I would have given this a solid 10 had it not been for the jackass(donkey) of a husband. He really made it not so enjoyable of a drama to watch. In my most humble opinion, the husband took the beautiful right out of this drama. Otherwise it was an awesome drama. I didn't like the mother-in-law till the last 2 episodes either. Kusanagi Tsuyoshi did a most splendid job as he always does. He truly is a kind person at heart, and it really shone through in this drama. I have never seen any of Imai Miki's movies or dramas so I can't comment concerning her other to say she did a really great job in this drama as well. I think they could have done without the affair happening in this drama, it had no place in this drama whatsoever. If I am spoiling this a bit, so be it. Here was a beautiful story and them putting an affair including the way the husband was totally taken beautiful out of this wonderful drama. The music was very well played out and placed when needed. To watch it again? I would watch it just for the 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.