‘My Happy Marriage’ Netflix Series Review - A Fairy Tale Romance with a Dark Twist

My Happy Marriage is an anime series that adapts the light novel of the same name by Akumi Agitogi. It tells the story of Miyo Saimori, a young woman who suffers from abuse and neglect at the hands of her stepmother and stepsister. She is forced to marry Kiyoka Kudo, a powerful and mysterious man who belongs to a noble family that can use magic. Miyo soon discovers that she has hidden powers of her own and that her husband-to-be is not as cold and cruel as he seems. Together, they face various challenges and enemies, while also falling in love with each other.

The anime is a faithful adaptation of the light novel, with beautiful animation and voice acting. The story is engaging and captivating, with a mix of drama, comedy, action, and romance. The characters are well-developed and likable, especially Miyo and Kiyoka, who have great chemistry and growth. The anime also explores themes such as family, identity, self-worth, and destiny.

My Happy Marriage is a modern fairy tale that subverts the cliches of the genre. It is not a simple story of a damsel in distress who is rescued by a prince charming. Rather, it is a story of two people who are both wounded by their pasts, but find healing and happiness in each other. It is a story of how love can overcome adversity, and how happiness can be found in unexpected places.

The anime has a historical setting that resembles the Meiji era in Japan but with some supernatural elements such as magic and psychic abilities. This adds an interesting layer of complexity and intrigue to the story, as well as some cultural references and details.

The anime has a strong female protagonist who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a timid and submissive girl to a confident and powerful woman. Miyo is not only brave and resilient but also compassionate and kind. She does not let her past define her, nor does she seek revenge or pity. She learns to stand up for herself and others and to embrace her true self and potential.

The anime has a compelling romance that develops gradually and realistically between Miyo and Kiyoka. They start off as strangers who are forced to marry each other, but they soon discover that they have more in common than they thought. They also have their own flaws and insecurities, which they help each other overcome. They respect and trust each other, and they support each other through thick and thin. They also have some sweet and funny moments that show their chemistry and affection.

The anime can be very dark and depressing at times, especially in the first episode where Miyo’s abuse and misery are shown in detail. For example, we see Miyo being slapped, kicked, burned, starved, and locked up by her stepmother and stepsister. We also see her being humiliated, bullied, and rejected by her father, her childhood friend, and society. I found this really disturbing and upsetting to watch, I even thought that I might lose interest in the story if I did not see any hope or happiness for Miyo.

The anime can be very predictable and cliched at times, especially in terms of the plot twists and the villains. For example, we can easily guess that Miyo’s father is not her real father, that Kiyoka’s brother is behind the assassination attempts, and that Miyo’s mother is still alive. We also see the typical tropes of the evil stepmother, the jealous stepsister, the scheming brother, and the mysterious mother.

I think these weaknesses do not overshadow the strengths, but rather complement them in creating a balanced and realistic story. I think My Happy Marriage is worth watching for anyone who likes romance anime, fantasy anime, or fairy tales in general. 

Final Score – [7.5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times