Movie Digest
Shinokawa Shioriko is a young owner of a Kamakura-based bookstore known as Biblia Antiquarian Bookshop with her sidekick Goura Daisuke. The bookshop was her grandmother’s, and she was an avid book collector. She loves learning about the stories in the old books, and everything has to say, while Goura Daisuke keeps her safe even though reading books makes him dizzy and he is a little bit goofy. Shiroiko’s nature is very introverted and demure, but through her bookshop, she can tell great stories and gain a love for books. The locals in the area go to her for answers and hidden meanings within the books. The pair now joins forces to unravel a wide range of secrets and hidden meanings that people are looking for. What they find is just unbelievable. What is hiding in this local bookshop? What does this duo find? Adapted from the manga of the same name by En Mikami and Nakano, watch this anime that is unlike any other.
The Feel-Good Part
This movie has a great concept behind it. We all love libraries and the peace that comes with them. The best part about this movie is its ability to replicate that peace and tranquility while also making an intelligent character through Shioriko. Shiroriko is a very endearing character that is just synonymous with everything we love when it comes to bookstores and is probably the best central character in a shoujo in a long time. She has an endearing likeness to her and characteristics that just add to her beauty and charm. The movie can also go on as a mysterious drama click-and-point adventure game. This adds to the adventurous nature of the film while maintaining the beauty and calmness of the story. The film also does a great job of adaptation. While many anime adaptations change certain aspects of the story, Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou remains genuinely faithful to the story and everything it says. This way, we can enjoy the beauty of the original story of the manga. Another significant aspect of the movie is Goura, who is a great burst of energy throughout the story. Instead of Goura being a sobering aspect, he acts as a great comedic relief in a story that is already very sober and simple. With an outstanding balance, fun characters, and an exciting story, this is just a great drama.
The Disappointing Factor
A single movie is not able to capture the greatness of the original story. There is a lot you can explore, especially in a library setting. There are many stories in those books, and if they employed an episode-by-episode basis, then we would have gotten a new story to look forward to every day. Another significant aspect of this story that gets lost is the subtlety of emotions and dialogue. There are a lot of moments that seem out of character, but within an anime setting, they can be excused. With its minor flaws, it is still a perfect manga adaptation that is an excellent story with great characters.
In-Depth Analysis
There is a great history and symbolism that goes into this story that goes even beyond the manga. The bookshop is based on a used bookstore across the alley next to a platform of Kita-Kamakura Station. This bookstore has a lot of history and hosts excellent books from different eras and generations. This movie is an excellent look at how to adapt a story accurately and in a wonderful way. It also shows you how a sobering character does not have to lead to a boring story. There is so much you do and so much you can look forward to when you have a great story and characters that reflect that great story. With so much history behind this story, it is truly a work of art.
Star Power
The biggest star of this movie is the original creators of this manga En Mikami, the writer, and Nakano, the artist. En Mikami is known for a wide range of shoujo that are highly distinct. Her best-known works include Yamahime Anti-Mnemonics, Dark Violets, Morpheus no Kyoushitsu, Shadow Taker, and Itsuwari no Dragoon. Nakano’s art style adds a great point of reference for the film and translates beautifully on screen. Her best-known works include Game Yaru kara 100-en Kashite!, and Houjou Urara no Renai Shousetsu Okakinasai!
Overall Opinion
This drama is perfect and beautiful. It has so much potential, and with a serialized adaptation, there is a lot you can get from it.
