Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Petit Cossette, Le Portrait de Petite Cossette, Cossette no Shouzou
Information
Type: OVA
Episodes: 3
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 11, 2004 to Dec 22, 2004
Duration:
36 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 7.381 (scored by 4556 users)
Ranked: #12382
Popularity: #545
Members: 8,100
Favorites: 107 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
gothic horror psychological supernatural |
SynopsisThe anime is about art student Eiri Kurahashi, who works in an antique shop. One day, he sees the image of a girl in an antique glass. To his shock, she appears to be moving and living out her life before his eyes. He becomes infatuated with the girl, and one night at midnight, somehow makes contact with her. He learns her name is Cossette, and that she was an aristocrat's daughter during the 18th century.
She reveals to him that her spirit has been entrapped within the glass by her murder, which was perpetrated by her betrothed, the artist Marcelo Orlando. To set her free, she tells Eiri, a man must be willing to take upon himself punishment for the sins Marcelo committed.
(Wikipedia) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Le Portrait de Petit Cossette
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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santetjan
78 of 102 people found this review helpful
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3 of 3 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is, first of all, a work that tries to be visual art, about visual art. It tries to tell what is in essence a very simple story in the first place by means of short scenes using specific visual style, and only in the second place by actual conversation and plot development that is spelled out. Thus, if, after watching the first episode you decide you really don't like the visual style used, don't bother watching the other two episodes: this series is not for you.
With regard to the plot, it would be no exaggeration to state that the same story could have been told within five minutes, nor would it be too much to say that any review of the plot would also most likely divulge what little twist there is. In essence, the story revolves around two artists and a piece of art, the portrait of a young girl, and the two differing outlooks on art these two artists have: one in the end prefers the piece of art, unchanging and everlastingly beautiful, unwilling even to acknowledge the existence of the living, changing 'original' girl, while the other prefers his art to be alive in some fashion, even if this means that change and loss exist. It is a story about the love of the artist for his art, a love that is profound enough to accept the necessity of loss, even, if necessary, of the self.
Nowhere is the story explained in as much words as I've used above, or are there pieces of dialogue directly concerning this difference in outlooks on art. In fact, there is not that much dialogue at all, nor does the show try to explore the main characters: there is little in the way of actual plot or character development.
This is because Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is a Romantic piece, or, more accurately, a piece of Romantic horror. The plot is a gathering of tropes from the genre, and focuses to a large extent on the passionate love of the main characters without giving much in the way of an explanation for their feelings and behaviour, wholly following the example of the greater pieces of Sturm und Drang literature, where round characters were considered less important than the strength of what little they tried to convey. Even the fact that the plot seems confusing, and that not everything is explained or neatly given a purpose within the story can be fully explained as Romantic horror: from Poe to Lovecraft the actual lack of a full explanation served to enhance the story.
When all is said and done, the story might not be all that original, or contain a lot of development. It is, however, very true to form.
The art is simply gorgeous. A lot of different styles are used, from simple nature backgrounds to what has been described as "bargain-basement Salvador Dali", with an emphasis on portraying scenes in twilight or with light that is filtered, seemingly in order to make the few bright points stand out more. Even though not all styles work out equally fine - especially the more surrealistic scenes tend to be a bit over the top - they do usually perfectly portray the mood of a certain scene.
To this is added a soundtrack consisting largely of semi-classical music that does a wonderful job in strengthening the different moods, ranging from simple, uplifting tunes to a ballad that is beautiful and haunting, even though it is sung in Japanese, which does not really fit the mood.
It is true that this show is pretentious, as is, it should be said, all art, and visual arts have a tendency to be even more pretentious than music or literature: the use of a French title (containing errors in grammar, spelling, and syntax, to boot, as it should have been titled "Le portrait de la Petite Cosette") is in itself proof of this, as is the bundling of a whole bunch of different musical and visual styles. On the other hand, it is quite honest about its being pretentious, and it must be said that, in the end, what matters in visual art is the art, not story, and not character. Anime is visual art, and no matter how good a series is, it will never be better than a solid book in portraying story or characters. What it adds are visuals, and these enhance the story in a way words alone can never do. To me, it is not too pretentious to try and make the story revolve around the art, and not the other way round: in a way, that seems to be what anime should in the end be about.
I won't lie. I consider Le Portrait de Petit Cossette to be the best piece of film I have ever seen, without a single doubt. As implied above, it is very difficult to make an objective statement on story and art, as you either like the style, or you don't. To me the different scenes do connect, and portray a story about longing, love, and sacrifice that portray thoughts that can be felt, but not put into words - though they can be shown.
In a way, I am in love with these three episodes like the protagonist is in love with the painting, and, thus, am unable to see anything that could detract from this impression. Perhaps that simple fact is the greatest compliment a show can receive. read more
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Arekkusu
44 of 74 people found this review helpful
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3 episodes
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| Overall |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
Story
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette is quite often visually stunning, but the storytelling leaves a lot to be desired. The plotting is pretentious and confusing. The series (all three installments are included on this release) is bloated by nonsensical dream sequences and musical interludes. Too much time is also spent on extraneous characters who ultimately have no bearing on the story. There is no real resolution to the plot, and numerous questions are left unanswered. The ending involves a bunch of portraits of Cossette that somehow hold the key to all of the strange goings-on, but the details get lost in a bunch of gothic mumbo jumbo. Hell, by the third episode I was so uninvolved I didn't even notice when one of the characters suddenly slipped into a coma. Then again, it's not like I missed anything.
Art
As I mentioned earlier, there are some striking visuals in the series, but they are all for naught. It also doesn't help that many of them have been lifted from other works (then again, Cossette is French, so I guess this could be seen as homage rather than theft). I saw distinct references to the films of David Lynch, David Fincher, Clive Barker, and Terry Gilliam. There is also a visual quote from Heavy Metal, and the steals from Gerard Scarfe's work on The Wall are too numerous to count. I know it's sad, but I found identifying these swipes far more enjoyable than any other aspect of my viewing experience.
Sound
As for the audio, you get three surround options: English and Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes, as well as a Japanese DTS track. All three are dynamic and atmospheric, but I have to say the Japanese Dolby track edges out the other two. (The English and Japanese Dolby tracks feature the same mix, but the voice acting in the dub is just plain awful.) Extras include trailers for this release, TV spots for the original Japanese release, and previews for other Geneon titles. You also get a music video for the series' theme song (the song's not bad, but the video is just as goofy and pretentious as the series) and a double-sided poster insert. The most notable bonus feature is a series of interviews with several members of the series' cast and crew. Clocking in at just shy of twenty minutes, these interviews detail the origins of Le Portrait de Petite Cossette from the ground up.
Character
I am still wondering why Eiri simply didn't run screaming from his uncle's shop when he first saw and heard Cossette in the glass. (I won't even bother to ask how a girl who was born and raised in France in the 1700s can understand Japanese. Or is it Eiri who can understand French? Ah, forget it.) Even more puzzling is why Eiri would pledge his life and soul to something he initially believes is nothing more than a figment of his imagination. Nothing we come to know about Eiri gives any clues as to why he would forsake every other facet of his life for Cossette. On the other hand, the answers the series does provide are laughable. The fact that Cossette's soul is trapped in a drinking glass is a bit hard to swallow, but the explanation behind her imprisonment in the glass is even more laughable
Enjoyment
You can guess, how i feel about the anime by now xD. As for other audiences, i think u might enjoy unless ur as "lame", as some have called me in the past, as me.
Overall
25 words...Le Portrait de Petite Cossette is nice to look at it, but that's about all it has going for it. I suggest you skip it. xD. read more
Recommendations
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I was surprised in the similarity between Le Portrait de Petit(e) Cossette and Elfen Lied in both plot and (unsurprisingly) blood.
Both have the immediate element of bloody catharsis and paying for ones sins, more so in Petite than in Elfen Lied, through forbidden love.
Although Petite is much more abstract (and possibly violent) and viewers may not particularly like it, i suggest you give it a shot regardless.
Same feel. Lots of gore, powerful music, lolis, and a complicated but not fully explored plot.
Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is similar to Elfen Lied in several, if not many ways. They are both about a girl seeking revenge on someone from their past. That similarity being more of Cossette than of Lucy. Both are seeking revenge on the love of their lives. Both have "unexplained parts" in their story lines. Both are very gory. Elfen Lied is for more mature viewers than Le Portrait de Petit Cossette because it has quite a bit of nudity compared to Le Portrait de Petit Cossette. Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is an Anime where you do, in fact, have to figure out several things for yourself, or you could even use your imagination to fill in the unexplained parts. Elfen Lied has very few parts like this, but in comparison to the Manga. The Manga has the entire storyline within it, but the Anime doesnt. Even still there is only one serious point in Elfen Lied where you have to fill it in yourself. But, if you like A LOT of blood. Then you should see Le Portrait de Petit Cossette. In my own opinion, this is not as good as Elfen Lied, but it comes close.
Theres a LOT of blood in both of these animes. Main characters are cute, innocent looking females. Both are violent and show some type of human torture. -Also a bit of romance in both o:
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First of all, I must say the stories of these two anime are very different. But if you're looking for an intriguing anime that gives you the same feeling you have when you watch Jigoku Shoujo (and vice-versa), Le Portrait de Petite Cossette is a good option(and vice-versa).
Petit Cossette, is a little bit more bloody. And naturally, Jigoku Shoujo, could afford to move on the storyline more slowly since it has more episodes, while Petit Cossette has only around 120 minutes. But both series build the mystery at a similar pace, keeping you interesting and wondering what's going to happen next.
Both series have stunning visuals, doll-like character designs (at times), amazing music, and are similar in tone and atmosphere. Both are dark, gloomy, and disturbing (Hell Girl is more disturbing). The animation and artwork in both series looks a lot a like. Both also have great music and background music that sound similar. Hell Girl and Petite Cossette are both horror anime series, with elements of drama. They both also have the same feeling and style to them. Both series contain a mysterious girl who lived houndreds of years ago, that we learn very little about, but can be considered both beautiful and creepy.
However Hell Girl is more of straightforward then Petite Cossette . Hell Girl is also easyer to follow, and more dramatic (not to mention longer). Petite Cossete uses it's amazing animation and artwork to tell a story, but Hell Girl has a story and it's just told with great animation and artwork (understand? Petite Cossete is an anime where the art is the most important aspect and it is used in breathtaking and interesting ways and tells a story, Hell Girl is an anime where the story is most important, but the artwork is still amazing). The animation/artwork may be a little better in Petite Cossette, but that's mostly because it's a short OVA, where Hell Girl is a TV series.
mistery, suspense and 2 diabolic girls with a pretty design and a evil aura
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Opening Theme"Main Theme" by Yuki Kajiura
Ending Theme"Houseki" by Marina Inoue
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