The Concierge (2024) Movie Review
In what may feel like a series of shorts, “The Concierge” gives you a cute, potentially tear inducing, underdog story.
Plot Summary
The luxury department store Hokkyoku has just acquired a new trainee. Her name is Akino, and she was inspired to work there by Mori, whom she ran into as a child.
But being clumsy, maybe not the most socially aware, Akino makes mistakes. The kind that leads the jack-in-the-box, Mr. Todo, to worry if Akino will do more harm than good. But with the big boss, Mr. Elulu, believing Akino’s heart is in the right place, he wants to give her a chance.
“The Concierge” covers the weeks and clients Akino meets to prove she deserves to work at the Hokkyoku Department Store.
Other Noteworthy Information
- It’s not explained how human and animal relationships have evolved from humans wiping populations out to now serving them.
Character Guide
| Character’s Name | Actor’s Name |
| Akino | Natsumi Kawaida |
| Mori | Megumi Han |
| Mr. Elulu | Takeo Otsuka |
| Mr. Todo | Nobuo Tobita |
Character Description(s)
Akino
Akino is a young lady who loves the Hokkyoku department store and serving animals.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Higehiro.”
Mori
Mori is the person who inspired Akino to become a concierge, after she was so kind to her as a child.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Vampire In The Garden.”
Mr. Elulu
Mr. Elulu is the current owner of the department store and like a lot of patrons, he is an endangered animal – specifically a Great Auk.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Flavors of Youth.”
Mr. Todo
Mr. Todo is the floor manager who knows every nook and cranny of the department store. He has eyes everywhere, like a security camera, which often leads to him popping out of nowhere and startling people.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.”
Review
Good If You Like
- Wholesome comedies
- Animals with human qualities
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Highlights
Like A Series Of Shorts Laced Together
When you first begin “The Concierge,” it seems like a series of shorts linked together, featuring the various customers Akino tries to help, whether it is two proposal situations, a very demanding walrus, helping a father and daughter buy gifts for each other while not ruining the surprise and more.
In many ways, you learn to accept this as a slice-of-life comedy. However, as it is clear they are all linked beyond being part of Akino’s probationary period, it sets up a wonderful loop for when Akino becomes the new Mori and may inspire someone to become a concierge.
Akino’s Journey Will Make You Cry
As Mr. Elulu notes, Akino has her heart in the right place, and while she makes mistakes, such as telling peacocks to tone it down the way she does, she is still a sweetheart. One who is clearly a bit of an underdog as she tries to catch up to what is proper, routine, and within the store’s collective powers.
But with each win, each time she makes someone happy, including an overdramatic animal ready to jump off a railing, it warms your heart. So, as the ending comes about and you see the collective of the animals Akino helped, it could make you teary-eyed.
On The Fence
Lack Of World Building and Character Development
At an hour and ten minutes, and not necessarily made for adults, character development and world-building are lacking. You will not learn what happened or happens outside the department store. Yes, a lot of animals went extinct, and it seems many animals can speak human languages, which makes the idea all the more cruel – especially since they even dress like humans. But, as for how animals went from being hunted for their fur and skin to not being waited on by humans, that isn’t gone into.
Also, you won’t learn much about any characters you meet. You learn that Mr. Elulu’s grandfather started the department store, but what beyond Mori inspired Akino to work there? What led to Mori working there? Was Mr. Todo a concierge before? None of that is gone into.
You are just dropped into a period of Akino’s life, and whatever is something a new kid wouldn’t learn within the first few weeks, like her, you don’t learn.
Background Information
| Director(s) | Yoshimi Itazu |
| Writer(s) | Satomi Ôshima |
| Based On Work By | Tsuchika Nishimura |
| Date Released | March 16, 2024 |
| Where To Watch | Film Festival – New York International Children’s Film Festival |
| Genre(s) | Comedy
Non-English (Japanese) |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 10 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Content Information | Dialog: N/A
Violence: N/A Sexual Content: N/A Miscellaneous: Drinking |
