On October 28th, a press conference for the film “Hear Me: Our Summer” was held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Director Jo Sun-ho, along with actors Hong Kyung, Noh Yoon-seo, and Kim Min-ju, attended to share insights about the film.
“Hear Me: Our Summer” tells the story of Yong-jun (played by Hong Kyung), who straightforwardly pursues love, and Yeoreum (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who learns to understand sincerity, as well as Gaeul (played by Kim Min-ju), who supports them. It is a remake of the iconic Taiwanese romance film of the same name released in 2010. After its premiere as a special feature at the Busan International Film Festival last October, the film has been praised as a remake that surpasses the original.
The Korean version of “Hear Me: Our Summer” retains the core plot of the original, where the main characters mistake each other for being deaf and communicate through sign language, building memories and falling in love. It also reflects the world’s prejudices surrounding disabilities. However, to address any potential cultural differences, the film has been carefully adapted to incorporate Korean sensibilities, reflecting the essence of a Korean summer sky that is both familiar yet distinct from the Taiwanese original. Viewers can also enjoy various Korean settings, from quiet residential alleyways to bustling streets where busking performances are in full swing.
The real charm and differentiation of the remake lie in the fresh and pure chemistry between rising stars Hong Kyung, Noh Yoon-seo, and Kim Min-ju. These three actors, emerging as icons of youth, have all taken on the challenge of performing in sign language for the first time in their careers. Despite the difficulty of conveying emotions solely through gestures and glances, they brought the characters of Yong-jun, Yeoreum, and Gaeul to life with their unique hand movements, expressions, and energy.
Kim Min-ju, making her big screen debut through this film, also delivers a commendable performance. She plays Seo Gaeul, a hearing-impaired swimmer, taking on the dual challenges of using sign language and swimming. In the film, Kim Min-ju immerses herself in the role, seamlessly portraying Gaeul’s feelings of guilt and remorse towards her sister Yeoreum, as well as her familial love and support for Yeoreum’s dreams and love. The touching sisterly bond between Yeoreum and Gaeul is just as compelling as the heart-fluttering first love chemistry between Yong-jun and Yeoreum.
With about 80% of the dialogue in sign language, the film maintains a gentle and serene atmosphere. Yet, the subtle expressions and detailed hand movements of the actors allow viewers to pick up on emotional shifts. Although there are no rapid-fire verbal exchanges, the film makes up for this with carefully selected sounds and music. The scenes alternate between silence and music, enhancing the immersive experience and reflecting the situation of the hearing-impaired characters.
While the film does not rely on dramatic twists or intense emotional development, it evokes a refreshing, nostalgic feeling that brings back pure memories and emotions often forgotten in the rush of daily life. “Hear Me: Our Summer” is poised to warm theaters in November, bringing a gentle sense of excitement as the weather cools.
The film will be released on November 6th, with a runtime of 109 minutes and is rated for all ages.
Source: eDaily