HomeAnimeANIME/FILM REVIEW | "The Concierge" Delivers With Customer Satisfaction

ANIME/FILM REVIEW | "The Concierge" Delivers With Customer Satisfaction

ANIME/FILM REVIEW | "The Concierge" Delivers With Customer Satisfaction

Whenever I find myself bored, I like to go to my local shopping centers. Sometimes a trip to Sunshine City or the nearby PARCO will suffice, as they’re filled with a bountiful of stores to window shop in. But when I need a dose of class, I hop on the train to Ginza to walk through the many high-end shopping complexes that are a true treat to the eyes. Production I.G’s The Concierge captures that high-end beauty, all the while demonstrating the importance of keep both customers and employees happy.

Based on the manga by Tsuchika Nishimura, The Concierge focuses on the goings-on at the Hokkyoku Department Store. Our main lead is new employee Akino (Natsumi Kawaida), who takes on the task of getting exactly what the customer wants. But as we all know, even in the most hoity-toity of places, delivering 100% customer satisfaction is easier said than done. As such, Akino sometimes slips up with her style of service, sometimes earning her pep talks from Mr. Todo (Nobuo Tobita).

Fortunately, most of the customers at Hokkyoku are understanding of such situations. After all, with them being made up of mostly endangered (and sometimes extinct) species, they know exactly what hardships are like. Nevertheless, even when she’s down, Akino refuses to feel defeated. Giving it all she’s got, Akino sets out to help any and every customer with their needs.

The Concierge has fun with its setting and characters, with Akino going all out when a customer is in need. From helping a female Sea Mink find the perfect gift for her father to a lovesick Japanese wolf trying to find the perfect way to propose to his girlfriend, every scenario is filled with either humorous or visual delight. Even when Akino may mess up with the situation on hand, it’s never presented with a mean-spirited vibe. Instead, it’s yet another opportunity for Akino to pick herself up and learn from experience.

A great example of this comes later on in the film, as Akino deals with a Caribbean Monk Seal (Kyoko Hikami) who can’t take no for an answer. It’s a moment that shows that even though it’s in the best interests of the employee to help the customer, it’s still no excuse for a customer to talk down to them when they’re not satisfied. There’s a level of satisfaction seeing a bad customer put in their place, but it’s never been shown this delightfully animated! (Kudos to voice actress Megumi Han, who brings the hammer down with ferocious kindness in the role of coworker Mori.)

Where The Concierge shines is in its third act. Throughout the film, you see and hear brief mentions of the artist Woolly (Kenjiro Tsuda). There’s a moment when one of his works of art is damaged, a particular favorite of his wife’s. What starts with a priceless art piece being destroyed evolves into Woolly’s broken & lonely heart rekindled with love. Not only is the gesture heartwarming, but it transforms a good film into a great one.

At just under 70 minutes, The Concierge delivers enough laughs, beauty, and warmth that most films twice as long have trouble bringing forth. With the whimsy of a Wes Anderson flick mixed with the charm of an Aardman cartoon, Production I.G’s short-but-sweet film captures the heart and humanity of both the shopper and the employee. It serves as a reminder to those who take going to the store for granted, as every person who roams those floors is deserving of respect. So the next time you’re out and about, look at those you’re communicating with in the eyes, and I’m certain that you’ll find out how to better not just their experience, but also their lives.

FINAL GRADE:

The Concierge can be viewed on Crunchyroll, and has been licensed by Crunchyroll. Promotional consideration provided by Crunchyroll.

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The J-POP king of America, Evan has been bringing the hottest sounds of the Land of the Rising Sun to the English-speaking public since his college radio days. He's also an expert in the gaming, anime, & manga realms, never afraid to get critical when the times call for it. Born & bred in Boston, he achieved his biggest dream yet by making the big move to Tokyo, Japan in Summer 2023! For personal inquiries, contact Evan at evan@b3crew.com. For press/band inquiries, write to us at thebastards@bostonbastardbrigade.com. (Drawing by AFLM of Wicked Anime)