Muchaburi (2022)

Was it that unreasonable though?

Completed watching this raw as i couldn't wait any longer for subs and here i am nonchalantly writing a review since none was submitted so far.

This drama is about Hinako, an earnest 30 year old who works as a secretary for "Relation Gate" company president (Asami), an overachieving boss whom she's been at the beck and call for 8 years, neglecting her private life in the process.
Suddenly Asami gives the clumsy yet hardworking secretary Hinako an "Unreasonable Request", i.e., to become the president of "Relation Foods", the company's subsidiary. Thus, the drama title "Muchaburi!"

This has a pretty straightforward plot revolving around the work life of an awkward, clumsy but earnest Office Lady turned company president and her staff's daily work life; ambitions, hang-ups, struggles and self-fulfillment included.

This is your run-of-the-mill typical Jdorama office narrative. Jovial, inspiring, slice-of-life, business-focused romcom. YET, i personally found it quite entertaining to watch. Since it's about growth, self-confidence and finding one's vocation, with a little bit of romance and comic relief on the side.

We can see how this drama follows common structural elements of an "initiation journey to self-realization". Through a 3 key points traditional narrative: "Call to initiation, ordeal, and self-transformation." As many other dramas that follow this kind of formula, you could safely bet that it's no mind-altering content.
HOWEVER, what makes this drama a teeny weeny special in my eyes, is that it has good enough acting, likeable characters and it doesn't take itself too seriously (despite the business theme). It's just a nice, breezy, comfy and a tad inspiring watch.

Besides the soothing tone and motivating atmosphere, i couldn't help but love the main cast and enjoyed how the leads -despite their quarrels and differing approaches- supported each-other throughout the whole thing. Both worked hard (along with their colleagues) in order to maintain a productive business and a meaningful work life.

By the way, don't let the love triangle discourage you from watching this. As it's probably the least annoying triangle you'll come across (i say this based on my love triangle-hater experience).
It's one of those rare dramas where both men are actually good matches for the FL.
Be it Asami (the charismatic eccentric and mysterious boss) or Taiga (the tsundere outspoken but very reliable colleague). Both are good men, hardworking, responsible and supportive. Both guys bring out the best qualities in Hinako, as they equally had good chemistry with her.
Not to mention, their different temperaments complement and contrast well with the her cheerful personality type. So i honestly wouldn't have minded if she ended up with either one.

Having said that, i was on team Taiga since he's the type to build the female lead up, he always got her back, he supports her in her endeavors and challenges her wrong opinions, he gives her confidence and encourages her to be more assertive and pushes her self-limitating beliefs when she's being wishy-washy and provides her with a good balance as he serves as her centering rock.
It also doesn't hurt to admit that the "gap" between his usual frowny fussy expression and the heart-warming puppy eyes is too "moe".

The romance department as a whole, was decent and quite basic. Be that as it may, it did contain a couple "doki doki" moments.
Being an avid romance lover, i liked how "ordinay" the whole thing felt, nothing overdramatic, no spell-binding plot-twists, makjang-like betrayals and back-stabbing, nor any obsessive, needy and pushy third-wheels in sight. (That's something for a Jdrama!) Everything flowed more-or-less realistically between the leads, their little disagreements showcased how comfortable they are with voicing their own opinions to each-other and their synchronicity at work was at full display and showed how much of a good match they'd make. Which made their romantic entanglement all the more meaningful. Though i wished to see more of their lovey-dovey moments...

Finally, Mitsuki-chan and Jun have great chemistry together. Loved how organically they bounced off each-other's characters. Would love to watch another project with the same leads. Hopefully, I will get see them starring together in another romance project.

SCORE: A cheerful, satisfied 7/10. Couldn't rate this higher as it's a simple drama plot-wise. But i do recommend it for all Jdrama and romcom lovers alike.

On a side -unrelated- note:
I really liked the styling choice in this drama. Mitsuki-chan's look here; wardrobe choice, makeup, hairstyle, accessories and all. Everything looked so good on her and suited her skin tone. Some people would disagree but i frankly think this was her best look.

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