It’s been a while since I watched a Japanese dorama (that is what Japanese dramas are known as). So when I had one full day to myself and could only spare 10 to 11 hours I picked this J-drama expecting it to be a no-brainer, highly clichéd, damsel in distress rescued by a handsome rich man kinda light watch. But much to my surprise, this show was anything but that. Never judge a show by its name. The show is nothing like its name. I am still wondering why is it even named as Rich Man, Poor Woman? Maybe it is a clever attempt by the show makers to imply that some people are rich with money but lack warmth in life while some people are warm and cheerful but lack enough finances to survive. Whatever the reason may be, the social status of the protagonists was definitely not a significant element in the show. The show’s title is highly misleading and please do not expect any rich man helps poor girl kinda drama here. Now that any preconceived notions have been cleared, let’s check out what is good and what is not so good about Rich Man, Poor Woman.

Good Weights
Hatke Hyuga: Hyuga’s character is admiringly unique. He is good at his work and is arrogant as he sees himself indispensable. He is a simple man who has big visions for his company but hardly cares about himself. At the same time, he is trusting and forgiving and does not hold a grudge against people who stab him for their selfish needs. Despite being betrayed and humiliated by his closest comrade he doesn’t forget the good memories they shared in the past because of which he not only forgives him but also helps him make a graceful comeback. Where do we find such people? Only in drama land!

Compact and Precise: I am thankful to the writers for not stretching the ‘find biological mother’ angle too much. His mother did not care for him but he was stuck with her name and wanted to know more about her. When he does find her there is no typical mother-son reunion like in most dramas. He now knows what matters to him in life and goes straight after it without stopping in matters of the past. Similarly, all the other angles in the show were dealt with in a precise manner and nothing was stretched beyond reason so there was no scope for boredom.

Bad Weights
Production Value: I have this complaint from most of the J-doramas that I have watched. Even the latest doramas look like they are more than a decade old. Some doramas look like old Taiwanese shows. Is it just me or everyone who watches J-dorama feel that?
 
With less number of bad weights, the show stands as an average drama that isn’t bad for a one time watch. I started watching the show hoping for a light-hearted rom-com but it surprised me, in a good way. It wasn’t the cheesy office romance I presumed it to be and was a good watch. Producers of the show created a 2-hour long movie titled ‘Rich Man, Poor Woman in New York’, focusing mostly on Hyuga and his lady love’s life together as a couple and another short movie titled ‘Rich Man, Poor Woman Zero’ that shows how Hyuga built his business empire from the scratch.  

 If you want a break from K-drama’s then go for this one. Rich Man, Poor Woman is not high on romance but has a decent storyline that will keep you engaged.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in