Origin and release year: Japan (2023 – Burn the House Down)
Japanese title: 御手洗家、炎上する
Starring: Nagano Mei, Kyōka Suzuki, Kudo Asuka, Nakagawa Taishi, Tsunematsu Yuri, Kitano Kie, Kichise Michiko, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Konishi Sakurako, Hamada Mari, Shiratori Tamaki, Nakagwa Tsubasa, Maki Kotoka, Yamashiro Ruito
Director: Yuichiro Hirakawa
Screenwriter: Moyashi Fujisawa, Arisa Kaneko
Synopsis: Follows Anzu Murata, who thirteen years after the home of the wealthy Mitarai family was burned in a fire, infiltrates the house of the Mitarais as a housekeeper in order to reclaim the house and family that was taken from her. (IMDb)
This drama was quite loaded. We have two strong female leads going head to head in a mystery that unfolds in the most subtle but thrilling way. There’s a lot of loaded emotions in micro actions which makes the plot so enjoyable. Some people argue that the story was unrealistic but honestly, which Asian revenge drama is ever 100% realistic?
It’s a slow-burn mystery that is filled with suspense and entertaining from start to finish. It takes a classic revenge plot and gives it a fresh twist as secrets are unlocked in some unorthodox ways.
This writer particularly enjoyed watching the psychological fight between Anzu (played by Nagano Mei) and Makiko (played by Kyōka Suzuki). Both of their acting portrayals were so captivating, especially the progression from passive aggressions to straight out confrontations.
The romantic lines are… interesting, for lack of a better word. Is it incest if the characters are siblings by marriage and not blood? Either way, ‘interesting’ (read ‘weird’) choice.
Without giving too much away (the reason this review is somewhat spoiler-free is because all of the fun in this drama lies in the plot twists), the way that the web of deceit unravels itself is just too much fun to watch. It’s dark and twisted, but extremely well-written.
However, fun aside, this writer has never seen a more spineless male character before. Osamu (played by Oikawa Mitsuhiro) was one of the least likable characters in this drama. He got everything that he deserved in the end. Actually, on that note, many of the male characters were weak-minded.
Regardless of this, if you’re looking for a subtle but suspense-filled and layered J-drama then Burn the House Down is definitely for you!
What did you think of Burn the House Down? Let us know in the comments!