From the land of captivating storytelling comes Burn the House Down, an unusually dramatic revenge show that promises mystery and suspense at its core.

With eight episodes tucked within its narrative, this Japanese series caters to those who revel in scandalous tales.

However, be prepared for a lengthy affair, as Burn the House Down stretches over six hours of screen time.

The question remains: is it worth investing your precious time? Let’s dive into my review.

Burn the House Down Synopsis

Thirteen years after her house was reduced to ashes, Anzu Murata steps into adulthood with a burning desire to uncover the truth.

Burn the House Down unveils a revenge saga where two daughters embark on a relentless battle to absolve their guilt-ridden mother.

Helmed by Yuichiro Hirakawa and Koji Kotoku (according to IMDb), Burn the House Down stars Mei Nagano (Anzu), Kyoka Suzuki (Makiko), Asuka Kudo (Kiichi), Taishi Nakagawa (Shinji), Yuri Tsunematsu (Yuzu), Mitsuhiro Oikawa (Osamu), Michiko Kichise (Satsuki), and others.

What Works for Burn the House Down?

The series masterfully employs a slow-burning screenplay that erupts gradually, keeping you engaged every step of the way.

It crafts an atmosphere of intrigue and anticipation, leaving you yearning for more. The deliberate pacing ensures that the tension escalates organically, gripping you tighter with each passing episode.

Secondly, Burn the House Down excels in creating an emotional ambiance that doesn’t rely on overt displays of sentimentality.

The characters develop intricate bonds that seep into your heart, making you empathize with their plight.

Their unspoken connections add depth to the narrative, giving the series an emotional upper hand and allowing you to feel for them collectively.

Furthermore, mystery and suspense form the pillars upon which “Burn the House Down” stands. These essential elements weave an intricate web of intrigue, constantly keeping you guessing and yearning for answers.

The series skillfully unveils tantalizing clues, in the form of flashbacks, expertly building tension and anticipation as the plot unravels.

Without these vital ingredients, Burn the House Down would risk losing its appeal and becoming a forgettable entry in the revenge genre.

While the overall storyline may not be groundbreaking, the meticulous plotting within the series works like a charm.

The particular focus on the life of an influencer, depicting how she navigates the treacherous waters of social media while concealing her secrets is interesting.

It resonates with viewers, drawing them in as they witness the character’s relentless pursuit of avoiding her faults.

How are the Performances?

Mei Nagano delivers a gritty and determined portrayal as Anzu, leaving a lasting impression with her unwavering determination.

Her style of acting is fragile yet stealthy. You rely on her to elevate Burn the House Down.

Kyoka Suzuki skillfully captures the complex nuances of Makiko, a character who is neither entirely likable nor despicable, adding shades of gray that make her intriguing.

Her influencer tactics are organized intricately by the writers of the show. Hence, you can connect with Makiko’s deeds.

Asuka Kudo’s enigmatic presence as Kiichi keeps you on your toes, constantly questioning his motives. However, his overall demeanor remains humble and affable.

Taishi Nakagawa shines as Shinji, showcasing a range of emotions and making his character captivating to watch.

Yuri Tsunematsu is commendable playing the role of Yuzu. She effortlessly displays the emotional side of her stage acting.

Furthermore, despite having less screen time, Michiko Kichise mesmerizes as Satsuki, leaving you wanting more of her alluring presence.

Her performance, although limited, captivates the audience and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

What Doesn’t Work for Burn the House Down?

There’s nothing unique about the conceptual base of Burn the House Down. You have a protagonist who sets out on a journey of revenge. That’s it. It lacks freshness.

Moreover, the show suffers from the writing of convenience. There are times when the writers make illogical changes to the story just to suit the narrative.

For example, in one scene, the protagonists are watching a CCTV video that plays up to a point and is paused there.

No one plays the entire video ever. Nor are we told about the reason why it didn’t happen. Maybe, there was no clip ahead but who would inform the audience?

Another drawback is the predictable storyline of Burn the House Down. Though the plot delivers twists, they are not surprising enough.

A stretched narrative further weakens the series. When the idea is of revenge, and you play all the cards in one go, it is important to make the story compact, which doesn’t happen with this Japanese show. I found it too long, probably the result of the pace.

Should You Stream or Skip Burning the House Down?

It is dicey to say, but I would rather recommend skipping it if you are seeking surprises.

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