My Happy Marriage

This film is set in an alternative world where high class families have supernatural abilities and warriors fight against the "grotesques", evil spirits that can possess the bodies of humans. A young girl from one of these families is born without any supernatural gifts and is neglected and abused as a result. She is married off to the stern captain of a troop of "anti-grotesques" who is actually good-hearted and she receives kindness for the first time in her life and blooms as a result. Neither is aware that the young woman is the progeny of a family with unique abilities craved by others seeking power and influence.

I came to this movie with absolutely no knowledge of the manga and anime upon which it is based. I think they do a good job in laying out the nature of the world in which it takes place. It's interesting to see old fashioned clothes and modern conveniences (like cars) side by side in a fantasy context. The two main actors are very good and the film works because you believe in them and their relationship. It's an odd title (my happy marriage) but apt in that the affection between Kudo and Mia is really the core of the story and what drives the plot forward. By necessity, the action is a bit rushed (though I didn't feel it the first time through). My only criticism is that the climax of the movies is confusing (but still effective) as the screenplay doesn't have time to help us understand exactly what's happening and why. I think fans of the anime might find it a little disappointing but I found it an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

I have never read the light novels, nor watched the anime. I was drawn to watch it from the striking apperance of both the Male and Female leads.

I believe that the writer did an excellent job of writing a story line that ebbed and flowed, drawing the viewer into the story and carrying them on an emotional rocky path like someone riding the rapids while white water rafting.

I found myself at the edge of my seat during the action scenes willing Kiyoka to succeed and crying along with Miyo when she shed tears. The chemistry between all the players was powerful, especially between Miyo and Kiyoka.

I have not read the books, but I really enjoyed the movie. The actors were great, the costume and settings beautiful. My only complaint is that I wish it was a 6 part series. The story is part of a complex world of mystical creatures, important families with supernatural powers, a monarchy and many other elements which would have been interesting to dive deeper into. I also wished we could have seen more of the backstory of the main characters. Lord Kudo is suppose to be cold and harsh, but we barely see any of that side of him. Anyway, really good movie. I recommend watching it, i just wished we could have more of it.

As a big fan of the light novels, I have anticipated this movie for a long time.

The movie follows Kudou Kiyoka, a tsundere captain of a unit of gifted soldiers, and Miyo Saimori, a girl rejected by her family for not having a gift/supernatural ability. At the very beginning of the movie, we find out a marriage is arranged for them.

While the light novels, and even the anime, lean a lot more on Miyo's perspective, this movie dedicates almost equal attention to Miyo and Kiyoka. The movie also deviates from the original material, but I cannot be mad at it, for the added action greatly spices up the story, giving it a powerful climax point. The movie also adds the relationship between the soldiers as another arc, and a bigger emphasis is put on the friendship between them, and between Kiyoka and Prince Takaihito (in comparison to the anime). The movie encompasses light novels 1 and 2 of the series, where the central story is the one from novel 2, with significant changes to it. Arc from novel 1, Miyo's struggle with her family, is more of a side story, but it's given enough importance in my opinion.

While I appreciated the changes in the plot for the sake of keeping the movie's flow, the movie was moving fast. Like, very fast. It made me think it should have been a series instead, because it seemed like they were rushing through the material. In comparison, the love story was quite slow, which was kind of helping slow down the entire movie.

While the anime has a lot of pink undertones, this movie is full of earthy colors, realistic settings, so it feels kind of grounding. The scene of exposing the burial grounds is absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoy the creative choices that were made, especially the marks that appear on the skin of gift users.

Imada is absolutely adorable as Miyo, and Meguro is quite dashing as Kiyoka. However, in some scenes, his wig was fighting for its life. They have very nice, comfortable chemistry. Meguro's Kiyoka is more awkward than the novels, and Imada's Miyo has a bit more of a backbone and is more open in expressing her affection for Kiyoka by the end. My favorite scene is the one where he compliments her cooking- the way his face changes and he squirms after she cries, you can tell he is deeply affected.

Two stars down for the questionable speed of the story. I am also not sure if watching this without knowing anything about the original material would even make sense. I think it's ok to make movies based off of anime/manga/light novels, but I am still unsure whether this should have been a series instead. It also seems like they plan to make a part two, because they left the ending open.

I came upon this movie thru facebook, searched for it because i thought it was interesting and lo and behold, it really was good and interesting. Searched about it and found out that this movie is a live adaptation from a japanese manga.

Now i am writing my happy marriage anime to my list of to watch animes.

The lead female, though a martyr, did not come off as annoying. She portrayed the character as someone that people will come to understand her situation.

Though the male lead's face is not overly perfect/handsome (i mean there are other asian actors who is considered more handsome) despite that, the male lead exuded appeal that any girl would still fall for him. Well, the writers did make him very attractive.

The chemistry is the best in this adaptation. Super highly recommended.