Released on October 16, Romantics Anonymous is a healing romantic comedy about a man who struggles with physical contact and a woman who cannot even make eye contact. United by chocolate, the two gradually open their hearts in a tender and clumsy romance.
Han Hyo-joo plays “Lee Hana,” a gifted chocolatier who lives in self-imposed isolation due to childhood trauma. While she finds freedom in creating chocolate, she is paralyzed in social situations, barely able to speak in front of others. Acknowledged by master chocolatier Kenji (played by Eiji Okuda), she works anonymously at the Japanese chocolate studio “Le Sauveur.”
Her life takes a turn when she meets Sosuke (Shun Oguri), a wealthy heir suffering from OCD. Discovering that they are the only ones who don’t trigger each other’s anxiety, Hana slowly begins to open her heart. This emotional shift is reflected in her chocolate creations, particularly a wasabi-infused piece that symbolizes her awakening passion and sensitivity. However, the realities hidden behind her anonymity and conflicting emotions once again push her into turmoil.
Han Hyo-joo draws attention for her restrained and authentic performance, portraying vulnerability and warmth without exaggeration. Her seamless blend of Korean and Japanese adds depth to her character. Most impressively, she performed nearly all her Japanese lines herself on location, with nuanced pronunciation and breath control that enhanced the character’s emotional resonance.
Her naturalistic acting helped maintain a strong emotional tone throughout, skillfully controlling the emotional density of each scene. Whether in quiet conversations or moments of inner conflict, Han’s performance stood out for its sincerity and depth, creating a unique dramatic texture that reflected her personal style.
With Romantics Anonymous, Han once again expanded her acting range, delivering a heartfelt portrayal that left a lasting impression. Her ability to convey authentic emotion beyond language and cultural boundaries speaks volumes about her talent and dedication.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Romantics Anonymous has surged to No.1 on Japan’s Netflix chart and secured Top 5 spots in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Dominican Republic.
Sources: Daum
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