You know how I rarely watch Korean movies despite being a dedicated K-drama fan? I’m one of those people who watch 5 Korean movies per year rarely. Never watch, especially when a Korean movie suddenly gains global attention, attracting even those who never watch K-dramas (and often roll their eyes at them), my skepticism kicks in. Because let’s be honest, if the masses who usually complain about K-content are watching something, it’s probably the K-version of a Hollywood formula. Red flag alert!

But here I am, already watched one as soon as the year started because Hear Me: Our Summer had something in it. It’s the first Korean movie I watched this year, and let me tell you, it was so beautifully crafted that I just had to talk about it.

Hear Me: Our Summer

If the title sounds familiar, that’s because it is! Hear Me: Our Summer is actually a remake of one of the Taiwanese rom-com Hear Me. Now, remakes can be a hit or miss, but this one? It felt like a hit to me and in the best possible way.

I had been seeing the promotions for a while but didn’t get around to watching it until about two weeks ago. And honestly? I regret not watching it sooner. After Twinkling Watermelon, K-dramaland seems to have developed a soft spot for stories about love between a hearing-impaired woman and a contrastingly different man. Hear Me: Our Summer follows suit—but with its own unique charm.

Plot: A Summer Love That Speaks Volumes

The movie starts with Young Jun (played by Hong Kyung), our aimless yet undeniably handsome male lead, who goes about his day delivering food—until fate (and a swimming pool) lead him to Yeo Rum (which literally means summer in Korean). One look at her, and BAM—love at first sight. Classic. I mean who won’t, I have to tell you that Roh Yoon Seo looked so pretty in every frame of the film. Yeo Rum isn’t just another pretty face. She’s fiercely devoted to supporting her hearing-impaired sister Gaeul, who is training to become a gold-medal-winning swimmer. 

The two sisters communicate in sign language, and Young Jun knows to speak in sign language, he creates a bond with the sisters.That’s how the story of the silent trail starts to unfold. It just makes us realise how beautiful and complicated youth can be. Since the characters are in late youth, it hits right on spot in certain moments.

The story unfolds in the most quietly captivating way. There’s a gentle rhythm to it, a kind of peaceful warmth that wraps around you, making you feel like you’re floating through a summer breeze. Whether it’s the subtle chemistry between the leads or the delicate portrayal of sign language and silent communication, the film never rushes itself, allowing emotions to settle in naturally. The non judgemental form of love!

And yes, there’s a twist toward the end. A real, unpredictable one. But I’m not going to spoil it for you, and I strongly suggest you resist the urge to Google it. Just watch the movie. Trust me.

Characters & Casting: The Right People in the Right Roles

The casting is spot-on, with Hong Kyung, Roh Yoon Seo, and Kim Min Ju delivering natural and captivating performances. The on screen chemistry between the characters is just perfect like the perfectly put jigsaw puzzle. Very pleasing to the eyes. Hong Kyung’s portrayal of Yong Jun is both endearing and relatable, while like I said earlier, Roh Yoon Seo just shines as Yeoreum.

Shout out to Kim Min Ju’s performance as Gaeul. Girl just adds a layer of innocence and ambition to the story and an emotional depth that makes the film so much more than just a love story. Very expressive and powerful performance. Especially in a intense scene that happens between the sisters.

Cinematography: A Visual Summer Poem

The cinematography of this movie! If I have to put it in a right way, it feels like you create a world in your imagination as you read a book of summer love. Soft hues, golden-hour lighting, and serene water reflections that make every frame feel like a painting of life in Summer. Whether it’s the quiet moments between the leads or the intense swimming sequences, the visual storytelling is on point.

The use of sign language as a primary mode of communication throughout the movie, and that adds a unique and ethereal tone to the film. I really loved watching it and it is created in such a way that draws the viewers in and encourage them to focus closely on the characters’ expressions and interactions.

There’s something incredibly calming about watching the characters exist in these beautifully captured settings. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to book a summer vacation just so you can experience that level of peacefulness in real life.

Themes and Messages

At its core, “Hear Me: Our Summer” is a story about love, youth and growth. The film subtly portrays the characters’ journey from being passive in their aspirations to actively discovering and pursuing their dreams. It also highlights the importance of understanding and connecting with others, even when words are not spoken.

Final Verdict: A Sunday Afternoon Must-Watch

If you’re looking for an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller, this isn’t it. But if you want a beautifully crafted, heartfelt story that makes you feel all warm inside, something that leaves you with a smile on your face—Hear Me: Our Summer is your go-to.

It’s the perfect movie to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, lying in bed as the sunlight filters through your curtains, with a cup of coffee (or tea, if you’re fancy). It’s gentle, soothing, and quietly unforgettable.

So, have you watched it yet? If not, go fix that. And if you have, let’s talk—did it steal your heart too?

Genre: Romance, Drama

Duration: Approx. 2 hours