It is often said that the eyes are the window to the soul, that you can understand a person’s emotions and sometimes thoughts by looking into his or her eyes.
And on the subject of eyes, one thing I can’t help but notice while watching My Happy Marriage is this particular focus on the characters eyes–and I mean literal zoom-in focus. Probably the first anime I’ve seen with this level of focus. Boy are they beautiful expressive eyes! Such a visual treat and a mesmerizing experience I must say.
I mean, from the very start of this anime, we are greeted with Miyo’s eyes reflecting her beloved Kiyoka.
Wait, I just realized the Kiyoka reflected here is not the Kiyoka on their first meetup, but rather the Kiyoka who has already fallen in love with her and saving her from the Saimoris!
And again later in episode 1.
For some reason even when we are shown Kiyoka’s sparkly bishonen eyes in the first episode, I didn’t find it distracting. Probably because it was also not overly exaggerated? Just enough to establish the fact that yeah Kiyoka is beautiful XD
Did I say I love how expressive these eyes are? Here’s a photo dump for you to further see what I mean.
The look in these eyes. The glances, the stares; the bright-eyed-wonder, the fear, anger. It’s amazing how these eyes can tell you about unsaid things what might be going on inside the characters’ mind and heart.
Then this one needs a special mention. The first time Miyo smiles in the presence of Kiyoka. Look at her eyes smiling as well!
It was not until I rewatched this that I noticed that the same eye-focus is also present in the Opening and Ending. And seems to be a contrast between the old Miyo before she met Kiyoka, and the new Miyo who has finally seen the light of day and the warmth it brings.
Gotta love those details they put into this anime 🥰
I was so inspired that I picked up my pencil and pastel and drew a fanart again. After more than a decade?! It feels great to draw again and notice even more those finer details that go unnoticed when I simply watch🥰
Let me end this post by sharing this Bible verse that came to my mind In the process of writing this post:
“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!”
– Matthew 6:22-23 (MSG version)
There’s quite some wisdom we can unpack here, which I also see at work in the series. I will save this for another post perhaps.
…and that’s it for now. Hope you enjoyed this post! Till next time 🙂
