My main praise for this drama gem is definitely the writing and the cinematography along with the focus on all the details in every scene. Especially when it comes to the impact , or you could even say the relationship the FL has got or is building up with the paintings in the present and past. The several encounters with the paintings are accompanied by an intriguing soundtrack which makes it even more impressive, not to mention the careful acting of the FL.

While the drama is continuously raising the tension throughout the 5 episodes also the different paintings made and shown enhance that tension along with the story perfectly. Coming from a small nature flower type to a bigger one, ending up in a painted fire hell for the one who deserves it. If that isn't enough yet, the pregnancy and final child birth works very well as a metaphoric journey to the new beginning. In addition I guess there's no other city in Japan which would fit better to the setting than Kyoto, if you can, visit and dive into all the shrines and walk around Gion.

The only mild criticism is that douche bag of a husband, which for me was a bit of a too stereotypical old school dude and the story with the mother regarding that "The Graduate" incident. I can't explain why, but to me that theme should stay with that 1967 American movie :-p It looked like they made those two especially evil so the story could reach that kind of ending, that I really liked, by the way.

But of course that got nothing to do with the actors and actresses. All of them did a stellar job in my opinion, at first to mention the FL and the villain painter, which you want to be punished by all means the first minute you recognize how he treats Shirane Tatsuru.

Now go and watch ! 5 hours very well spent !