Shitteru Waifu (2021)

Life is a continuation of choices.

After watching "Clover" 3 years ago, I have waited for next slice of life/romance drama from Okura Tadayoshi. I feel my wait has been rewarded well and his acting has improved greatly.

I didn't like the original, Familiar Wife, but I loved Shitteru Waifu from the first episode. Familiar wife, seemed more frustrating and didn't invoke that nostalgia and longing sadness which Shitteru Waifu exceled at. Japanese remakes have disappointed me. By some magical stroke of luck, the creators took familiar wife and made it their own style, the classic Jdrama style of raw emotions.

Initially, I couldn't stop myself from comparing both but the difference became so obvious as show progressed.
I couldn't stop myself from admiring the narration style, the nostalgic flash back scenes filled with beautiful light glare effects and the music which felt like a tune you had heard long time ago.
I couldn't stop myself from feeling both resentful and sorry for ML. (He looks aged now or is that his level of dedication?!)
I couldn't stop myself from saying "ah cute" at both the leading ladies,(and feel bad for them) and cutest of all, the FL's mom. (I love my mom, but she is so cute and sweet, I just cant..).
I couldn't stop myself from pausing mid-episode, and ponder my own life choices.
I couldn't stop myself from crying a tiny bit in every episode and at my own regrets.
I couldn't stop myself from feeling that elated joy and satisfaction of the ending. (I wish I could talk about the ending and how starkly different it was from the original's.)
I couldn't stop myself from being sad now that it has ended.
I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the innumerable messages from this show.
I don't think I can stop myself from fondly lookback at this show for years to come. (surely will do a full rewatch some time later.)

I guess, I couldn't stop myself from giving a personal and biased review. (There are minor flaws, like they didn't show much about bank people in last episode, or most of the scenes were a bit predictable but I'm not complaining.)

To quote the show, life is a continuation of choices. You could choose to watch this show and feel grateful for living or you could choose not to watch this show and live with regret of not pressing the play button.

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