Well, it is based on a legend, so the idea that a beautiful woman should think she is an iguana and see her equally beautiful elder daughter as one too is perhaps not totally freakish. These two are the central characters in the drama and the mother's rejection of Rika sets the scene for what follows.
As the troubled mother, Naomi Kawashima gives a fine performance throughout the series. She is well supported by Masao Kusakari as her husband and Kanako Enomoto as her younger daughter Mami. You would never think it from the way she acts, that Kanako was only 15 when this series was made, but she's a natural talent and had already made two or three full length TV series before this one. Just watch how she steals scenes from the others !
But the real honours deservedly go to 19-year-old Miho Kanno who played Rika, 'The Daughter of Iguana'. In this far from easy role, she uses her resources of understanding and acting ability really well, always in control of the character of Rika and never going over the top emotionally. She's definitely the star of the series and it was a pleasure to watch her.
