This is definitely a melodrama. There are several plot holes and a rather ridiculous amount of horrible things happen to the main characters. However, the plot wasn't necessarily predictable, although this may be because some of the events were thrown in randomly and not because the plot was well crafted. That said, I was able to look past the script problems due to some good performances and a few unique story lines. Some of the acting fell a little flat in the first episode, but after that I didn't notice it. I thought the cast did a decent job. I especially enjoyed the performances from Obaachan and Reina. The music was not the best I've heard in a drama. I wan't crazy about the ending credits song. I doubt I will rewatch this soon, though the scenes with Ayu, Obaachan, and Pao left me with a warm memory. The ending ending was dramatic and a touch contrived, but not bad in the scheme of things. I believe this drama is a manga adaption, but I don't know how it compares since I have never read it.