I actually stumbled onto the second last episode of Sky Castle when I was in Japan which spoiled the big twist. However, Sky Castle gave me a strong I have to watch this feeling because it had this entertaining, trashy suburban housewife mystery vibe. I don't know how to explain but you can tell when a jdorama knows what it wants to be and is confident in itself.
Sky Castle is about four super rich doctor families who live in this suburb called Sky Castle. The 4 wives are played by Matsushima Nao, Higa Minami, Maryjun Takahashi and Toda Naho. They live like royalty and their lives are all about sending getting their kids to a prestigious high school. In short, their beds never have to touch the walls because the houses are basically castles.
Toda Naho's son successfully passes the exam and tells them of an exam coordinator played by Koyuki who has a 100% passing rate. Unfortunately, Toda Naho seemingly commits suicide at the end of episode 1 and we find out that not everything is what it seems in Sky Castle.
There are 3 character that make Sky Castle work for me. First is Matsushima Nao's character. She has a hidden past that she does not want anyone to know and she has clawed her way to Sky Castle because it is the life that she has always dreamed of.
The second character is Yamada Miku played by Tamaki Sora. She is a poor girl studying at a school full of rich people and she will do anything for money because of her sick mother. She is someone who grew up with not much but wants what she never had which is a life in Sky Castle. I love that while she is smart, she is not perfect and still acts like a kid.
The third character is Yokuki's exam coordinator. The parents are so eager to believe in this 100% past rate that they will battle each other for her services while ignoring the bleeding obvious question of how can anyone have a 100% pass rate?
The one character I really dislike is Kimura Fumino's perfect character. Kimura Fumino plays a self righteous character with a link to Matsushima Nao and wants to get the to the truth to the point she is oblivious to the effects of her actions. She is the one 'flawless' who is annoying and I would not care if she got hit by a car.
Everyone else I like because they are trying to survive life in Sky Castle in their own way. Looks like Sky Castle is based on a K-drama and I am glad Japan did not screw up another remake like Roppongi Class. I really like Sky Castle more than I should and would not mind rewatching it or even trying out the Kdrama. Very watchable and it is on Amazon Prime so please watch it there to support jdoramas!
