Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Splendid Japanese drama explores sisterhood, infidelity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Asura
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on a script written by renowned author and screenwriter Kuniko Mukoda, ASURA follows the life of a family living in 1979 Tokyo. When a sister named Takiko (Yu Aoi) hires a private detective to shadow her father, she discovers that he has been carrying on an affair with a much younger woman. Sharing this information with her three sisters throws the family into a swirl of emotions, raising questions about the nature of marriage, relationship, and family. Will they tell their devoted mother about their father's indiscretion? Or does their mother suspect more than she lets on?
Is It Any Good?
Deftly directed, subtly infused with meaning and humor, this excellent drama set in 1979 Tokyo delivers pop culture satisfaction while paying homage to traditional Japanese culture. The family's green microwave shares screen time with hand-hewn teapots. Japan is modernizing, and the women in Asura are keeping pace by being in constant motion.
Like the Buddhist deities to which the show's name refers, the sisters in this series weave narratives regardless of others' wishes. Much is communicated without words, in the way that siblings share secret languages. Superbly written, directed, and acted, this show will be best enjoyed by teens and adults who enjoy art-house movies and series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication in Asura. How do the sisters communicate in special ways with one another? Do you share an unspoken language with your family or friends?
When characters learn about secrets that others are keeping, they must exercise self-control to keep the family together. When does self-control mask deception?
A husband belittles the idea that extramarital affairs are akin to lying. Can people maintain their integrity when they are living a lie?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 9, 2025
- Cast : Machiko Ono , Rie Miyazawa , Yû Aoi
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Integrity , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 24, 2025
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