Movie Digest
The story is about a widower named Ryosuke. He has adjusted to living alone since his wife died. She was a former college instructor, now retired, and is working as a translator in Tokyo. He had only one daughter who married and moved to a different place with her husband who is a teacher. She suddenly shows up at Ryosuke’s place and stays for a while. Since they have been distant for a long time now, the situation becomes awkward when they live together. They learn to communicate in a nervous but calm environment.
The Feel-Good Part
This is a warm and peaceful drama that showcases a father-daughter relationship. The scenes are very natural and the cast seems like a real family. Given the title of the drama “The greatest gift of life” it truly teaches us some valuable life lessons. The portrayal of emotions is excellent throughout the drama, and you will surely end up with teary eyes.
The Disappointing Factor
It is a TV movie with a very low budget which makes it underrated and also receives less recognition.
In-Depth Analysis
Sasai Ryosuke has been living alone for a long time now since his wife’s death. She has mastered both housework and cooking altogether but his work life is a failure. He cannot meet deadlines, which makes his editor-in-charge, Nomura, always angry. A neighbor named Haraguchi Mitsuyo comes to his house every day uninvitedly asking to take care of him, as his wife is dead. His only daughter Yuriko is married to Tabuchi Shigeyuki, who was his former student. Tabuchi is an English teacher and the two of them live together in a town in Azumino in Nagano Prefecture. One day you’re Rico surprises her father with a sudden visit to his house. Ryosuke asks her the reason behind it, but she does not say and is unsure of how long she will stay in his house. Because of being distant for a long time, the father and daughter face an awkward situation while living together. But the two of them communicate peacefully.
Star Power
They awarded Ishihara Satomi as Tabuchi Yuriko “the best actress in a leading role” at the 26th Asian TV awards. She did a wonderful job playing the character of the daughter. Terao Akira does another remarkable act as the father. The two portrayed an interesting bond of a father-daughter relationship.
Overall Opinion
It is a warm and calm drama with a sad plot. It’s a TV movie and can be watched as a comfort show. But the main element in the show is grief and it will make you feel all the emotions.
