Marry Me!

This is the definition of a heartwarming, innocent romance. A slow and steady build, focused on genuine connection more than crackling chemistry, no real skinship on screen apart from some hugs and maybe hand holding, and both leads are thoughtful and kind and well suited for each other. It’s just a charming little series that, while it probably will not beheart-pounding for most, is very compelling.

Personally, I’m reaching an age where I’ve begun to appreciate the idea of a simple romance over the high-intensity, butterflies, excitement, idealistic romance of youth. That’s not to say that I don’t still love those heart-pounding love stories that give you goosepimples all over. I do. But at a certain point, you realize that what you really want is not wild passion but just someone who is going to be there journeying through life with you, taking on your burdens with you, and building you up so you can be the best you can be. And that is this drama’s love story.

The premise, a law to force NEETs into marriage, is obviously not realistic and would have no effectiveness towards getting NEETs to participate in the work force, but considering it’s somewhat outlandishness (and I do say somewhat because I don’t think it’s the most ridiculous plotline by any means), it plays out in a very natural and realistic way. The main character’s supervisor remarks multiple times that the NEET Protection Law is kind of messed up, and the male lead develops increasing concern with it as well. The female lead is never actually forced into the marriage. The overall tone of the drama is very much one of respect for people’s boundaries and their autonomy, and it stays consistently so through the last episode.

I do want to explain here for those thinking about watching this drama the difference between a NEET and a Hikikomori, as it is relevant to the story. A NEET is someone Not in Education, Employment, or Training for a variety of reasons. A Hikikomori is a person who has chosen to withdraw from society, going to extreme degrees to do so. There is some overlap between these two categories, as many Hikikomori are unemployed and not in higher education, but they are still two seperate categories. The reason I’m explaining this difference is because there is some confusion over Himari as a character. She is described by the drama as a NEET, but she also has some Hikikomori tendencies, especially early on in the story. The drama does not address these tendencies, and while I don’t know that it was necessary for it to do so, it does cause some confusion and a mild (in my opinion) plothole when Himari overcomes some of these tendencies a little too quickly in the first few episodes. But this did not ruin the viewing experience for me in any way, and I don’t really think it has to for others. Himari overcoming some of her anxiety and discomfort so quickly is meant to signal to the viewer that she feels comfortable with Shin enough to open herself up, and I think this is done effectively.

This is definitely going in my favorite dramas/favorite romance dramas lists. It just makes you feel good inside, and I highly recommend it.