7
3
Colour me surprised!
Marry My Husband: Japan came out about 13 months ago which is 1.5 years after the original k-drama first aired. I didn't jump in at first because the memory of the original was still too fresh. I don't want my experience tainted. I think it is time.
First thing first, comparisons between the two are inevitable. I'll try to give my opinion on the j-drama first then reference the original. As the show is over a year old, I won't be doing a structured review. Apologies to any readers who are looking for my regular in-depth review. I think this missive is long enough as it is. ;)
Where to start? Hmm, one of the first thing that strikes me is how "J-drama" this feels. I believe the budget is lower. They did skipped a few expensive set pieces and the sets are less grand. It is still a solid production. The usual 10 eps length is a plus for me.
The core tenet remains the same. The do-over theme is front and centre. Ditto, all the key characters are there. The use of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the backdrop is clever. The shorter runtime means this is not a scene-for-scene reproduction. I appreciate that. J-dramas has its own je ne sais quoi anyway.
The JFL is not a PMY clone. She is a good actor but her vibe is quite different. Our JFL's transformation is more low-key compared to the KFL's. It feels more like a liberation than a phoenix rising. ;)
One thing I was really looking forward to is the JML. The KML is handsome and a rock for the KFL, but the JML is next level. This is hardly surprising consider he is none other than Takeru Satoh. One of the best and most charismatic Japanese actors today.
In hindsight, I think this is a wise move. It is a tall order to sub in a Japanese PMY and that comes with its own pitfalls. Their workaround is to deploy a ML who can lead from the front.
This allows the show to amp up the emotional tie between our OTP. Satoh-san is definitely the man for the job. Those smouldering looks . . . We also get some heartfelt skinship. All these fine-tuning help to elevate this go-around.
Another area that received some attention is the plotline. As expected, many filler subplots have been pruned. I'm not complaining. ;) One of the biggest adjustment concerns the second leads. I won't spoil it for you. Let's just say it deviated from the original where it counts. ;)
So, is it any good? The answer is a resounding YES! On most levels, the Japanese version is "unique". They preserved the heart and soul of the original, but fine-tuned it. Maybe it is in hindsight or out of necessity. Regardless, they did good.
The fruit of their labour is a tighter script with fewer side characters and filler subplots. It just feels more coherent. It is also more grounded and less sensational. I won't lie, I do miss that amazing wedding in the finale.
For me, both are excellent dramas and I can recommend them wholeheartedly. It is pointless to compare them forensically. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. ;)
In the end, I think the Japanese version give our leads a stronger emotional bond and rebalanced their roles in a good way. The story also flows slightly better. Maybe hindsight is 20-20 after all. Peace.
First thing first, comparisons between the two are inevitable. I'll try to give my opinion on the j-drama first then reference the original. As the show is over a year old, I won't be doing a structured review. Apologies to any readers who are looking for my regular in-depth review. I think this missive is long enough as it is. ;)
Where to start? Hmm, one of the first thing that strikes me is how "J-drama" this feels. I believe the budget is lower. They did skipped a few expensive set pieces and the sets are less grand. It is still a solid production. The usual 10 eps length is a plus for me.
The core tenet remains the same. The do-over theme is front and centre. Ditto, all the key characters are there. The use of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the backdrop is clever. The shorter runtime means this is not a scene-for-scene reproduction. I appreciate that. J-dramas has its own je ne sais quoi anyway.
The JFL is not a PMY clone. She is a good actor but her vibe is quite different. Our JFL's transformation is more low-key compared to the KFL's. It feels more like a liberation than a phoenix rising. ;)
One thing I was really looking forward to is the JML. The KML is handsome and a rock for the KFL, but the JML is next level. This is hardly surprising consider he is none other than Takeru Satoh. One of the best and most charismatic Japanese actors today.
In hindsight, I think this is a wise move. It is a tall order to sub in a Japanese PMY and that comes with its own pitfalls. Their workaround is to deploy a ML who can lead from the front.
This allows the show to amp up the emotional tie between our OTP. Satoh-san is definitely the man for the job. Those smouldering looks . . . We also get some heartfelt skinship. All these fine-tuning help to elevate this go-around.
Another area that received some attention is the plotline. As expected, many filler subplots have been pruned. I'm not complaining. ;) One of the biggest adjustment concerns the second leads. I won't spoil it for you. Let's just say it deviated from the original where it counts. ;)
So, is it any good? The answer is a resounding YES! On most levels, the Japanese version is "unique". They preserved the heart and soul of the original, but fine-tuned it. Maybe it is in hindsight or out of necessity. Regardless, they did good.
The fruit of their labour is a tighter script with fewer side characters and filler subplots. It just feels more coherent. It is also more grounded and less sensational. I won't lie, I do miss that amazing wedding in the finale.
For me, both are excellent dramas and I can recommend them wholeheartedly. It is pointless to compare them forensically. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. ;)
In the end, I think the Japanese version give our leads a stronger emotional bond and rebalanced their roles in a good way. The story also flows slightly better. Maybe hindsight is 20-20 after all. Peace.
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