Drama Digest
At the end of the Meiji era, Takei Chiyo was born to a low-income family in the highly humble background of Osaka Prefecture’s Minamikawachi neighborhood. Her mother died while she was young, and she was raised by her father, Teruo, and younger brother. Despite her inability to complete primary school, Chiyo has the gift of gab and sharp wit. She takes up a job in Dotonbori at the age of nine as a servant while immediately enthralled by the world of theatre. Chiyo’s ambition to be an actor strengthens with each passing day, and she finally flees to Kyoto, where she pursues a career as an actress.
The Feel-Good Part
This Japanese drama does not stop showing the harsh realities of life faced by the main character as she struggles with poverty during childhood and then begins her quest to become successful at the theatre. The intense moments of the show have become the favorites of many as they move the viewers to feel sympathy towards the struggles of the main and the supporting characters. As an Asadora drama, Ochoyan offers a unique story and how it has been portrayed, leaving no stones unturned and showing hardships in a dystopian fashion.
The Disappointing Factor
Ochoyan is not the light-hearted Asadora that most viewers are used to watching. It is an intense watch that leaves the viewers with heavy hearts. Thus, the drama might not appeal to those audiences who look forward to watching soap operas or dramas with little focus on the hardships of life and maybe more on the romances.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama is emotionally charged and thought-provoking. Takei Chiyo, who comes from modest beginnings, reaches adulthood to become an actor who marries Amami Ippei; when war breaks out, she is forced to take a sabbatical from acting. When she returns, her performance in a radio play impresses many people, and she becomes one of western Japan’s prominent performers. The show brings to light many heartbreaking and gut-wrenching moments that engross the viewers who feel for the actor as they see her struggle at every turn of life to find strength and success.
Star Power
Hana Sugisaki has outdone herself as the lead actor portraying the drama’s main character, embodying the role to finesse as she wows the audience with her performance. The supporting characters in the show also perform to the best of their abilities, and the team together has put forward a masterpiece of an emotional journey throughout the show that stays with the viewers for a long time.
Overall Opinion
The drama is heartwarming, portraying all the ups and downs of a theatre enthusiast’s life; no holds barred. It has excellent depth and is thought-provoking. It may not be light-hearted but offers a show that one looks forward to watching, cheering the characters, choosing favorites, and feeling blue after completing the series because it became a constant in your life. Ochoyan is a one-of-a-kind show which is sure to be a fan favorite.
