First things first. This drama changed my whole attitude towards classical music. About the story, the manga is brilliant in itself, but due to the large number of anime-like gags and exaggerated situations, you'd think the drama would lose its connection to reality somewhere. But it doesn't. Instead NC creates a magical world of its own where you lose yourself in Noda Megumi's brilliance and Chiaki Shinichi's slow rise to fame and influence. Comedy part of the drama too is extremely well-done, with members of the orchestra like Masumi and Mine making you laugh your guts out. While Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Rachmaninoff's immortal creations provide a brilliant backdrop for Chiaki and Nodame's growing relationship. To make things perfect Tamaki Hiroshi's portrayal of the prickly Chiaki is bang on however Ueno Juri as Nodame clearly steals the thunder. Her acting and mannerisms are so accurate and reminiscent of an eccentric genius, that you start thinking that Nodame may just be for real. To all those who may not like the drama(just in case), do go watch the anime or read the manga. This is a story nobody should miss out on.