At the end of the drama, quite suddenly, you realize that the love story wasn't between Yoshimori and Kahori at all...
For the first six or so episodes I wasn't sure if I liked the drama. The scenery was marvelous, rivaled only by the amazing group of talent presented to us through intriguing characters. But I just couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that Kahori was faultless. I kept seeing her as a seductress (ruby red lips in a ruby red car) and this clashed with my morals. And then there was the opening song (one of the best video interpretations I have ever seen) where I couldn't help but feel that Kahori was being represented by the chains binding Yoshimori.
But then, half way through the drama, Kahori dies... and everything turns upside down. The story comes together so flawlessly that you realize that Kahori really was a victim. She was "born to love and born to be loved". And her legacy would live on in the daughter she loved and the man who loved her.
Shibata Yoshimori has to be one of my favourite characters of all time. I don't know how Toyokawa Etsushi did it, but I'm in love. Tall and gentle, but strong... and silent. He moved and walked in a quiet space and it was so peaceful to watch him. He had such powerful chemistry with Suzuki Anne, who was serious a child prodigy; the way she drew you in and made you forget you were watching an actress and not a real person...
This was a beautiful drama and I'm so glad I watched until the end. I felt manipulated and tormented while watching the show, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
