Mini-series
“The House on the Hill” – A life goes into disarray
A murder trial in Japan: A young mother is appointed as a lay judge and is confronted with unexpected questions. A mini-series on Arte tells the story.
A loving Japanese mother leads a seemingly carefree life until she begins to think things through. The trigger is a criminal trial for infanticide in which she takes part. This can be seen in a mini-series called “The House on the Hill”. It will be shown this Thursday from 9.40 p.m. on Arte, with all six episodes in one go.
This official letter arrives unexpectedly: Risako Yamazaki (Ko Shibasaki) has been appointed as a substitute lay judge in a murder trial. Mizuho (Miki Mizuno) is accused of killing her eight-month-old baby in the bathtub. At first, Risako feels contempt for the accused, but as the trial progresses, she sees astonishing parallels between her own family and the relatives of the accused Mizuho.
Risako’s husband Yoichiro (Seiichi Tanabe), who likes to be waited on at home, is only worried about whether his wife can continue to fully fulfill her duties as a wife and mother. He constantly belittles his wife and even wants to have her examined psychologically, while the grandmother increasingly takes over the upbringing of their often whiny three-year-old daughter. Risako changes. She starts drinking alcohol and often reacts with a quick temper.
The series by Japanese director Yukihiro Morigaki (41, “Goodbye, Grandpa!”), which is examined from a variety of perspectives, not only makes the main character (played with great nuance by Ko Shibasaki) think. The defendant is branded a “narcissistic bimbo” by the majority of the jury and in the press. The juror is shocked by numerous revelations, but recognizes not only her own helplessness but also the helplessness of the defendant.
The 2019 legal and social drama is about being overwhelmed and grievances – and the loneliness of mothers in the Japanese patriarchy, in a frighteningly loveless everyday life. In court (the judges and lawyers are all male), strange role concepts for women and mothers in society come to light. Finally, an astonishingly comprehensive verdict is passed, and after many things have gone wrong, Risako finds a new path for herself and her future life.