Silent — A Heartfelt Look at Communication and Connection

This drama tackles the under-represented topic of hearing loss and societal prejudice. It's refreshing to see a show raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with hearing loss or impairment, particularly in cultures where signing might be viewed with curiosity and as weakness.

Plot summary:

Aoba Tsumugi fell in love with Sakura Sou, her schoolmate. They shared the same interest in music and that brought them closer together. But one day, after graduating, Sou left Tsumugi without saying goodbye.

Years later, Tsumugi saw Sou getting off the metro. But when she called him, he didn’t respond and just kept on walking. One day, they met again by chance. Only then se realized that Sou has lost his hearing and now only communicates through sign language.

What I liked:

1. Clear communications

The characters are very understanding. They communicate their feelings really well.  So communication-wise, I would say that it was pretty straightforward.

2. Silent moments

It effectively captures the world from Sou’s point of view, where everything is silent, and draws viewers into his world. I found those moments also enhance the focus on the sign language.

3. Love transcending barriers

Tsumugi’s dedication to learning sign language is heartwarming. It beautifully shows that communication is always achievable with an effort, breaking down the stereotype about limitations in relationship and communication with those with hearing disability.

What I wish could be better:

1. Character Development

While clear communication is a strength, the overly understanding characters lack depth. Their one-dimensionality, which coupled with stiff dialogue, makes them boring and not realistic.

2. The Setting

The focus on daily life is commendable, but there were too much repetitive scenes in similar settings. A change in scenery might bring more colour to the show.

3. Inconsistent background music

The choice of background music in this show is quite puzzling. A couple of times the music was abruptly cut off and seemingly misplaced. For instance, they used upbeat music during emotional scenes, which can disconnect viewers from the intended mood.

4. Performance nuance

Our main lead Sou's limited use of gestures and facial expressions, especially considering his reliance on sign language for communication, could be improved. In reality, people with hearing loss are often quite expressive because they rely heavily on facial expressions, body language, and gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings; something that our main lead is lacking.

Final thought: 

This show has a powerful message about communication and overcoming challenges, but it was not well executed.

So, is it worth your time?

While it might not be a must-watch, it could be a decent option for someone looking for a heartwarming drama. I recommend spacing out the episodes to appreciate the message.

This drama is available on Viki.

My rating : 2.5 out of 5.