Fishbowl Wives (2022)
Explore hidden desires and betrayal in the luxurious world of Tokyo’s high-rise apartments. Six women, trapped in unhappy marriages, cross the line into infidelity. Watch ‘Fishbowl Wives’ now!
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Info
| Original Title | 金魚妻 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Duration | 43 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2022 |
| First Air Date | February 14, 2022 |
| Last Air Date | February 14, 2022 |
| Broadcast Day | monday |
| Network | Netflix |
Trailer
Synopsis
Due to an accident, Sakura Hiraga gave up on her dream. She is now married and her husband runs a hair salon. They live in a luxurious penthouse apartment. Her life seems glamorous and she is envied by everyone. What everyone does not know is that Sakura Hiraga is abused physically and verbally by her husband. She is unable to leave her situation. Sakura Hiraga considers herself a goldfish in a fishbowl. One day, due to a goldfish, she meets a man.
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Editor's Review
A Tale of Hidden Desires and Betrayal
In the glittering high-rise apartments of Tokyo, six women find themselves trapped in gilded cages. Their marriages are far from the fairy tales they once dreamed of; instead, they are suffocated by secrets, loneliness, and unfulfilled desires. “Fishbowl Wives,” a Japanese drama series, delves into the lives of these women as they navigate the treacherous waters of infidelity.
Plot Summary
Sakura Hiraga (played by Ryôko Shinohara) is the central character. Once an aspiring artist, she gave up her dreams after a tragic accident. Now married to a successful salon owner, she resides in a luxurious penthouse. From the outside, her life appears glamorous—a goldfish swimming in a crystal-clear bowl. But appearances can be deceiving.
Sakura’s husband, a controlling and abusive man, keeps her captive emotionally and physically. She yearns for freedom but feels trapped, unable to escape her gilded prison. Her only solace lies in the company of a goldfish—a silent witness to her pain.
The Fishbowl Metaphor
The title “Fishbowl Wives” aptly captures the essence of the series. Each woman is like a goldfish, swimming in her own bowl—confined, observed, and isolated. The glass walls of their marriages prevent them from connecting with the world beyond. Yet, as the water becomes murky, they seek solace in forbidden relationships.
Character Dynamics
- Sakura Hiraga: Her chance encounter with a man outside the fish store sets the stage for intrigue. Their connection sparks hope, but can it lead to liberation?
- Yuka: Rejected by her husband when she expresses a desire for a child, Yuka rekindles an old flame. Her affair becomes a lifeline, a way to escape her loveless marriage.
- Mei: A woman who defies societal norms, Mei embraces her sexuality. Her affair with a younger man challenges conventions and empowers her.
- Haruto: The enigmatic shop owner, Haruto, becomes the catalyst for change. His interactions with Sakura and other wives blur the lines between friendship and desire.
Themes
- Infidelity: The series explores the complexities of cheating. Is it an act of rebellion or a desperate cry for connection?
- Independence: These women yearn for autonomy—to break free from their roles as wives and mothers. Their affairs become a form of rebellion.
- Resilience: Despite their circumstances, the fishbowl wives display remarkable resilience. They fight for moments of happiness, even if fleeting.
Visuals and Direction
The cinematography captures the opulence of Tokyo’s skyline juxtaposed with the emotional turmoil within the apartments. The camera lingers on the fish tanks, emphasizing the metaphorical confinement.
Verdict
“Fishbowl Wives” is a compelling drama that peels back the layers of marital discontent. It reminds us that even in the most luxurious settings, hearts ache, and desires burn. The series leaves us pondering the choices we make within our own fishbowls—whether to swim or shatter the glass.
Note: “Fishbowl Wives” is available for streaming on Netflix.
If you’re interested in more Japanese dramas, consider checking out “The Naked Director,” “My Husband Won’t Fit,” or “Love and Fortune”. These shows explore similar themes of desire, secrecy, and human vulnerability.