Yangotonaki Ichizoku (2022)

Thought-provoking family satire with leads who carry the show

Loved this show. It aimed to be a "modern day fairytale" while also moving things along in a satirical way that took subtle jabs sprinkled with comedy at societal problems, lowering the entire melodrama quotient. At their cores. the characters were real humans, but the writers chose to add a layer of unreal quirks to them, IMO, in an effort to lighten the show and make it thought-provoking instead of preachy and judgmental. They all reach points of vulnerability and seriousness in their arcs -- and then rocket back to unbelievable(except for the main leads). I thought the dialogue and plot progression was very cleverly done.

I LOVED the main leads. FL Sato wasn't the typical doormat, nor was she the typical rude idiot using "badass" as an excuse. She was strong from within, and knew when to compromise and when not to. I love her dialogues - she's respectful and kind but also stands up and directly addresses people's mistakes and prejudices, elders or not.
I ADORED ML Miyama Kenta. Confrontation isn't his strong suite, so I love how unconditionally he supports Sato whenever she stands up to confront something wrong in the family. I also like that Sato totally knew what his family was like and chose to take them up as a challenge, instead of being the usual surprised lamb-led-to-the-slaughter FL. Their chemistry was soooooooo cute, a big reason why I managed to get through the gritty, frustrating parts of the show.

I didn't really like the very last plot arc, but in this show, it made sense. I guess the writers couldn't come up with anything else because the relationship between the leads was so strong, trusting, and unconditionally supportive.

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Overall entertaining drama that is easy to recommend, especially if you like strong female leads and cute couples with chemistry.

I’m not sure if the creators of the drama or the original manga intended it, but what was portrayed to me in this drama is a case of abuse and generational trauma. Each character of that family portrayed a different side to it. When a mentally healthy and strong character enters such a home, it would inevitably disturb the fragile base of the family.

I was hesitant to start this drama because I was afraid it would be the frustrating type, where the male lead is useless while the female lead is being stepped on. But oh boy was I wrong. Sato knew when to put her foot down and when to let it slide. She was a fighter. Of course, Sato wouldn’t have lasted a day in that house though if Kento wasn’t unquestionably supporting her. I was afraid they’d do the whole “he’s busy at work ignorant of what is going on at home. Well, he was a bit away during the first 1-2 episodes but overall he was always there and always aware. Each of them was fighting a different battle of the same war.

The drama had its flaws. I didn’t like how some problems were solved through outside forces, otherwise, our protagonists would be powerless against the force they were fighting. It’s not a big thing it’s just that it’s hard to see anyone succeed in changing what is wrong with a family (or a community) if one is to rely on luck. Some storylines weren’t followed through like that of the sister or the business deals that Kenta seems to just keep starting haha. I would’ve liked to have more of the aunt. She felt like a breath of fresh air when she appeared despite being childish. Finally, I didn’t like some of the character reconciliations at the end. They honestly just didn’t deserve it. It logically wouldn’t happen at that point with how the character had been so far.

When it came to acting, it was overall a great cast. I don’t think anyone could’ve done Sato’s role justice like Tsuchiya Tao. It wasn’t just how mature she was at facing problems, but also how she could firmly tell someone off, whether young or elderly, yet still in a respectful manner from her words to her stance, her facial expression and her voice level. She shared such a sweet chemistry with Matsushita Kohei.

The one that takes the cake performance-wise was Matsumoto Wakana as Miyama Mihoko. She was too mischievous to root for but too hilarious to hate. In character from head to toe, like the way she looks at her husband or the manner she uses her phone when planning something. She might’ve had only one serious scene and that scene was very heartfelt and convincing and didn't feel out of character. It was a delight to have her on screen. Ishibashi Ryo, Kimura Tae, Ishino Mako and Onoe Matsuya were also great in their role, opinions about their characters aside.

The pace was a bit fast at times. I generally am a fan of problems being solved within the episode but some areas would’ve benefited from more time and exploration. I generally don’t pay too much attention to music but the choice of song and soundtrack added to certain scenes.

Overall a light and fun watch, with depth and character growth.

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Is it a comedy? Drama? A weirdly deep social commentary? I don't know man, but I liked it.

Yangotonaki Ichizoku is a drama that falls into a very specific genre that I like to call Petty-Rich-People-Drama-Making-The-Leads-Lives-Miserable. And I don't mean that as an insult, I tend to like said genre. This show certainly has some of the things I would expect from that genre, crazy inlaws, inheritance battles, an endless spewing of drama that never lets the leads rest, y'know all that, but I found a lot more than that here too.

After reading the summary and deciding to give this a shot, I was fully expecting another drama with your stoic, emotionally inept rich male lead and the naive somewhat annoying female lead with a mediocre romance plot. And I am very happy to report, that I didn't find that here at all. Kenta and Sato as characters are really what set this drama apart for me.

Kenta is quite possibly one of the greenest flags I have ever seen in a drama. Not only is he incredibly kind, but he's also emotionally intelligent and supportive of his wife. (Love me a good supportive husband character!!) And honestly, Sato is just a green flag too, they're just a freaking green forest together. I'm so glad Sato didn't end up being like I expected. I actually adore her character, compared to most J-Drama FL's she's quite mature which was a nice change of pace from other shows plus isn't a pushover. Sato doesn't just put up with the crap her inlaws throw at her, or wait for her husband to save her. Though he is always there to back her up, which I loved. And by the way, Sato is equally supportive of Kenta.

Unlike most dramas, Kenta and Sato are already together when the show starts. Initially, I thought this might make it harder to get invested in their relationship, as we didn't get to see attraction grow before they got together or watch their relationship develop in the early stages, but after one or two episodes I was sold. They were an absolute delight to watch, and without a doubt, the best part of the drama. They do this lovely thing that a lot of other drama couples could learn, it's called communication. I was actually shocked at how healthy their relationship was, they complemented each other amazingly well, which couldn't have been done if it weren't for the casting, I don't think the show could have been better cast.

Other than Sato and Kenta's relationship, there was always a lot going on. It's primarily eleven episodes of family and business drama with something new thrown at you every two seconds. Kenta's family is an absolute mess, and pretty much all of them are at least a little insane. Every character in that family was extremely over the top and dramatic. I feel like it should have felt out of place given how mellow and down-to-earth the main leads were, but for some reason, I felt like the contrast actually worked.

Disguised under all the absurd drama there were also several recurring themes about women's places in society. Even though there's a lot more than that going on, this ultimately ended up feeling like that was what this show was really trying to get you to think about. That part of the show, I think actually worked. It was brought up in so many different ways through different characters, that it really gave a broad perspective of the topic.

And while the romance was my favorite part of the show, I loved so many of the other characters and relationships established. For such a short show, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, but they all have their own unique stories that at least get a moment to shine. In the beginning, I hated pretty much all of Kento's family, and by the end, I really liked most of them.

I know most of this review is talking about the things that I liked about this show because I did enjoy it, it's definitely got some flaws too. While I enjoy overly complicated plots, there are unfortunately a few points in this show that I didn't feel were wrapped up as well as they should have been. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, and some of the relationships were repaired too easily. There just wasn't enough time to really wrap it up.

Without spoilers, I will say there was one plot point nearing the end that I really didn't enjoy much, and I know I'm not alone. Fortunately, the part that bothered me didn't last for a long period of the show. There was also one villian that kinda annoyed me. I didnt like it when she was on sceen. Just wanted them to push her off a bridge or something.

And while sometimes the tone shifts and differences in characters' level of dramatics worked, the show was occasionally pretty confused in tone.

Is it a comedy? A drama? A full freaking soap opera? A satire? A social commentary? None or all of the above?

Honestly, I don't know if I, or this show, know what it's trying to be, I just know I liked it.

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Tentang Cinderella modern yang berjuang untuk bisa diterima di keluarga Putra Mahkota

Sweet drama dengan male lead yang head over heels ke female lead dan jadi impian banyak wanita. Keita, si putra mahkota, punya karakter rebel yang gak segan-segan untuk membela Sota (istrinya) di depan seluruh anggota keluarganya yang gak menerima kehadiran rakyat biasa menjadi anggota keluarganya. Untuk dapat diterima, Sota dibantu Keita berjuang untuk melawan adat lama keluarga Miyama yang dianggap tidak relevan lagi dengan kemajuan jaman.
Drama ini gak hanya terfokus pada kehidupan pemeran utamanya, tapi drama ini juga mengangkat issue-issue yang dihadapi oleh para pemeran pendukung dengan cukup baik. Image good outside but broke inside ditampilkan lewat kisah para anggota keluarga Miyama yang menjadi korban dari aturan-aturan lama.
Character development setiap tokohnya juga di build dengan sangat baik hingga akhir cerita.
Drama ini diakhiri dengan hidup happily ever after layaknya cerita dongeng yang jadi impian semua orang.

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With all due respect, another Cinderella story?

I really don't know how to rate this drama. Frankly, I never felt so many contrary emotions about a show. I loved it and I hated it, I was amused and I was disgusted, I was hooked and I wanted to drop it - all at the same time. It is another fairy tale mash up with an american soap opera with a very japanese twist to it. In the first episode there is a food and pillow fight together with hair pulling: I really thought I was watching Dynasty! The opening credits' still was a photo of the cast in the typical US soap poses so...The reason I was so confused by it is that I could not pinpoint exactly which genre this belongs to: comedy, satire, drama, makjang, soap? It has everything in it!

So what happens when Cinderella marries her prince and goes to live in his castle? Will she obey to rigid antiquated customs or will she rebel? Well, this is the 21st century, the women empowerment has swept the world and has even reached Japan where young women of today refuse to submit any more. Sato, our Cinderella, is someone like that and she does everything in her power to change the stale atmosphere that reigns in her Prince's castle. And she does it all with kindness and with a smile on her face, understanding even the meanest persons trying to hinder her and destroy her. And those people are many! Fortunately her Prince is there!

The drama was actually really about women in japanese society: their position and how they are seen by the male dominated society and how they need to work hard to obtain their independence and freedom. But should I look at it from that point of view (criticism of contemporary Japan) or consider it just some fluffy, meaningless entertainment, far from reality?

The cast of characters was very colourful. Cinderella was a kind, strong willed, intelligent and sweet women: an ideal. Her Prince was a kind, sweet, supportive man. They unwaveringly loved each other (even when the last problem - amnesia!!! I kid you not! LOL) was thrown at them!

The horrible Pater Familias was the only one who did not show any character growth : his ending was rushed and frankly ridiculous!The others: the submissive mother, jealous brother, envious sister-in-law etc. all went to many trials and tribulations and came out stronger. I actually loved to hate the sister-in-law: the Prince's older brother's wife. She was funny when she was mean, singing nursery rhymes to mock our Cinderella, gloating but deep down hiding many insecurities.

Everything is so OTT here! The lifestyle of the indecently rich people is frankly indecent: huge scary mansions, the bling bling everywhere, dozens of servants lined up like army troops accompany them everywhere, ugly ostentatious cars, clothes. And still, the mansion which is on top of the hill, looks like situated in the desert, everything behind the entrance gate is yellow, cold and desolate! Cinematography was really good: it made me feel very uncomfortable!

I watched it on viki and they forgot to edit out the in-episode previews: I guess the episodes were cut in three parts while airing and there were previews before every commercial break. But on viki, there are no commercial breaks so it took me some time to realize what was going on with these scenes out of context!

Should I recommend watching this? Well: "All's well that ends well!" so it is up to you!

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Makjang, Crazy Hijanks & Best OTP

This drama is so wild but also so fun! It has a very soap opera feel to it and a lot of crazy hijanks are tossed together to produce something incredibly riveting.

It is pretty fast paced which is important because otherwise it would probably be a pain to watch. Conflicts are introduced and then quickly resolved within an episode or two which also explains the plot arc in episode 10 - they had to introduce it because they had already exhausted all the other tropes lol. The characters are deliberately exaggerated for the purpose of satire - meaning the characters speak like they are in an anime, complete with giving long preachy monologues or cackling maniacally - and if you prepare yourself for that beforehand or during the first episode you can sit back and enjoy this bumpy ride.

The main leads are the bedrock of this drama. There's no miscommunication between the two which is refreshing because miscommunication is the worst plot device in my opinion, even worse then amnesia , personally speaking. The leads have amazing chemistry and theirs is not a passionate love affair but a quiet, warm, supportive love, fitting for that of a married couple.

Another strength of this drama are the backstories of all the characters, particularly the women. Great and deliberate care is taken to humanise the women even if they come off as bitchy and "crazy" in the beginning. The drama explains their motivations and childhood traumas and allows us to see a glimpse of their redemption and change. I loved that!

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