Review: Mei-chan no Shitsuji

MEI-CHAN NO SHITSUJI

Mei-chan and her Shitsuji (Butler)

(The whole thing is a damn tongue twister if you use her full tongue-twistery name: Shinonome Mei-chan no Shitsuji)

THE PLOT

Like I mentioned in my synopsis already, this is the sort of drama that relies more on its excellent premise and fantasy scenario than any kind of overarching plot. It is episodic and its storyline isn’t all that riveting in that you won’t expect to be clinging to your seats in excitement and anticipation for the next twist in the plot and you could probably skip a few episodes without losing a sense of what the drama is about. I hardly think that’s a flaw – merely, its just a different subset of dramas and like I said, I am okay as long as each individual episode is entertaining enough for me to want to watch the next episode just to experience the same kind of kick at the end.

Is this what I’d consider a successful drama then? Absolutely! Yes, it is a vehicle for the sort of super cheesy, oversimplified moral message I’d ordinarily hate, but then it takes you through such a zany and undeniably, joyous ride! First, I think it is one of the few series I have ever watched which actually made me (heartily) laugh out loud and I swear it’ll warm your heart. Next, it might oversimplify the dichotomy between good and evil in this world – but frankly, who watches comedies for any nuanced recreation of moral gradients and plausible ethical dilemmas and all that intellectual-shit. That being said, it really is quite…Disney-esque in its oversimplification of good versus evil and there are hardly shades of grey in its unambiguously Evil Characters.

Meet Shiori, the resident Bitch who tries to oust Mei-chan for reasons I shall not disclose here for fear of  “spoiling” the “plot”. And look!  She lives in a cheery little…greenhouse thing? Flooding with a charming variety of vibrantly coloured flora and fauna! Aww!

…How menacingly misleading! For she actually spends most of her time in the show…snipping violently at innocent little roses, the overused symbol of love and all that is good and beautiful! The arbitrariness of her anger! The horror!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find Evil Screencaps of her Slicing up Plants so this poor substitute Evil Picture of her slashing at Mei-Chan’s picture shall have to suffice.

And of course, Mei-Chan and her butler sidekick are almost 100% perfect. Mei-Chan never gets angry or bitter with anybody – even if given person reneges on her promise to bury her parents together and instead, threatens to burn up their bodies and scatter their ashes. Nope, not even that ruffles perfect Mei’s feathers for she is the Good Character in this battle between good and evil and she is all virtuous and all-forgiving. Yes, abit like God.

…but with an almost indecently short skirt.

But back to the Moral Message – I really do quite like the wisdom of the show. Or at least, some parts of the show – I thought Episode 3, in particular, was absolutely kickass in the way the Obstacle of the Day was surmounted. Without spoiling anybody, it basically allowed

1) Mei-chan, heroine of the show to emerge triumphant over Ryounji Izumi

2) Ryounji Izumi  dignity in her loss (in fact, I think she lost in a way that was testimony to some of her own virtues – humility and respect for her butler) and

3) Mei-chan to learn something inspite of the superiority which allowed her to triumph.

…And this doesn’t make sense to anybody reading thing. But it will if you watch it and pay attention to Episode 3! 😀 The point is, Episode 3 was really illustrative of the kind of maturity the show demonstrates beyond all its ridiculous antics.

THE ACTION

On the whole, unremarkable. But not in a bad way – considering how Japanese dramas in general, are considered to be well-acted and stuff. Even the kid actors fare really well – and the lone child actress  (Yoshida Riko as Miruku-chan) in Mei-chan is no exception.

…Or perhaps I should be more generous: SHE WAS EXCELLENT! And I’m being sincere here! And I think, fair. I think she pulled off emotions I am supposing are really complex for a…nine-year old. O.O

Oh but Mizushima Hiro was fraaaaankly kind of a disaster. It felt, throughout the series, that he was concentrating so much on “exuding hotness” by brooding and frowning and channelling funny stares that it was almost like he was…oh this is going to sound so unpleasant…like he was constipated with hotness.

Which is why, it is such a good thing he is as hot as he is. Because its like, when he smiles or something, all is forgiven. And if he really were, constipated with all his smouldering hotness, we totally undertand.

Seeeee…you can totally see his eyes working at trying to radiate his hotness.

(and sorry I have no prettier way of saying that hahaha)

And again!

Oh but I do love his fight scenes – credit to his being able to intentionally lose while still looking like he is trying his hardest…if that makes sense to a person who hasn’t watched it, hahaha (so go!).

And I STILL love him as an actor! Just…wrong role, mebbe. I was one of the very very very few people (in my socical circle at least )who noticed him in Hana Kimi okay! Even with Ogrui Shun and Ikuta Toma!

THE SET

Was freaking ridiculous (the exterior at least) and looked like a stage-play with cardboard props. But then I suppose its hard to live up to such preposterously high standards of luxury.

Also, horrifically animated scenes. Hired some cheap photoshop guy, must be.

Urgh, please don’t let the cheapish feel of this series stop you as it almost did me.

IN CONCLUSION

It’s like a super excellent Disney classic – triumphant and uplifting in its celebration of the best bits of humankind and so enjoyably escapist in its fantastical premise and its Mizushima Hiro. It’s simple but it’s sincere, and so compellingly likeable. I mean, if you liked Hana Kimi and Hana Yori Dango – and hello, I am sure you did – then you’ll completely love this cross between the both. LOVE it. Despite the filmsy prop and weak lead actor. I actually missed it alot when it ended, always a sign of an excellent must-watch.

Quality:7/10

Loveability: 10/10