The Concierge

by Mike McGranaghan

If you need a short and sweet pick-me-up, look no further than The Concierge. This Japanese animated film, which comes to theaters for a one-night-only engagement on September 11, packs a lot of charm into its 70-minute running time. It tells a simple story that nevertheless imparts a great deal of wisdom about the benefits of kindness and going the extra mile to help other people.

Akino (voiced by Natsumi Kawaida) is a trainee concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store. This is not an average store, though. The employees are human, but the customers are all animals. Desperate to prove her worth to floor manager Mr. Todo (Nobuo Tobita), Akino works herself into a frenzy trying to satisfy the needs of the shoppers. That includes finding the right perfume for one customer, helping another choose a meaningful present for a loved one, and aiding in a marriage proposal.

The Concierge devises ingenious solutions to each of the problems Akino needs to solve. She’s such a sincere character that you automatically root for her. In telling her story, the movie is a celebration of benevolence. Akino initially focuses on her career advancement. That shifts to a place where her true satisfaction comes from making others happy. We’re reminded that a small gesture of empathy can carry significant weight.

Humor is everywhere in the film, from Akino’s panicked reactions to the bizarre places the ever-watchful Mr. Todo pops out from. Those funny moments are accentuated by gorgeous animation. Japanese cinema is still committed to the 2D hand-drawn style, and the film is a testament to its distinct grace and beauty. Practically every shot is rich with detail, making it endlessly appealing to look at.

With the brief length and basic plot, The Concierge lacks the storytelling depth of some anime. That’s okay because, like Akino, the movie’s solitary goal is to make you feel good. It absolutely achieves that goal.

---