Kim Min-ju from IZONE Stars in New Coming-of-Age Movie Featuring 80% Sign Language Dialogue

A press event for the movie “Hear Me: Our Summer”took place on October 28th at Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Director Jo Sun-ho was joined by the film’s stars, including Hong Kyung, Noh Yoon-seo, and Kim Min-ju, who shared their thoughts and experiences related to the film.

“Hear Me: Our Summer”narrates the journey of Yong-jun (portrayed by Hong Kyung) as he boldly seeks love, alongside Yeoreum (played by Noh Yoon-seo), who discovers the meaning of sincerity, with Gaeul (represented by Kim Min-ju) providing unwavering support. This movie is a remake of the beloved Taiwanese romantic film released in 2010. After being showcased as a special presentation at the Busan International Film Festival last October, it has been lauded for its ability to exceed the original.

The Korean adaptation of “Hear Me: Our Summer”preserves the primary storyline of the original, where the protagonists mistakenly believe each other to be deaf, using sign language to communicate, thus forging memories and falling in love. It also highlights societal prejudices towards disabilities. However, to address any cultural nuances, the film has been skillfully revised to resonate with Korean audiences, encapsulating the unique spirit of a Korean summer sky—one that is reminiscent yet distinct from its Taiwanese counterpart. Viewers are in for a treat with various locations across Korea, from tranquil neighborhood lanes to vibrant streets featuring lively busking performances.

The true allure of this remake lies in the fresh and authentic chemistry among the emerging talents of Hong Kyung, Noh Yoon-seo, and Kim Min-ju. These three rising stars have embraced the challenge of performing in sign language for the first time, navigating the complexities of expressing emotions through gestures and facial expressions. They successfully brought the characters of Yong-jun, Yeoreum, and Gaeul to life, showcasing their distinct hand signs, emotional nuances, and vibrant energy.

Korean actress Kim Min-ju, making her feature film debut, impressively embodies Seo Gaeul, a swimmer who is hearing-impaired, taking on the unique challenge of combining sign language with swimming. Throughout the film, she immerses herself in the character, vividly expressing Gaeul’s feelings of guilt and care for her sister Yeoreum, while also conveying her love and support for Yeoreum’s aspirations and romantic interests. The poignant sisterly relationship between Yeoreum and Gaeul stands as compelling as the heartwarming first love dynamic between Yong-jun and Yeoreum.

With around 80% of its dialogue conveyed through sign language, the film cultivates a gentle and calming atmosphere. The performers’ subtle expressions and intricate hand gestures grant viewers insight into emotional transitions. While there are no quick verbal exchanges, the film compensates with thoughtfully curated sounds and music, alternating between silence and melody to heighten the immersive experience and portray the perspectives of the hearing-impaired characters.

Though the movie does not lean on dramatic plot twists or intense emotional arcs, it evokes a refreshing and nostalgic atmosphere, rekindling forgotten pure emotions amid the hustle of everyday life. “Hear Me: Our Summer”is set to warm cinematic spaces starting in November, offering a soothing sense of joy as the temperatures drop.

The film is scheduled for release on November 6th, with a runtime of 109 minutes, and it carries a rating suitable for all audiences.

Source: eDaily

Source