A little pre-fact for you:This drama compelled me to get back to writing these reviews after a seven month long hiatus.So,let`s get into it.

Before starting any of my reviews,it is my habit to thank everyone involved in a drama for making it.I know how tough it must be,yet they prevailed and here we are.Not only that,but this drama was written by a first time drama writer.Setting aside her controversies,the fact that someone`s first drama is this well written...well,let`s say some big names in the industry fade by comparison.

Now,let`s focus on this drama.And what a pleasure that will turn out to be for me.Because this series is a joy to watch.

For starters,everyone`s acting is absolutely phenomenal.From Meguro Ren giving (undoubtedly) one of the best male performances of this year as sweet,yet understated male lead Sakura Sou.To Suzuka Ouji just genuinely being a great addition in the form of his former best friend and boyfriend of Sakura`s ex-girlfriend Tsumugi.This trio beautifully explored a whole new world one wouldn`t often think about unless they find themselves in an unescapable situation.The silent world.Because,as my headline says,don`t let this drama fool you into thinking it`s a romantic story of sacrifice and abnegation.It`s so much more than that.Its focus(almost entirely) IS on how deaf people interact,build relationships,destroy them and are perceived by hearing people,as well as how they(hearing people) are perceived by them,in return.The `meat` of this story is not found through usual,linear storytelling where boy meets girl,they fall in love,evil second lead threatens their happiness etc.It is,instead,neatly woven through characters` eyes,sign language and thought processes.Some viewers might find characters` decisions brash and illogical,with many telling me so whilst watching this show.On the other hand,I find them more than understandable,because it was easy to get into the mindset of each and every character.And that falls on good writing.Many conclusions are gotten through careful tracking of their body language,movements and,in lesser measure,words.I didn`t find anyone complementing how much is said in this drama,without the need to use words at all.Whole stretches of thought processes shown wonderfully,without a single letter being uttered.That is some serious talent and a hurdle destroyed.Another point for this drama goes to the portrayal of a healthy breakup once a person realizes they aren`t in it for the same reasons anymore.

So often do we have a chance to see toxic breakups in dramas.They exist,sure,but the way they are executed usually leaves a bad taste in my mouth.Here,it`s one of the most amicable and admirable types I`ve seen and it`s not like it`s for no reason either.It all circles back to me being in awe of the writer and her abilities.It`s not even only reflected in situations either.Sakura Sou is such a rare type of male lead you can`t help but root for.He`s the definition of someone minding their own business and trying their best in the face of adversity.He`s got his own demons,moments of vanity and weakness,but he`s never portrayed at this drama`s brownie point(ahem Move to Heaven).You get a feeling a person like this might just exist.Same goes for Tsumugi and Minato,though they do have a significantly smaller amount of time to be as fleshed out as I wanted them to be.Nevertheless,they`ve all got their issues and troubles,but it never feels out of place or forced.Plus,the character of Nana,Sou`s guide through this new challenge he`s conquering,is also a great person with cons and insecurities,as someone who grew up deaf and thus,carries a certain type of prejudice one might not see often.I rooted for all of them to succeed in their aspirations.

This drama really isn`t about one thing in particular.It`s not very sad(though I did cry almost every episode),not very romantic or crazy/out of the box.It really is a character study,or rather,a world study,on the type of things most of us take for granted.How quickly they can disappear and we have to adapt again.And again.One fun fact - I actually picked up quite a bit of sign language whilst watching this drama.There`s an unexpected pro I`ve personally,never had the chance to pick up for a drama.Even if you`re not interested in learning sign language,you`ll probably get it subconsciously.There are so many good things found in this show one might simply not expect.

Even the romance,which is very scarce,so be warned,is quite...sweet.Nice.But not clichéd.Tsumugi and Sou`s interactions feel very intimate in a quite real way.Them holding hands on the street made me feel more than characters going at it in other dramas this year.There`s a beautiful sense of respect and love,especially in the last episode,that I don`t think many dramas get right nowadays.In fact,I want a whole `nother season dedicated to their relationship and life as a couple.

Also,the OST to this drama by OfficialHigedism,is appropriately fabulous.Truly,they can`t make a bad song even if they tried.Now,as for drawbacks...

There aren`t many really.As I mentioned before,I would like MORE of Tsumugi and Sou.They`ve got such an intriguing dynamic and past,plus their chemistry is great.Another 5-6 episodes of this drama would`ve made it a perfect 10,but I get why they didn`t want to focus as much on romance as they could`ve.That`s not the point.

Another con is,I wanted more characterisation when it came to Tsumugi and Minato.I think they deserved just a bit more consideration.Which Sou and Nana got.But these are nitpicks really,as I do think this drama very significant and a huge win for many communities.

Finally,we do not appreciate what we`ve got until we lose it.Even then,we can start again.As loudly or as silently as we wish to,we can always start again.