Maria (2001)

An excellent drama about sisterly love and loyalty!

I thought this series was genuinely moving and had a great overall message! The story basically centers around sibling relationships, and what it means to be there for one another when you have nobody else to turn to. Though I was a little disappointed with the limited characterization of all the sisters but Sora (each were given roles that amounted to little more than "wise older sister" or "spoiled youngest daughter," for example), by the end the characters just grew to be so likable that I had the impression they were better written than they actually were. Most of the show's focus is on Sora, and it employs a fragmented format where every episode, she helps one patient come to terms with their illness or a problem they may have. Unfortunately, this means that major plot points like Hiyu's illness sometimes feel like afterthoughts due to how little time is devoted to them, though luckily, they never get (too) mawkish or heavy handed to try to compensate (in fact, possibly 80% or more of the show has a humorous tone). I'm just sad that the whole thing didn't last a few episodes more; I loved the final episode and the ending, but they just came too soon!

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