Review Film My Happy Marriage (2023) - A Warm Fantasy Romance with Political and Supernatural Conflicts

 

My Happy Marriage (Original title: Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon) | 2023 | 1h 55m
Genre: Drama/Fantasy/History/Romance | Country: Japan
Director: Ayuko Tsukahara | Writers: Akumi Agitogi, Tomoe Kanno, Tsukiho Tsukioka
Cast: Ren Meguro, Mio Imada, Sato Arata
IMDB: 7
My Rate: 8/10

Miyo, who has spent her life suffering under her family’s abuse, marries Kiyoka, the head of the military who is known for being terrifying to the point that all his potential brides chose to leave him. However, the marriage slowly changes Miyo’s life and brings her to the truth about the identity she has kept hidden all this time.

Warning:

Violence and harsh language

 
Synopsis:

After her mother’s death, Miyo’s father remarried and had another daughter. But Miyo, who was born without powers in a family that considered powers important, became a disgrace. She was treated like a servant and lived through constant abuse until she was eventually forced to marry Kiyoka, who was infamous for being cruel.

Miyo goes to Kiyoka’s residence with no expectations other than escaping the abuse she has suffered for so long. However, Kiyoka turns out to be nothing like the terrifying rumors people spread about him. Behind his cold attitude, there is warmth that slowly brings new light into Miyo’s life, especially because Kiyoka never once cared about whether she had powers or not.

When Miyo’s younger sister begins to realize Kiyoka’s true nature, she refuses to stay quiet. She tries to take back the position of wife she once rejected, even if it means putting Miyo in danger. On the other side, evil spirits begin possessing humans and bringing chaos to the government.

Will Kiyoka and Miyo finally find their peace?

 
Review:

The presence of someone unexpected who loves us completely is one of the happiest things a person can experience. That is exactly what Miyo feels in My Happy Marriage, a film adapted from Akumi Agitogi’s novel Watashi no Shiawasena Kekkon as well as the live-action version of the series with the same title. The combination of political elements, supernatural themes, and messages about humanity and love makes this film interesting to follow.

The film opens with narration that introduces each character clearly enough. Even audiences who have never read the novel or watched the series can still follow the story without difficulty. The mysterious atmosphere is already present from the very beginning of the film.

The conflicts come with broad themes, ranging from family and romance to political threats like betrayal. Even so, everything still feels connected. The conflicts are built slowly until reaching a climax that successfully creates tension.

The story’s resolution is satisfying, with the characters receiving endings that fit expectations. Unfortunately, the additional cliffhanger ending feels like it promises a continuation that has yet to truly happen. Compared to the series, the story in this film still feels far from complete.

Another strength comes from the natural and balanced acting performances. No character feels weaker than the others, and everyone delivers their roles with strong dedication. The chemistry between the characters is also built beautifully, supported by expressions and dialogue delivery that convey emotions strongly.

From a technical side, the camera movement, detailed shots, and effects in several scenes are done well. The color composition and scene transitions feel smooth, while the music choices successfully strengthen the emotions in each moment.

Even so, the film still has its flaws. Whether because the duration is too short or because there are too many story elements it wants to deliver, the emotional depth does not feel fully explored. Still, this is understandable considering how difficult it is to summarize a long series into a limited movie runtime.

In the end, My Happy Marriage is not only about romance, but also about someone slowly learning that they deserve to be loved. Beneath the fantasy atmosphere and political conflicts, the film still carries a simple warmth about safety, acceptance, and affection that Miyo had never experienced before. Even though it is not completely perfect in exploring the depth of its story, the film still manages to leave behind a warm feeling long after it ends.

 

Memorable Scene:

A simple scene that leaves a deep impression, especially in its portrayal of sincere love. Kiyoka Kudo comes to Miyo’s family residence after learning that Miyo has been forcibly kidnapped. After realizing that his wife has never been treated well, Kiyoka begins to panic and no longer cares about the risks he has to face, even if it means losing everything, including his own life.

Kiyoka’s actions actually show the kind of care and protection that should exist in a relationship. Defending your partner and making sure the person you love feels safe sounds simple, but in reality, it is not always easy to find. That is why Kiyoka’s small actions feel so touching and leave such a deep impression.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

“I don't want to be thrown out.”

 
Ending:

Cliffhanger

 
Recommendation:

Worth to Watch

(Aluna Uwie)