Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35461 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-13
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Formats: Animated, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, Japanese
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 111 minutes

Customer Reviews

DO NOT BUY
so this just arrived in my mailbox today and after it being suggested from several different sources i had high expectations. however within the first 10 minutes i realized that i was going to be let down. i don't know how anyone could walk away after seeing this and possibly call it good. first the story is slow, boring, and half the time doesn't make sense. the story isn't the biggest problem though, it's the animation itself. it's true that there are a few beautiful scenes in this film but most of the time you'll be staring at obscure frames with someone talking in a reflection, sideways, or behind something. seriously, this entire film is like the last 2 episodes of evangelion. i would strongly say pass on buying this.

just to be clear, i watch alot of anime (some of my favorites are ergo proxy, lain, battle angel, lucky star, and dokuru-chan) and while this isn't the worst, it's near the bottom of the list.

Incredible visuals and enchanting music score are the main attractions
Eiri is an art student who works in an antique shop. When Eiri picks up a beautiful wine glass he sees visions of a beautiful young girl and quickly falls in love. Finally the girl named Cossette makes herself known and attempts to hold Eiri responsible for her death.

Petite Cossette(Le Portrait de Petit Cossette) is a visual feast that successfully attempts to dazzle the viewer. Make no mistake, the animation, cinematography, and artwork is nothing short of amazing. While the animation is definitly the highest point. Petite Cossette also does a good job with bedazzling viewers with its confusing storytelling.

The style of storytelling present in this short OVA may turn away lots of viewers. Although very simple to understand by the time the first episode is over. The route taken seems almost as if, the anime wants to confuse you. The story is delivered in flashbacks and visions that make it difficult to tell when the main story is taking place. This alone can anger many people who favor linear storytelling. I don't mind it much at all but I've seen it done much better.

I give credit to Petite Cossette on the themes it works on. It tells a very good story working on the dark themes of obsession and revenge. This is a drama anime. However, the writing takes steps to push this anime very close to the realm of horror. These darker themes are exploited in twisted ways. There is also a considerable amount of blood and gore.

Now back to the animation. As I said before the animation is the biggest strength. The animation is very fluid and the characters moves are realistic. The artwork is fantastic and very well detailed with an outstanding use of bright colors. The beautiful classical music score fits very well and adds a nice feel to the atmosphere. The budget is well used with this anime.

Now my problems lie with the characters for one thing. The secondary characters almost completely served no purpose in my eyes. And I really didn't feel the main characters at all. No one was engaging or charismatic enough for me to care about them. I also feel some scenes were unnecessary and didn't push the plot well enough. The ending is ok at best for me.

The fan service is very tame and I felt the voice acting was ok at best. I don't think this is a bad title at all. I would give it a 3.5 at the most. I was into it a bit but never truely gripped. I will point out this is not an action themed title. I recommend this to those who freak out to superb animation first. Those who zone out very easily will miss crucial points in the story. And your end result will be disastrous. Watch this anime with care. It contains three 30+ minute episodes.

A truly deep dark tale
First I have to say the dvd is split up into 4 episodes actually, I thought it was just one long movie. Aside from that kinda throwing me at the begining Petite cossette is definetly one for your collection. If you like other series like Lain, or Elfen lied. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and the visuals are stunning. Its maybe not like other series that I've seen that have a higher re-watch value, but I wont forget it.