30
138
6
1
1
4
1
4
3
2
4
1
1
1
1
3
4
5
For Romance and Chocolate Lovers!
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
To me, “Romantics Anonymous” delivered in the romance department. But if you are looking for a drama about mental illness, this is not it. The plot is interesting though and that’s why I decided to check it out in the first place.
Plot/Pacing
In typical Japanese fashion, there’s no dragging in the middle of a drama. It’s fast-paced and kept me hooked on all 8 episodes. I am glad that each episode is not 20 minutes long, but close to 50 minutes. There’s a lot to talk about in 8 episodes. First and foremost, the relationship development between the leads from strangers to friends/colleagues to lovers. Then we have their individual challenges in life due to their disorders. Add on to that is a secondary romance plus the whole business plot and a bunch of side characters. There’s a lot packed into 8 episodes. I definitely think the drama can benefit from a few more episodes to flash out all the above plotlines. As the drama goes, it seems to forget about some of the mental health challenges. Due to time constraints, therapy heals you at a super speed. A couple sessions and FL makes dramatic improvement. Being a therapist for your friend is not a good idea and is unprofessional. If you are a mental health professional, you need to suspend belief. Otherwise, this might not be the drama for you. LOL Lastly, everyone commented on the surprising guest roles in the end. It’s interesting, but what’s the point? To promote future Netflix series? Mm….
Romance
I really enjoy watching the two leads bicker and eventually get together. Their romance progression is natural and not rushed. Since it’s called “Romantics Anonymous”, it did spend more time on these two very likeable characters. They have good chemistry and I enjoy seeing how they feel comfortable with each other enough to act normal. Much of my somewhat high rating is because I enjoy watching them so much. On the other hand, the secondary romance is unnecessary. They are a cute pair, but there’s just not enough time in the drama to meaningfully develop this secondary relationship well. I do not think a Love Square is needed. If you take the 2FL out of this Love Square, the story remains the same. But since the drama wants to talk about mental health, their storylines are inserted here.
Acting
Since “Romantics Anonymous” is not an adaptation of a manga or anime, I am happy to see there’s no overdramatic acting. The acting is great and I love that despite FL’s shyness and phobia, it was not overdone. I totally do not recognize Han Hyo Joo in this drama. If I didn’t know she’s Korean, I cannot tell at all. Her demeanor is what I would expect from a Japanese actress. I don’t speak Japanese but her Japanese sounds pretty native to me. I also love the occasional Korean words dropped in this drama and how they use it. This is my first time watching Oguri Shun and I’m crushing on him here. We need to change his MDL profile picture because he looks SOOO much more handsome in “Romantics Anonymous”. I like his portrayal and especially how he acts when he eventually realizes his feelings yet doesn’t and can’t express them. The rest of the cast is not bad either, even down to the small supporting roles.
Production
What a beautiful drama! I love the tasty shots of the chocolate making process and how they’re presented. Japanese really know how to make their food and especially sweets pretty. This is a beautifully shot drama with natural scenery of beautiful lavender fields and gorgeous mountains and rivers. No complaint at all about the production quality here.
Having said all that, I had a great time watching “Romantics Anonymous”. I really like the acting, the main leads, their romance and the beautiful cinematography and chocolates. Even though I complain about the plot, I do think the main storyline of these two broken individuals is interesting. It may not be a solid 8.5 overall but the enjoyment factor deserves an 8.25 from me. I am willing to suspend belief on the mental health part. I recommend checking this short drama out if you can overlook some things.
Completed: 10/24/2025 Review #635
To me, “Romantics Anonymous” delivered in the romance department. But if you are looking for a drama about mental illness, this is not it. The plot is interesting though and that’s why I decided to check it out in the first place.
Plot/Pacing
In typical Japanese fashion, there’s no dragging in the middle of a drama. It’s fast-paced and kept me hooked on all 8 episodes. I am glad that each episode is not 20 minutes long, but close to 50 minutes. There’s a lot to talk about in 8 episodes. First and foremost, the relationship development between the leads from strangers to friends/colleagues to lovers. Then we have their individual challenges in life due to their disorders. Add on to that is a secondary romance plus the whole business plot and a bunch of side characters. There’s a lot packed into 8 episodes. I definitely think the drama can benefit from a few more episodes to flash out all the above plotlines. As the drama goes, it seems to forget about some of the mental health challenges. Due to time constraints, therapy heals you at a super speed. A couple sessions and FL makes dramatic improvement. Being a therapist for your friend is not a good idea and is unprofessional. If you are a mental health professional, you need to suspend belief. Otherwise, this might not be the drama for you. LOL Lastly, everyone commented on the surprising guest roles in the end. It’s interesting, but what’s the point? To promote future Netflix series? Mm….
Romance
I really enjoy watching the two leads bicker and eventually get together. Their romance progression is natural and not rushed. Since it’s called “Romantics Anonymous”, it did spend more time on these two very likeable characters. They have good chemistry and I enjoy seeing how they feel comfortable with each other enough to act normal. Much of my somewhat high rating is because I enjoy watching them so much. On the other hand, the secondary romance is unnecessary. They are a cute pair, but there’s just not enough time in the drama to meaningfully develop this secondary relationship well. I do not think a Love Square is needed. If you take the 2FL out of this Love Square, the story remains the same. But since the drama wants to talk about mental health, their storylines are inserted here.
Acting
Since “Romantics Anonymous” is not an adaptation of a manga or anime, I am happy to see there’s no overdramatic acting. The acting is great and I love that despite FL’s shyness and phobia, it was not overdone. I totally do not recognize Han Hyo Joo in this drama. If I didn’t know she’s Korean, I cannot tell at all. Her demeanor is what I would expect from a Japanese actress. I don’t speak Japanese but her Japanese sounds pretty native to me. I also love the occasional Korean words dropped in this drama and how they use it. This is my first time watching Oguri Shun and I’m crushing on him here. We need to change his MDL profile picture because he looks SOOO much more handsome in “Romantics Anonymous”. I like his portrayal and especially how he acts when he eventually realizes his feelings yet doesn’t and can’t express them. The rest of the cast is not bad either, even down to the small supporting roles.
Production
What a beautiful drama! I love the tasty shots of the chocolate making process and how they’re presented. Japanese really know how to make their food and especially sweets pretty. This is a beautifully shot drama with natural scenery of beautiful lavender fields and gorgeous mountains and rivers. No complaint at all about the production quality here.
Having said all that, I had a great time watching “Romantics Anonymous”. I really like the acting, the main leads, their romance and the beautiful cinematography and chocolates. Even though I complain about the plot, I do think the main storyline of these two broken individuals is interesting. It may not be a solid 8.5 overall but the enjoyment factor deserves an 8.25 from me. I am willing to suspend belief on the mental health part. I recommend checking this short drama out if you can overlook some things.
Completed: 10/24/2025 Review #635
Was this review helpful to you?
