As Long as We Both Shall Live

Another Live Action Version That Doesn't Live Up To Expectations

I've read the light novels and seen the anime and they are both quite entertaining. This live action iteration, however, isn't. I have so many beefs with this that I can't begin to explain how disappointed I am. First off, the movie doesn't dwell too much on explaining how this world works, the many prominent clans, and their powers. It just gives you a brief narration about it in the beginning and then that's it. The characters seem to exhibit tattoos whenever they use their powers, which I found distracting and unnecessary. For a fantasy story such as this one, I found these specific choices severely disappointing. If you're not too familiar with this world and story, there might be some things that you'll find confusing and inadequate. Not to mention that it packs so much stuff in just barely 2 hours, making the pacing of the film far too fast for the uninitiated.

Second, the casting, as a whole, is pretty solid. Imada Mio as Saimori Miyo is a good fit. The rest of the cast did what they could with what they were given. Although I wish they had given some of these characters more fleshing out. Koji was reduced to practically just the neighbor who helps Miyo. His love and devotion towards her non-existent. Yuuki did what he could with what little screentime he was given. However, I think the casting for Kudo Kiyoka is off. First of all, he is NOT what I had imagined for Kudo based on the manga and anime's descriptions. He is supposed to be a beautiful man, almost too pretty to be a man, and Ren is not that. Sure, he's attractive, but not the kind of drop dead gorgeous as the anime and manga suggest.

I found Watanabe Keisuke who plays Arata more appealing and engaging. But that's just me. Meguro Ren is simply not my type. I'm sure he is a fine young actor and has displayed some fairly good acting skills in his other works, but in this movie, I find him very much lacking. Kudo may be stoic at times but he shows very obvious facial expressions even in the anime. Ren sticks to portraying the typical tsundere character and rarely shows emotions, even the way he speaks makes him look so uptight and constipated. And I found it weird that he's the only one who wears a silver wig when everyone else has their natural dark hair. They could've gone with his natural hair color, he would've looked better and less jarring in a long dark wig. They could've chosen Okada Masaki instead and his age gap with Mio would've been better considering Kudo is almost ten years older than Miyo. Plus, he's a more seasoned actor who could've better pulled off the nuances in the emotions that Kudo displays imho.

Third, the movie is marketed as a romance and yet I don't see a clear romantic chemistry between the leads. I may be biased as I've never been fond of Ren's casting for Kudo and there's the fact that I am not into romantic stories so maybe the cynic in me just can't see it. Last, the production value of the movie is superb, from the set designs to the costumes. It boasts eye-catching cinematography and dramatic camera angles. The production is definitely the best part of this movie. The costumes, sets, cinematography, and camera work are excellent. But the writing and plot, not so much. Whoever decided to change the subplot about the grotesqueries and the last battle was most likely thinking about the budget constraints. They probably spent too much on the costumes and sets that they ran out of money for the special effects. Instead, they wrote about insects found in the burial grounds infecting humans and turning them into zombies. WTF?! But I suppose they didn't have enough budget to recreate the grotesqueries so they just opted for humans possessed by grotesqueries??? Whatever. I think it cheapens the story.

And another change that I found incredulous was turning Miyo into some kind of Mary Sue who could do anything and save everyone. She doesn't have that kind of power. She might have the potential for it but definitely not powerful enough to pull off that kind of feat with her present abilities. Her powers lie in dreams, she can enter the dreamworld, influence other people's minds and even see glimpses of the past, present, and future. But the powers she exhibits in this movie are too ridiculous to even comprehend. Then there's Arata's powers that aren't fully explained in the movie either. The anime does it well by having him duel Kiyoka and defeating him by creating illusions. In the movie, it's just one expository scene after another. Show don't tell. But I guess the writers don't care for showing things but would rather tell. It saves time and budget, after all. I am so disappointed with how they handled the “gifts” and the grotesqueries. They didn't even get the love story right as I barely see any kind of “romantic” moments with the leads. I can see why this was a hit in Japan, the production alone is appealing and it features two of their promising young stars. But it's vastly inferior to its anime and manga counterparts. I'd probably watch the sequel too just to see if it has improved, but I'm not hopeful.

Read More

Good story but under-utilised premise

I will give my honest opinion here.
I went to watch this because of all the 9/10 kinda reviews and the hype of the manga.
But frankly I found this below my expectation.

The story of this movie is excellent and had lot of scope but they didn't utilise it fully.
The chemistry between the leads was undeniable but I think they shared less screen space than what they should have spent given the plot.

It started off very well for me because I love the concept where ML is a cold hearted guy who slowly falls for the FL.
Being a movie he fell very fast which is understandable but then they had very little one on one interactions in the second part of the movie and next to no scene of intimacy given the fact that both were equally attracted to each other.

Some scenes were very heart warming where he cared for her and literally burned down the house just to find her. I will give full points for such scenes.

But I feel they didn't do justice towards the end by making the plot easy and predictable.
The battle at the end could have been more interesting given the fact that she had joined too.

Anyway.. because of the hype maybe I was disappointed but otherwise it's a good movie to watch. Just that don't let others expectations get to your head.. l m sure you will enjoy this movie As Long As you keep a clean slated mind! ;)

Read More

A wonderful adaptation for fans! For first timers: check out the story so its less confusing

My Happy Marriage is a popular light-novel that has been adapted into various versions such as a manga and recently as an anime that ended its first season with plans for a second season in the making. I have long been a fan and had previously mostly read the manga and watched the anime and felt like this was perfect for me.

Imada Mio in the main role as Saimori Miyo does an incredible job and she really interpreted Miyo as how I read her in the manga. All of the cast felt good and delivered with what they were given to work with.

That being said, the main issue in the movie is the fact that they try to squeeze in too much in the time-frame that is offered. If I hadn't had a previous knowledge about the story and the worldbuilding, this would have been very confusing. I did feel like the story was unfortunately rushed and would've loved it more if it had focused on the main leads relationship and Miyo's past struggles in her household she grew up in instead of the emperial storyline. There were many plotpoints that were shaved off or stripped down to the bare minimum for the story to fit into the movie and if I had no prior knowledge of the storyline I do feel like many things would have flown over my head completely.

The story mainly centers on the romance between the main leads so this is definitely a budding romance movie at its core with alot of fantasy and action in a historical setting.

You can't deny, even with the changes in pacing, the budget for the special effects and for the cinematography is really nice and you can see how much care they have put into the movie visually. It is also quite clear that they released the movie with plans to produce a sequel movie. (Do check out the ending credits for a mini-extra scene hinting that they are planning the sequel!)

I really do suggest to watch the movie but I highly recommend to do some research about the story by reading the manga/light novel or watching some episodes of the anime if this is completely new to you. That way, it will be easier to follow the story and you can enjoy the visual aspect and the acting without struggling with the plot.

Read More

cool

Saimori Miyo était l'enfant malheureux d'un mariage arrangé et sans amour. Après la mort de sa mère, son père a amené son amant et sa propre fille, Kaya. Dès lors, la vie de Miyo se réduit à celle d'une simple servante. Pire encore, alors que Kaya avait hérité des capacités psychiques de la famille, Miyo n'en avait aucune : elle était véritablement la fille sans mérite. Après des années passées à être traitée comme de la saleté, Miyo a appris à garder la tête baissée, à cacher sa douleur et à obéir à tous les ordres. Il n'est donc pas surprenant qu'elle soit mariée à Kudo Kiyoka, un capitaine militaire dont on dit qu'il est si cruel qu'il a jusqu'à présent chassé chacune de ses épouses potentielles. D'une éducation douloureuse à un mariage douloureux, c'est l'avenir qui attend Miyo – du moins c'est ce qu'elle pensait. Contrairement à ses attentes, son nouveau mari est en réalité bienveillant. Ce qui attend vraiment Miyo, c'est un mariage heureux, éternel, plein de bonheur ! (Source : MyAnimeList) ~~ Adapté de la série de light novel « Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon » (わたしの幸せな結婚) d'Akumi Agitogi (顎木あく

Read More

From Anime to Reality: My Happy Marriage Live-Action

I'm a big fan of this anime and have read the manga, so I was really looking forward to seeing this movie.

My Happy Marriage is a delicate and heartfelt love story set in an alternate Japan, where magic and supernatural abilities determine a person's worth. Miyo Saimori, a young woman mistreated by her family for lacking powers, is sent to marry Kiyoka Kudo, a feared military commander known for his cold demeanor.

What begins as a meeting between two people shaped by rejection and loneliness evolves into a deeply human story of healing, trust, and the quiet power of true love. The film blends romance, drama, and fantasy with elegant cinematography and moving performances.

Mio Imada delivers a tender, nuanced portrayal of Miyo, while Ren Meguro adds a new emotional layer to Kiyoka's character. Though some details from the manga/anime are omitted, the story’s core remains intact.

A touching film that lingers in the heart—and leaves you wanting more.

Read More

Japanese romance and fantasy - what's not to love!

Aesthetics of Japanese architecture, kimono fashion, culture, beautiful men and women combined with an excellent fantasy genre - don't blink or you'll miss it. Time just flew past watching this film. I expected more of a Mills & Boon 'he hates her - she tries her best to win his affection' but whoah, how quickly he was enamoured by Miyo but she was so deserving of his affection. It was a fast paced film which could easily be made into a 20 part series, showing us the relationships, past the present, of Kudo, then with Miyo, then introducing us to the Special Skills soldiers - which alone warranted a much lengthier exploration of each character and their particular 'magical' attributes. Actually, if they made a series about this alone, it would still be a winner - Japanese X-men... yes please!

Read More

Loved this movie!

Just loved this movie so much. I saw the Anime first and spotted a short video letting me know the movie existed - the search was on until I found it. I have already watched it several times and have shared it with so many others.

Love the leads. When he first meets Miyo and tests to see if she is "...just another in a long line..." type girls - his reactions to how she responds are so perfect - you could almost miss them (and, by reading other reviews - I see that people do).

When an actor becomes so immersed in their character that nothing needs to be said - that is a rare talent. After a first watching of the movie - I bounced over to a BL - Dangerous Romance - that had a stellar cast as well. There is a moment when one of the leads acknowledges/appreciates something done for them and the other characters reaction is so pure - you know it is unscripted and from the heart. It's beautiful to watch and experience. This happens many times in this movie as well.

Some of my favorite parts have no words. When he challenges/threatens Miyo when first meeting and she doesn't respond as expected. When Miyo visits him at the headquarters - worried he isn't taking care of himself and he runs across the room to see her. When Miyo cries after being appreciated for the meal she has prepared. There are so many more.

Put this one in your library so, you can come back to it for a fix when you need it. And, yes - to have that perfect hair.

Read More

Ending was rushed, but otherwise great!

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 50%
Romance - 45%
Misc comedy - 5%

Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Good, not great

The last 15 minutes felt incredibly rushed, and that made me sad because up to that point this movie was SOOOO GOOOOOOD!!! This would've been best as a 4 part miniseries rather than a 1.5 hour movie. Also, the ML and his smoldering eyes were everything.
Overall, the world building and the story were fantastic and the chemistry between the two leads was lovely.
I do want to note that the script/dialogue was pretty good, but there weren't many words spoken. Most of the movie was comprised of acting without words. Lots of action, longing stares, and inner monologue. If inner monologue and a very abused heroine are a turn off for you, this one might be hard to watch.

Read More

TAKE MY ADVICE: check out some form of the original story before you watch this!!!

In this review I'll be talking about my most anticipated movie this year. Like, I've been waiting for this thing for more than a year. Was it worth the wait? Did I expect too much? Was it adapted well?

I'll be answering all these questions in this review of My Happy Marriage 2023

(if you want to watch it, it's available on myasiantv)


So first I want to start off by saying:

READ THE LIGHT NOVEL/MANGA or WATCH THE ANIME

before you watch this movie, otherwise you'll be quite confused.


So, I get it. They had to squeeze A LOT into a 2h long movie. BUT STILL. So many things weren't explained! To the point where my knowledge of the original story came in handy more than a few times. They left out some important plot points and I think some were a bit rushed.


Spoilers Ahead:

FIRST IMPRESSION:

So I heard about this story through the manga first. Then I found out they would be making a live action and anime and seeing how I enjoyed the first 3 volumes of the manga, I was really looking forward to it. Another reason being, I love period romance movies! And was really looking forward to a Japanese one, since there aren't that many (that interest me). I'm not such a fan of (dark) fantasy, but it's okay in moderation.

Come 17th of March. The day this movie releases in Japan, I was really excited. Until I learned that I would have to wait a few more months for the international release!

This summer the anime aired, so I started watching it.

After finishing the anime, I admit I was a bit disappointed with where the story went. I am looking forward to the second season! I hope there will be more romantic scenes. I think the anime delivered some nice scenes with the couple, but not enough. I was disappointed there wasn't even one kiss scene! Even though I don't think their relationship got that far in the 1st Season.

I do like the cinderella aspect of this story.


LIVE ACTION STORY:
The beginning of the movie doesn't show a lot of Miyo's life at her family's Estate. In fact they rush over it a bit and very soon she's already sent to the Kudo household. But they don't really explain much! If I hadn't known the story beforehand, I would be quite confused. Oh well, then we have the official meeting scene for our couple! I liked this scene.

I feel like a lot of screen time goes to the fantasy aspect. I liked the scenes between Kiyoka and Miyo though, but I wish there were more. They did skip some of my favourite scenes from the manga!

The story feels a bit rushed at times and like I said before, doesn't make sense without knowing the story.

They left out the Kiyoka-Sister Arc! I wish they would have kept it. And because they left it out, the Usuba Arc also seems rushed. They didn't explain the mother's backstory either.

another thing: When Miyo meets her sister in town and doesn't dare to stand up to her, she gets very depressed and stays in her room alone for a few days in the manga/anime, but in this movie it doesn't really show much of that. Then she meets hana again and again the scene in the manga made the most sense! They rushed this in the live action.

I know that screenplay works differently, but I wish they would've adapted it better.

The ending of the movie with the demonic possession outbreak and all was a bit cringey, also that wasn't explained so well.

ACTING/CAST:
Meguro Ren does look good in kimono and with white hair :) He's also nice and tall (comapred to the other actors hehe)
And I think the actress portrayed Miyo very well. I've only seen Watanabe Keisuke in a few good roles, otherwise he usually acts as bad guys lol, but I think he suits the role and there were a few moments my heart skipped a beat cause of him (though I hate to admit lol)
I always picture Yurie as a nice OLD woman, that's how she's portrayed in the manga/anime. I would've preferred another actress.


MUSIC:
some of the music felt a bit overdramatic at times, but I think it was fine. There weren't very many great OSTs, but it's still fits for the most part. I did like the violin OST.


OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Was it worth the wait? Did I expect too much? Was it adapted well?

Even though it wasn't what I initially expected it to be, I did enjoy it for what it was. Despite some bad points I mentioned, it does have it's good ones. Cinematography for instance was good and the colouring is nice as well. Like mentioned before, I like the setting.

Not only with the live action, but the anime and story as a whole, wasn't how I expected it. Like I said I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Season 2 of the anime. Based in the end credits scene of this movie, I'm guessing there will be a sequel?? I hope so.

Some scenes where done well. The CGI was relatively good. Although the story wasn't as clear as the original work, I think some scenes were good.

overall I'll give this movie an 8/10 (which is good, but not amazing)

8/10 is quite high for me.

Read More

Well done adaptation, should have been a series not a movie

Not gonna lie, my fav thing about this movie was Lord Kudo's glorious hair. And his uniform.

I jest but if you are looking for a quick watch with a bit of romance then this hits the spot. If you have read the manga/watched the anime, just watch it for the hair and don't care about the MASSIVE pieces of story missing from this. I understand that while condensing this into a 90 min movie give or take , you would have to cut some things, I feel they cut way too much and because of that, I didn't really care about any of it, I just sat there, thinking ' Yeah, I would fall in love with that hair too, girl'. Because so much was cut, there were so many payoffs that didn't land. The step mother and sisters comeuppance was a one line throw away voice over. And it didn't matter cause cause you didn't really see the absolute depth of Miyo's mistreatment and bulling by this family. Or the extent of her PTSD.

It was all just not there. I can't imagine what watching this having not read the manga or seen the anime would be like as I felt it was so disjointed. The only thing I enjoyed that perhaps not present in the other forms of this was the absolutely creepy, chilling vibe the film had.

I'm making it sound like this film was bad. It wasn't but it is not as amazing as other reviews on here would have you believe. It was always going to be hard to adapt this into movie. The story really demands more time and it shows. The actors and all the team were done dirty in my opinion. Go watch the anime. Its got much more in it.

Read More