruel sort of kindness. One with skills that surpass Mirielle's own. But, Chloe marches to her own agenda, or rather, to the agenda of Altena, a secret power in the world's most secret organization. Chloe believes she is the true Noir, rather than a team that has merely adopted and old, unused name. And she puts up a pretty good argument. Leaving a trail of spectacular yet efficient murders behind her.It is hard to decide who is one whose side. Chloe is taking on Noir's targets and has no qualms about endangering the team, but she doesn't attack them directly. Which she seems quite capable of doing. Soldat politics are so baroque that Altena is no clearer than her minion. In the end, the viewer must be resigned to appreciating yet another twist in a story full of subtle complications. The killings themselves are classic 'Noir' - saying more about the women that carry them out than the victims. It is almost a shame that the core plot has so much activity in it that the episode plots are a bit obscured. But writer Ryoe Tsukimura manages to achieve an edgy sort of balance where the interplay always enhances the whole.Based on a rare interview on this DVD, Chloe and Altena are more than an interesting detour, but will drive even more of the increasingly baroque plot. I don't mean that in a negative sense, story and character development continue to be the vital keys in this series. 'Noir' is clearly remarkable for combining beautiful women and weapons in a series that defies the 'girls with guns' anime genre and refuses to stoop to anything that resembles fan service. This remains high on my recommended list."

After a slow start, the storyline now shifts into high gear!

Courtland J. Carpenter | Fort Wayne, Indiana United States | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The next episode has an informant trying to bring them additional information on Noir, and the mysterious Soldats. He talks about bringing them an ancient book, which will provide some of the background on the group. In somewhat predictable fashion, he's going to have trouble completing the transaction, as dozens of killers show up. Again they are helped by the mysterious Chloe, who briefly sits down for a very nervous tea party.Episode 12 explores more about Chloe; the two principals are not even a part of this episode. It involves a general, long retired, who is perhaps too dangerous to leave alive by certain factions. He still knows the game well, and treats Chloe as an honored guest, even though he knows she's there to kill him. The bounds of Noirs honor are perhaps explored, as the general has an unusual favor to ask of his potential killer. In many ways, this episode echoes an early episode, with Kirika and the white cat. It shows the depth of character within Chloe, and of course more of her spectacular abilities. It appears someone else also has the same contract... or do they?The final episode on the third DVD is the closest thing to a true romance in the series. It involves Kirika, and a painter she meets while trying to draw along the riverbank. He shows her the proper technique, and they develop a fast friendship. Mireille advises Kirika, that her relationship with the painter is not a good thing in their profession. Is this something that Kirika must learn for herself?Like the two DVDs that precede this, we again get great music, and near flawless animations. If anything, the stylishness which is the main strength of the series, has picked up along with the plot."

A Mad Tea Party

Bryan Weber | San Angelo, TX | 06/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when you thought that Mirielle and Kirika were the baddest babes out there, in comes Chloe. As skilled as Kirika, but with none of her doubts or dilemas, Chloe is a cold blooded killer who never lets her guard down.
But this strange girl is not without her softer side. She honors an old man's final request, and she is respectful and even affectionate towards her mentor, the enigmatic Altena. And Altena, despite being behind Les Soldats, dotes on Chloe as a mother would her daughter. Much remains to be learned, but this is definitely an interesting series so far.
My one complaint: Will ADV make up their blasted minds about how many episodes go on one disc?! Five, four, and now three? Sheesh."