Yangotonaki Ichizoku (2022)

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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