Fuyu no Sakura (2011)

I have never read a synopsis of Fuyu no Sakura that did the beauty and complexity of the drama justice. Many only describe the basic premise of the first episode, and all describe it as a drama that is very like Winter Sonata (though the similarities are only in passing). As a result, many viewers will pass it by, thinking it a cliched melodrama or a pale copy. That would be a mistake; Fuyu no Sakura is one of the finest Japanese dramas I've had the pleasure of seeing, and arguably contains Kusanagi Tsuyoshi's finest performance to date. In the years since it's release, I've seen this drama three times and have never failed to weep. There is a lot of pain in this story, but it is portrayed alongside the most selfless kind of love; the result is a complex, bittersweet tale that will alternate in the viewer a feeling of regret and rising hope. The events move with a fluid grace that can only be described as slow, but never boring. Every character has a memorable face and their personalities are deeply affecting. Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, as mentioned before, completely inhabits the role of Inaba-san until there is nothing left but the subtle glass maker. It's truly fascinating to behold. Music plays a role as if it were another flawless cast member. It is unique, memorable, and completely instrumental in perfecting each scene. It was such that I ended up importing the soundtrack shortly after my first viewing. This is absolutely perfect for someone looking for a mature drama experience, but everything about this gem comes highly recommended.

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The drama has the most delicate love I've seen so far. The story, the landscape, the music, is perfect for the drama, and the winter season is beautifully captured.

The characters are adult at their 30's and 40's, yet never find their true love. Here, they get closer to each other naturally. The drama adapted from popular Korean drama Winter Sonata, though I don't really remember the similarities this is good, well-paced story, and complicated enough as I can say with daughter-mother relationship problem adding the plot, and at last, the chemistry was there. Watch it, if you interested in intriguing relationship, as I can't say this is an affair because the woman had amnesia, she didn't remember anything. The drama has some bittersweet and painful moments, as it was intended to have that tone.

I really like Kusanagi Tsuyoshi in 1778 Stories of Me and My Wife and he's doing a good job in that, even more here, he really suits the role, as a gentle craftsman and dedicated son and it's not only for him, Imai Miki had performed her best too. Their superb acting was brilliant imo, you see their feelings there, no wonder they've ended up with very good chemistry.

The music being played in each scene was a success way to breaking my heart. As he found love, I keep smiling and crying. I don't know this could be so ideal. Watching this as the end, I can say it's fantastic and leaves me with a deep impression.

I scored 8 for rewatch value because its cinematography, its directing and its music was well done produced, it's worth it. But to me watching through their heartbroken moment twice, I guess I can't do it again.

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