Dží-san bá-san wakagaeru

"Grandpa, they said on TV that Japan has a birth rate problem, and people don't want to start families!" "That's a shame, Grandma. It's time to show everyone true family values!" "You're right, Grandpa. We have grandchildren. We must set an example and show them that true love lasts a lifetime." "Exactly, Grandma, and maybe give them a little push!" "Grandpa, did you hear? Young people are moving away from the countryside!" "That's sad, Grandma. There's nothing better than a peaceful life in the country." "You're right, Grandpa. Who will grow apples if we don't? It's up to us to show everyone the joy of caring for an orchard!" "Good thing we're so spry for our age, Grandma. We need to show the young folks that old people are cool!" "Look, Grandpa, do you see that golden apple over there?" If I took a shot every time they said "jiisama" or "baasama," my Sundays would be pretty wild, and I probably wouldn't make it to old age. I get what the show was trying to tell me — respect the elderly for their wisdom, find a spouse, start a family, move to the countryside, and grow apples! I almost wanted to check our apple trees for golden apples and dreamed of being twenty years younger — but the frost ruined this year's harvest... The problem is, with how much the show pushed these ideas (almost like some agricultural propaganda or a pro-birthrate ad), I couldn't relax and just enjoy it. I love these fateful romances and admire swans for their lifelong partnerships. I even remember the story of Philemon and Baucis, who had a lot in common with our grandma and grandpa. But here, I just couldn't buy into the atmosphere. It felt too forced. Whether it was propaganda or not, I have to say the animation wasn't great. It was just enough to hold together, but no one bothered with details. The focus was on the message, not the form. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this story much. Maybe I saw something that wasn't there, but overall, the series didn't convince me. I'm not planning to start a family, I already respect the elderly, and I'll leave large-scale apple farming to others. I’m happy with just a few apples from my garden for a pie... 4.8/10. (16.06.2024)