Madoromi Barmaid (2019)

A masterpiece on wheels.

Japanese have proven time and again how to make us emotional with their dramas. It's not that this drama is overly dramatic or anything, but you feel that the characters could be anyone you might know or even relate to you in a certain way.

Madoromi Barmaid was a very pleasant surprise, because I wasn't expecting a drama about cocktails to be so heartwarming and have so much meaning. You can see some resemblance with Midnight Diner, as the story was more about people and their lives than it was about food. It's the same here. The cocktails just provide a backdrop for the stories to come alive, as people experience the joy that it is to drink a cocktail specially made for them.

Each episode features a unique character and their story. Most of the time, they have to overcome some problems that they might be facing in their lives, and by having a cocktail at Yuki's bar on wheels they will face their issues and feel better afterwards. The special cocktails made by Yuki are like therapy for these troubled souls. Episode 9, for instance, is one of my favorites and the perfect example of this cocktail therapy.

The girls are absolutely lovely, especially Yuki. Mai Kiryuu was perfectly cast for that role. She has this gentle aura that makes people feel at ease at her bar and talk to her. And who could forget their adorable pet piglet, Bamboo.

I also loved the music, especially the opening (SHE IS SUMMER - Bloom in the city). It's a warm and mellow song, which is a perfect match for the whole drama and what is about.

Finally, I just want to say that this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review for a Japanese drama after having watched about 400 of them. It's one of the loveliest dramas I've ever watched, and despite its name and premise, I hope more people who are on the fence about watching it to just don't hesitate and experience this wonderful drama.

I'm only rating it as a 10, because that's as high as it goes here.

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