There is life under the surface of dead brain comedy.

This show could have been a very good one and at moments it was.
It strengthened my interest in Japanese social comedy past the annoying and ludicrous reactions in some scenes that usually hold me back. Actually, this jdrama landed not too far away from being a hidden gem. Here is why.

First the writer pulled off surprisingly realistic and deep character. Most of the characters have more layers to them than what is hinted at the beginning. Take the groom to be Keigo for example, The stainless charming prince turns into a double standard jerk and finally into a despicable coward. Each layer slips in a very natural way, in harmony with the story development, not forced at all. The same occurs with Hitomi's mother and sister who have much more to their characters than what their silly introduction lets on. You can catch a glimpse of the struggles and doubts the mother has come across even if just hinted. Finally the main lead Manabu is the finest example of these “layers” paradigm. His character is quite disappointing at first as a marriage wrecker (not that he does anything to be a marriage wrecker actually), so straightforward and dull. But as the story develops his inner layers appear and let on a mature, respectful and bright personality, who was just waiting for someone like Hitomi to come and shake his world.

In addition to good characters writing, the issues it deals with really hit home. First I thought I would never relate to the show. What is a young woman supposed to do : give up to a fling or be a sensible person who invests in her future? That kind of dilemma doesn't strike any chord with me and I was about to give up on the show when it took a different path. It's built around the idea that double standards and hypocrisy deeply shape our choices. Social status is obviously assumed as a major thing in Japanese culture and society (or at least that's what I understand from my limited knowledge), nothing new here. But this show succeeds in showing some of the powerfull social structure that leads to it. It does not come only on your personal choices, but on all your interactions and values. As a European I could perfectly relate to this analysis.

Unfortunately though, what the show misses is still crucial.
Mainly time and substance. To tell the mother and sister's character development, Manabu's change of heart. And above all to account for Hitomi's poor decision making which really doesn't make any sense with her character arc.
Last but not least, what a poor and rushed happy ending. This show deserved much better.

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An underrated wonderful story

What a delicate and thoughtful drama ! Finding out that only two reviews had been written on this one, I felt the urge to add mine, which is my first ever review after watching about 70 dramas.
It may not be a 10/10 but it has so many appeals that it's a pity not more people would watch it. A hidden gem, really worth it. Let me try and explain you why.

First, Harada Tomoyo 's acting, very subtle and moving. I really fell under her charm, so much that I'm thinking of adding it my list of « mesmerising performances ». Her portraying of this struggling working class lady is beautiful and dignified. She never falls into bitterness and retains a natural glory all through her hardships that makes you believe that a younger handsome and successful designer would fall for her.
But don't let yourself fooled by the air of cinderella. Ozawa Yuri is nothing like a prince charming. And their story has unexpected twists and ghostly presence from the past that won't let you skip a single scene, And for that we have to thank the two women in charge of this drama : screenwriter Kitagawa Eriko and director Ichiki Masae. I'm a fan of Kitagawa Eriko and I always fall for the guys in her stories. They are complex, with a dark edge to them and a sense of mystery and secrecy, fascinating characters indeed !
In Kitagawa's universe this drama has a place of its own. The outstanding element would be the aestetic sense that derives from the profession of the Ozawa Yuri. There are magic and poetry in the way objects, designs of all sorts fill this drama. I enjoyed every moment they get into the making process of an exhibition or any random objects such as a rugby shirt. The starting point of the drama is a wooden chair where only Kasumi can seat as if the object itself could choose its host. In addition to this there are beautiful sceneries like the window wall in Yuri's flat, the fairytale terrace in Fukami's house and the paradise on earth represented by the childhood secret place, a wonderful landscape that looks like the Maldives (at least how I imagine it) or my home place in Brittany (look at my photo profile if you're curious).

Of course, this drama has some flaws too. Don't imagine a masterpiece, it's not it.
The filming and editing could have been a lot more meaningful in my opinion (something like It's okay not to be okay). And the secondary characters are a bit annoying (the over the top master Fukami, the sassy witch Shirai Mao or the naive Aoi Kaichi) as they are very one sided characters. But there is a remarkable exception with Kasumi's son Tsugumi and his cute encounter with his stalker Kameko. Finally, I must say I don't appreciate much the disease trope even if I acknowledge its usefulness in the plot and defining process of the characters.

All in all, go for it, it's really worth the eight episodes !

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