Credit: ZAPZEE
Netflix is ready to touch the hearts of viewers with a new blend of Korean and Japanese romance. Romantics Anonymous is a series that showcases the love between two wacky characters- a germaphobe and a shut-in. But it isn’t as simple as it seems; the main characters actually battle with real phobias (scopophobia and haphephobia respectively) and portray how seriously these conditions alter their loves.
Starring Shun Oguri, Han Hyo Joo , Yuri Nakamura, and Jin Akanishi, the series follows a talented chocolatier who begins working at a small chocolate store despite her extreme shyness, which makes daily life challenging. Despite the fears each character possess, episode one and two jumps right in and gives viewers a small taste of the main characters’ background stories. These two learn to overcome a lot for the sake of love. Despite the first two episodes having a lot of dramatic scenarios that accelerated the plot, it helped push the characters into their personal growth era.
Growing alongside each other and slowly taking control of their lives through the power of romance, this rom-com feels different as it takes a complicated scenario and turns it on its head. Some misunderstandings are quirkier and funnier rather than heart-wrenching (Such as meeting with the Yuzu Jam distributor and the onsen bathing scene).
It makes for an inspiring piece with a good dose of laughter here and there. Han Hyo Joo plays a Korean expat living in Japan and at times her kawaii demeanor (aegyo) can feel a bit forced; it grows on viewers and has a comical appeal. Shun Oguri is exceptionally easy on the eyes and his character seems stern but has a soft side that unravels like a Hershey’s kiss. We want to know what more sweet stories lie ahead.
During a press conference, when discussing the main characters and their electrifying dynamic, Director Shō Tsukikawa surprised fans by stating, “There wasn’t really any magic moment or spark that made me choose the two actors. I’m more of a realistic person and chose them based on their abilities.”
When asked about her fluent Japanese and acting, Han Hyo Joo laughed and replied, “Could you see I was nervous? While speaking Japanese I was shaking. Every time I had to record a line my hands were shaking a lot. I hoped it wasn’t visible on screen. I studied Japanese very intensely for 3 months before filming.”
Credit: ZAPZEE
Fans worried about the beloved star gaining weight with such a delicious role. However, seemingly unconcerned with weight, Han Hyo Joo revealed, “We worked alongside the smell of chocolate while filming. We also made and tried various types of chocolate when making the ‘Rainbow Palette’ you see in the show. It was a fun experience.” Shun Oguri joined in saying, “We only screened a few episodes today, but most of the story does revolve around chocolate but we don’t want to spoil it for viewers.”
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In the end, Shun Oguri closed the show stating, “I hope that this movie can help people who have certain phobias and disabilities like this, especially if it is similar to our characters.” What do you think of the comical but lovely story’s highlights so far? You can catch Romantics Anonymous on Netflix on October 16th.
