my happy marriage anime + live action film
I hadn’t watched an anime for decades until I came across My Happy Marriage on Netflix a few months back, and subsequently managed to catch the live action film version, titled As Long As We Both Shall Live. Just that it took me a while to write about it. Both adaptations are really good, in my opinion. As expected of such Japanese productions, the live action character costumes and set are styled and modelled almost identical to the anime. The meticulous and exacting attention to details is amazing.
The story is somewhat Cinderella-ish, with a dose of supernatural fantasy. The female lead, Miyo, comes from an esteemed family. However, she is treated like a servant by her father, stepmom, and stepsis, because she does not possess a supernatural gift like them. They plan her politically-useful engagement to a mysterious young lord and military commander, Kiyoka, who is known to be cold and ruthless. However, he turns out incredibly hot and kind, and super sweet and protective of Miyo. Throw in his ultra high-level powers, he is a dream come true and knight in flowing kimono to Miyo. Love his silver ruler-straight hair.
Kiyoka ain’t dumb and figures out why Miyo is so timid and subservient pretty fast. Unlike many male leads, he starts off being acutely understanding, sympathetic, and kind towards Miyo. Kiyoka is not once obnoxious or bratty or judgmental, which adds to his charm. He’s just a really great guy with impressive EQ. You’ll know what I mean when you watch the anime and/or film.
Ren Muguro and Mio Imada are well cast as Kiyoka and Miyo, respectively. The film contains most of the swoony moments, which are re-enacted to a T by the actors, including costumes and set. Kiyoka is awesome, and Ren Muguro brings that quality to life with his emotive eyes, fleeting smile, and cool confidence. He is quietly yet blatantly attractive as Kiyoka – with a gosh-darned smile – while I really like how Mio Imada portrayed Miyo. The romance is sweeping yet sweet and touching. Kiyoka helps Miyo regain her self-esteem, self-worth, and dignity by just appreciating and loving her for who she was, no questions asked, no conditions to be fulfilled. He gains her trust by being himself, nothing less or more. The couple don’t kiss at all, and I didn’t realise that until my friend bemoaned about the fact. They honestly don’t need kisses since their romance isn’t exactly normal to begin with. I thought their hugs were good enough. The anime and film make enjoyable, epic entertainment and aren’t draggy or long-suffering like many Chinese and Korean romances.
Video credit to owners
Thank you so much for this review.
Do you know of any other Japanese live-action (or anime) adaptations that are romantic and have a good ending? For example, I remember watching and enjoying (ages ago) “Say ‘I love you’ ” and “Close Range Love”.
I haven’t watched anime for the longest time so I can’t recommend any other shows!
I love your review for this movie – thank you for sharing! I have watched it in its entirety 10 times so far … plus multiple viewings of Kiyoka-Mio edits / FMVs – yes, I really adore the movie ☺️☺️Did you know that Ren and Mio co-starred again in a modern-day Jdrama “Trillion Game” ?
I did watch Trillion Game. They had such a different vibe in that!