Okay, let's talk March Comes In Like a Lion. We all love it, right? The feels, the shogi, the adorable Kawamoto sisters. But there's a certain character I want to discuss.
Yep, it's Kyouko. And brace yourselves, because I'm about to say something that might make you clutch your pearls.
Is Kyouko...Misunderstood?
Hear me out! I know, I know. Kyouko is often portrayed as the "problem child." The volatile, emotionally unstable older sister of Rei Kiriyama.
But what if...she's not entirely to blame? What if we're seeing things a little too black and white?
A Little Empathy, Please
Let's consider Kyouko's background. She's lived in the shadow of her adopted brother, a shogi prodigy. Imagine the pressure! The constant comparison.
It can't be easy watching someone excel at something you're also passionate about. Especially when you feel like you're constantly falling short.
And let's not forget the whole "abandonment" issue. The father figure, the perceived favoritism... it's a recipe for resentment, right?
The "Villain" Narrative
So, does this excuse all of Kyouko's behavior? Absolutely not! She's definitely made some questionable choices. We're not giving her a free pass for everything.
But maybe, just maybe, labeling her as a straight-up villain is too simplistic. Maybe she's just a deeply flawed, hurting person acting out because she doesn't know how else to cope.
Think about it. She craves attention, but pushes people away. She desires love, but sabotages her own relationships. Classic self-destructive behavior!
The Complexity of Family
March Comes In Like a Lion does an incredible job of exploring complex family dynamics. It understands that family relationships can be messy, complicated, and full of contradictions.
Kyouko is a perfect example of this. She's not a cardboard cutout villain; she's a multifaceted character with her own struggles and motivations.
Even if she's not always likable, she's undeniably compelling.
Unpopular Opinion? Maybe.
I know this might be an unpopular opinion. Many see Kyouko as a purely negative force in Rei's life. An obstacle to his happiness.
But I think she serves a crucial purpose. She challenges him. She forces him to confront his own issues. She reminds him that life isn't always fair or easy.
And who knows? Maybe, deep down, she even cares about him in her own twisted way.
Food for Thought
So, the next time you watch March Comes In Like a Lion, take a closer look at Kyouko. Try to see beyond the anger and the resentment.
Try to understand the pain and the vulnerability that might be lurking beneath the surface. You might just be surprised at what you find.
And who knows? Maybe you'll even find yourself sympathizing with her, just a little bit. Or maybe you'll still hate her. Either way, that's okay too!
