Romantics Anonymous Review: In this romantic-comedy series, Sosuke and Hana, two people with their own unique social issues, come together thanks to their mutual love for chocolate and overcome different adversities together while making art.
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Romantics Anonymous Netflix Cast
Shun Oguri, Han Hyo-joo, Yuri Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Ayumi Ito, Shima Ise, Keiichiro Azuma, Koya Fukuda, Shiori Akita, Ikuho Akiya, Takato Yonemoto, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Mieko Harada, Meiko Kaji, Eiji Okuda, Jin Akanishi, Koichi Sato
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Romantics Anonymous Series Director
Sho Tsukikawa
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Romantics Anonymous 2025 Writers
Kim Ji-hyun
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Original Title
匿名の恋人たち
The series, with 8 episodes, is based on the film Les Emotifs Anonymes directed by Jean-Pierre Améris.
Romantics Anonymous Review
There is something extremely warm and affectionate about Netflix’s new Japanese rom-com Romantics Anonymous that makes you want to keep watching even when things get a bit annoying. With 8 episodes to watch, the series feels breezy and light as protagonists Lee Hana and Fujiwara Sosuke navigate growing a famous confectionery store after its owner passes away, while also facing their own personal issues and the growing attraction between them.
There’s nothing we have not seen till now in this drama, but it still feels like a warm embrace that becomes its biggest win. Although it works on familiar beats, there’s a freshness in Han Hyo-joo and Oguri Shun’s relationship that makes you want to keep watching as they tackle different obstacles in every episode. Through these different obstacles, we learn more about their pasts, their problems and their dreams and passions while also understanding what it truly means to love one’s craft.
Romantics Anonymous does a great job of showcasing what it means to love your job. Although I doubt working in a restaurant is ever as romantic as what we see here, there’s a loving camaraderie in La Sauveur’s kitchen that makes you believe that things might not be as dire as The Bear. But, jokes aside, the series is loving and feels like a hot chocolate drink on a cold day that wraps around your heart.
Furthermore, I also think the series does a good job of showcasing different mental illnesses that people can have and how they overcome these obstacles to live a happy and “normal” life. Although that looks different for everyone, I think the series provides a very compassionate angle to the topic and makes it believable and relatable.
Han Hyo-joo and Oguri Shun are fantastic in the series and have a very calm and mature chemistry that will charm you. Although some characteristics and plot points will feel rather annoying or clichéd, I think the series manages to get out of it quite well and leaves us engaged for the most part. Also, fans will find a very sweet little surprise with Kentaro Sakaguchi and Song Joong-ki’s guest appearances, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Other than that, cooking/baking is an integral part of the show and connects the different characters. It teaches them to be kind to one another as well as to see themselves with kindness. Cooking is also an integral way that all the characters relate to their pasts, which not only brings back memories but also connects them to their younger selves and reminds them of important lessons. Overall, the series is thoroughly enjoyable for anyone who likes something slow and kind that leaves a smile on their face at every turn.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I think Romantics Anonymous is a light-hearted, slow-paced and warm series that reminds us to be kind to ourselves and others. With great performances and some beautifully scrumptious-looking chocolates, the series will leave you charmed and smiling till the end.
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