I should clarify that I entered this drama knowing nothing of the original source material in manga form or its anime incarnation. I also know very little of this period of Japanese history, which is why I watched it with a friend who does and she pointed me in the right direction at times. That being said, as a drama on its own, it's very good. If you don't know much about Japanese history in this specific period, you may lose some surprise elements and get a bit lost in some situations, so I advice you to check some source. However, you don't get completely lost without it, but it's much better for the whole enjoyment of the drama to be aware of certain things. When it comes to acting, this drama has a great cast overall. Oguri Shun does a great job but I particularly enjoyed Shibasaki Kou a lot in this one, and Mizuhara Kiko is always a pleasure to watch. I also loved the production design, costume design and photography; it seems like an amazing production for a drama, I have high hopes for the movie on that regard. Whoever was in charge of the costume design has my utmost respect, honestly. The pace, for me, was a bit slow at times, which is why I'm giving it an 8. I feel like the first episode put me in a mood that was slowed down a bit when the drama was half way through, to pick up again in the last 2. And, as a last comment, I'll say that people who are very much into Japanese history and want something 100% accurate, almost biopic like, you should watch this drama with a different perspective. It does respect history but, being the plot as it is, takes diversions and freestyles some facts and characters. That being said, it's a very recommendable drama and definitely a high point for last year's releases.