In this blog post, I will examine director Jay Chou’s film ‘Secret’ by focusing on the conventions of the romantic drama genre, its musical direction, the blend of fantasy and mystery, the characters’ love and sacrifice, and interpretations of patriarchal social structures—and discuss why this work evokes such a profound emotional response.

“Secret,” Where Romance, Fantasy, and Mystery Coexist

“Set out on a journey following the sheet music. The first person you see will be your destiny. When you return at the end of your journey, you must play at a fast tempo.”
This is the story of the female lead, Liu Xiaoyu, who lives in 1979, and the male lead, Shang Lun, who lives in 1999, as they strive to find love across time. The film ‘Secret’ is a romantic drama that blends music and fantasy. Produced in 2007, it was released in South Korea on January 10, 2008, with Jay Chou serving as director, co-screenwriter, and lead actor. Jay Chou played Shang Lun, Jie Lunmei played Xiaoyu, Huang Qiusheng played Shang Lun’s father, and Zheng Kaiyan played Qingyao.
Before examining the romantic characteristics of this film, it is necessary to first consider the definition of a romantic film and its typical conventions. It is no exaggeration to say that there is no such thing as a “traditional” romantic film; romance is a genre that is ever-changing and difficult to define within a fixed format.
Simply put, “romance” can be defined as a genre that combines a love story with musical elements. Today, the term is also used to refer to a series of works that emphasize emotionalism and sentimentality. In particular, the fundamental characteristic associated with melodrama can be summarized by the term “excess”—that is, when emotions or situations are presented in an exaggerated or over-the-top manner.
The reason this film is classified as a “melo” is closely tied to these characteristics. Its melodramatic nature is particularly evident in the way it combines the love story with the indispensable musical elements of film to drive the entire narrative. It goes beyond simply using sweet background music; the film impressively chooses music itself as a central element of the story to heighten the audience’s emotions.
Generally, romantic films follow several familiar conventions. These include the visual trope of love blossoming against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery; character setups centered on handsome men and beautiful women; music that stirs the emotions; the appearance of a third party who interferes with the romance, leading to love triangles; conflicts arising from differences in wealth, class, or background; inevitable separations; and journeys and places of fond memories that make the love even more special.
Of course, not all romantic films strictly adhere to these conventions. However, ‘A Secret That Cannot Be Told’ successfully combines these elements with the genres of fantasy and mystery to create a unique romantic film.
First, a visual convention that is indispensable to romantic films is beautiful natural scenery. To express the protagonists’ love in a lyrical way, romantic films often utilize settings that blend with nature rather than modern, urban spaces. The sea, mountains, hills, fields, green trees, and the sky are iconic images that make the emotions of love even more beautiful.
This film is no exception. In the early part of the film, a music school surrounded by green trees appears. That scenery gives the impression that something pure and beautiful is about to begin. The flower-lined path where Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei ride their bicycles, the rooftop overlooking the sea where the two meet, and the beach also serve to highlight their love even more beautifully. In this way, the film follows a very familiar convention of romantic dramas, where expansive natural landscapes serve to highlight the couple’s emotions.
The piano practice room, where their memories accumulate, is also an important setting. Although not a natural setting, the image of the practice room—a closed space—retains a purity that sets it apart from other locations. Artistic elements such as the framed portrait of Chopin and his lover hanging on the wall, along with the grand piano, lend the space a fairy-tale-like and romantic atmosphere. Places where the two spend time together—such as the bench surrounded by a green forest, the beautiful flower-lined path, and the seaside—are all imbued with romantic imagery.
The house where Xiao Wei lives also feels like a magical castle, as it possesses a mysterious atmosphere that seems slightly detached from reality. These beautiful natural settings and romantic spaces, combined with classical music, create an environment that allows the audience to easily empathize with the protagonists’ emotions.
The second element is the conventions surrounding the characters. In romantic films, the male and female leads are often portrayed as characters with beautiful appearances and ideal personalities. Of course, there are many exceptions to this, but when the love between a handsome man and a beautiful woman does not come to fruition, the audience often feels an even greater sense of regret, both visually and emotionally.
The male lead, Sang-ryun, grew up under the guidance of his father, a music-loving teacher. Raised in a single-parent household with his father, he is very family-oriented—even preparing dinner himself. Influenced by his father, he grew up to be a model student; he is an excellent pianist and an accomplished cook. He is considerate and attentive toward women he is interested in, yet knows how to reject those he has no interest in. In short, he is close to the ideal male character that female students dream of.
The female lead, Xiao Wei, possesses a mysterious aura befitting someone who has come from the past. She makes Sang-ryun wait for her or worry about her, but these actions only serve to heighten her air of mystery. As an innocent schoolgirl who never loses her bright and pure demeanor and is also a skilled pianist, she embodies the ideal type that men dream of.
In particular, Xiao Wei’s true identity remains unclear in the early part of the film. Consequently, Shang Lun and the audience are constantly curious about who she is. The process of following her actions and unraveling her secrets serves as a device that keeps viewers engrossed in the film. As the title suggests, not only the story but also the characters themselves are already shrouded in countless secrets.
Furthermore, Xiao Wei suffers from asthma. This detail makes her seem even more fragile and pitiable. It evokes the familiar trope in romantic films where a female lead suffering from an illness elicits the audience’s sympathy and compassion.
Third is the musical element, which is absolutely indispensable to this film. At the heart of the film lies a sheet of music that holds a secret. The two protagonists, who must unravel the secret of this score, both possess exceptional musical talent and piano skills. Every event—from their first meeting and falling in love to their separation and reunion—is deeply intertwined with the piano practice room and piano performances.
The piano music in the film serves as both diegetic music—music actually existing within the film’s world, performed directly by the characters—and non-diegetic background music intended for the audience. The interplay between the melodies played by the characters and the orchestral background music reinforces the film’s overall romantic atmosphere. The music that evokes a fantastical feeling in the early scenes, the melody from the secret sheet music, and the lighthearted music that plays when the two protagonists feel love all form key themes of the film.
The fourth element is the presence of a third party who interferes with their love. The film features Qingyao, who has feelings for Shanglun. Although her role isn’t particularly prominent, she is a key character who stirs up conflict between the two protagonists. However, Qingyao is far from the aggressive meddler or villainess typically found in conventional love triangles. She is closer to a passive character who quietly watches over Shanglun, the man she loves.
Consequently, rather than hating Qingyao, the audience ends up feeling sympathy for her. She, too, is a character with beautiful looks and a kind nature—a real-life woman who could easily make Xiao Wei feel jealous. In fact, because of this characterization, Qingyao becomes a figure who deserves just as much sympathy and affection as the protagonists. Perhaps Qingyao is portrayed so kindly precisely because she represents the ideological norms and conventional female archetypes of traditional society.
The fifth factor is the environmental differences that hinder their love. The most significant barrier in this film is “time.” Xiao Wei lives in 1979, while Shang Lun lives in 1999. The premise of two people existing in different time periods—20 years apart—meeting and pursuing a relationship is even more fantastical than love that simply transcends space.
Because this is a meeting that could never happen in reality, the audience becomes even more immersed in their love and feels a deep sense of heartache. In particular, the film does not reveal this fact to the audience from the very beginning. It unveils the secret just as the audience’s curiosity about Xiao Wei and their emotional investment in the protagonist have fully developed. At that moment, the audience experiences surprise and wonder. This is where the elements of fantasy and mystery—which distinguish the film from a pure romantic drama—come into play.
Ultimately, Shanglun travels back to the past where Xiaoyu lives, risking not only his present life but also his very survival. The film concludes by hinting at a reunion between the two. Both Shanglun and Xiaoyu make extreme choices—sacrificing their own lives for love. While this may feel somewhat excessive, maximizing the intensity of love through perilous situations and miraculous resolutions is precisely the kind of narrative device that romantic films can pull off.
The sixth element is separation. Without separation in a romantic film, it would be difficult for love to feel so poignant. In this film as well, separation plays a crucial role. Xiao Wei returns to the past due to a misunderstanding between Shang Lun and Qing Yao, and by the middle to latter part of the film, Shang Lun realizes that Xiao Wei is not living in the same time period as he is.
For Xiao Wei’s secret to be revealed, the two must inevitably part ways. Furthermore, separation is a necessary process to make their reunion feel dramatic. Throughout the film, Xiao Wei repeatedly disappears from Shang Lun’s side only to reappear later. These brief separations make Shang Lun long for Xiao Wei even more intensely and leave the audience feeling a sense of heartache.
In particular, the scene where a misunderstanding arises from Qingyao and Shanglun’s kiss perfectly illustrates the serendipitous situations characteristic of romantic films. Because coincidental events are repeated to heighten emotional intensity, romantic films find it difficult to pursue complete realism. However, it is precisely these coincidences that make the couple’s love all the more dramatic.
The seventh element is travel and memories. In romantic films, travel is a crucial event that makes love feel more special and helps the couple cherish the time they spent together. Since the protagonists of this film are students, they do not travel to distant places. Instead, they leave the school grounds and head together to spots overlooking the ocean or places where they can experience beautiful nature. There, the two deepen their feelings and build memories. The fact that even familiar scenery becomes a special place is ultimately because of the memories of love shared with the person who was there with them.

How does the mysterious sheet music complete the emotional atmosphere of the romance?

As we’ve seen, ‘Secret’ largely follows the typical conventions of romantic films. However, the most important feature that sets this film apart from other romantic films is its active use of musical elements.
So, does the mysterious sheet music in the film further highlight the romantic genre?
My answer is a resounding “yes.”
In this film, the sheet music titled “Secret” is not merely a score for playing the piano. It is not only the secret behind the film’s story but also a crucial key that defines the film’s genre. This mysterious sheet music is a central plot device that drives the entire narrative, elevating music to something more than mere background.
Why did the director place music at the center of the story? I believe it was an inevitable choice to complete this film as a romantic drama. The way the director selected the musical element and integrated it into the film’s overall structure was exceptional.
Audiences generally harbor a special fascination for people who play the piano well. This image also greatly influences the protagonist’s characterization. When a character with exceptional piano skills is a high school student, they come across as even more pure and idealistic. The harmonious blend of three elements—“teenage love,” “music school,” and “sheet music harboring a mysterious secret”—gave birth to this romantic drama.
This film showcases exceptional musical direction. Among various romantic conventions, it places particular emphasis on musical elements. The protagonists’ emotions are revealed through music—whether in scenes where the characters play themselves or through the background music playing off-screen. The theme melody is repeated appropriately and conveys different emotions as it is played by the piano-major protagonists or arranged as orchestral music.
The most memorable scene, in particular, is the “piano battle” between Sang-ryun and senior Wei Hao—the best pianist at the school—shortly after Sang-ryun transfers there. This scene not only showcases Sang-ryun’s exceptional piano skills but also hints that the film’s overall narrative will be deeply intertwined with piano performances.
The two musicians’ intense performance creates a tension bordering on suspense. The cinematography, which fantastically depicts the piano’s strings during the performance, is also striking. It captures the audience’s attention not only through the music itself but also through visual expression.
This piano battle is a scene that is hard to forget. Through this showdown, Sang-ryun gains recognition for his skills at school. Furthermore, when it is revealed that the reason for such a fierce competition was to obtain a sheet of music, his deep affection for music and sheet music is laid bare, and an important clue for the rest of the story is established.
There are many films centered on the piano. Works like ‘The Legend of the Pianist’ and ‘The Pianist’ also feature the piano as a symbol of great significance. However, those two films place greater emphasis on realistic life and character stories. In contrast, ‘Secret’ even expresses a mysterious fantasy through piano performances. It felt all the more special because it’s rare to find a film that combines piano music and fantasy in this way.
In addition to the protagonists’ playing skills, the background music that flows throughout the film cannot be overlooked. The cheerful music that plays alongside the lush natural scenery at the beginning of the film, the main theme representing the love between Xiao Yu and Shang Lun, the sad melodies that emerge when their love is thwarted, and the music from the “Secret” score all appear repeatedly.
These pieces are sometimes used as the music for scenes where the characters play themselves, and other times they flow as orchestral background music. The film utilizes musical effects more frequently—perhaps to the point of seeming excessive—than other romantic dramas. However, this abundance of music is entirely permissible given the film’s genre. The director actively employs music to further heighten the audience’s emotions.
What’s interesting is that the audience remains largely unaware of this deliberate use of music. While the music is clearly repeated and emphasized to stir emotions, viewers are so naturally drawn into the story that they fail to notice this intention. This is one of the film’s greatest strengths.
If the emotional impact were merely due to the protagonist’s superb piano playing, there would be no need to emphasize the musical elements to such an extent. However, this film not only features outstanding piano performances but also embeds the secrets of the story itself within the music. By combining this with a mystery-solving format that unravels those secrets one by one, the film keeps the audience emotionally engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout.
As the film progresses, the true identity of the beautiful and mysterious Xiao Wei is revealed, and as the secrets of the sheet music are uncovered through her, the story unfolds with increasing intrigue. It is the sheet music that brings the two characters together, and it is ultimately the sheet music that leads to their separation. The piano performances serve not only as a means of expressing the protagonists’ inner psychology but also as a device that makes the film more dramatic and emotionally resonant.
The music used in the film is also largely composed of lyrical, sweet piano melodies and classical music. Just as jazz is used in film noir to set the genre’s mood, soft and emotional music plays a crucial role in romantic dramas. In this film as well, lyrical melodies—including classical music—stir the audience’s emotions.
If Sang-ryun’s piano battle is the scene that first clearly showcases his genius, then the scene where Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei play together in the piano practice room is a moment that beautifully expresses their love. Music is used to reveal the characters’ abilities, to express love, and to unravel secrets. In that sense, it is no exaggeration to say that this film is both a romantic drama and a musical.

Why do Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei sacrifice their lives for love?

Alongside the musical elements, the characterizations are crucial to this film. Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei are idealized figures one would rarely encounter in real life. However, they are more than just beautiful and charming characters. I would like to highlight that they are characters striving to break free from existing patriarchal society and ideology.
Shang Lun breaks away from the typical image of a patriarchal man. He is family-oriented, warm, and gentle. He is a good cook and knows how to be considerate of others. Although he was raised with a relatively conservative upbringing under his father—a music-loving teacher—Shang Lun himself is not conservative at all. Rather, he closely resembles the ideal man everyone dreams of.
Moreover, though he lives in 1999, he gives up his current life—one he may never be able to return to—for the sake of love. He even risks his life to travel back to 1979, where Xiaoyu is. What audience member wouldn’t be moved by such self-sacrifice?
Xiaoyu is no ordinary heroine either. Though she possesses a cute and mysterious charm like a princess from a fairy tale, she is more proactive than anyone else when it comes to love. She counts 108 steps each time to find Shanglun, making the arduous journey just to see him. She is a woman who takes initiative and expresses her feelings to be with the one she loves.
This stands in stark contrast to the passive female archetype demanded by traditional patriarchal society. Whereas Qingyao merely watches Shanglun from afar despite her feelings for him, Xiaoyu takes direct action to make their love a reality. Shanglun is increasingly drawn to Xiaoyu’s proactive nature, and ultimately, her efforts and love reach him as well.
In this way, the two protagonists gradually break away from the traditional societal expectations of how men and women should behave. I believe this is a key part of their appeal. Through them, the audience experiences vicarious satisfaction by living out things they couldn’t achieve in real life or making choices that would be difficult to act upon in reality.
The scene where Shang Lun, who traveled back in time for a love that could never be realized in the present, stands beside Xiao Wei at the end to take a graduation photo is all the more heartwarming for this reason. This is because the two of them could never have been together in the present.
The film’s ending is hopeful yet leaves a sense of lingering regret. It appears that the two have reunited in the past and found love, but it is impossible to know for certain how their future will unfold. Yet it is precisely this uncertainty that provides an even greater emotional catharsis. While audiences feel relief that their love has been fulfilled, they are also left with a bittersweet aftertaste as they reflect on the sacrifices the couple made and the time that lies ahead.
This effect is also evident in the film’s narrative structure.
From the very beginning, the film approaches the audience in a way that differs from typical romantic dramas. Accompanied by mysterious music, the first thing to appear is not a character or a setting, but the image of an old sheet of music. This sheet of music hints at the secret that will drive the entire film. The opening sequence, which begins with the old sheet of music and mysterious music, is more reminiscent of a mystery film than a romantic drama.
Although the secret of the sheet music isn’t revealed until the middle to latter part of the film, viewers who watched more closely would have wondered about its hidden meaning from the very beginning. In effect, a crucial clue to the secret was planted right at the start of the film.
The film then shifts into full-fledged romantic drama territory, showcasing a school campus surrounded by lush green trees. The story follows the two main characters as they meet for the first time and nurture their love, only to part ways in the summer. As summer gives way to fall, the secret between them is revealed, and another sorrowful parting occurs. However, the film ultimately concludes with a hopeful ending that suggests their love was fulfilled in the past.
The emotional flow from the lush green of summer to the desolate autumn further accentuates the film’s melancholic romantic atmosphere. In this work, I particularly felt a poignant and wistful emotion reminiscent of autumn.
The narrative structure also follows the typical “stability–instability–stability” arc of genre films. If the stage where Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei meet and their love progresses smoothly represents stability, then the stage where the two face the crisis of separation due to a misunderstanding involving Qingyao corresponds to instability. Finally, the scene where they reunite in the past at the end implies a return to a state of stability.
Looking at it in a bit more detail, the characters, setting, and plot that make up this film’s narrative are also closely intertwined.
First, Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei exist in different time periods. Taking 1999 as the reference point, Xiao Wei in 1979 is a figure from an era 20 years earlier than Sang-ryun’s. However, in the present time in which Sang-ryun lives, Xiao Wei is known to have already passed away. It is precisely because Xiao Wei traveled from the past to the future that she was able to meet Sang-ryun in 1999.
The music school and the piano practice room serve as the settings where the two meet and create memories. These spaces evoke images of purity and beauty, yet they are also closed-off, secretive places cut off from the outside world. They are, therefore, ideal settings for the birth of their love, memories, and secrets.
This setting is also ideal for romantic developments. Within the everyday setting of a school, there exists a piano practice room cut off from the outside world, and within it, the real world connects with a different temporal realm. The moment a familiar space suddenly leads to an unreal world, the audience feels an even stronger sense of mystery.
The plot is also intriguing. While the film initially centers on the story set in 1999, the timelines of 1979 and 1999 intertwine as Xiao Wei’s past is revealed following the couple’s breakup. As the film progresses toward its climax, the tension builds, and the clues to the mystery are gradually unraveled. In the process, the story avoids clichés as it is revealed that the time gap was at the heart of all the events.
Only then do viewers come to understand Xiaowei’s strange behavior. They learn why she suddenly appeared and disappeared, why she went to such great lengths to meet Shanglun, and why she couldn’t easily reveal her secret. The moment they grasp this truth, viewers feel a deeper sense of empathy and sorrow for Xiaowei.
Xiaowei’s asthma further intensifies these emotions. Even when her health is threatened, she never stops loving Shanglun. The sight of Xiaoyu collapsing from asthma and ultimately succumbing to it evokes intense compassion in the audience.
These emotions are also linked to the concept of “pathos,” a common element in romantic films. Pathos refers to the emotional effect of evoking strong compassion in the audience through a character experiencing suffering and misfortune. As the audience watches the protagonist’s vulnerability and misfortune, they feel as if these events were happening in their own lives and come to identify with the character. This identification can lead to self-pity and ultimately creates an emotional force that penetrates deep into the heart.
In romantic films, this identification and compassion are key devices that evoke an excess of emotion.
So what about Sang-ryun?
At first, he is puzzled by Xiaoyu’s mysterious appearance and behavior, but soon finds himself unable to resist his love for her. Even though he has a father who cares for and loves him, Shanglun gives up his present life and travels back in time for the sake of an uncertain love. What a romantic and daring choice it is to stake everything on a love with no guarantee of success.
Shanglun and Xiaoyu’s love is thus premised on a sacrifice that transcends time. The two break free from the confines of the existing social structure that oppresses them and express their desires through the emotion of love. And the way they conduct themselves stands in even sharper contrast to the conservative attitudes of the characters around them.

Love Sacrificed Within a Patriarchal Society and Ideology

I do not wish to view this film merely as a beautiful and sad love story. Rather, by examining the conservative social structure and patriarchy surrounding the two protagonists, we can discover another layer of meaning in the film.
Genre films fundamentally reflect specific social ideologies. In this work as well, the supporting characters—with the exception of the two protagonists—generally exhibit conservative behavior, adhering to the existing order and norms. In contrast, Shanglun and Xiaoyu seek to break free from those norms and choose the life and love they desire.
First, Qingyao harbors a secret crush on Shanglun but is unable to actively express her feelings. She simply gazes quietly at the person she likes. Even when she finds herself in a situation where she ends up kissing Shanglun, she shows a forgiving attitude and doesn’t get overly upset. She is a kind and passive character, almost like a saint.
However, Shanglun’s heart does not actually lie with Qingyao. I believe Qingyao represents the conventional female archetype that has been forced to remain socially passive. For this reason, while Qingyao may be a pitiable character to audiences seeking to break free from the established order, she does not provide the same level of vicarious satisfaction as Xiaowei.
The person Sang-ryun loves is Xiaowei—a character who repeatedly disappears and reappears, harbors secrets, and actively expresses her love. Ironically, it is the character who breaks free from social conventions who ultimately wins the protagonist’s love.
The students in the film also generally exhibit rebellious behavior or a refusal to conform to the established order. From A-Bo and A-Lang to Xiao-Yu and Shang-Lun, and even the class president in Xiao-Yu’s class, none of them unconditionally obey their teachers or parents. Among them, Qing-Yao is closer to a quiet, well-behaved model student who doesn’t cause trouble.
However, Qingyao is merely kind; in the end, she fails to win Shanglun’s love. The students who deviate from established social norms are the ones who ultimately gain love and freedom, while Qingyao, who faithfully follows the rules, is pushed aside in the competition for love. On the other hand, Qingyao remains a student who causes no trouble whatsoever, allowing her to maintain the safest life for herself. This aspect is also intriguing.
Sang-ryun’s father is also a very conservative figure. He teaches his son to be a rule-abiding, ordinary person. His rigid conservatism is evident in the way he tells his son not to associate with friends like A-bo or A-rang. While Sang-ryun receives his father’s protection and love, his emotions are suppressed within that framework.
More importantly, Sang-ryun’s father displayed a similar attitude toward Xiao-yu twenty years ago. He refused to accept the unbelievable stories Xiao Yu told him as the truth. Instead, he treated her words as signs of a mental health issue, and as a result, Xiao Yu experienced even deeper isolation and emotional pain.
Perhaps Sang-ryun’s father’s conservative attitude—his failure to understand Xiao Yu in the past—was one of the causes of the misfortune that would befall his own son twenty years later. It is also possible to interpret that his past choice—failing to accept Xiao Wei’s sincerity—ultimately contributed to leading Shang Lun toward a dangerous outcome.
Xiao Wei’s mother is no different. She believes the teacher’s words and interprets her daughter’s story as a mental health issue, failing to fully understand the emotions and experiences Xiao Wei is going through. Xiao Wei, too, finds her emotions suppressed under her mother’s protection.
From this perspective, Shanglun and Xiaoyu are not merely characters sharing a beautiful, timeless love. They are also victims whose emotions and desires for love are not acknowledged within a conservative, patriarchal social structure.
By making choices that diverge from what their parents and society expect, they resist the established order. The audience experiences a greater sense of catharsis through this conflict and resistance. However, their love is all the more poignant because, in order to break free from that society, they must ultimately risk death.
The attitudes of the characters toward Daeyong, a person with a disability who works at the school in the film, are also noteworthy.
Daeyong is a character whose story is not fully respected by his former friends and teachers. Their tendency to not listen to what he says or to ignore him reveals societal prejudice toward people with disabilities.
However, Qingyao treats Daeyong kindly. Even when Daeyong prevents her from meeting Sang-ryun, Xiaoyu smiles at him rather than getting angry. Sang-ryun, too, is kissing Qingyao—mistaking her for Xiaoyu—in the piano practice room when he hears Daeyong calling out for Xiaoyu; believing Daeyong’s words, he runs out of the practice room.
In this scene, Shanglun trusts Daeyong’s words, which others would readily dismiss. Amid a social climate marked by prejudice toward people with disabilities, Shanglun, Xiaoyu, and Qingyao are portrayed as characters who respect Daeyong.
This narrative setup makes the film’s ideological interpretation even more intriguing. The teacher—who holds a high social status and is Shanglun’s father—fails to truly understand the sincerity of others. In the past, he failed to properly respect Xiaoyu, and now he does not fully understand his son Sang-ryun’s feelings. His attitude of dismissing Daeyong’s words during Xiaoyu’s counseling session also reveals his conservatism.
Sang-ryun’s father always speaks as if he has his students’ and his son’s best interests at heart. However, he fails to listen to their true feelings and dismisses thoughts he cannot understand as unnecessary distractions. This applies equally to his students and his only son.
In contrast, Shanglun accepts and understands A-bo and A-rang—who are viewed as problem students—without prejudice. While the teachers and his father do not acknowledge them, Shanglun accepts his friends just as they are.
In the behavior of these adults, I see the conservatism of our society—a trait that remains largely unchanged, both in the past and the present. The tendency to fail to respect individual thoughts and personalities while imposing existing norms has not changed significantly even after 20 years.
In particular, the premise that Sang-ryun’s father and Dae-yong remain at the same school—both 20 years ago and 20 years later—feels symbolic. Of course, the two characters’ roles and attitudes differ, but the fact that they continue to exist within the unchanging space of the school evokes a social structure that has persisted for a long time. Perhaps the image of a society that cannot accept new ideas and remains stagnant is projected onto that space.
Ultimately, Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei are unable to adapt to such a society and make the extreme sacrifice of their lives. Perhaps the conflict in this film existed from the very beginning between Sang-ryun’s father and Xiao Wei. And it is within that conflict that Sang-ryun becomes the victim.
If so, why do these two sacrifice themselves so completely for love?
I’d also like to highlight the fact that both protagonists grew up in single-parent households. Shanglun lives with his single father, and Xiaoyu lives with her single mother. They share the common experience of growing up with one parent absent.
Of course, we cannot conclude that a lack of love arises simply because they come from single-parent households. However, in this film, it appears that the loneliness and feelings of not being understood that both characters experience in their relationships with their parents lead to a strong desire for love.
Xiaoyu grew up without a father and experiences loneliness caught between her mother and teachers who do not believe her story. She travels to the future in search of someone who will understand and accept her. From a psychoanalytic perspective, this can be interpreted as her journey to find the “Other” she yearns for.
Sang-ryun, too, feels oppressed by his father, who does not truly understand him. Through his love for Xiaoyu, he seeks to escape his present life and ultimately returns to the past for her sake.
Both protagonists are dissatisfied with the present they inhabit and set out toward another world.
However, we know that simply moving to another world does not guarantee the complete fulfillment of all their desires. This is because human desires are rarely fully satisfied.
Nevertheless, the protagonists continue to move relentlessly toward the love they yearn for. As the audience witnesses their pain and sacrifice, they feel a sense of heartbreak and, at the same time, become emotionally immersed in the story, recognizing its parallels to their own lives.
Perhaps this is why we continue to seek out romantic films, even though we know the plots are predictable. Even though we know the film’s ending does not signify a complete resolution, we feel catharsis in watching the protagonists move toward love. This is because, in our own reality, not all desires can be perfectly fulfilled.
Viewing the film’s ending from this perspective makes it even more intriguing.
Sang-ryun plays a secret piece in the old piano room, which is being demolished, and travels back in time. I believe the demolition of this old piano room symbolizes the collapse of the existing conservative system. However, the process of that system’s collapse comes with the risk of death and sacrifice that Sang-ryun must endure.
Sang-ryun eventually returns to the past to reunite with Xiao Wei, and the film offers a hopeful ending by showing the two of them together in a graduation photo. This feels as though it signifies that the two have been liberated from the desire for love that could not be fulfilled in the present.
Yet a sense of sadness lingers in that ending. This is because, in the year 1999—the time from which Shanglun departed—Xiaoyu had already passed away. Even if the two found love in the past, the love that could not be realized in the present, along with the sacrifices made in the process, do not simply vanish.
Therefore, I find it difficult to accept the film’s ending as mere happiness. Alongside the relief that their love was fulfilled, I am reminded of the lives and time they had to abandon for that love.
Ultimately, while this film uses the format of a romantic drama to depict a love that transcends time, it also explores, beneath the surface, conservative social structures, suppressed individual desires, and the stories of characters striving to break free from that oppression through love.
Although it employs magical elements like a fairy tale, it makes the audience feel as though this is a love that could actually happen in real life. And it is an even more intriguing work in that it weaves conflicts resembling our own reality into that fantasy.

Why is ‘The Unspeakable Secret’ such a unique romantic fantasy?

Romantic films inherently possess anti-realistic characteristics. This is because they use coincidental events and exaggerated situations to make the audience naturally accept stories that would be unlikely to happen in real life.
However, this does not mean that romantic films are completely detached from reality. They are based on emotions and relationships that can be experienced in real life, but the situations are constructed to be a bit more coincidental and dramatic.
So, what is the most important element that sets ‘Secret’ apart from other romantic films?
It is precisely the combination of realistic romantic emotions with the fantasy element of time travel.
In typical romantic films, realistic barriers—such as differences in wealth, social status, class, family opposition, or extramarital affairs—hinder the protagonists’ love. However, in this film, what stands in the way of the two lovers is a 20-year time gap. It is an unrealistic barrier that cannot be overcome in reality.
Sang-ryun and Xiao-wei are portrayed from the very beginning as characters with a mysterious aura. They are unique characters who might exist in reality but are rarely encountered. Furthermore, the premise that playing the sheet music titled “Secret” allows them to leap across a 20-year time gap is, in itself, impossible in reality. This sheet music effectively serves as a time machine.
Yet, while watching the film, this premise doesn’t feel overly unrealistic. Why is that?
I believe the reason lies in the fact that the film places the two protagonists within the context of music from the very beginning.
The audience first becomes emotionally immersed in the beautiful piano melodies, the school setting, and the pure love between the two characters. In the process, while feeling curious about Xiaoyu’s mysterious behavior, they naturally accept the emotions shared between her and Shanglun. It is only after the audience has already fully identified with the music and the love story that the true nature of the secret sheet music and the possibility of time travel are revealed.
Consequently, even when the unrealistic premise is revealed, the audience does not easily feel a sense of rejection. This is because they are already deeply immersed in the protagonists’ emotions.
The plot structure—which first draws the audience in emotionally before revealing the fantastical secret—is one of this film’s greatest strengths. I believe it is thanks to this structure that the story, which could easily have been perceived as merely a fantasy film, was successfully crafted into a clear-cut romantic drama.
Ultimately, the film’s focus is not on time travel itself, but on the desire of two people to find love through it. The fantasy elements serve merely as a means to make that love more dramatic and mysterious.
Another interesting aspect is the similarities between the two protagonists. While typical romantic films emphasize the differences between the two leads, this film instead creates an insurmountable barrier of time between characters who share many commonalities.
Sang-ryun and Xiao-wei are both students studying piano at a music school. Although they live in different eras, they are similar in age at the time they meet and share a common talent for the piano. They also share the fact that Sang-ryun lives with his single father, while Xiao-wei lives with her single mother.
It is all the more heartbreaking that these two people, who are so similar, suffer not because of differences in their real-life circumstances, but because of the unrealistic gap in time. What these two lack is not love for one another. It is solely the possibility of existing together in the same time.
I believe these shared traits and family backgrounds have also influenced their personalities. Sang-ryun has a home-oriented, sensitive, and gentle nature, while Xiao Wei is mysterious yet proactive when it comes to love. Perhaps they each embody traits resembling the parent they lack. This is because Sang-ryun seems to exhibit traits traditionally considered feminine, while Xiao-wei displays an assertiveness typically seen as masculine.
These characterizations further demonstrate that the two have broken free from traditional patriarchal gender roles.
It is also interesting that Jay Chou personally wrote the film’s story and took on the roles of director and lead actor. Given his career as a musician, it is likely no coincidence that he placed the piano at the center of the film. In fact, it is known that he incorporated his own musical experiences and memories from his school days into the film.
Of course, one cannot definitively label the entire film as the director’s autobiography. However, I believe Jay Chou’s personal experiences and love for music are evident throughout the film. This is because it appears as though he has taken his own childhood memories, added a touch of fantasy, and crafted them into a new love story.
In this film, Jay Chou showcases not only his directorial skills but also his acting abilities and musical talent. In particular, the performance scenes that showcase his exceptional piano skills emphasize the characters’ charm while simultaneously enhancing the film’s musical quality.
Perhaps he wanted to express his own love story through music—the medium he knows best. Choosing the romantic drama genre and blending music and fantasy within it may have been the most effective way for him to showcase his strengths.
I believe the director’s artistic vision is clearly evident in this regard, as he created a new world by adding a touch of fantasy to his real-life experiences.
The film’s ending also reflects the characteristics of the romantic drama genre.
Romantic films often presuppose sadness and may lead to tragic endings. However, ‘Secret’ does not end as a tragedy alone. Although Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei cannot be together in the present, they gain the possibility of reuniting and being together in the past.
That said, it’s difficult to definitively call it a perfect happy ending. This is because the couple’s lives after that are not depicted in detail. The film offers hope without spelling out a clear future. It leaves room for the audience to imagine the story’s continuation on their own.
This ending makes the emotions of the romantic drama linger even longer. While feeling relieved that the two have reunited, viewers are left wondering what kind of lives they will lead from here on. Furthermore, when one recalls the risks Sang-ryun took to travel back in time, the loneliness Xiao-wei endured, and the tragedy of time that surrounded them, it is difficult to conclude the film with a simple sense of happiness.
The film also incorporates elements of fantasy and mystery. The old sheet music, present from the very beginning, gradually reveals its secrets as the film progresses, and Sang-ryun sets out to uncover Xiao-wei’s true identity and the mysteries of time. This mystery-driven structure draws the audience into not only the love story but also the process of solving the case.
It is a film that is both a musical and a romance, while simultaneously embodying the characteristics of fantasy and mystery genres.
In particular, the old piano room in the latter half of the film is the space where these genre elements converge most powerfully. As demolition proceeds, Shang Lun plays the piano; this fantastical scene—where a familiar space transforms alongside the passage of time—conveys both the desperation and urgency of love.
Here, playing the piano is not merely about creating beautiful music. It is the last resort to return to the one he loves, and a desperate choice to abandon his present and journey to another time. The act of playing music becomes, in itself, an act of moving toward love.
I believe this is the most special meaning that music holds in ‘Secret’.
Ultimately, this film follows the typical conventions of the romantic drama while evolving those conventions into a new form through music and fantasy. Although it features familiar elements—such as beautiful natural scenery, romantic settings, idealized male and female leads, a love triangle, misunderstandings, separations, reunions, and sacrifices for love—at its core lies a secret musical score that allows the characters to transcend time.
Music sparks love, conveys the couple’s emotions, amplifies the pain of separation, and ultimately creates the possibility of a reunion. In the process, the audience becomes emotionally immersed in the music and naturally accepts even the unrealistic concept of time travel.
Furthermore, Sang-ryun and Xiao Wei choose their own love and desires rather than conforming to existing social norms. Their choices entail sacrifice, but it is precisely that sacrifice that makes their love all the more poignant. I believe their love transcends the simple fantasy of time travel to reveal a desire to break free from the social order that oppresses them.
In fact, even after the movie ends, I’m not entirely convinced that their love has been perfectly resolved. We cannot know their future, nor can we easily forget the weight of the time and lives they had to sacrifice for love. Yet it is precisely this uncertainty and heartbreak that leave an even stronger emotional resonance.
These two people stake everything they have to achieve a love that seems impossible in reality, and in the process, they even transcend the barriers of time through music. Their story is as beautiful as a fairy tale, yet it simultaneously evokes the shortcomings and pain inherent in real-life love.
Ultimately, ‘Secret’ is a work that blends music, romance, fantasy, and mystery, yet at its core lies humanity’s desperate longing for love. Jay Chou utilized the medium he knows best—music—to transform that desire into a beautiful and mysterious film.
The fact that he wrote the story, directed the film, and played the lead role himself feels less like a mere coincidence and more like an inevitable choice to express his own unique world. Born from the fusion of his musical experience and fantastical imagination, this film may even contain another story about the director himself.
So, what was the true secret that, as the film’s title suggests, could never be revealed?
Was it the secret of the sheet music that transcends time, or was it the desperate human desire to sacrifice everything for a love that could never be realized in reality?
Perhaps the very emotion of love that Jay Chou concealed within the film through his music and imagination is the “unspeakable secret” that we can never forget.