Ore no Ie no Hanashi (2021)

I have got nothing but "splendid" to say about "Ore no Ie no Hanashi".

Well, not really nothing (just quoting Juichi), I have got lots to say about this dorama and will try my best to not include spoilers.

Kudo sensei said in an interview that he wanted to make a story about inheritance issues in Japanese traditional art families. The story synopsis may not sound that spectacular. In fact, you might even expect it to be kind of light-hearted, comedic dorama, considering that it's Kudo x Nagase dorama but "Ore Ie" is a lot more than that. Personally, I think the whole COVID-19 thing also somehow influenced Kudo-san's writing too (I'll just stop here to avoid spoilers but those who completed may probably sense the same).

As you ride alongside the Miyama family, you begin to notice that "Ore Ie" is quite different, unique among Kudo's works. I really learned to love and embrace all the good and bad things of the characters. From what I have observed, it is not exaggerated in profiling Ju Ju's character since several renowned traditional arts performer do have more or less similar lifestyle as Ju Ju. After all, even the "Living National Treasure" is still a human being who is as flawed as me or you (well, maybe more than most of us). The whole story subtly portrayed what and why family matters to each and everyone of us, by highlighting many things that we may not think of, forgot or taken for granted and failed to prepare ourselves for our own families when the thing(s) that matter comes (i.e., parents' health and well-being; finding and giving what is best for your children; inheritance, etc.).

On acting, I could not ask for more from the whole cast for the effort they put in. Of all the cast, only Nishida Toshiyuki had a formal training of Noh in the early years of his career (that's why the way he sings is so composed) by an acclaimed Noh actor, Kanze Hisao, who was an influential figure in renaissance of Noh in post-war Japan. He was dubbed as "Zeami of Showa", so in a way, many elements of this dorama also serve as a tribute to him.

Of course, Nagase Tomoya is the one who deserves the most of the credit, applauds for his preparation and performance for mastering all these things about pro-wrestling and Noh. Personally, I recognized Nagase san as a good actor (esp. in comedic roles) though not really was a big fan of him, but his portrayal of Juichi did elevate my opinion of him. Nishida Toshiyuki, Kiritani Kenta, Eguchi Noriko, Nagayama Kento, and the queen, Toda Erika, all delivered what is expected of, with a great chemistry between them. The child actor who played as Hideo also deserves a special mention like all other big names in this dorama.

Here is a brief take on music and re-watch value. Since, the story is about the family and the way it is made, you can always enjoy the story while learning a thing or two from re-watch. OST is not quite standout though I really love the tunes used for some heavy moments (Track no. 3 and 18 from OST). Oh, and Takessy's songs from episode 6 are also entertaining.

"Guilt; Gratitude; Grandeur" is the three words that best describe the theme of this dorama. Being Kudo san's latest work with his usual staff and cast alone is a huge attraction to their longtime fans. Another plus thing is that this dorama, in a way is a tribute to Nagase Tomoya on his journey with TOKIO and Johnny's (a must watch for his fans, as my friend "Coriander" commented). I would not say "Ore Ie" as a go-to dorama for someone new to Japanese culture, but it is definitely a must watch if you are a massive fan of Kudo x Nagase or love a good story about a family.

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Makes you reflect about different sides of life before judging.

This drama might remind many j-dorama watchers of an older drama "Tiger and Dragon". The reason is, both are written by Kudo Kankuro, lead by Nagase Tomoya playing a character learning an old art from a character played by the legendary Nishida Toshiyuki. Both dramas use this opportunity to teach about Japanese culture and demonstrate how this art still has an influence on our modern society and should be preserved. Also, I have to say, the combination of those three is GOLD. Kudo-Sensei knows how to use all the potential of both actors, who have some of the best on-screen chemistry.

This story was very simple yet very elaborated. As I watch each episode, I find myself pondering about different topics. Even re-evaluating previous judgments. It's not really about the story, but how it presents day-to-day life. The moments AFTER the great gestures and talk of sacrifice, the moments after making the promise to change, take up a new responsibility, or give up something deemed a waste of time. Those moments are very real. Those are the moments we rarely see on screen. They lack the theatrical needed to emphasize certain actions or characters, yet they are the most real and hit much closer to home.

It's easy to say that children should take care of their elder parents, and hail the nurses that do the job instead of said children. But we forget that sometimes it's just not feasible. Nurses are paid to do that job, while the children need to earn a living WHILE taking care of their elders. This can be stressful and cause anxiety to all parties involved. However, that doesn't mean that children should just leave it to professionals. Just like there was a time their parents couldn't be replaceable, as adults, there are things only THEY can do for their parents.

Another thing related to this subject reflected in this drama is the complicated emotions that come with such responsibility. The family issues can be perceived as particular to this story, yet they are more of standard in our society today. We don't hold our parents at a height where we don't question their actions anymore, but we forget all the sacrifices our parents made and the difficulties they went through, just to give us a better life than they had. However, as outsiders looking in, it's easy to think "why are those children treating their elderly parents this way" without knowing the hardships said parents are presently causing, nor the traumas they inadvertently caused. Because they are all flawed humans.

Although touched upon lightly, the complications of marriage, the cause of divorce, and the consequences were beautifully portrayed. The road of a crush turning into a relationship, the relationship turning into the mundane everyday life, etc.

Those were just some of the topics explored masterfully in this drama.

The characters in this drama were both extraordinary and very ordinary. Depending on where you are in life, each character felt very authentic. Very early on I felt that Juichi is ME. At least, at my current stage in life. I haven't seen Nagase Tomoya in better shape (looks AND skills), he was lovely, annoying, cute, and dumb. His sister Mai is probably these in every household. She's the one most depended on yet most ignored. She's sensitive and very sensible to those around her. They couldn't have cast anyone better than Eguchi Noriko. In subtly manners, she made the character glow. The father/grandfather played by is probably the most present character in our lives. Annoys us, makes us laugh, roll our eyes, cry. No one other than Nishida Toshiyuki could have done it. The forever baby brother, the black sheep, the middle child, all are present. The relationship between each character and its growth felt very authentic. I loved how Juichi saw himself not in his son but in his nephew and went out of his way to stand by him in ways no one did in his time. That generational difference is palpable.

As far as storytelling goes, the drama uses foreshadowing with the use of Noh, as well well as hints in the narration. I didn't pay attention at first and got caught by a few surprises. However, couldn't fault the story as I recalled the foreshadowing. In this end, it's the type of story that you will accept love no matter the direction it takes. It'll make you laugh out loud, it'll make you cry, it'll make you frustrated, but mostly it'll entertain you.

If I talk about drawbacks. Although as individuals I love their characters, I didn't feel the chemistry between Nagase Tomoya and Toda Erika.

There is just too much to say about this drama, I don't know where to stop so I will stop here. Everyone should just go watch it. Believe me, you won't regret it. The biggest downside is that the drama eventually comes to an end while you still want to see more of the Miyama family. I miss them so much T_T

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Splendid!

When I heard about this drama last year, I had no interest at all to watch it. Although the casts looked promising (well, I was really excited to watch the reunion of father and son in Unubore Deka (2010), Nagase Tomoya and Toshiyuki Nishida!), but the plot seemed too ordinary for me. In fact, I tried to watch 1 episode last year and didn't continue to watch the rest. What brought me to finally watch this drama is because everyone's on my community recommends it. I got curious and well, because I had nothing to watch, I decided to give this drama a 2nd chance. Turns out, it really gets better and better.

The pacing is not too rushed, it flows smoothly it makes you feel like you're really watching someone's family's story. The main character is indeed very unusual, a professional wrestler with a noh-related family in his background. Some people might call it weird, but I have to say that it's weird in a nice way. The characters development is written very carefully and acted very brilliantly especially by Nagase Tomoya and Toshiyuki Nishida. For the first few episodes, I had to skip the scenes when they acted noh or when Juichi is shown wrestling because I have no interest in both of them. But towards the end of the drama, I watched the whole noh scenes and began to appreciate it more.

The heartwarming contents and comedy/ joke lines is well mixed. As expected from Kudo Kankuro. The ending though, is REALLY unexpected. But I would not give this drama a 9/10 rating if it wasn't for the ending. A very nice surprise, I think this is why everyone's talking about this drama last year. Overall, I'm glad I decided to try to watch this drama again after a year... I would absolutely recommend this drama to everyone looking for a nice and heartwarming drama, or if you're feeling alone and missing your family. I'm sure this drama will lighten up your day.

This drama gives me the same warm feeling as when I watch "If Talking Paid" (Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai) starring Ikuta Toma. When I finished watching it, I feel sad because I can't see them (the characters) anymore. Feels like you're being left alone by your closest friends. I miss watching their daily interactions. I hope in 2022 we will get an amazing dorama like this one!!!

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A story of "us"

I am glad I found this mini series "Ore no Ie no Hanashi (2021)" on Netflix, it is indeed a very good mini series drama. There is not revenge nor a girl pitting against another girl nor bullying, but purely a family story about ordinary people like "us".

It is a story of an early dementia dying Noh performer that is a 28th generation Noh Japanese traditional performer and a "Living National Treasure", Jusaburo Miyama. He has an oldest son, Juichi Miyama, that was once groomed by his father, to be a Noh performer and his father's successor. However, the son rebelled and became a pro-wrestler for 25 years. He comes back to his father's home to be his father's personal care taker when his father is diagnosed with early dementia and a wheelchair bound patient. Juichi has a son, Miyama Hideo, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Juichi also has a younger sister, Miyama Ma, a younger brother, Miyama Yosuke, and an adopted brother, Miyama Jugemu . Later on, Jusaburo Miyama tells the truth to his children that Jagemu is his son from another woman. Juichi is divorced from his wife, Miyama Yuka, and she wants to have the custody of their son, Hideo. However, after finding out that Hideo has talent in Noh Japanese traditional performing arts and the training helps his ADHD, Juichi tries to get custody of his son. It is shown that Hideo is able to stay still while performing Noh as well as enjoying Noh performing arts and is able to write stories in kanji. Juichi also notices that his father always compliments Hideo's performance that he never got when he was growing up.

Mai, Juichi's sister always speaks her mind, Yosuke is a lawyer and Jegume is a very talented in Noh performing arts. He always thinks he would be the next successor of the Miyama Noh Theater Japanese Traditional Performing Arts. He always works hard to support the Miyama House.

The ending of the "Ore no Ie No Hanashi" mini series is unexpected, however, I truly enjoy watching this mini series that is so heartwarming. I recommend "Ore no Ie no Hanashi (2021)" whole heartedly. Enjoy the show everyone.

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Nagase Tomoya and Nishida Toshiyuki Thank you for your Amazing Act and relationship in this Drama.
I really loved this Drama it was boring in the first but It made me cry in the end idk if I"ll ever get over this! I did not expect this ending. I'm still angry but I know I shouldn't be. I wish Sakura would end up with Juichi and I feel Sorry for her.
This is the best Japanese Drama I saw it made sad and love how Juichi love and care about his father and family.
I started to watching this Drama because I love Wrestling and I'm big fan of Tomoya so I just want to say that what an amazing series. Great cast and plot Thank you for this Masterpiece.

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Más que una historia familiar.

Ore no Ie no Hanashi toca temas que pueden resultar incómodos de ver o tratar, como lo puede ser la perdida de un ser querido, herencias, etc. de una forma divertida, pero sin faltar el respeto, o seria, pero sin llegar a ser un extremo drama-rama. Es decir, esta historia desde el primer al último capítulo, mantiene un balance perfecto entre ambos géneros.

Con un gran cast, Nagase, como actor principal, me parece que hizo un trabajo maravilloso haciendo por sí mismo las escenas que tenían que ver con la lucha libre y sobre todo, adoré la forma en que narraba la historia, definitivamente fue una de las partes que más disfruté, además, un OST que calza muy bien con las escenas.

Mi única 'queja' viene de la parte de la comedia, en ocasiones muy japonés para mi gusto, por lo que para un extranjero puede resultar difícil de entender esos chistes o de plano no causan gracia.

Sin duda, lo más importante de este drama es la importancia que se le da a valorar a la vida y a tus seres queridos, porque la vida es corta, puede que suene cliché pero es cierto.

De lo mejor que vi en esta temporada :')

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L'humour Noh limit !

Si vous pensez détester le catch, mais pas autant que le théâtre Noh. Il faut absolument regarder Ore no ie no Hanashi. Les masques, les costumes, le jeu des acteurs, tout est fait pour vous faire aimer l'un au l'autre.

En effet, ce drama respire l'amour et la bonne humeur en prenant comme prétexte ses deux environnements totalement opposés ou totalement semblables selon sa perception des choses. Le pitch assez convenu : L'ainé d'une famille ne vivant que dans et pour la tradition de génération en génération, doit reprendre contre son gré la tête du théâtre familial. Alors qu'en réalité, il souhaite devenir catcheur pro. L'histoire commence, quand la quarantaine passée, il doit revenir dans la maison familiale prendre soin de son père mourant, et cela, au même titre que ses frères et sœurs. On suit donc la vie des protagonistes dans cette maison tenant aussi lieu de salle de théâtre traditionnel.

Cette comédie à l'humour parfois surréaliste, dépeint une galerie de personnages hauts en couleurs. À commencer par notre héros, joué par Tomoya Nagase, le chanteur du groupe Tokio, qui se montre doué à la fois en catcheur malgré son bel âge et en acteur Noh. On se délecte de ses monologues intérieurs avec sa voix d'homme des cavernes et des situations qu'il vit au quotidien à travers sa famille et pour prendre soin de son père. Sa sœur Eguchi Noriko que l'on verra enfin dans des rôles principaux gère les affaires familiales avec un côté strict, mais est marié à un restaurateur fan de Hip Hop et de Ketchup et la rend tellement sympathique. Son frère avocat et amoureux transi. Son frère adoptif complètement habité par le Noh. Son ex-femme, son fils .... mais surtout le couple infirmière/Oyaji, totalement what the fuck. Toda Erika à peine sortie des 6 mois d'Asadora et qui interprète cette étrange infirmière qui fera tourner la tête de toute la famille.
Et son père donc magnifiquement joué par Nishida Toshiyuki acteur de 73 ultra récompensé durant sa carrière et qui crève l'écran par son jeu et pas seulement quand il fait du Noh. À la fois détestable et tellement mignon en grand-père fragile quand il prend son bain. La performance d'un grand acteur.

L'environnement des costumes et de la scène pour le Noh et aussi le catch vous fera vraiment aimer ses deux disciplines. Les performances d'acting de la par des acteurs sont au top. Si bien qu'on a l'impression d'assister à de vrai match/représentation. Là aussi, pour le catch, la galerie de personnages vaut son pesant d'or. Beaucoup d'humour et d'émotion pour des personnages très attachants Quelle que soit la situation.

Les masques ont un rôle fondamental dans l'histoire et ils sont partout :
- Grace au Noh, avec ses explications de la situation précédente, à travers des représentations faisant le parallèle avec des histoires du folklore
- Grace au catch, permettant ainsi toutes les cachoteries
- à cause du Covid ou ses masques sont portés quasiment partout, montrant l'encrage dans la réalité, mais donnant tellement d'accent sur le regard des personnages.

Brut de décoffrage, mais hilarant, on apprécie de vivre avec cette famille, la série nous montrant les liens qui lient les générations vivant encore sous le même toit. Rappelant ce que l'on doit à nos anciens, ... aux anciens, comme l'obligation d'en prendre soin, mais surtout comme héritage.

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