This review may contain spoilers
The most important thing is we remember.
What a trip of emotions this show is.
I initially tuned in for Kasumi Arimura, but I stayed for the young Rana Izutani. She was a standout in this drama. The story narrative is a strongly written drama . I thoroughly enjoyed the focus on responsibilities and guilt. Many of Japan's dramas focus on sudden death and trials. Sometimes these stories can be a little bit melodramatic, however this story was done just right.
When we journey through each characters path of life after the loss of Mizuki(Furukawa) , we experience an emotional train through the cast. Natsu's(Meguro) struggle to voice his emotions at first annoyed me. It still kind of does. But after learning about his past history it made all the much more sense for you to want things to turn out ok for him. Being the main lead, I kept on yelling at him to do something! Haha. His character grows stronger in concept as the story unfolds. Stunted expressions and ambiguous ambition
slowly reverses as he meets his daughter. Umi(Izutani) brings the best out of him and I was very impressed with the little actor. She had a beautiful way of communicating with the older actors that felt was realistic. I think her journey is one we can all understand. As a child
we are told many things we do not yet understand, but we feel it. I think this was important in how they portrayed Umi's character. Umi knew her life was a point of conflict and her struggle with that was really powerful.
I honestly cried for so much of the main cast. It was hard not to every episode. I even cried for the brief scene with Shohei(Riju) Mizuki's father, when he felt like the least likely to have an emotive scene. Akane's loss of a child that hardly agreed with her felt so nuanced. Otake San(Akane) had so much depth in her performance. During all the scenes of overwhelming memory and guilt, I felt her emotions. The pot scene broke me. Paternal instinct and vanity feature heavily in this story. Sometimes when we try to protect the people we love, we make assertions about how they feel. But only they truly know how they feel about things.
Yayoi's(Kasumi) character development I thought was the most interesting in this regard. She was thrust into a situation where she feels conflicted with her own well being. I respect that this drama allowed her to take the right step and not fall into a trope about love conquering obstacles.
As the show plays out, it was increasingly hard to watch Yayoi's and Natsu's relationship. It was an important point about self awareness and self worth. Even though the relationship ended, I think the way in which it happened was thoughtful and endearing. It teaches us about the importance of listening and understanding everyone around us.
That also includes Tsuno San (Ikematsu). His character brought in such unique angle to the story, being one of unrequited love and respect. I loved how he was portrayed with such earnest. His intentions and interactions were for the people who never really thought they brought anything to any relationship they had. You feel bad for him but at the same time, you had respect for Mizuki's reasoning on not wanting a relationship. His character could of easily become a major enemy in the plot. However he was smartly used as a vehicle for trust. Someone who truly cared even if it meant he did not fit into a title.
I think from the perspective of the show changes when you realize life is not so much about these titles. Everyone involved, whether it be blood related or not, raised Umi. We are the sum of our experiences and we should never take for granted those who helped us on our journey. No matter how much we thought we knew about that person or how little we think we know. It does not matter. They all changed us in ways we rarely think about.
Along with the moving story, we had a musical score that enriched every scene. The theme “Umi no Hajimari" plays throughout and each of the other themes have callbacks to this main theme. It allows for important moments to really hit. The music is comforting and sadness all rolled in to one.
Cinematography wise, it's a classically shot drama really. There were some flashback sequences and the lighting made these scenes thoroughly sweet. I think the overall feel of this screams summer watch. With warm the warm summer lighting and tones, it creates a sense of nostalgia.
I'm looking forward to watching the small spinoffs that are part of this series. I love these characters and will take to heart the message of strength, love and remembrance.
I initially tuned in for Kasumi Arimura, but I stayed for the young Rana Izutani. She was a standout in this drama. The story narrative is a strongly written drama . I thoroughly enjoyed the focus on responsibilities and guilt. Many of Japan's dramas focus on sudden death and trials. Sometimes these stories can be a little bit melodramatic, however this story was done just right.
When we journey through each characters path of life after the loss of Mizuki(Furukawa) , we experience an emotional train through the cast. Natsu's(Meguro) struggle to voice his emotions at first annoyed me. It still kind of does. But after learning about his past history it made all the much more sense for you to want things to turn out ok for him. Being the main lead, I kept on yelling at him to do something! Haha. His character grows stronger in concept as the story unfolds. Stunted expressions and ambiguous ambition
slowly reverses as he meets his daughter. Umi(Izutani) brings the best out of him and I was very impressed with the little actor. She had a beautiful way of communicating with the older actors that felt was realistic. I think her journey is one we can all understand. As a child
we are told many things we do not yet understand, but we feel it. I think this was important in how they portrayed Umi's character. Umi knew her life was a point of conflict and her struggle with that was really powerful.
I honestly cried for so much of the main cast. It was hard not to every episode. I even cried for the brief scene with Shohei(Riju) Mizuki's father, when he felt like the least likely to have an emotive scene. Akane's loss of a child that hardly agreed with her felt so nuanced. Otake San(Akane) had so much depth in her performance. During all the scenes of overwhelming memory and guilt, I felt her emotions. The pot scene broke me. Paternal instinct and vanity feature heavily in this story. Sometimes when we try to protect the people we love, we make assertions about how they feel. But only they truly know how they feel about things.
Yayoi's(Kasumi) character development I thought was the most interesting in this regard. She was thrust into a situation where she feels conflicted with her own well being. I respect that this drama allowed her to take the right step and not fall into a trope about love conquering obstacles.
As the show plays out, it was increasingly hard to watch Yayoi's and Natsu's relationship. It was an important point about self awareness and self worth. Even though the relationship ended, I think the way in which it happened was thoughtful and endearing. It teaches us about the importance of listening and understanding everyone around us.
That also includes Tsuno San (Ikematsu). His character brought in such unique angle to the story, being one of unrequited love and respect. I loved how he was portrayed with such earnest. His intentions and interactions were for the people who never really thought they brought anything to any relationship they had. You feel bad for him but at the same time, you had respect for Mizuki's reasoning on not wanting a relationship. His character could of easily become a major enemy in the plot. However he was smartly used as a vehicle for trust. Someone who truly cared even if it meant he did not fit into a title.
I think from the perspective of the show changes when you realize life is not so much about these titles. Everyone involved, whether it be blood related or not, raised Umi. We are the sum of our experiences and we should never take for granted those who helped us on our journey. No matter how much we thought we knew about that person or how little we think we know. It does not matter. They all changed us in ways we rarely think about.
Along with the moving story, we had a musical score that enriched every scene. The theme “Umi no Hajimari" plays throughout and each of the other themes have callbacks to this main theme. It allows for important moments to really hit. The music is comforting and sadness all rolled in to one.
Cinematography wise, it's a classically shot drama really. There were some flashback sequences and the lighting made these scenes thoroughly sweet. I think the overall feel of this screams summer watch. With warm the warm summer lighting and tones, it creates a sense of nostalgia.
I'm looking forward to watching the small spinoffs that are part of this series. I love these characters and will take to heart the message of strength, love and remembrance.
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