What a thrilling ride. A visually stunning melodrama that is dramatic, strange, intense, and romantic. It isn't without flaws, but certainly entertaining.

We begin with Nao (Hamabe Minami), a young woman with nothing but talent and a hidden identity, blasting her way into Kogetsuan to search for the truth behind the death of its former master. Immediately, she becomes entangled with Tsubaki (the wonderful Yokohama Ryusei), heir to this establishment, and the Takatsuki family, whose perfect exterior betrays years of turmoil. Dysfunctional would be an understatement to describe this family. As she spends time learning the art of Japanese confections with Tsubaki and unraveling the mystery, she finds herself falling in love with him, a man she thought would be her enemy forever.

Characters in this drama dress in kimonos or yukatas and live in traditional homes. I'm fond of this part of Japanese culture so to see it here in the cinematography was a feast on the eyes. But forgive me for my lack of knowledge of Japanese traditions, because the most I know about Japanese desserts is mochi, so I had no idea there are families in the business of making these small but elaborate desserts they display in the drama for hundreds of years. Seeing the love and devotion, the craftsmanship involved in making these confections steeped in tradition was intriguing, and I quite enjoyed seeing that incorporated into the story.

The other part of the story I loved was the romance between the two leads. There is just something about the premise of an arrogant man brought to his knees by an unassuming woman and falling in love that always appeals to me. In that sense, their relationship progression was predictable, but nonetheless, compelling. Hamabe Minami and Yokohama Ryusei's chemistry is palpable. And he has such expressive eyes that could make any scene electrifying. There is also the added benefit that they look stunning together so it made for a fascinating watch. Also, the soundtrack fits into each scene and sets the atmosphere perfectly.

As for the drama as a whole, the editing can feel jarring; lots of things happen all at once, often at a fast pace. The tonal changes, especially, took some getting used to. But somehow, they make the story work. I was invested in the developments and tolerant of any lack of logic because I was too busy being entertained. There are some frustrating arcs in the story, but thank goodness for the traditionally short duration of Japanese dramas, because they do not dwell on these parts too long. Before you know it, we are back to focusing on our two gorgeous leads.

I don't have the same inclination for Japanese dramas the way I have for Korean or Chinese dramas because it's rare to find a plot that interests me when it comes to the former. I would have overlooked this one as well if it were not for the striking poster. It succinctly captures the look and feel of the show. I wish there are more like it and if there is, I'd get on that bang-wagon in a heartbeat.