This review may contain spoilers
'When everything is aligned, it starts to rain'
I first came across 'Okaeri Mone' only because of its soundtrack due to me being a fan of its composer Masakatsu Takagi. Little did I know, this would also be my first introduction to what is known as Asadora aka. Morning Drama. Now that I'm finally done with all 120 episodes, I can officially say that this is one of the richest and most satisfying Jdoramas I've watched.
If anything, it way exceeded my expectations.
✦Comparisons: It could be my first... and last Asadora✦
I've only 2 Asadoras to compare to: 'Natsuzora' (Completed the first arc) and 'Amachan' (I'm at week 3). But frankly speaking, I'm struggling to continue with the 2 asadoras because IMO, the depth of Okaeri Mone's writing shines the most when dealing with heavier subject matters with sensitivity and honesty. To my understanding, this is also what makes Okaeri Mone a little unusual and sort of an outlier for an Asadora, for better and for worse - depending on the audience's taste.
✦What I've enjoyed✦
Stories & Themes: Taking place in post-2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, 'Okaeri Mone' is largely about characters coming to terms with grief and survivor's guilt. Of course, there are plenty of heartwarming , humorous and inspiring moments, but where 'Okaeri Mone' absolutely shines is not shying away from the heavier and vulnerable moments and dialogues,. It doesn't seek to resolve those moments in a flash, instead opting to let these moments linger before hitting more satisfactory conclusions. Like in life, it takes time to heal. The theme of nature is literally and metaphorically fitting with story's central themes as we are often reminded of the duality of nature - that while it can be scary and reminds us to be humble, it can also be beautiful and enriching when we learn to understand and attempt to live in tune with it.
Characters: Kiyohara Kaya absolutely shines in her role as Nagaura Momone. I appreciate how Mone's character is written - an introverted, introspective and inconspicuous character which aligns better with the more grounded, introspective tone of the drama, allowing the audience to sit with the raw emotions and dialogues without rushing to resolutions. Not that a classic, cheerful FL would be bad but I'd imagine that to shift the tone of the drama significantly because that archetype of heroine will like deal with issues differently than how Mone was written. Another pleasant surprise was how important Mone's childhood friends (and younger sister Michi) would be throughout the story. They all get character developments and would have their lives intersect with Mone at different junctures of her life. And the same could be said to most of the supporting characters around Mone - from her Tokyo colleagues, to her own family (which was such a delight to watch). And a special shoutout to Natsuki Mari for her portrayal of Nitta Sayaka as Mone's mentor during the first arc of the story as she was arguably my second favorite character of the whole series.
Writing: I absolutely love the nuances in some of the topics discussed throughout the drama. From the more philosophical takes on nature (and learning to be humble and live with it), to the inner struggles the characters bared - ranging from the inner conflicts and dilemmas that people born in the countryside might face (whether it's okay to prefer the city life or outsiders questioning their decisions to remain rooted in disaster-adverse places) to characters having open, vulnerable conversations about the inability to speak about trauma and guilt. There were also moments where Mone played more of an observer role. which were just as satisfying to watch.
Music: Being a fan of Masakatsu Takagi, I felt that his light, ethereal composition is a perfect match for 'Okaeri Mone'. They always seem to hit the right note, never overwhelming or overshadowing the show. The show's opening theme 'Nanairo' by Bump of Chicken is the icing on the cake with its more energetic and inspiring beat to begin every episode.
✦What I've qualms about✦
To be honest, there is really not a lot to nitpick about the show.
If I really had to, it would mostly lie with the last few weeks of the show where things felt a little rushed and Mone was sidelined a little too much. I felt that Michi's central guilt (relating to the 2011 disaster) should've been flashed out or revealed a little earlier because something of that significance should be given more time to dwell on and resolve. If anything, I would've loved for the show to have an extra 2-3 weeks to conclude things better. Then again, I wouldn't mind watching more weeks of the show because it's just that good and enjoyable.
✦Conclusion✦
Even comparing against standard 45-60min long Jdoramas, 'Okaeri Mone' had one of the richest and in-depth writing I've seen so far. (Perhaps due to the luxury of having 120 episodes). If I'm being honest, this show has been largely a tear-jerker and most of my favorite moments where the ones that had me teary-eyed. I'm definitely looking forward to rewatching this series.
Last but not least, a special shoutout to HPriest for subbing this wonderful project and allowing many of us to enjoy this wonderful drama.
Edit: It's only been a week since I finished this series and I already feel like rewatching it.
If anything, it way exceeded my expectations.
✦Comparisons: It could be my first... and last Asadora✦
I've only 2 Asadoras to compare to: 'Natsuzora' (Completed the first arc) and 'Amachan' (I'm at week 3). But frankly speaking, I'm struggling to continue with the 2 asadoras because IMO, the depth of Okaeri Mone's writing shines the most when dealing with heavier subject matters with sensitivity and honesty. To my understanding, this is also what makes Okaeri Mone a little unusual and sort of an outlier for an Asadora, for better and for worse - depending on the audience's taste.
✦What I've enjoyed✦
Stories & Themes: Taking place in post-2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, 'Okaeri Mone' is largely about characters coming to terms with grief and survivor's guilt. Of course, there are plenty of heartwarming , humorous and inspiring moments, but where 'Okaeri Mone' absolutely shines is not shying away from the heavier and vulnerable moments and dialogues,. It doesn't seek to resolve those moments in a flash, instead opting to let these moments linger before hitting more satisfactory conclusions. Like in life, it takes time to heal. The theme of nature is literally and metaphorically fitting with story's central themes as we are often reminded of the duality of nature - that while it can be scary and reminds us to be humble, it can also be beautiful and enriching when we learn to understand and attempt to live in tune with it.
Characters: Kiyohara Kaya absolutely shines in her role as Nagaura Momone. I appreciate how Mone's character is written - an introverted, introspective and inconspicuous character which aligns better with the more grounded, introspective tone of the drama, allowing the audience to sit with the raw emotions and dialogues without rushing to resolutions. Not that a classic, cheerful FL would be bad but I'd imagine that to shift the tone of the drama significantly because that archetype of heroine will like deal with issues differently than how Mone was written. Another pleasant surprise was how important Mone's childhood friends (and younger sister Michi) would be throughout the story. They all get character developments and would have their lives intersect with Mone at different junctures of her life. And the same could be said to most of the supporting characters around Mone - from her Tokyo colleagues, to her own family (which was such a delight to watch). And a special shoutout to Natsuki Mari for her portrayal of Nitta Sayaka as Mone's mentor during the first arc of the story as she was arguably my second favorite character of the whole series.
Writing: I absolutely love the nuances in some of the topics discussed throughout the drama. From the more philosophical takes on nature (and learning to be humble and live with it), to the inner struggles the characters bared - ranging from the inner conflicts and dilemmas that people born in the countryside might face (whether it's okay to prefer the city life or outsiders questioning their decisions to remain rooted in disaster-adverse places) to characters having open, vulnerable conversations about the inability to speak about trauma and guilt. There were also moments where Mone played more of an observer role. which were just as satisfying to watch.
Music: Being a fan of Masakatsu Takagi, I felt that his light, ethereal composition is a perfect match for 'Okaeri Mone'. They always seem to hit the right note, never overwhelming or overshadowing the show. The show's opening theme 'Nanairo' by Bump of Chicken is the icing on the cake with its more energetic and inspiring beat to begin every episode.
✦What I've qualms about✦
To be honest, there is really not a lot to nitpick about the show.
If I really had to, it would mostly lie with the last few weeks of the show where things felt a little rushed and Mone was sidelined a little too much. I felt that Michi's central guilt (relating to the 2011 disaster) should've been flashed out or revealed a little earlier because something of that significance should be given more time to dwell on and resolve. If anything, I would've loved for the show to have an extra 2-3 weeks to conclude things better. Then again, I wouldn't mind watching more weeks of the show because it's just that good and enjoyable.
✦Conclusion✦
Even comparing against standard 45-60min long Jdoramas, 'Okaeri Mone' had one of the richest and in-depth writing I've seen so far. (Perhaps due to the luxury of having 120 episodes). If I'm being honest, this show has been largely a tear-jerker and most of my favorite moments where the ones that had me teary-eyed. I'm definitely looking forward to rewatching this series.
Last but not least, a special shoutout to HPriest for subbing this wonderful project and allowing many of us to enjoy this wonderful drama.
Edit: It's only been a week since I finished this series and I already feel like rewatching it.
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