If you're looking for a drama that is fun, touching, and offers great insights into mental health, 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' is the perfect answer in 2020. This drama is not just an ordinary romantic comedy; it takes us deep into the world of characters who all have their own issues, from the male lead caring for his autistic brother, the antisocial fairy tale writer female lead, to the supporting characters hiding pain behind smiles. The cinematography is cinematic, the soundtrack is beautiful, and the acting is captivating, making this drama a must-watch at least once in a lifetime.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story of Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a psychiatric ward caregiver who lives with responsibility and patience for his older brother Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se), who has autism. They move frequently because his brother likes fortune-telling and needs to find a place with a big tree. One day, he meets Ko Moon-young (Seo Ye-ji), a famous children's book author with a cold and antisocial personality. She becomes interested in Gang-tae because she sees him as a 'prince' in the fairy tales she writes. The two begin a relationship that gradually heals each other's emotional wounds. The drama unfolds as we learn about each character's past traumas, especially the relationship between mother and child, and the meaning of 'family'.
Acting and Characters
Kim Soo-hyun as Moon Gang-tae brilliantly portrays exhaustion and a forced smile, making the audience feel the discomfort of suppressing his emotions. Seo Ye-ji as Ko Moon-young delivers a powerful performance, turning a seemingly scary and cold character into someone charming and sympathetic. Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae creates an autistic character that is realistic and endearing, winning viewers' hearts. Park Kyu-young as Nam Ju-ri adds warmth as a supportive friend. Every character has depth and clear development, making us feel connected.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Park Shin-woo and screenwriter Jo Yong create a drama that is both beautiful and profound. The cinematography stands out with vibrant colors, especially in scenes involving Ko Moon-young, contrasting sharply with Moon Gang-tae's gloomy world. The drama also incorporates short animated fairy tale sequences that artistically reflect each episode's themes. The soundtrack by Nam Hye-seung is another highlight, with songs like "Breath" and "Wake Up" enhancing the emotional intensity.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team believes this drama goes beyond a romantic love story, delving deeply into psychological issues such as autism, antisocial personality disorder, depression, and trauma. It challenges the definition of 'normal' and self-acceptance. The main message, 'It's okay to not be okay,' is something Thai society still lacks discussion about. The drama effectively reduces the stigma of mental health issues and shows that healing begins with opening up and accepting one's own pain.
Verdict
It's Okay to Not Be Okay is a must-watch for anyone seeking healing. The story is warm yet carries palpable pain. The acting and production are excellent, perfect for those who enjoy dramas with love, humor, and meaningful insights about self-acceptance.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Excellent performances from all lead and supporting actors
- +Beautiful cinematography and outstanding art direction
- +Soundtrack is lovely and matches the drama's mood
👎 Cons
- −Some parts are slow-paced and drawn out
- −Some character backstories are not resolved as deeply as they could be
Top Cast
FAQ
The drama has a total of 16 episodes, each about 70-80 minutes long.
It's suitable for those who like romantic comedy mixed with drama, mental health themes, and beautiful cinematography.
There are scenes involving psychological violence and mild self-harm, but nothing too brutal.
No, this is the only project where they have worked together.
