Now this is an odd one to review because really it's a bit simple and twee but it still manages to pull you in and move you.

Watching Hotarugosu was a bit like watching the old black and white movies on a Saturday afternoon. Full of 'proper' values and pathos where the good guys eventually win with little gritty realism on show. And really that's why Hotarugosu works, everything is gentle and subdued yet the script and a fine set of actors mean you feel all the emotion you should and always root for the good guys.

For me they could have added a few more episodes very easily

If you want a bit of light costume drama with a serviceable story, good acting and a feel good factor then this is thoroughly recommended. If you are looking for blood, melodramatics, realism and moral ambiguity then go elsewhere.

The music was appropriate and nowhere jarring.

Kiyohara Kaya and Tanimura Mitsuki* had the acting chops for me building a believable relationship with seemingly little effort and the kids of course deserve a special mention for their performances. Otherwise everyone gave wholly reasonable performances leaving you in no doubt of what part they played.

All in all something I would watch again. When I do I'm sure I will smile and pretend not to get choked up at just the same places.

*I had just watched her in I am Ghost where she is a schoolgirl so I had a little trouble placing her as a mother of two at first.