Saka no Tochu no Ie (2019)

Le Japon n'est pas tendre avec les mères...

Ce drama est un portrait au vitriol de la condition de la femme au japon.
Derrière les faux-semblants de paroles à la mode (tâches partagées, égalité des sexes, droit au travail) apparaît très vite la tradition étouffante japonaise. La place de la femme est à la maison, à se dévouer corps et âmes au mari, à l’enfant, à la belle famille (dans l’ordre) ! Les belles-mères et mères du drama sont terrifiantes, soit que sous couvert de gentillesse et de conseils elles se comportent en tyran domestique, soit qu’elles manient le harcèlement psychologique avec maestria.
Les maris oublient très vite les promesses avant mariage (bien sûr tu pourras travailler ! Bien sûr je vais t’aider !) pour se plaindre que le repas n’est pas prêt ou dire que si l’enfant pleure, c’est la mère qui est incapable, et là aussi la maltraitance psychologique est bien en place.
Le crime de l’accusée n’est pas du tout minimisé, mais personne n’essaye de comprendre pourquoi cette femme en est arrivée là. Est-elle simplement un monstre ? Ou y aurait-il une explication, qui sans la justifier éclairerait les circonstances ?
C’est là que je ferai un reproche au drama, car le scénario est quand même une instruction à charge sans trop de nuances, je veux croire qu’il y a quand même quelques couples qui marchent mieux que ceux-là ! Mais tel qu’il est, le drama est glaçant ! La fin frôle de peu la catastrophe et si elle est évitée, j’ai eu clairement l’impression que c’était pour être plus vendeur !
l’interprétation est excellente, particulièrement celle de SHIBASAKI Kô, impressionnante de justesse dans la montée de son angoisse. La réalisation est simple, alternant adroitement les souvenirs explicatifs et les actions présentes.

Il ya quand même un grand absent dans ce drama : l’amour ! Pas un mot sur les raisons pour lesquelles ces gens se sont mariés, et si c’était par amour, ce n’est plus jamais mentionné. L’impression qui se dégage c’est qu’il n’est question que de remplir un rôle social, et dans ce cas ce n’est pas étonnant que ça grince dans les rouages !
Je conseille ce drama car il nous fait revenir sur ce que nous reprochons à notre société française, qui, loin d’être parfaite, nous donne, à nous les femmes, une vie un peu plus juste, même s’il n’y a pas si longtemps qu’il fallait l’autorisation du mari pour travailler et avoir un compte en banque !

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The English title "A House On The Slope" reminds me of that part in one of Haruki Murakami's books where it says, Frank Kafka was quite fond of slopes. He loves to gaze at houses built on the middle of the slope. He would sit by the side of the street for hours, staring at houses like that. Of course Murakami just made that up, but anyone who is familiar with Kafka's life knows that it's most likely a fact. House on the slope is a brilliant metaphor for what this drama is about, that awkward angle symbolizes misunderstandings inside that household, that if we stare at a house built like that we need to tilt our head at one side to straighten it up, just like kafka seeks his father's approval, and Risako, the main protagonist in this drama, wanted encouragement from her husband.

The writing is superb in every aspect. I love how they handled this delicate subject. It's also very detailed as it tackles "Postpatrum Depression (PPD)" way too deep. We saw character experiencing PPD symtoms, like excessive crying, mother having difficulty bonding with her baby, Hopelessness, feeling not being a good mom, and having thoughts of harming the baby. We also see how other characters reflects to this case, their marriage life, their struggles, it gives so many different perspective on child caring. I can't think of any drama or movies that explored this theme to this extent, but not only the theme, it's the execution that makes this drama a riveting experience. They executed it really well, those flashbacks that were told in different perspective, the thought provoking quotes, the interviews and especially the breaking the fourth wall element. It won't tell you who's right or wrong, but rather it will make you form your own opinion as our world, in general, is not black and white.

It's also a social commentary on people's lack of awareness on PPD, and due to lack of awareness, as a result they inadvertently bring pain and misery to their love ones. It just reminds you that in life, more than love, empathy in really important.

On the technical side the drama is still impressive. The acting is solid, not just Kou Shibasaki, but all the supporting cast. My favorite is the judge who is struggling choosing between her career and family, the actress really played the character brilliantly that I ended up sympathizing with her. The editing makes this drama very compelling, several scenes cleverly woven together, and those transitions are very neat. Those brilliantly edited scenes are just enhanced by its music. It conveys a sad melancholy mood which shows character's feelings and evokes certain atmosphere. Ending song in every episode give you that final kick, as that song's lyrics supports the plot.

This is what I love about Japanese Dramas, they are not afraid to tackle sensitive issues, and when they nailed it, they nailed it really hard. I tried to be nitpicky but everything they did in this drama was just perfect, story, themes, execution, acting, music, editing, even camera work, it deserves a perfect 10. This is what they called a true emotional roller coaster. It will change the way you think as this drama gives you so many perspectives. It's an early but very strong candidate for my Japanese Drama of 2019.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

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