New trailer of PA Project‘ upcoming drama, Komada — A Whiskey Family, despite its atypical premise, shows how adept the Japanese anime industry is at creating easy yet heartfelt stories from the most obscure ideas. Footage from the latest trailer shows off the excellent artwork that brings the ailing distillery to life. Anime viewers interested in meditative slice-of-life stories can look forward to a Japanese premiere later this year.
The idea of making a movie about whiskey might seem better left for a documentary or even a parody, but Komada focuses more on making a good drink. The story of rescuing a family business always resonates globally, with or without wine trivia involved. Combined with realistic quality images, PA Works’ film promises to deliver a slow-paced drama that is very comfortable to watch.
Komada is more than just a feel-good, slice-of-life movie
On his X account, Komada has the following synopsis for the film: “Rui takes over the family distillery business facing impending doom. They worked to rebuild the business by finding a way to re-produce their long-lost signature whiskey.” Leading the film’s cast are Saori Hayama as Rui Komada, the new president of the distillery after her father’s death, and Kensho Ono as Kotaro Takahashi, a reporter who joins the distillery at the same time. reports on Japan’s whiskey industry. The film also marks the directorial debut of Masayuki Yoshihara, an anime industry veteran who recently helmed both seasons of The Eccentric Family.
Judging by the footage provided, Komada seems like the right mix of slice-of-life and drama. A lot of slow-paced anime focus on a specific interest: Laid Back Camp is the most famous example today. The focus on whiskey in PA Works’ film as well as its detailed and realistic setting both fit the slice-of-life formula. But while most examples tend toward saccharine, Komada takes serious risks: Rui’s quest to revive the distillery is filled with frustration, doubt, and tension, as Recreating Koma whiskey was the difference between success and bankruptcy.
Komada is a welcome original work among the sea of adaptations
Komada is part of PA Works’ “working series” focusing on original anime. In countless adaptations, new ideas are always welcome, especially those bold enough to attempt such an unusual subject. Critics also seem to see the potential of this film when Komada was also selected to compete in the Contrechamp category of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Komada — A Whiskey Family scheduled to open in Japan on November 10; For those looking for a lighter story that still has more to say than hobbyist fluff, this film could be the perfect compliment to a cozy cold season.
