ANIME REVIEW: MY HAPPY MARRIAGE

4/5

Her Joyful Matrimony.

12 Episodes. Starring: Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona & Kenta Miyake. Screenplay By: Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi & Momoka Toyoda. Directed By: Takehiro Kubota. On: Netflix.

They call the fall, "cuffing season", but this Christmas, if the one you gave your heart to gave it away like the very next day, then why not start a union with 'My Happy Marriage'? Nope, I'm not asking and nah, I'm not betrothed. Instead, I'm talking about the anime summer smash out of Japan, now streaming on Netflix. The delightful and decadent dozen episodes, based on a moving manga that also has an alive live action picture out, is beautiful by the book. All the way to the falling blossoms that surround you in pastel pink like the careful and delicate ties of a precious kimono. The light novel series by Akumi Agitogi (writer) and Tsukiho Tsukioka (illustrator) bonds us with the inspired idea of finding love in times of family ties that feel like gilded cage constraints, or the superpowers that be that could even strike the Marvel move machine with a lightning bolt, 3000 times over in power. What started as an online sensation has combed through all areas of manga related properties. There's even a stage show taking to theatres. Expect to see some cosplays come next Halloween like the ones scrambling through Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan, this pumpkin season that has just patched itself up.

Wedded by the distinctive direction of Takehiro Kubota ('Gloomy The Naughty Grizzly', 'Concrete Revolution') and the wonderful writing of big-three, Ami Satō, Takahito Ōnishi and Momoka Toyoda, these happy days are not concerned with a marriage of convenience. Featuring the formidable vocal talents of Reina Ueda, Kaito Ishikawa, Ayane Sakura, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kana Ueda, Mamiko Noto, Noriko Hidaka, Koutaro Nishiyama, Kenyu Horiuchi, Toshinari Fukamachi, Houko Kuwashima, Yoko Hikasa, Ryōhei Kimura, Kōsei Hirota, Hiro Shimona and Kenta Miyake. This collection of characters will compel you with all their bold backgrounds and backstories. Just like the texture of the traditional Japan in this accomplished anime, that will remind you of the Edo area you know from history books and woodblock prints. Or the real world preservation of places like Kyoto (the most beautiful city in this wide world) and the wooden wonder that is the samurai district of Kanazawa, especially when it romantically scene-setting rains.

Produced by Kinema Citrus, there's also a potent and powers superhero element to this show that's epic. Featuring some great ghoulish Grotesqueries that will make those Dementors of Hogwarts look...well...demented. Whether the force is a fire, or a forcefield in itself, the super-charged abilities of this marriage are set to stun. Especially when it comes down to a devastatingly good duel that going forth sword swipes and shoots smarter than the consequences of the latest 'John Wick' chapter. By far the best anime set-piece in years for a genre that prides itself on besting Hollywood's live-action in this department. And as for the earned emotion that derives from not one note of a scripted cliché, the tears on your kimono will tell you how much it hurts in all its feeling. Slide open the screen door, please remove your shoes and take a knee on the tatami and watch this wonder of a story steeped in as much timeless tradition as it is boundless beauty. From Riria's outstanding opening theme 'Anata no Soba ni.' (貴方の側に。, 'By Your Side.' )', to the classic closing credits of Kashitarō Itō's 'Vita Philosophica' (ヰタ・フィロソフィカ)' as the marbles touch and click. As you slowly open your heart to this endearing and exciting show, the spirit will show you that you really can believe in magic. It's a perfect marriage. One that will see another year and second season. Happy? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Ōoku: The Inner Chambers', 'Romeo x Juliet', 'Emma-A Victorian Romance'.