Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de (2018) User Reviews

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 13 April 2019]

What I liked about Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de was how the story turned. It could have gone as one of the classic romantic comedy dramas, but it didn't and I really appreciated that. The story was kind of off in the begining, but overall, it came together in the end. The ending was realistic and satisfying as well. One other thing that I liked was the character development, especially for the otaku guy. But, there were some boring moments as well. Finally, the performances were really good. So, seven out of ten.

A few negatives but many more positives = very watchable

[lyntonadam · 8/10 · 22 July 2020]

So for me, what makes this show interesting is how good it is despite a major flaw. Based on a novel, it's set at a time when the Japanese govt decides, in an effort to boost the poor birth rate, that all singles aged between 25 & 39 will be matched via a lottery & forced to marry. And anyone refusing 3 matches will have to join some shadowy counter-terrorism unit as punishment. There are four main characters we follow : Miyasaka ( Shuhei Nomura ) is a shy, good-hearted otaku with OCD; Nana ( Rin Takanashi, wonderful as the nun in "Aino Mating Agency" ) is an aimless, pretty & affluent young woman; Ranbo ( Ryohei Otani, looking like an Asian Peter Gallagher ) is a handsome, well-off & superficially shallow man & Yoshimi ( Aimi Satsukawa ) is a young nurse from a rural area recently arrived in Tokyo. As singles, all four are impacted by the lottery & the script really shines with how their stories develop & intersect. All have an "arc" ( that term beloved of screenwriting books ) & there are many scenes that touch the heart. There are also some surprises, & the general concept is not only interesting but very topical for Japan & Korea. That said, the flaw I mentioned is very annoying ! Most societies are pretty cynical when it comes to the intelligence of politicians/governments, yet the genius Minister here seems to have ( implausibly ) done zero planning before unleashing the new law. Little or no thought about how minorities or the chronically sick would be affected, & will forced marriage necessarily equate to children ? Would a "carrot" be more effective than a "stick" in getting people to marry/breed ? And there's no screen time spent on the "punitive" option. Quite frustrating, since more time could've been given to the Minister & also her assistant in various ways. The rather staid direction/visuals are another minus. The excellent cast are a major asset, however, with Mr Nomura first among equals. At times it's almost painful to see him shuffling along with his head bowed, bracing ( as are we ) for the next rejection. And a range of reactions to the lottery showcase human ingenuity/cunning ( mostly not thought of by the govt ). And there it is : a narrative "stew" with some mediocre ingredients yet highly enjoyable nevertheless.