Netflix’s New Japanese Series: Romantics Anonymous
Despite its title echoing a reality show or sitcom, “Romantics Anonymous” unfolds as a heartfelt, albeit sometimes somber, romantic drama. It centers on two individuals grappling with severe social anxiety who discover their opposite in one another. Hana, a chocolatier who struggles with eye contact, and Sousuke, a germaphobe disinclined towards social interaction, find solace and calm in each other’s presence. Their love story develops slowly, but viewers get deeply invested in their journey.
Opening Scene: The chocolatier plays an old record, “Born to Be Wild,” slips on an apron and a backward baseball cap, and begins crafting delectable, shiny chocolates from melted chocolate.
Main Points: Hana (played by Han Hyo-joo) is the artist behind the renowned confections sold at Le Sauveur, a picturesque luxury chocolate shop. While patrons eagerly line up for the latest treats, Hana keeps her identity a secret, known only to Kenji, the store owner. She anonymously delivers her creations to avoid contact, as she has an intense fear of eye contact, something only Kenji understands.
On the other hand, Sousuke (Shun Oguri) works as an executive at Futago Seika, a large confectionery company struggling to uphold its reputation against high-end brands like Le Sauveur. His father, also his boss, prioritizes profit over quality, dismissing Sousuke’s innovative ideas. Sousuke, similarly to Hana, battles his own mental health issues, particularly a germ phobia that keeps him emotionally distant. He’s acutely aware of his struggles but hesitates to seek assistance.
The series approaches Hana’s and Sousuke’s anxieties with genuine emotional depth, presenting their phobias not merely as quirks. Sousuke consults with Dr. Irene, a counselor utilizing EMDR therapy. Hana resists therapy initially, but a heart-wrenching incident eventually leads her to seek help as well. Their anxieties are traced back to the loss of loved ones, adding layers of melancholy to their stories.
Their lives intertwine as Futako acquires Le Sauveur, making Sousuke its manager. One day, Hana introduces herself as an “anonymous chocolatier” responsible for many shop creations, leading to a serendipitous encounter where they share playful banter—she unexpectedly tumbles into his arms, marking a pivotal moment where he looks into her eyes and she touches him; neither pulls away. They begin to act as healing forces for each other.
Romance doesn’t bloom right away, even though Hana has a crush on a local bartender named Hiro (Jin Akanishi), who is incidentally Sousuke’s closest friend. This connection adds a layer of complexity to their lives, highlighting themes of happiness amidst insecurity.
Notable Aspects: “Romantics Anonymous,” while having moments of fantasy, is firmly grounded in real-world issues, aiming to portray genuine phobias. Unlike other narratives that address similar themes, this story delves deeper into why Hana and Sousuke connect, exploring their psychological roots in a quest for comfort in reality.
Our Thoughts: At its core, “Romantics Anonymous” is a finely crafted drama where two deeply flawed individuals confront their traumas together. It’s undeniably a love story but also serves as a reflection on mental health and personal struggles. Based on the 2010 French film of the same name, crafted by Jean-Pierre Ameris, the series tackles these issues with admirable sincerity.
Hana and Sousuke embody introversion and shyness, steering clear of grand gestures. Instead, the narrative focuses on subtle moments that reveal their vulnerabilities, showcasing how they learn to trust one another—a slow and thoughtful process. As the story unfolds, it occasionally feels somewhat forced, and the nature of their unique bond isn’t fully explained. Yet, in the end, like any compelling romance, what truly matters is witnessing them recognize their compatibility and pursue happiness together.
Parting Thoughts: In one poignant scene, Hana and Sousuke lie together on the floor, holding fingers and understanding the significance of such a simple act.
Memorable Quote: “I create my daily happiness in the form of chocolate,” Hana shares with her therapist. It may sound a bit cliché, yet it perfectly encapsulates both characters’ motivations and aspirations in their search for one another.
Final Take: We recommend streaming “Romantics Anonymous” for its tender exploration of love’s healing capabilities.
