The concierge

The Concierge, an adaptation of an animated film released in October 2023 in Japan , takes viewers on a whimsical journey through the Hokkyoku department store, a unique establishment that caters exclusively to animal customers. Produced by Production I.G and directed by Yoshimi Itazu, the film features a delightful blend of comedy, nostalgia and stylized animation.

The story follows Akino, newly hired at the department store, as she takes on the challenges of being a concierge for various animal customers. The film's charm lies in its light-hearted tone, underscored by Akino's enthusiastic but awkward personality and the humorous antics of her colleagues, notably the floor manager Mr. Todo, who furtively keeps a creative eye on his trainee.

The animation, characterized by its fluidity and vivid color palette, is a visual delight. The characters drawn by Chiyo Morita evoke a 1960s aesthetic, reminiscent of travel ads, and the department store setting adds a touch of old-fashioned elegance. The film's stylish animation, combined with a cheerful atmosphere, sets it apart from Production I.G.'s darker projects such as Psycho Pass and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.

Despite its visual appeal and comic elements, The concierge fails to explore the deeper themes present in the original manga, which criticizes mass consumption and environmental destruction. Instead, the film tends to celebrate consumerism, perhaps as a satire of humanity's role in satisfying the needs of animals after profiting from their exploitation.

At a concise 70 minutes, the film offers an enjoyable but light experience. While length is not necessarily a guarantee of quality, The Concierge's brevity leaves room for greater exploration of its characters and themes. The reviewer suggests that the film feels more like an extended pilot for a potential series than a stand-alone movie.

Positive aspects include the film's humor, the likeable protagonist Akino, and the refreshing departure from the dramatic tone found in many of the films shown at Scotland Loves Anime. The critic praises the passion and effort evident in the film's creation, noting the involvement of director Itazu Yoshimi, a fan of the original story, and a cast including anime industry heavyweights.

The concierge is a charming and elegant animated film that offers laughs and a unique concept. Although it lacks the depth of its source material and is somewhat episodic, it stands out as a new addition to the anime landscape, especially for fans looking for a lighter, more comic experience. The film leaves viewers intrigued by the series' potential, making it an interesting one for anime fans.

The Concierge (Hokkyoku Hyakkaten no Concierge-san)
Directed by Yoshimi Itazu
Written by Satomi Ohshima 
From the Tsuchika Nishimura’s manga
Starring  original voices :Natsumi Kawaida, Takeo Ōtsuka, Nobuo Tobita, Megumi Han, Natsumi Fujiwara, Eiji Yoshitomi, Jun Fukuyama, Yûichi Nakamura, Kenjirō Tsuda 
Music by Tofubeats
Cinematography : Kôji Tanaka
Edited by Jun'ichi Uematsu          
Production companies : ADK, Aniplex, KDDI Corporation, Production I.G., Tohan Company
Distributed by Crunchyroll (United States), Art House (France)
Release date : October 20 2023 (Japan), November 22 2023 (France)
Running time : 70 minutes 

Seen November 23 2023

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