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Kingyo Tsuma japanese drama review
Completed
Kingyo Tsuma
10 people found this review helpful
by mya
Feb 15, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 10.0

They really went all out and did not come here to play

Loved it!

I am totally biased because I love seeing Iwata Takanori acting and have been waiting for this ever since he posted about it on his Instagram, but I like it regardless.

This is a very controversial topic, but should be discussed nonetheless. It deals with infidelity from multiple perspectives, and gives an insight into multiple couples who all live in the same apartment complex. Rather than approaching this drama thinking that it has been made to justify certain behaviour (cheating and abuse), think of it as a way to explain it. Because humans aren't perfect, and we don't always make the best decisions with sound judgement. Often, I experienced feeling annoyed with characters but then understanding their struggles. At times it will be frustrating, but that's the point. Certain characters will try to justify themselves, and you'll just roll your eyes, but that doesn't mean the character wronged will forgive them.

The acting was really great. The leads really outdid themselves and went all out. The side characters also put their all into their characters, despite not being part of the main plot. I'm always impressed with Iwata Takanori's work and his choices of roles outside of EXILE-related dramas. I really felt his anxiety over wanting to protect Sakura. Shinohara Ryoko also did really well at expressing her pain. The name of the drama is really important - Fishbowl Wives. And that's exactly how Sakura felt. In the condo, she felt she had to live up to expectations of being totally in love with her husband, but behind the scenes, she was suffering. Shinohara Ryoko did a really good job of expressing that.

Back to the title - it is significant in understanding the emotions of the women in this drama. Many wives in Japan become housewives after marriage, and the wives in this drama are no different. They are confined to the private sphere of their home with no room to grow, and as Haruto explains, goldfish need room to grow in their bowls. With no room to grow, the wives are additionally scrutinized and judged and cannot find a place to fully be themselves. Sakura was able to find such a place with Haruto, but it was different for all the wives.

Side note, episode 6 had a twist that had the potential to make this drama a psychological thriller and I love that. 😂

Overall, the drama raises important questions on what it means to be successful and happy. It also gives an insight into the expectations of women and some of the choices they might make when they feel lost, despite being in a loving marriage. I definitely do recommend this drama, but it is of course important to read the tags, because it is much more mature than other dramas.
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