Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku Kinetograph [OVA 1 to OVA 2]

Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph OVA 1 & 2 – A Taisho-Era Drama with Flair and Flaws

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Japan’s Taisho period, Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph follows Haru Asagi, a young woman forced into servitude to support her struggling family. The Miyanomori family, one of Japan’s most influential households, becomes the stage for a drama filled with power struggles, familial tension, and the occasional spark of romance. Released as a two-part OVA in 2012 and 2013, this adaptation of an otome game has garnered mixed reactions—some praising its aesthetic and depth, while others criticize its character dynamics and pacing.

The Good: A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

One thing fans unanimously agree on is the OVA’s visual and auditory appeal. The animation, handled by Anpro teamKG, is lush and detailed, capturing the elegance of the Taisho era with ornate kimonos, sprawling estates, and atmospheric lighting. The character designs, especially the six Miyanomori brothers, are undeniably eye-catching—each brother exudes a distinct charm, from the stoic eldest to the brash youngest.

The music, too, complements the drama perfectly. Traditional Japanese instruments blend with orchestral pieces to create a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and grand. As one fan put it, “The music and animation alone make this worth watching, even if the plot stumbles.”

The Bad: Assholes Galore (But Maybe That’s the Point?)

The Miyanomori brothers are… well, let’s just say they’re not winning any “Best Brothers” awards anytime soon. From the cold, calculating eldest to the spoiled youngest, their treatment of Haru ranges from dismissive to outright cruel. While some viewers found this frustrating (“I hated almost every character at first!”), others argued that their flaws make them more compelling.

One Reddit user noted, “The brothers are jerks, but that’s the point. They’re products of their upbringing—privileged, entitled, and emotionally stunted. Watching them (maybe) grow is part of the fun.”

Haru herself is a divisive protagonist. Some praised her resilience and occasional fiery retorts (“She’s not just a doormat!”), while others found her too passive (“Why does she put up with this nonsense?”). A MyAnimeList comment summed it up: “Haru’s got spunk, but the writing doesn’t always let her shine.”

The Ugly: Pacing and Unresolved Threads

As an OVA, Hanayaka Nari suffers from the usual pitfalls of condensed storytelling. At 50 minutes per episode, it tries to cram in character development, political intrigue, and romantic tension—often at the expense of coherence. Fans of the original otome game were especially disappointed by cut scenes that fleshed out the brothers’ softer sides.

One fan lamented, “The anime made them all seem like one-dimensional jerks. In the game, you see their vulnerabilities, but here? Not so much.”

The ending, too, left many wanting. Without spoiling anything, the resolution feels rushed, with some relationships left ambiguous. A common complaint was: “It’s like they ran out of time and just slapped on an ending.”

Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Temper Expectations

Despite its flaws, Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph is a visually stunning dive into Taisho-era drama with a side of reverse harem shenanigans. It’s not perfect—some characters are insufferable, the pacing is uneven, and the ending leaves questions unanswered—but it’s undeniably engaging.

As one fan wisely put it: “If you go in expecting a pretty, melodramatic soap opera, you’ll have a blast. Just don’t expect deep storytelling.”

So, grab some tea, settle in, and enjoy the ride—just be prepared to yell at your screen a few times along the way.

Rating: 7/10 – Beautiful but flawed, like the Miyanomori family itself.