Marry My Husband: from Korea to Japan, from (post)makjang to thriller
Truly another masterpiece and award-winning work from director Ahn Gil Ho, following Stranger (Secret Forest) and The Glory.The Korean version of Marry My Husband leans toward a post-makjang revenge story. Meanwhile, the Japanese version has a suspense/thriller undertone. It perfectly fits my taste and matches my expectations of director Ahn Gil Ho.
I think this is the first East Asian drama (K-drama, C-drama, or J-drama) in 2025 that, as it reached its final episodes, I watched with such intensity that I reflexively clapped—and even empathized with the villain.
The character design for each figure is excellent; every character has a clear motive and logic. The cinematography is both beautiful and thrilling, especially in the final episode.
Why did I sympathize with the villain? Because Marry My Husband (Japan) portrays so well the story of a "neglected" child.
Just like in Stranger, director Ahn Gil Ho explicitly shows the cycle of violence and crime. Reina, who was neglected; Tomoya, who was overly pampered within a patriarchal culture; and Wataru, whose opinions were constantly dismissed by his grandfather—all are roots of destructive traits in adulthood: being manipulative, narcissistic, and lacking courage. Only Misa was raised with love & kindness.
Unlike the Korean version which focuses on revenge & punishment, Marry My Husband (Japan) is about how humans “powerplay” with fate—including the fate of which family one is born into—so that we can still live as mature adults, living well & by virtue as human being. Or we just want to blame the situation how we live, then weaponize it to justify our bad & evil behaviour. We become similar toward someone we hate: the bad family. We become reflection of bad parents/grandparents. We dont fight, we dont change, & just maintain the evil cycle. And in that situation, we lose completely to fate powerplay.
Was this review helpful to you?
If I cant have it, I will destroy it
I'm a fan of Kim Kyu Tae director's dramas. I followed his dramas since A love to kill. I especially love his collaborations with Noh Hee Kyung writer, like on Its Okay Thats Love & Our Blues. Their collaboration drama show excellency on potraying human fragility & raw emotion within beautiful yet bitter atmosphere. Paradoxically, this "bitter & ugly truth" tendency become a healing drama.When I watched The Trunk trailer, I wondered why Kim Kyu Tae become director for thriller/crime drama. I know that it is not impossible, because he had directed Iris, one of the memorable action-conspiration drama.
After finished watching The Trunk, I feel like this drama is remind me to A love to kill, also seems like dark version of Its okay thats love.
The trunk depicts dark and depresive side of human mundane life. Love has destructive side, that as powerful as, its ability to empower and heal human scar. From someone who give up in life & powerless in relationship, then our hero & heroine become someone who protect their partner bravely. Allso finally they have clarity about the problem, & their own flaws.
The acting, directing, cinematograhy, & editing are top notch. But the script would be better if it can give audience more layer for Um Tae Seong character. The chemistry between Gong Yoo & Seo Hyun Jin is beautiful. I want to praise Kim Dong Won (Um Tae Seong), & especially Jung Yung Ha (Lee seo yeon) for their great performance.
Was this review helpful to you?
