Encyclopedia of Hopeless Love (2018)
Discover heartache, longing, and unfulfilled desires in the poignant drama ‘Encyclopedia of Hopeless Love.’ Dive into anonymous love stories spanning decades.
MyDramaList Rating
Trailer
Synopsis
Madoka Koga, who maintains her fierce attitude from her delinquent days, but is still a virgin; Chiyo Fukuma, a woman who treats shoujo manga as bibles for romance; and Sawako Chidori, a woman who can't help but always fall for poor excuses for men. The story centers on the three women who meet each other while carousing at night, telling each other bad stories of men they have met or dated. (animenewsnetwork)
Free (sub)
Register and stay logged in to unlock download and more free options.
Login Sign-up
Rating Entries
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Editor's Review
“Encyclopedia of Hopeless Love” is a poignant and heart-wrenching drama that delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the fragile nature of love. Set against the backdrop of a quaint coastal town, the series weaves a captivating narrative that leaves viewers contemplating the intricacies of the human heart.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around two protagonists: Emma, a reclusive librarian with a penchant for collecting old love letters, and Daniel, a struggling artist haunted by lost love. Their paths intersect when Emma stumbles upon a dusty, forgotten encyclopedia in the library’s basement—a collection of anonymous love stories spanning decades. As she reads each entry, she becomes entangled in the lives of the past, unraveling secrets, heartaches, and unfulfilled desires.
Themes and Characterization
“Encyclopedia of Hopeless Love” masterfully explores themes of longing, regret, and the bittersweet ache of unrequited affection. Emma’s quiet introspection contrasts sharply with Daniel’s impulsive creativity, creating a dynamic that mirrors the ebb and flow of love itself. Their interactions are tender yet fraught with unspoken words, leaving viewers yearning for resolution.
The supporting characters—fellow librarians, townspeople, and the mysterious author of the encyclopedia—add depth to the narrative. Each entry in the encyclopedia introduces a new character, each with their unique tale of love and loss. From wartime romances to clandestine affairs, the drama paints a vivid picture of the human condition.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The cinematography deserves special mention. The coastal landscapes, with their crashing waves and windswept cliffs, serve as a metaphor for the tumultuous emotions within the characters. The sepia-toned flashbacks evoke nostalgia, while the present-day scenes are bathed in muted blues and grays. The library itself becomes a character—an oasis of forgotten memories and unfulfilled promises.
Writing and Dialogue
The writing strikes a delicate balance between poetic and raw. The love letters within the encyclopedia are beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of longing and vulnerability. Emma and Daniel’s exchanges are equally poignant, filled with unspoken truths and stolen glances. The dialogue resonates, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s heart.
Music and Soundtrack
The haunting piano melodies that underscore pivotal moments heighten the emotional impact. The recurring motif—a melancholic tune that echoes throughout the series—becomes synonymous with lost chances and missed connections. The soundtrack, composed by renowned artist Clara Montgomery, is a character in itself, guiding us through the labyrinth of love.
Conclusion
“Encyclopedia of Hopeless Love” is not a conventional romance. It’s a meditation on the fragility of the human heart, the beauty of fleeting moments, and the ache of what could have been. As Emma and Daniel navigate their own love stories, viewers are reminded that sometimes love remains etched in the margins of life—an encyclopedia waiting to be discovered.
In a world where love often defies reason, this drama invites us to embrace the hopeless, to find solace in the ephemeral, and to cherish the memories that linger long after the final page is turned.