Drama Digest
When children attend the same school, unlikely friendships are formed not just between the kids, but also their parents. These friendships might result in more personal mysteries revealed, and their reality behind the façade.
The series follows the lives of three such mothers, An Ishiwatari, Yuko Hayashi, and Mari Kanbara, whose sons go to the same school. The three of them become friends, and their secrets come out.
An, lived with her husband and son. Her husband worked in a travel agency and she lived a life of comfort until her husband goes missing. Her life changes as she has to support herself and her son.
Hayashi, is a successful career woman is married to an unpopular author. Her husband takes care of the house while she climbs up the ladder. At the onset, all seems well with her family but deep down she is worried about her son.
Kanbara, is a homemaker and mother to three children. Her husband is a successful life, and it seems like she lives a privileged life. But her husband is having an affair and Kanbara cannot even blame him for it.
What happens when the secrets tumble out? Why did Ishiwatari’s husband leave? And do the three of them continue with their lives or do they have their happy endings?
The series unfolds the answers to all the questions and more.
The Feel-Good Part
The series looks at human emotions in its most complex form. The female leads are strong and the storyline supports their battles and helps them to win in the end. Brilliant acting by all the actors.
The Disappointing Factor
None
In-Depth Analysis
All is not what it seems is an often-heard phrase. You might imagine a person’s life, but unless you get close, you will not realize their reality.
The series explores it. Three mothers form a friendship as their sons are in the same school. These mothers live a life that is different from their reality. And, when they start becoming part of each other’s life, the truth is out. They not just navigate their lives but also support each other to face the odds thrown at them.
The series is all about imagined versus reality, friendships and powerful female leads.
Do these women get their happy stories? The series is all about that.
Star Power
The female leads are played by Kimura Yoshino, Yuko Hayashi and Naka Risa. All three of them are marvelous in their characters.
Overall Opinion
It is a good watch and reminds us of the Hollywood series Big Little Lies. But, not the same.
