Drama Digest
Wadake no Otokotachi, or The Men of the Wada Family, is a drama that tells the story of son, step father and grandfather. The youngest, Wada Yuu, suddenly loses his job due to the Covid pandemic. As a result, he has to work as a deliveryman and return to living with his father and grandfather, who he hasn’t kept in contact with. Miraculously in a stroke of luck, he secures a job at an online news company and ends up working in the type of industry his family also has had a relationship with. And thus ensues a one-of-a-kind drama where all are living under one roof clashing with each another regarding media publishing ideals.
The Feel-Good Part
The growth in the family relationships as Wada Yuu reunites with his family due to his circumstances is evident. The strained relationship that the family had chosen to abandon has to be dealt with suddenly. The estranged family, even with all their fault, share a camaraderie. This drama also brings up relevant moral questions that the characters need to face in their work, making an engaging storyline. All the discussions and debates at the dining table keep one invested in the character’s values. The cinematography is pleasant, and the script does maintain a balance between funny family moments and serious work affairs.
The Disappointing Factor
There is nothing in particular that is disappointing about the drama. Based on the interest in the subject matter, this may or may not be of preference.
In-Depth Analysis
It is one of the first such dramas set in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and nods to the worldwide effect the pandemic had on lives. The whole drama is put into motion as Wada Yuu loses his job when the company he had been at for over a decade goes bankrupt. The focal point of the drama is the family dynamics that come into play. Hailing from the same industry, they all share unique dilemmas working for media organizations. Wada Yuu’s father works as a producer at a TV station, and his grandfather is an editorial writer with his weekly newspaper column. It also covers the working of media establishments and how they function. And it explores the ethical and moral responsibility which rests on them.
The drama and the funny bits go hand in hand. It analyses the different mediums of the media institutions from various perspectives. Some serious commentary over the present-day atmosphere of news and journalism is present. The differences in their thinking and the generation gap lead to an abundance of intelligent and witty one-liners and opinions.
Star Power
All of the Wada family members played by Masaki Aiba, Kuranosuke Sasaki and, Yasunori Danta do a spectacular portrayal of the characters. They have entertaining chemistry, and all their interactions become the highlight of the drama.
Overall Opinion
This drama is fun and fascinating. With a good script, and content that is very relevant to today’s day and age, it is worth one’s time.
