'Let's Get Divorced' is a romantic comedy that also serves as a political satire. While it had the potential to secure a 9/10 rating, it ultimately fell short, settling for a 6/10 due to several key issues.
Plot Overview.
The narrative centres on a married couple: Taishi Tokairin, a newly-elected member of the Diet, and Yui Kurosawa, an actress. Despite five years of matrimony, the couple find themselves drifting apart, laying the groundwork for a complex tale.
Entertainment Value.
As a comedy, the show delivers an engaging storyline and thought-provoking concepts. It is an excellent choice for a weekend binge, particularly if you're interested in Japanese social and political satire. The drama adeptly subverts reality, offering unexpected twists and incisive commentary.
Directing and Immersion.
While the show aspires to meld comedy with serious social and political satire, the execution often leaves much to be desired. The juxtaposition of comedy and seriousness often results in a discordant narrative, akin to mixing oil with water. Although the majority of scenes are well-directed, pivotal moments that should serve as the story's anchor are hurried or lack sufficient detail. This disrupts the viewer's immersion and raises questions about the quality of the production.
Character Development.
The character development in the show is more confusing than seamless. A pitch-perfect dark comedy without character development, or a drama with robust character development, could have easily garnered a 9/10 rating. However, the emotional arcs of the characters are ambiguously portrayed, and the genre appears to shift as the series unfolds. This lack of focus not only confuses the viewer but also undermines the show's identity, exacerbating issues related to directing and immersion.
Despite its flaws, 'Let's Get Divorced' remains a show worth watching. It provides sufficient entertainment value and social commentary to keep audiences engaged, even if it fails to fully realise its potential.
