Watch Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth

Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth is a historical fiction anime series produced by Satelight studios. The anime is based on a manga of the same name and is directed by Kenji Yasuda. The story is set in the late 19th century, in the city of Paris. It follows the life of a young Japanese girl named Yune, who arrives in Paris after being brought there by a Frenchman named Oscar. She is taken in by a family of metalworkers, the Enseignes, who operate a small shop called the Galerie du Roy.

The main protagonist of the series is Claude Claudel, the grandson of the Enseignes, who is fascinated by Yune and her culture. Claude becomes Yune's guide and helps her assimilate into French culture, all the while learning more about Japan and its customs.

The series has a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and the differences between Japanese and French cultures. Throughout the series, Yune and Claude teach each other about their respective cultures as they both experience the world through each other's eyes.

One of the main themes explored in the series is the role of women in society. Yune is initially seen by the other characters as a delicate and fragile girl who needs to be protected, but she quickly proves herself to be strong and independent. Yune has a deep passion for traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and her skills are shown to be on par with the Enseignes' established business. This challenges the traditional gender roles of the time and inspires Claude to support her pursuit of her passion.

The anime takes advantage of Paris' beautiful architecture, and the backgrounds and landscapes in each episode are breathtakingly beautiful. The art style is reminiscent of watercolor paintings, which adds to the romantic atmosphere of the show.

One of the striking aspects of the series is the attention to detail of each character's clothing, which accurately reflects the time period. This detail extends to the character's personalities, which are well developed and multidimensional.

The pacing of the show is slow and deliberate, reflecting the gentle pace of life in Paris at the time. The soundtrack complements the gentle pace of the story, with beautiful orchestral music and soothing melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Overall, Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth is a beautiful and heartwarming anime that explores the themes of cultural exchange, gender roles, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy slice-of-life anime, as well as those interested in the history and culture of France and Japan.

Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 25, 2011 and on Anime Network