Culture news “This anime is totally different: it’s not just about fighting” I saw the movie Spy x Family and I was really surprised!
In recent years, the world of Japanese animation and more precisely adaptations of already existing works has become popular in France. We can take as examples the films Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and the immortals One Piece, Detective Conan and Dragon Ball. All display a similar framework where we see teenagers spokespersons for surpassing themselves during monstrous brawls. But manga is not just that. The proof with this excellent adaptation about to arrive here.
Spy x Family: a new genre in cinema
In recent years, manga adaptations have been exported to French cinemas with some success. We have seen this in recent years with Demon Slayer: The Infinity Train (as well as the others that followed, even if less impressive) or even Jujutsu Kaisen 0 who come to join the eternals One Piece And Detective Conan. In a different register of the named, Slam Dunk is notable for its success last summer. But Japanese animation isn’t just about adrenaline pumping with teenage heroes. Something that comes to remind Spy x Family: Code White with something different that isn’t just about fighting.
Spy x Family, it’s probably the perfect Japanese anime for those looking for a comfort series. By this we mean that it is far from famous productions like One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer Or the attack of the Titans. Spy x Familyit is above all a general public manga which focuses on a blended family of a secret agent father, a mother serial killer and a telepathic daughter. A synopsis that appeals to the greatest number of people. Since its first publication in 2019, the manga has been in the top 10 best-selling manga in Japan with a third place in 2022 (behind Jujutsu Kaisen And Tokyo Revengers).
A sufficient success to transport the work to the small screen in 2022. To produce a work as qualitative as the original material, two renowned animation studios are responsible for the project with CloverWorks and Wit Studios. The first is recognizable by its very colorful look (Persona cutscenes; Wonder Egg Priority) while the second is known for his mastery of action scenes (the first seasons of Vinland Saga and of the attack of the Titans).
A crazy production quality which allows, in my opinion, to breathe a soul, an aura into a manga that is a little too dull. The added value on the adaptation by the two studios as well as the production appealed to me. I was eager to see this work repeated on a feature film.
Spy x Family Code White is dedicated to the uninitiated
Spy x Family: Code White is a 1h50 feature film and aims above all to appeal to those uninitiated to the work. It puts the different ins and outs of the manga into context. Loïd Forger is a secret agent with a code name Twilight. To prevent civil conflict between Westania and Ostalis, he must start a family to get closer to Donovan Desmond, one of the antagonists holding the keys to the conflict. As we said above, as luck would have it, Twilight founds a family that is clearly unlike any other. His daughter Anya is a key element in the operation since it is on her that its smooth running depends. She is part of the same class of Damian Desmond, son of Donovan. A situation orchestrated by the secret agent who is unaware of… the telepathic powers of his adopted daughter. The latter is therefore aware of her real work (which causes comical situations) as well as that of her new mother Yor who is a serial killer. She also benefits from this arranged marriage since she uses it as a cover and thus better conceals her organization.
A context that may seem heavy at first glance. However, it is recalled in the introduction to Spy x Family: Code White which seems especially aimed at those uninitiated to animation. In the chronology of the initial work, it takes place very early (between volumes 2 and 4). Some characters have therefore not yet been presented and we (re)discover with pleasure some of them. Conversely, knowing this temporality prevents us from appreciating the feature film at its true value because it spoils the ending. However, we still have a good time and Spy x Family: Code White appears much more like a mainstream comedy than a gripping police thriller.
As part of her classes, Anya has to learn baking. She and her classmates must each bake a cake which will be submitted to the principal. In order to make himself look good to the school, Loid decides to make Anya the school’s favorite cake. Head to Frigis, a snowy region, where you can taste the best of its category while collecting your recipe! But things get complicated when you go by train: Anya accidentally eats a chocolate containing a microfilm and then attracts the army after her. The film is launched and varies between serious and humorous sequences with certain agility. The lack of suspense is not a problem here (to the extent that is to be expected) and it did not prevent me personally from impatiently awaiting each sequence.
Quality of production and animation always there
I’ve said it before: thanks to the quality work of CloverWorks and Wit Studio in bringing Spy x Family to the small screen, I couldn’t wait to see them again in a different medium. My expectations were exceeded! The entire film is visually elegant and gentle on the retina. The two studios have remained true to themselves and provide their know-how in a very good way, whether for the life and atmosphere scenes (CloverWorks) or for the action scenes (Wit Studios). Some sequences even display very different styles which are surprising, notably the one where Anya must resist the call of nature. We would have loved to see more!
The production quality is therefore always visually there. Concerning hearing, we are also served. The voice actors always do an excellent job; the relevant soundtrack when needed. Especially for higher tension scenes! Finally, fans of japanimation will recognize Official髭男dism with the credits of the film entitled Soul Soup equally successful.
In summary, Spy x Family: Code White is in line with the 20-minute episodes of the adaptation. The feature film alternates between comedy that will make beginners and fans alike smile and mastered action sequences. The feature film assumes that it wants to attract an audience that is not its own and does so in a very good way. Something damaging for the tension it brings but which has the advantage of addressing everyone. A more than successful first mission for Spy Family, which, through its tone and genre, can be the gateway to the general public in France regarding adaptations of manga to cinema. See you on April 17 for the broadcast of Spy x Family: Code White in cinemas in France.