Political intrigue and poisons are about to
make the definitive leap to the big screen. The production committee behind the
animated adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries (known to purist
fans as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) released the spectacular official
trailer for its first foray into the film format. The feature film, officially
titled The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort, is set
for release on December 11 in Japanese theaters, closing a
year that will also be marked by the start of its third season in October.
Unlike the cases we see in the TV series, this
film will not directly adapt the existing volumes of the light novel. It is a
completely original script written by the creator of the work herself, Natsu
Hyūga. The narrative will force Maomao and Jinshi to leave the comforts of
the imperial court to embark on a risky journey south, specifically to the
Minan-shu region. In this exotic setting of unknown flora, the duo will have to
deal with ferocious water bandits and face what the trailer describes as the
most massive and lethal mystery of the entire franchise.
The voices behind the new expedition
To ensure that this leap into cinema maintains
the very high standard of visual quality, Norihiro Naganuma once
again takes absolute control from the director's chair. Sonically, the lead
vocal talent returns without surprises, correcting any production details and
ensuring that the interactions maintain that unmatched chemistry. In addition,
the trailer served to introduce an industry veteran who will test the deductive
skills of the protagonist with an entirely new character.
Moving the action outside the confines of the
palace is a fascinating narrative device to test the apothecary's medical
knowledge.
