Burn The House Down review: Mei Nagano starring live adaptation is a series with movie-watching experience

While Mei is still a delight, Michiko is the star of the show

Burn The House Down

Story:

The Mitarai house burns down and becomes the starting point for the once happy family to fall apart. The youngest daughter Anzu sees her mother’s friend Makiko smile bright as the house gets burned into ashes. 14 years later, she decides to get find out the truth behind what happened on the fateful day.

Review:

Burn The House Down stays true to its title from the first frame. The story begins with a burning house that caused chaos in the neighbourhood.

With the right amount of suspect paired with music, the series sets off to a great start. This continues throughout. Paired with some intense scenes, the show is a definite watch.

What happens when you work at a place where your house once was? What happens when you become a maid in the place that is owned by your step-mother? Those emotions are expressed very well through the series, through pauses and silences.

The show is the story of revenge and the foundation for the plot undoubtedly is built very strongly. This keeps you hooked for what more the show has to offer. Although every episode does not reveal something new, the makers do snap you back to reality from time-to-time.

Mei Nagano, in the role of Shizuka Yamauchi aka Anzu Murata, is a constant delight throughout. There are so many sides to her but soft as well as rebellious shine bright.

Michiko Kichise as Satsuki Mitarai plays the modern woman that many will love to hate. Like they say, every villain has a story and hers gets unveiled slowly with the series’ progression. Right up to the end, you cannot decide whether she is good or evil and still, might end up picking a side when it comes to her.

Taishi Nakagawa in the role of Shinji has little to offer. His good looks work in his favour the most. In his limited scenes, he does justice to his role.

Kyoka Suzuki as Makiko Watari is the glam doll. For the most bits, she is there on the show as the apple of the eye, a damsel-in-distress but when you see her other side, she makes even that moment believable.

Asuka Kudo in the role of Kiichi is brilliant. He has scenes which stay back with you for a long time. His looks in the series will also capture your attention, for he gets a drastic transformation in this one.

Yuri Tsunematsu as Yuzu does not have much to offer. Even when given the opportunity, she does only partly well in her scenes and often gets overshadowed by Mei, Asuka or Michiko’s performances.

Mitsuhiro Oikawa shines in his drunk scene as Osamu. Seen as a helpless husband, when he finally takes action, there is no way you do not notice him in his full glory.

Mari Hamada, just as expected of her, brings out some of the best moments of the show in her role of Matsuko Ichihara. This series is often about women taking command and when she does, you sit back and watch her brilliance unfold.

The moments between Shizuku and Mitarai are what make this series so wholesome. Shizuku, of course, brings a lot to the table with her complex emotions.

Kiichi and Anzu too make the show a very worthy watch. Their exchange of energy is visible and it keeps you constantly wanting more from them.

This series is about exposing gold diggers. At the same time, it also shows you the two sides of strong and independent women.

Rather than a show, this one feels like a film. It has the scenic beauty and story that only a movie brings alive to the extent. That is a praise and only begins to justify what Burn The House Down offers.

Verdict:

Burn The House Down should be on your list of weekend watches. This show is worthy of at least one watch, for it has some interesting moments to offer you. Manga fans, you won’t be as disappointed with this show.

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