Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
ephemerry
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée, or Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth, is a story about a small Japanese girl who has an adventure of cultural discovery in France. It piqued my interest particularly to see how two people from opposite sides of the world would communicate in the 19th century, when there’s no international or cultural understanding of the others’ positionーlike we have with the advent of the internet. The story started out strong in that regard with the male protagonist, Claude, getting irritated with Yune because he finds her culture bizarre, but then tapers off and is forgotten about. A criticism, in that regard, was that he seemed to be the only one who really took mind of the differences in their cultures when the divide between 19th century France and Japan couldn’t be more noticeab…
Read at the sourcelambishwolf
The principle characters are Yune who leaves Nagasaki for Paris to work as a maid for a pair of ironsmiths, the somewhat amorous but kind Oscar and his grandson, the initially aloof, very troubled, but very earnest Claude. Other recurring characters include a young thieving boy, a bratty, but free-spirited, Victorian weeaboo (yes, they did exist in 19th century France, look up Japonisme) named Alice and her elegant, ladylike older sister, Camille, who is not free to pursue the one she loves.
A very sweet, relaxing show. The art style is quite cutesy about the face, but the detail on clothes is phenomenal and attention paid to setting and subtler body language is very nice. The pace is slow, but soothing. The characters have more bubbling under the surface, but while the finale and lovely…
Read at the sourceHidamariSeashore
I think it's a good thing to be exploring new cultures. Going to another country allows you to learn about that country's culture while teaching the people from that culture about your own. It's a win-win situation for everyone, as we know more about the world that we live in. As we watch anime, we learn a bit about Japan's culture. However, it's not everyday where there is an anime about a Japanese person going to a different country, much less France, and very much less PARIS. Although I don't remember how, why, or when I decided that I would one day watch this anime, but watching it turned out to be worth it in the end.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my review of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée, known in English as "Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth" or in French as "La Croisée dans un Labyrinth…
Read at the sourceLostPerson
Ikoku Meiro or Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth is a very special anime for me. because this anime is about western culture ,a Japanese girl and the setting is on the Victorian era. Since I'm not a westerner nor a Japanese. although I am Asian this kind of anime is really.. really quite intriguing for me. Foreign Labyrinth is like a candy to the eye for the likes of me. so remember that this review is from a point of view of a person who isn't from a western country nor a Japanese.
Story:
Set in the 19 century of France. a little Japanese girl name Yune came to France to help to a shop called Enseignes Du Roys. that's all the story of this anime.
What I think this anime is:
the world is still not that globalize. and curiosity of the western culture and eastern culture was still being sh…
Read at the sourceJarrbearr
Culture is unique upon one's own setting and which people have pride upon, but when a new culture is introduced clash occurs between the two and the differences need time to settle in.
This anime is set in the late 19th century France. The anime shows the culture differences between European and Japanese culture, but shows that they're similar in more ways than you may think. From the outside the anime looks like a typical "moe" with a cute girl, but it offers a lot more to give the viewer entertainment. It's a little slow paced, but really does a good job working with what it has.
The anime has a story that is nothing new, but it does a good job adding its own touches to distinct it from others. The anime has wonderful art that I enjoyed throughout the entire show. The realistic details…
Read at the sourcemagicb
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee is a really cute slice of life anime - don't expect much 'cause it's one of those kind of animes made to make you feel warm and bubbly inside. Not too much drama here, but enjoyable enough for me.
It's the story of a petite Japanese girl, Yune, who comes to France to live with Oscar and his nephew, Claude. Yune makes friends (Alice, a rich brat, still cute), discovers new things and helps Oscar and Claude with their shop. And all this happens in Paris of the 1800s which makes everything even more interesting. I should repeat: this is not a great anime, but it's perfect for boring afternoons.
The characters are simple, yet interesting. There are some nice stories with each of them and a lot of interesting conflicts that remain unexplored.
As for the art, it's simpl…
Read at the sourcechichiriNoDa
OK you've probably read the other reviews and you have a definite opinion whether this series is worth your time. But still I just want to share my two cents, as this is the first anime I've watched in its entirety after a long hiatus on anime.
Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth is a Slice of Life series that revolves around Yune - a japanese girl that was given privilenge to live in Paris, France in the late 19th century.
Well this series is definitely right for my cup of tea since I tend to like slow paced series. But Croisee lacks something that the other slice of series has, and unfortunately it lacks a story. Of course I know that most "slice of life" genre doesn't have a particular story rather a collection of everyday instances in the main characters life.
In Croisee though, instead…
Read at the sourceSaiberia
In Paris, a little girl from Japan has just arrived. Her existence isn't widely known, however those who do know of her, are touched by her being.
Every once in a while, you'll come across a very melancholy or nostalgic anime, something that touches your heart in a certain way. Its a little slower than most, however thats something that this anime relies quite heavily on. The fact that all the characters are taking life day-by-day.
The story was rather simple, and it was supposed to be. It was a character analysis type of anime, delving into the hearts of each individual and finding out what exactly makes them tick, and how they grew emotionally.
The art in this anime was beautiful, smooth animation with a softer set of colors, nothing too flashy (unless of course, it was Alice.). I…
Read at the sourceLONABABERY
I love to known more about Yune and Claude latter on. Like they go out, Yune is to small I wonder how old is she. Overall everything was awsome.
Read at the sourceaiou
Yune may be small but in my opinion she is one of the most strongest female characters that I've seen to date. Going to a foreign land which you only see on books and stories and working there leaving everything including your family behind is one of the bravest things that not everyone can do. I just wished this anime had a second season because I feel that the story was not finished and there are many MANY more rooms for character development between the whole cast. I am thinking of reading the adaptations but it seems the manga is not finished and decided to wait for it to finish. Backgrounds are beautiful and captures the whole classic Paris vibe though on certain scenes there is a feel of sadness and gloom to it. Also the character proportions are insane lol Yune is too small even for…
Read at the sourceArchaeon
There has long been a mutual fascination between Eastern and Western cultures, and although modern technology and tourism have made it easier to explore the mysteries of other lands, things were very different during the latter part of the 19th century. At that time, travel was still relatively dangerous, and the cost of the undertaking meant that it was generally reserved for royalty, the upper and middle classes, and well-to-do merchants or craftsmen. Journeying to a foreign land (and returning to spin tall tales of exotic things), was considered a mark of one's status, and aside from choosing life as a sailor or joining the military, the working classes had very few options when it came to visiting other countries. The generally accepted method was emigration, but even though port citie…
Read at the sourceYui_Haruna
This is pretty different from other animes and mangas when it comes to plot.
I enjoyed most of the chapters, which is pretty hard when you know everything almost from the manga.
The design of the characters let me a little disapointed, after seeing the job of Hinata-sensei in the manga, but that doesn´t mean they aren´t enjoyable. Also, the relationships are deep and well-built,and the personalities are pretty funny in a way.
The music isn´t something that let me in awe, but it´s pretty good (my favorite is the ending) and accomplish it´s purpose very well. The title and the introduction are told in french, what it´s a ¨well-done¨ from the guys of Satelight, as it gives the animation a touch of originality. Each chapter ends with the image frozen, giving you the feeling of a picture boo…
Read at the sourceJeffrey-sama
Cultural differences can make it difficult for one to understand and get along with a stranger. But when two people are able to make it past this obstacle, their eyes become opened to the wonders and marvels of the other's world. Ikoku Meiro no Croisée is the story about a young Japanese girl adapting to life in the boisterous city of Paris in the second half of the 19th century.
Art (8/10)
This category is generally the hardest one for me to score given my usual lack of attention to fine, artistic details in the animation. Anyhow, the animation is on par with today's standards which, in my opinion, is enough to satisfy the mass majority of the audience. I also appreciated the fact that foreigners (i.e. the Parisians) were not shown to be "different" in terms of physical appearance. Sinc…
Read at the sourceAnimeFan500
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee is about a Japanese girl named Yune who moves to France in order to become an apprentice sign/glass maker. We are introduced to Oscar who knows Yune and his grandson Claude- who works at the sign shop. Claude at first didnt' like Yune : ( But he warms up to her. Yune is new to the cultures/customs of France which Oscar and Claude teaches her. It seems Claude is taking an interest in Yune's customs/cultures/way of life in Japan. : ) Perfect slice of Life anime. Thanks Myanimelist : )
Read at the sourceWildNeptune
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée is a touching slice of life anime based in 19th century France. The theme is largely about understanding those different from you and learning to appreciate what makes each person unique.
The set up for the show is a young Japanese girl named Yune being sent to a shop in France to work as a "sign girl". Her primary goal is the upkeep of the store and to bring in customers.
Both Yune and Claude Claudel (best name ever) start out in complete contrast to each other. One of the huge problems with Yune is that she has no real aspirations or relateable goals to the viewer. A comparable show, like Aria, the main character had a clearly defined goal and noticeable growth. Yune lacks both of these.
Claude on the other hand has a lot of back story and development. The is…
Read at the sourceDetective
Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth was mostly overlooked last season due to it's overlapping qualities with the third season of Natsume and the Book of Friends. If you were watching Natsume, then you already know that they are two very different anime despite them sharing similar pacing and atmosphere. Natsume on one hand received tons of praise, but Croisée mostly ended up getting flack. I was quite upset when I was reading through reviews that quickly disregard Croisée as "moe-trash" and simple pandering. Yes, the show does have a little girl in it, and yes she is adorable. That does not mean the show is moe, and more importantly it does not mean the show is trash. I hope this review clarifies some points on the show, and in turn convinces you to pick up this anime. It is well worth your tim…
Read at the sourceVGCKenny
Very few anime can pull off what Ikoku Meiro no Croisee can. It perfectly balances lightheartedness with drama with a cast that's unforgettable, and it just brings about a sense of magic that can be felt fiercely.
Story: The story perfectly balances sadness and joy in the environment it is in and has created. The balance transitions very well from the dramatic aspect to the joyful aspect with little to no awkwardness surrounding the situation. The situations themselves aren't sappy or uncreative either. The sad moments are sad and the happy moments are happy. The moments are all full of emotion and just are very great to watch. The many different situations are all very creative and wonderful. The many aspects of society's ups and downs are very much present and well though out. It also d…
Read at the sourceJigoku-n3ko
IMnC is one pink fluffy cloud of a BBC documentary. This is one of those soothing anime that delivers a slice of life where the drama is kept to a minimum and all is nice and soft and sweet.
Story:
A tiny teenage Japanese girl in the 1900s leaves her home and sails away to Paris to live with two grown men and keep house for them. Now, at first this sounds like it was written by Pedobear but nothing could be further from the truth. There is no fanservice and no pervy stuff, which can only be counted as a blessing. The story deals mainly with culture shock on both sides of the equation and comes to the inevitable conclusion that no matter how different we seem to be we can still find common ground. Don't read any romance into this, there is none. In general, the story is refreshingly innoce…
Read at the sourceInushinde
At times a show will just grab you at the hip, pull you close for one hell of a tango, and let you go only when you begin clamoring for more. These are the shows that make the most impact on you, the likes of Serial Experiments Lain, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and for me, Aria the Animation/Natural/Origination. So after reading the first two chapters of the manga and watching the entirety of this, I can comfortably say that Ikoku Meiro no Croisee does not belong in this category at all. Rather than giving the tango of a lifetime, it lethargically has the audience lead, dragging its feet while begging for a brief reprieve so it can look at itself in the mirror.
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee is the newest slice of life series to grace the fruitful realm of manga-to-anime adaptations, centering on a…
Read at the sourcegamejok3r
Ikoku Meiro No Croisee is a beautifully told story which was matched by a wonderful artistic flair, and an emotional roller coaster between the characters.
The plot, posted on MAL, told that Yune was brought to help out in 1800s France, and though it was correct the story took a far different twist then I thought it would. Instead of focusing on the struggles with a language barrier, different beliefs, food, and more it instead focused on the people. It is not that the series completely ignored those facts, it just transended the obvious, glazing over them and diving into how people of completely different worlds interact and grow. This fact made it much more interesting on a social and emotional level then focusing on the struggles could have ever done.
The art work was masterfully done…
Read at the source