I have a fascination for everything Japanese – art, literature, serials and philosophy….
Today I finished watching the Japanese Web Series “Until The T-shirt Dries” (with English subtitles).
Mrs. Sonada and Mr. Seo , neighbours who happen to strike an odd acquaintance in a coin laundry shop, go missing on the third Friday of a month , which is an off day from work for both of them. They leave behind their distraught other halves with a pile of unanswered questions.
The bus , Mrs. Sonada and Mr. Seo are riding on, meets with an accident in which Mrs. Sonada dies. Mr. Seo, having luckily deboarded at a rest stop right before the mishap, is saved. But he does not return home either.
As the police discontinue the investigation, Mr. Sonada and Mrs. Seo decide to carry on the search on their own. Bound by a common thread of loss, loneliness and grief they find solace in each other’s company which develops into an unusual bond that the society wants to give a name to.
Carrying memories of a happily married life with them, Mr. Sonada and Mrs. Seo oscillate between the past and the present. A year later, as they both finally make up their mind to move on , Mr. Seo comes back home.
Does that mean a “they live happily ever after” end to the story? No. The unexpected return invokes doubts, ignites fury and births friction. While the threesome try to discern a ‘perfect reason’ (read socially acceptable) for the disappearance of Mrs. Sonada and Mr. Seo, the Series probingly raises a few uncomfortable questions on fidelity, friendship, understanding and accountability in marriage. It obliquely toys with privacy and personal space in relationships too.
Like every Japanese work of fiction and poetry, this series too leaves much unsaid for the viewers to fill in, in accordance with their own interpretation.
The end is characteristically abrupt. Viewers grapple with indecision as to whom to fix the responsibility on.
My take on the series is that a dysfunctional childhood cannot justify an escapist attitude and relational imbalances in later years. It is an individual’s choice and will how happy and wholesome one wants life to be.
Also, respect is due for the efforts being put in by the partner(s) towards emotionally strengthening and sustaining a relationship.
Love is the ultimate unifier but one has to believe in it. And value it. A truism – only the Japanese have a different way of saying it.
Streaming on Netflix.
If you want to watch a Series that goes deeper than what is seen on the surface.
Your take on the series is excellent.
Dysfunctional childhood should be recognised as a ‘psychological problem’ and treated like any other disease before such persons ruin lives.Love alone can’t fix it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nusrat for your incisive input. A dysfunctional family lacks love and care. But when your partner fills the gap with unquestioning trust the sufferer should recognise and respect that.
LikeLike
Most intriguing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Derrick 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very thoughtful review, Geeta ji. I loved how you highlighted the deeper questions about love, trust, responsibility and personal space. Adding this series to my watchlist! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Maha. Glad you liked it. Hope you find the series interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’ll be sad if I watch this series. I’m just so vulnerable so easily. Thus, I’m not into movies or anything heartbreaking.
Wonderful review, gc
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Hazel,
It’s sad but it also makes you think. But you should only watch what you are able to enjoy. Thank you so much. Hope you have recovered fully. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I tend to watch what’s good for me and make me happy. Yes, I’m perfectly okay now, gc, but still gentle on work.
Hugs back!💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m also fascinated with Japanese culture and aesthetics. I haven’t seen this series, but I’ll look for it on Netflix. Thank you for the recommendation! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome. Do let me know how you like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, most interesting, Geeta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems interesting Geeta. Sadly, family dramas aren’t my forte.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not exactly a family drama. There is lyot of suspense too. But anyway you should watch that entertains you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I’ve started watching the night manager on Amazon prime. It seems good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was made into a Hindi serial. I watched the first season
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“My take on the series is that a dysfunctional childhood cannot justify an escapist attitude and relational imbalances in later years. It is an individual’s choice and will how happy and wholesome one wants life to be.”, these lines have stayed with me. You are right the troubles in the past as a child are done and dusted and we need to grow up and becomes the versions we want to be rather than the version we think we should be. I was doing the latter and have learnt better to own up and value life and love. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the best way possible too Parikhit. Otherwise you keep repenting and be frustrated. Enjoy life as it comes. Life becomes you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your story and backstory, Geeta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Mary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
For liking my post ‘Common’ 🌹 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome Professor Sahab
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didi, read Ghose of TMC article on that Baba, in Indian Express. In next 200 years also such a brilliant writer of English woman cannot be a politician in my Mahananda or even remaining India. May be you or others don’t support TMC as party, may have very negative experiences but that article in Indian Express, once again increased my love for Bengalis still more
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will try to read it definitely as it is recommended by you. So engage more in WP. We miss your meaningful perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know pampered or flattered 🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remembered you so much
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here. Do drop in some time
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes certainly
LikeLiked by 1 person