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The Curse (Rasetsu no Ie)
The enmity between a young wife and her mother-in-law is a popular subject for writers in Japan. If you thought Satsuki (Making It Through) had it bad, you’ll be shocked to see the lengths to which Ayano goes to torment her daughter-in-law, Yoko. This dramatization of a popular comic book serial had viewers in Japan glued to their TV sets. Kato Noriko stars as the innocent young wife, and veteran actress Yamamoto Yoko stars as the mother-in-law from Hell.
Starring
Kato Noriko, Yamamoto Yoko, Hosaka Naoki, Tamura Ryo, and Ito Kazue
Theme Song
"Tameiki" by Sharan Q
Air Dates
Encore Presentation ended 11/26/99
Fully subtitled in English
12 Episodes
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Image courtesy TV-Asahi |
Episode 1 [90-minute episode]
Yoko accepts Takashi's proposal, and is taken to meet his family. Takashi comes from a proud family with a long history living on a sprawling property in Tokyo. Yoko is warmly welcomed by Takashi's mother, Ayano, but as she strolls through the garden later, she comes across a shocking sight.
Episode 2
Ayano relates to Yoko the tale of her relationship with her own mother-in-law, Sumiyo. Their battles led to the death of Ayano's father-in-law. Sumiyo ends up falling down the stairs when Saeko tries to chase her out of the house. Meanwhile Takashi, who's been reassigned to an overseas branch, orders Yoko to move in with his parents.
Episode 3
Yoko, who has moved in with the Oguras, suffers harrassment such as finding rotten miso soup in her bowl and an alley cat in her bed. When Takashi writes Yoko a letter and makes no mention of his mother, she goes on a rampage against Yoko. Later, Saeko tells Ayano of her suspicions about Yoko and Itsuro.
Episode 4
Ayano causes Yoko to lose her baby. Yoko swears she will get her revenge on Ayano. When she calls Takashi's cell phone, she's surprised when Ryoka answers. Takashi, who is back temporarily, is filled with doubts about Yoko because of stories his mother has told him, till he hears the truth about Yoko's miscarriage.
Episode 5
Takao leaves home when word of his mistress' pregnancy gets out. Which leaves just Kyoko and Ayano living at home. Takashi isn't very happy about Kyoko's pregnancy after Ayano plants seeds of doubt about Kyoko's relationship with his father. In desperation, Kyoko decides to put a curse on Ayano!
Episode 6
Ayano tries to prevent Kyoko from going home to her mother by slashing her own wrist. Takashi hurriedly returns to Japan, and attempts to get his father Takao to come back home. Takao's mistress, Fumiko, tells Kyoko Ayano's big secret--that Takashi is not Takao's son!
Episode 7
Kyoko gives birth to a son at her parents' home. Meanwhile, Fumiko tries to get Ayano to pay her a settlement in consolation for losing her baby because a curse was placed on it. When Ayano refuses, Fumiko demands that Takao and Takashi have DNA tests done!
Episode 8
After Takao is mysteriously attacked and injured, he apologizes to Ayano and asks permission to come home. Saeko confesses to Kyoko that she was the one who attacked Takao. When Kyoko later sees Fumiko receiving a large sum of money from Ayano, she becomes suspicious.
Episode 9
Ayano holds an outdoor tea ceremony for Takashi's co-workers. She makes Yoko perform the ceremony, with the intention of shaming her, but Yoko does an impeccable job. Takao's been giving her lessons, which makes Ayano suspect them of having an affair.
Episode 10
Ayano goes crazy when she hears her husband speak Yoko's name with his dying breath. She sets fire to the storehouse, then accuses Yoko of the crime. Ayano ends up in the hospital suffering from shock after learning that all Takao has left her is the cottage out back.
Episode 11
Yoko runs away to Kyoto with her baby. Ayano shows up at the inn, where Yoko is working, where she hands her old flame a check for 100 million yen. Takashi promises Yoko that they will not continue to live with Ayano. It looks like Ayano is willing to accept it, but...
Episode 12 - Final Episode
Yoko plans to divorce Takashi and marry Itsuro. Takashi tells her he'll put Ayano into an institution, but Yoko finds she can no longer trust his word. Shocked by Takashi's cold treatment of her, Ayano attempts to kill herself!
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