My Happy Marriage: An Anime Review
Miyo Saimori’s life has never been easy. Not only is she the only one in her family without any supernatural abilities, but she also lost her mother at a young age. Things take a turn for the worse when her father Shinichi marries his mistress Kanoko, leading Miyo to be mistreated, especially after the arrival of her stepsister Kaya. The only bright spot in her life is Kouji Tatsuishi, who genuinely loves her. However, a relationship between them is out of the question as Kaya is supposed to marry Kouji. Instead, Miyo is forced to marry the volatile soldier Kiyoka Kudou to get rid of her. Miyo, who tolerates everything, agrees to the arrangement, much to the dismay of her future husband.
For a while now, Netflix has been heavily investing in anime, constantly releasing new titles. Among these releases is the series “My Happy Marriage,” an exclusive title based on a popular Japanese story. Originally starting as a web novel by Akumi Agitogi, the story has expanded into light novels, manga series, and a live-action adaptation. The anime, released a few months after the live-action version, marks the fifth iteration of this story in just a few years.
However, the popularity of these titles is puzzling, especially when considering the lackluster character development. The constant portrayal of the protagonist being mistreated by her evil stepmother is a tired trope seen in many fairy tales, making it both cliché and dull. Miyo’s submissive nature quickly becomes grating, even to her husband, known for his mistreatment of women. The characters in “My Happy Marriage” are one-dimensional stereotypes, lacking depth or nuance. The series feels like a parody at times due to its overly simplistic and uninspired characterizations, yet it takes itself seriously.
Despite the weak character development, the series does improve when it delves into its fantasy elements. While the revelation of Miyo’s hidden powers is predictable, it provides a welcome distraction from the poorly developed characters. However, the first season fails to capitalize on this potential, focusing more on the petty conflicts between the prominent families. The anime becomes a melodramatic soap opera, lacking originality and excitement but compensating with sentimental moments that border on saccharine.
One redeeming aspect of “My Happy Marriage” is its stunning visuals. Kinema Citrus, known for their work on acclaimed series like “Made in Abyss” and “Barakamon,” delivers exceptional animation with atmospheric backgrounds and vibrant colors. The use of light and color creates a visually captivating experience, making it worth pausing to appreciate the artistry. It’s disappointing that such high-quality animation is tied to a lackluster storyline that falls short compared to even mediocre romantic dramas.
In conclusion, “My Happy Marriage” falls short of its potential, relying on tired tropes and predictable storytelling. While the animation is top-notch, the lack of compelling characters and original plot points detracts from the overall viewing experience. Despite its visual appeal, the series struggles to engage viewers with its shallow narrative and uninspired character arcs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main storyline of “My Happy Marriage”?
The main storyline follows Miyo Saimori, a young woman from a family of supernatural abilities, who faces mistreatment and forced marriages within her own family.
2. What sets “My Happy Marriage” apart from other anime series?
While the series boasts exceptional animation quality, it falls short in terms of character development and storytelling, lacking depth and originality.
3. Who are the main characters in “My Happy Marriage”?
The main characters include Miyo Saimori, her father Shinichi, her stepmother Kanoko, her stepsister Kaya, her love interest Kouji Tatsuishi, and her forced husband Kiyoka Kudou.
4. How does the anime handle the fantasy elements in the story?
The anime incorporates fantasy elements by revealing Miyo’s hidden powers, adding a layer of intrigue to an otherwise mundane narrative.
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of “My Happy Marriage”?
The series excels in visual aesthetics but falters in character development and storytelling, making it a visually appealing yet narratively lacking experience.
6. Is “My Happy Marriage” worth watching despite its flaws?
While the series may appeal to viewers who prioritize animation quality, those seeking a compelling narrative and well-rounded characters may find it lacking.
7. What themes does “My Happy Marriage” explore?
The series delves into themes of family dynamics, power struggles, love, and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of supernatural elements and romantic entanglements.
8. How does the anime adaptation compare to the original web novel?
The anime adaptation stays true to the source material in terms of plot and characters, but struggles to bring depth and complexity to the story as seen in the original web novel.
9. What audience is “My Happy Marriage” targeted towards?
The series may appeal to fans of romantic dramas, fantasy elements, and visually stunning animations, although its lack of narrative depth may deter some viewers.
10. Are there any plans for future seasons or adaptations of “My Happy Marriage”?
While the series has received mixed reviews, there is no official confirmation regarding future seasons or adaptations, leaving the story’s continuation uncertain.
Tags: My Happy Marriage, anime review, Kinema Citrus, Netflix, fantasy, romance, character development, animation quality, supernatural powers.