This review may contain spoilers
Healing with chocolate; Loving with progress.
"Romantics Anonymous" holds a special place in my heart with its storytelling, music, and the masterful acting skills of the cast. It helped me realise that even in the darkest times, when it seems nothing is possible, taking just one step forward can make a huge difference. However, sometimes we need a great deal of courage and effort to take that single step.
Lee Ha Na is an incredibly talented chocolatier who suffers from scopophobia, making her a recluse. Nevertheless, Ha Na took a step forward to interact with strangers by mustering all her courage when her solitary pillar and guardian-like mentor left the world... That's a significant step. Despite feeling uncomfortable in a new environment, Ha Na strives to achieve her goals in whatever role she is given, whether as a waitress or the boss’s difficult assistant. Gradually, but surely, Hana began opening up to those around her—or at least making the effort—and I am so proud of her for taking one step at a time to heal.
Fujiwara Sosuke is the new head who took over “Le Sauveur” after Mr Kenji passed away. As he grappled with his own fears (i.e., germophobia), he followed in the footsteps of the shop’s predecessor, but with higher ambitions and unwavering passion. Despite being born into wealth, Sosuke always prioritised others’ wishes—at least internally. Contrary to his intentions, he still struggles to even slightly touch others, which makes him misunderstood. Miraculously, Ha Na was an exception.
As the two ‘wounded’ individuals join hands to solve each other’s problems and help overcome their darkness, Ha Na and Sosuke found love. It was a warm feeling both longed for but couldn’t attain—until they met. The man fell first; so, his growing feelings for her gradually encouraged him to confront his traumatic past. The small steps he took to bridge the gap between himself and his crush were so endearing, I wanted to support him wholeheartedly. It was heartbreaking to see him step back to support Ha Na’s love for Hiroshi (although it was a mistaken feeling on her part until she realised later that it was merely gratitude). That is genuine love.
As for the secondary couple, Hiroshi and Irene, they are rather complex. Although she is a renowned psychologist, Irene is also haunted by unresolved past traumas. This made her unable to love or trust any man or be in a serious relationship, much to Hiroshi’s dismay. Their push-and-pull cycle persisted for quite some time until Irene healed her inner child.
If I had to compare the two couples with chocolates, Hana & Sosuke are like “Pure Kenji” (looks quite normal, but will eventually melt your heart with its deep, rich flavour), while Irene & Hiroshi's relationship is like “Wasabi en soie” (looks exotic with conflicting tastes—the pungent, sharp wasabi that melts into the sweetness of brown chocolate—but somehow harmonises beautifully).
Although our main couple still struggles to overcome their inner darkness, together, there is nothing to fear. Their presence is the remedy for one another, whether they are together or apart~
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The making of Romantics Anonymous: https://youtu.be/Luykepu_aIw
Original Japanese OST(Confession): https://youtu.be/4l9KdJJxSB4
Korean version: https://youtu.be/COR_jj7prNE
Lee Ha Na is an incredibly talented chocolatier who suffers from scopophobia, making her a recluse. Nevertheless, Ha Na took a step forward to interact with strangers by mustering all her courage when her solitary pillar and guardian-like mentor left the world... That's a significant step. Despite feeling uncomfortable in a new environment, Ha Na strives to achieve her goals in whatever role she is given, whether as a waitress or the boss’s difficult assistant. Gradually, but surely, Hana began opening up to those around her—or at least making the effort—and I am so proud of her for taking one step at a time to heal.
Fujiwara Sosuke is the new head who took over “Le Sauveur” after Mr Kenji passed away. As he grappled with his own fears (i.e., germophobia), he followed in the footsteps of the shop’s predecessor, but with higher ambitions and unwavering passion. Despite being born into wealth, Sosuke always prioritised others’ wishes—at least internally. Contrary to his intentions, he still struggles to even slightly touch others, which makes him misunderstood. Miraculously, Ha Na was an exception.
As the two ‘wounded’ individuals join hands to solve each other’s problems and help overcome their darkness, Ha Na and Sosuke found love. It was a warm feeling both longed for but couldn’t attain—until they met. The man fell first; so, his growing feelings for her gradually encouraged him to confront his traumatic past. The small steps he took to bridge the gap between himself and his crush were so endearing, I wanted to support him wholeheartedly. It was heartbreaking to see him step back to support Ha Na’s love for Hiroshi (although it was a mistaken feeling on her part until she realised later that it was merely gratitude). That is genuine love.
As for the secondary couple, Hiroshi and Irene, they are rather complex. Although she is a renowned psychologist, Irene is also haunted by unresolved past traumas. This made her unable to love or trust any man or be in a serious relationship, much to Hiroshi’s dismay. Their push-and-pull cycle persisted for quite some time until Irene healed her inner child.
If I had to compare the two couples with chocolates, Hana & Sosuke are like “Pure Kenji” (looks quite normal, but will eventually melt your heart with its deep, rich flavour), while Irene & Hiroshi's relationship is like “Wasabi en soie” (looks exotic with conflicting tastes—the pungent, sharp wasabi that melts into the sweetness of brown chocolate—but somehow harmonises beautifully).
Although our main couple still struggles to overcome their inner darkness, together, there is nothing to fear. Their presence is the remedy for one another, whether they are together or apart~
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The making of Romantics Anonymous: https://youtu.be/Luykepu_aIw
Original Japanese OST(Confession): https://youtu.be/4l9KdJJxSB4
Korean version: https://youtu.be/COR_jj7prNE
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