'Quartet' is a truly fantastic series that plays out in a similar manner to a well-composed musical composition. There are conflicting motifs of trust versus betrayal, truths versus lies and dreams versus reality, spun together with friendship, secrets and unrequited love.

The four protagonists are excellently characterised. As with their instruments, they each shine individually, during one-on-one conversations and when they're all together. It was great how over the series, you don't stop learning about their pasts, their families and friends and the secrets they hold within them. The charisma of each character and the allure of their rapport are in no small part to the amazing performances and chemistry of the exceptional actors and actresses; Matsu Takako, Matsuda Ryuhei, Takahashi Issei, Mitsushima Hikari are four legends I won't forget. Seriously, the acting is some of the best I've seen in a J-drama so far, and they have to be applauded for making an effort to look as if they are actually playing their instruments. The dialogue is masterfully produced. Aside from being witty and feeling very natural, seemingly small remarks and humorous situations often take on overarching significance that tie into the themes of the series. Clever metaphors, symbolisms and double meanings are also planted generously through each episode, making one feel rewarded for paying attention to them. There are enough excellent quotes to fill up a small notebook.

The locations used were well chosen, endowing an intelligently written series with aesthetic value as well. The town of Karuizawa was beautiful, especially in winter, and the villa and restaurant had a cozy, homely feel to them. While there could've been more variety, I love the selection of classical pieces, especially the quartet arrangement of Smetana's "The Moldau". The BGMs are pleasant but the ending song, along with the lavish music video, are absolutely incredible. The food looked nice too. A nice bonus was seeing Kankuro Kudo act (which he is also good at).

'Quartet' doesn't limit itself to a singular mood. Sometimes it wants you to laugh out loud. Sometimes it wants you to feel awkward and slightly creeped out. Sometimes it wants to move you to quiet anger, and sometimes it just wants to make you feel warm inside. For me at least, it got me every single time.