Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon | Did it live up to expectations?

I’m very late to the party, yes. That is the story of my life, always late, never early. Now then, it’s time for me to do something that I think I do fairly well by my standards, deliver to you my thoughts on anime I’ve watched, today’s anime “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon“.

At first glance, “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon” may seem like the umpteenth retelling of the Cinderella story. It features the archetypal evil stepmother, familial abuse toward the main character, and her eventual ‘rescue’ by a strong, powerful man.

However, this anime offers more than just a classic fairy tale rehash. It’s a character-driven narrative, with a strong focus on the journey of the main female character, Saimori Miyo, as she seeks to discover her self-worth despite a lifetime of being belittled for reasons as shallow as perceived inadequacies compared to her family members. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s married to a man named Kudou Kiyoka, known for his cold and insensitive nature, who has previously dismissed multiple fiancées.

As expected, Kiyoka’s treatment of Miyo doesn’t follow the usual script, and their relationship develops there.

We can all agree, “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon” has exceptional visual presentation. The animation is remarkably fluid, even with its simple character designs. It boasts impressive action sequences, nuanced character expressions, and a remarkable soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. The production quality of this anime is top-notch, making it one of the standout shows of its season.

The series also makes vigorous attempts at character development, utilizing clever directing and symbolism to deepen the evolving relationship between Miyo and Kiyoka throughout the story.

However, its somewhat shallow writing, particularly concerning characters outside of the leading duo, prevents it from reaching the upper echelons of this season’s shows. This shallow characterization can make some characters feel overly ‘fairy-tale-like,’ as they come across as evil for the sake of being evil with excessive malicious intent. While political elements are at play within this world, with families vying for power and reputation, some early actions by the Saimori family may seem dramatic and excessive.

The introduction of supernatural elements is intriguing and promises future developments, potentially through upcoming OVA or series installments. However, these supernatural aspects occasionally overshadow the grounded relationship between Miyo and Kiyoka. While they add flair and excitement to the series, they sometimes detract from the time spent developing the romance and Miyo’s character.

The supporting cast is serviceable, but most are forgettable, apart from a couple of characters. Shoujo series often feature morally ambiguous characters, and “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon” is no exception. Miyo’s character can be frustrating, but she experiences significant growth during the first half thanks to well-implemented symbolism. Kiyoka, on the other hand, is a more captivating character, especially regarding his abilities. His evolving attitude toward Miyo and her personal growth is integral to the story, showcasing how they bring out the best in each other.

The relationship development between Miyo and Kiyoka is the series’ highlight, keeping viewers engaged. However, the narrative has ups and downs outside of this core dynamic. The first half is particularly strong, and at that point, the anime had the potential to be the season’s standout. Unfortunately, the second half falters, with room for improvement in prioritizing the romance and more thoughtful execution of the supernatural elements.

Overall, “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon” remains a great anime but falls short of expectations.