This review may contain spoilers
Don’t let the choices of others limit you and never limit your own options
This Japanese drama deserves to be in the top 10 must-watch modern-day dramas. Ren Meguru completely stole my heart; not only is he a talented actor, but he also looks like an absolute dream playing part of father. The child actress, Umi, is incredibly talented, delivering lines that are so deep and mature that I found myself crying throughout the episode.
**Plot**
The story revolves around Natsu, a 28-year-old man living and working in Tokyo. One fateful day, he receives a phone call notifying him of the passing of his old classmate, Mizuki. Natsu and Mizuki had dated during their university days, but their relationship ended abruptly, and they hadn't crossed paths since. At Mizuki's funeral, Natsu meets her 7-year-old daughter, Umi. He’s taken aback to learn that his ex-girlfriend had moved on so quickly after their breakup. It's an even bigger shock when Mizuki's mother reveals that little Umi is actually his daughter.
Spoilers***
Prepare yourself with a box of tissues, as this drama will have you tearing up from start to finish. The way stories are woven together with such a talented child actress hits you on a profound level. I was in awe of how this young girl memorized and delivered such profound lines filled with wisdom. As an adult, I was particularly impressed by the complexity of the script and how she embodied those challenging emotions so effortlessly.
The story is steeped in tragedy, with themes of loss intricately placed throughout the narrative. On one side, you have Umi's grandparents, who are grappling with the loss of their daughter and the fear that Umi's biological father might take her away, representing a double loss for them. Then there’s Natsu, who is in the process of moving on with his life with girlfriend, only to realize that he’s losing the life he once knew. He faces the tough choice between embracing a new role as Umi's father or clinging to his old life. Umi herself, having lost her mother, navigates her own emotional turmoil, torn between staying with her grandparents or going with her father.
The narrative is intense yet beautifully crafted. Umi's character brings a glimmer of positivity amid the sadness, she embodies resilience, moving forward while the adults around her struggle to cope with their changing realities. Watching her try to be strong for everyone else is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
This drama strikes a deep chord, tugging at your heart in all the right places. It's undeniably sad, but experiencing it is so incredibly worth it.
**Plot**
The story revolves around Natsu, a 28-year-old man living and working in Tokyo. One fateful day, he receives a phone call notifying him of the passing of his old classmate, Mizuki. Natsu and Mizuki had dated during their university days, but their relationship ended abruptly, and they hadn't crossed paths since. At Mizuki's funeral, Natsu meets her 7-year-old daughter, Umi. He’s taken aback to learn that his ex-girlfriend had moved on so quickly after their breakup. It's an even bigger shock when Mizuki's mother reveals that little Umi is actually his daughter.
Spoilers***
Prepare yourself with a box of tissues, as this drama will have you tearing up from start to finish. The way stories are woven together with such a talented child actress hits you on a profound level. I was in awe of how this young girl memorized and delivered such profound lines filled with wisdom. As an adult, I was particularly impressed by the complexity of the script and how she embodied those challenging emotions so effortlessly.
The story is steeped in tragedy, with themes of loss intricately placed throughout the narrative. On one side, you have Umi's grandparents, who are grappling with the loss of their daughter and the fear that Umi's biological father might take her away, representing a double loss for them. Then there’s Natsu, who is in the process of moving on with his life with girlfriend, only to realize that he’s losing the life he once knew. He faces the tough choice between embracing a new role as Umi's father or clinging to his old life. Umi herself, having lost her mother, navigates her own emotional turmoil, torn between staying with her grandparents or going with her father.
The narrative is intense yet beautifully crafted. Umi's character brings a glimmer of positivity amid the sadness, she embodies resilience, moving forward while the adults around her struggle to cope with their changing realities. Watching her try to be strong for everyone else is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
This drama strikes a deep chord, tugging at your heart in all the right places. It's undeniably sad, but experiencing it is so incredibly worth it.
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