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Spies and Dramedy - Mr and Mrs Smith, Japanese style
I thoroughly enjoyed this drama — the anticipated light comedy turned out to be a clever blend of social commentary, mystery and unexpectedly sharp action. If you enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style marital intrigue, watch without delay! Be sure not to miss the sequel film on Netflix as well. It's outstanding.
Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a former heroine who cannot ignore injustice, against the backdrop of neighbours and their lives, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. There were many thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness and marriage.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Watch out also, for an amazing performance by Ryoko Hirosue, famous for the classic 90s dorama Beach Boys.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi's work here, I highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday?, and his remarkable early performance in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama aI thoroughly enjoyed this drama—and I genuinely did not expect to. I went in anticipating a light melodrama about bored housewives, but what I discovered was a clever, addictive blend of domestic comedy, social commentary, mystery, and unexpectedly sharp action. If you enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style marital intrigue, this is well worth adding to your watchlist. Be sure not to miss the sequel film on Netflix as well.
Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a housewife who cannot ignore injustice, the people around her who require assistance, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. Beneath its entertainment value, the series offers thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness, marriage, and the roles women are expected to fulfill.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Also outstanding was Ryoko Hirosue, who is well known for her breakout role in the classic and much loved Golden Age dorama, Beach Boys. She has recently returned to her singing career.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi Nishijima, I also highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday? and his remarkable earlier role in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama surprises you as much as it did me! For more Japanese drama and film recommendations, follow me on Instagram: @fumiyawagi
Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a former heroine who cannot ignore injustice, against the backdrop of neighbours and their lives, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. There were many thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness and marriage.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Watch out also, for an amazing performance by Ryoko Hirosue, famous for the classic 90s dorama Beach Boys.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi's work here, I highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday?, and his remarkable early performance in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama aI thoroughly enjoyed this drama—and I genuinely did not expect to. I went in anticipating a light melodrama about bored housewives, but what I discovered was a clever, addictive blend of domestic comedy, social commentary, mystery, and unexpectedly sharp action. If you enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Smith-style marital intrigue, this is well worth adding to your watchlist. Be sure not to miss the sequel film on Netflix as well.
Each episode explores a social or moral dilemma through a housewife who cannot ignore injustice, the people around her who require assistance, and a husband whose apparent naivety becomes increasingly intriguing. Beneath its entertainment value, the series offers thoughtful reflections on friendship, loneliness, marriage, and the roles women are expected to fulfill.
Nishijima Hidetoshi delivers his signature understated excellence. His restrained performance adds depth to the later episodes and significantly enhances the overall impact of the drama. Also outstanding was Ryoko Hirosue, who is well known for her breakout role in the classic and much loved Golden Age dorama, Beach Boys. She has recently returned to her singing career.
If you appreciate Hidetoshi Nishijima, I also highly recommend the 2021 film Drive My Car, the excellent series What Did You Eat Yesterday? and his remarkable earlier role in the 1993 college drama Asunaro Hakusho.
I hope this drama surprises you as much as it did me! For more Japanese drama and film recommendations, follow me on Instagram: @fumiyawagi
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