Directed by John H. Lee and featuring Tomohisa Yamashita, Yûko Araki, and Mahiro Takasugi, "See Hear Love" delves into the captivating journey of Shinji Izumoto, a popular manga artist, and Hibiki Aida, a devoted fan who is deaf. This stylish romantic drama weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, tragedy, and the strength of the human spirit.
The story revolves around Shinji Izumoto, whose career is flourishing with his manga series "Only for You" set to be adapted into a major film. However, Shinji's relentless work schedule takes a toll on his health, resulting in debilitating headaches. Tragedy strikes when he is struck blind by an illness, forcing the series to go on hiatus. Amidst this turmoil, Hibiki Aida, a deaf woman and ardent fan of Shinji's work, embarks on a mission to find him.
Their initial encounter proves challenging, but an unexpected connection forms between them, leading to a blossoming romance. Despite their disabilities, Shinji and Hibiki's relationship goes beyond shared experiences. Tomohisa Yamashita portrays Shinji's frustration and despair as he adjusts to his blindness, while Yuko Araki delivers an expressive performance, making Hibiki a likable and relatable character despite her limited dialogue. The couple's journey becomes an emotional rollercoaster, with Shinji's desire to complete his manga and Hibiki's unwavering support as they navigate the obstacles presented by Shinji's condition.
While the central plot beautifully showcases the bond between Shinji and Hibiki, the film introduces a subplot involving another man who sets his sights on stealing Hibiki away from Shinji. Unfortunately, this subplot feels tonally disconnected from the main narrative, with the supporting cast delivering performances more suited to slapstick romantic comedy. Although it ties into the story as the film progresses, the tonal inconsistency hampers the overall cohesion. However, this flaw does not overshadow the film's commendable aspects.
"See Hear Love" captures the essence of its characters' disabilities by employing stunning visuals and a mesmerizing score. Director John H. Lee's precise direction and glossy cinematography infuse the film with a sentimentality reminiscent of a Christmas card, while the score, composed by Joon-tai Kim and Jae-Hyuk Seo, combines classical guitar, piano, strings, and an emotionally charged theme, evoking the spirit of blockbuster romantic tragedies.
The film cleverly acknowledges its reliance on plot circumstances designed to elicit sympathy, highlighting Shinji's own manga's use of tragic clichés. Despite their challenging situations, Shinji and Hibiki refuse to be pitied, showcasing their strength, intelligence, and determination. They remain aware of the world around them, transcending their disabilities. Their relationship centers on togetherness, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional closeness. Despite their inability to see or hear, their presence for each other becomes their most vital quality.
"See Hear Love" also explores Shinji's struggle to protect his artistic vision, as his publisher pushes for a melodramatic ending to his series. Shinji's belief in the transformative power of love and his determination to overcome obstacles sustain him throughout his journey. The film presents a sentimental love story that creates a unique and endearing couple in Shinji and Hibiki. While occasionally succumbing to clichés, the film offers an intelligent exploration of disability and romance in the modern era.
"See Hear Love" is a touching cinematic experience that tugs at the heartstrings, celebrating love, resilience, and the extraordinary connections that can arise in the face of adversity.
See Hear Love (2023) - info
- Release date: 15 Jun 2023
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: John H. Lee
- Writers: John H. Lee, Ho-yeon Jeong
- Stars: Tomohisa Yamashita, Yûko Araki, Mahiro Takasugi