Lovely but...
If I had to review this drama for the romance and comedy, I would give it a solid 8. The characters' chemistry is really good and the story compelling. Most of what was shown in this drama was lovely and heartwarming in many ways but, in order to watch this drama, I had to put aside all knowledge of Japan's history in the 20th century.
I'm not japanese but, most of my childhood, I attended a school created by the community and even I had the opportunity to live in Tokyo for a while. All this to say that I am no stranger to the culture and its history, and that as a consequence I have my own educated opinion which it's very positive but I also believe the negative can't be ignored.
To set a japanese story in 1936, it's certainly a choice. But making your leads a navy officer and his wife makes my eyebrow rise in suspicious (IYKYK). This was an issue for me because it was always in the background and driving the story and character's experiences (as the very final narration clarifies, with no qualms). There was even offhandedly comments from supporting characters about the current political situation. As much as I wanted to "enjoy" this drama, I couldn't help but wonder if I was watching a revisionist story, maybe even subtle propaganda, trying to paint certain group of people in a better light and sweep under the rug some of Japan's darkest chapters in the history of the country, region and world.
Maybe I'm wrong. Like I mentioned before I'm not japanese, so I would actually prefer to listen to someone who is, what they have to say about this drama.
I'm not japanese but, most of my childhood, I attended a school created by the community and even I had the opportunity to live in Tokyo for a while. All this to say that I am no stranger to the culture and its history, and that as a consequence I have my own educated opinion which it's very positive but I also believe the negative can't be ignored.
To set a japanese story in 1936, it's certainly a choice. But making your leads a navy officer and his wife makes my eyebrow rise in suspicious (IYKYK). This was an issue for me because it was always in the background and driving the story and character's experiences (as the very final narration clarifies, with no qualms). There was even offhandedly comments from supporting characters about the current political situation. As much as I wanted to "enjoy" this drama, I couldn't help but wonder if I was watching a revisionist story, maybe even subtle propaganda, trying to paint certain group of people in a better light and sweep under the rug some of Japan's darkest chapters in the history of the country, region and world.
Maybe I'm wrong. Like I mentioned before I'm not japanese, so I would actually prefer to listen to someone who is, what they have to say about this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?