I fell in love with this drama in 5 minutes. I had read the summary some time ago and it was confusing, so because of Okada Masaki I decided to give it a try. I knew nothing about rakugo and I'm so glad I watched this! It is so good, simple yet compelling. I did not expect such story.
Poetry and japanese culture are the basis of this historical drama and although this may not appeal to everyone, love, hate and jealousy are universal. The story is slow, all the characters are well developed, you love and hate most of them at different moments. Their personalities are complex, conflicting and often full of sorrow. It made me cry many times.
The friendship between Yakumo and Sukeroku felt so real that we almost forget their flaws. And the relationship between Konatsu and Yakumo is a delight - their interactions are full of meaning in the silence and in the harsh words. It is impressive, that was what I loved the most and it makes me smile when I recall the story. Because, can you really hate a person who takes good care of you? Isn't it a parent-child common relationship? Love and hate? Ah amazing! Okada Masaki is often cute, but here he is a rock with a soft side and superb acting skills. His Yakumo was awesome and his shinigami voice will appear in my dreams. I fell even more in love with him.
This is highly recommended, the story is slow, but it unfolds beautifully. I didn't binge because I wanted to savour every episode and I felt a sharp pain in my chest at every turn.