I don’t wanna feel Blue anymore...
I finally finished watching the drama and I really liked it, more than I imagined. I really like dramas that offer an alternative unconventional way of living and doing things. Like, you don't have to agree with it but it gives you a new perspective.
Renting oneself out is a rather simple concept but the best part is that the drama is very much based on the life of a real person and not some manga. While there are some plots with friends for rent and such, here the main character does not make any effort to appeal to his clients. He is neutral but that's why people find it easy to talk to him without being judged.
Rental-san is an odd guy and there are times when you question his 'career' choice. After all, his wife does most of the housework, childcare and managing the bills. But the key part is that they agreed on this, they trust each other and they are happy with the way things are. Also, Massu can make anyone likeable.
The drama shows several stories loosely or not based on Rental-san's requests, exploring some of the issues that people deal with that they can't share with anyone. There's an episode about a woman in a lesbian relationship who unexpectedly just wants to express how happy she is or someone with a dark past who finds it hard to even be around people, as well as just shy people who want someone to accompany them.
And Massu is not a great actor but he fit in really well in it. Though he's not exactly a person who likes to do nothing, he does like to space out sometimes. Also, he does have a rather unconventional lifestyle and relationships. He does what he wants without really worrying if that's normal or not. Seeing him with a wife and child felt a little off though.
I also read an article about Rental-san written after the book came out and I have respect for the guy. In fact, I felt I can relate to him in a way. He was about the same age as me when he started the service after years of unsuccessful career efforts. He tried to teach and edit but every time he was forced to socialize and conform to the company's conventions. And the more he tried, the less he wanted to work at all. In the end, he took a very bold step out of the box. I think it takes a lot of courage to choose one's own path and more than that to choose something that challenges such a basic concept as job, especially in a country like Japan with very strict social conventions. I think it's great that lately there are dramas that show people it's ok to be different.
Overall, the drama was very much up my alley: nice to watch, with interesting ideas and without much drama. I'm glad they were able to finish the filming and you can tell exactly where it break off by hearing the ending song Beautiful going from a 4nin to a 3nin version. ;;
source: gaijinhan.com/2019/05/02/rent-a-guy-who-does-no...