Very Cool!!!

Let's be realistic.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Technically, it's a 3-episode OVA ("Original Video Animation"), with each segment lasting around 35 minutes. But since the sum of these 3 parts is basically the length of a feature film, one could be forgiven for treating it as such. And that's what I do. I consider this a feature film. So here's the plot synopsis: A young man uncovers a delicate Venetian glass that holds a startling secret within: a haunted beauty, named Cossette, has been waiting 250 years for someone to set her spirit free. The man soon becomes obsessed and determined to help the girl trapped inside the crystal, but the necessary physical and psychological sacrifices might be too great for him to bear.The first thing I want to point out: this film is one of the most visually stunning anime I've ever seen. Virtually every single frame is saturated with fantastical Gothic eye candy. The use of color is real treat for the eyes, and there's a wide variety of color schemes that are used. It really has a beautiful mix and keeps changing things up, which means that the viewer will be constantly mesmerized by its presentation. This is supplemented by two creative choices: (First) The protagonist is transported – via the Venetian glass – into a nightmarish world. This allows the filmmakers to go "all out" on the visuals. (Second) The environments and old school architecture designs are very cool to behold. There are a few flashbacks set in the real world that have a European vibe to them. And many of the "nightmare world" sequences showcase otherworldly objects and phenomena. All of these things come together to create a fantastic visual experience.As if that weren't enough, the scoring is just as phenomenal. Some beautiful music is composed for this film. To describe it, it's very romantic, magical, and mysterious. Piano and violin are used quite a bit. The music of "Petite Cossette" is a true accomplishment that should be mentioned more often when people talk about their favorite anime music. The official soundtrack is widely available and I highly recommend you pick up a copy. I have it and listen to it a lot.But the positives of "Petite Cossette" are not limited to its visual and audio qualities, because the characters and story are fascinating. Cossette's spirit is basically cursed, because in order to release her from that curse, she needs a human being who is willing to endure the pain and suffering that should have befallen her murderer. So in Christ-like fashion, a man must willingly endure this reckoning in order for Cossette to be redeemed. But, in some sense Cossette herself is emotionally conflicted with this scenario because she doesn't want to see someone she cares for suffer to such a degree. So their relationship is very interesting. Also, there is a dense romantic tone that mirrors the horror. I'm a huge fan when romance and horror are expertly blended together, and this movie is one emphatic example. The themes of love, sacrifice, and haunted imagery are blended together, because painting and artistry are introduced and become very important themes in their own right. As one online reviewer noted (I believe it was EyeforFilm.uk), "The result is a creepy riff on beauty, love, the madness of artists, and the treachery of images." That sums things up nicely.There's one aspect to this film that could prove frustrating for some viewers. There is some surreal imagery that may confuse you. The script intentionally keeps the viewer off balance with events that may not be easily interpreted during a first viewing. I say this because there are some moviegoers who need everything explained thoroughly, with no ambiguity or open ends. If you're one of those people, this film may frustrate you at times. Nevertheless, the general course of events is very easy to understand. It's just that there are some scenes that will require some effort from the viewer to interpret the details.In my opinion, Le Portrait de Petite Cossette qualifies as a work of art, and it's one of my favorite anime films of all time. Most fortunately, it is widely available on DVD. So be sure to watch it, if you don't mind some disturbing imagery and ambiguity to steer thru.

I ordered Petite Cossette over the Internet after reading about it a week later i received it not know what i would think i popped it in to the DVD player. if flickered up with silencepetite Cosette isn't scary but indeed is chilling and thrilling, the story is amazing and the music and camera angles is wonderful. though what made the movie amazing was the art in the movie. in some scenes it looked real and just breath takingnot much can be said about the plot with out giving it away but you have to stay tuned in to understand it all. and there is a bit twist at the end of it.over all petite Cosette is wonderful its different, scary and sad all at the same timeafter it you will sit there and think WOW thats it WOW 10/10

"Who loves me so much that he would forsake his own dear life... could it be you?"This was and still is the most confusing, moving, and bone-chilling anime story that has left me a feeling that no other movie as done before...Aside from Akira, this movie is highly disturbing and pretty bloody, not the movie best fit for those late night flicks. Nor is it for the naive minded who insist on pausing it every ten minutes asking what the hell is going on. Patience and an open mind are suggested, no, are essential to accept this film for what it is, and to see the inner beauty within it.Never before in my life have I found a filmmaker who has an imagination so far from what is commonly known, even in anime standards. For I have seen films such as, Princess Mononoke (loved it), Spirited Away (o.k.), Nausicaä of the Valley of the Winds (enjoyed it), Akira (hated it), Metropolis (didn't like it), Millennium Actress (o.k.), Ghost in Shell (liked it), Cowbebop the movie (loved it), etc.Trust me, I could ramble on for much longer, but I don't want to give away an spoilers. I was left completely blank of info about the film when I watched it, and I want to do the same favor for you. It was still an odd experience after watching it to have your head up in and your mouth open in confusion, and having you head stare directly strait with your teeth chattering all at the same time. Brilliant.Note: all what I said is true, but through various reasons I will probably never see this film again, if not ever.****/**** starsLe Portrait de Petite Cossette (2005): Rated R for disturbing and violent images