'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' is, indeed, the drama of the year for me along with Hospital Playlist and Extracurricular. I have to say, I haven't watched all the 2020 dramas so keep that in mind. But yeah.
I want to talk about why I gave the story a 9/10 first: yes, the plot was interesting af and it's really addicting... but. There has to be a but, right? It is indeed true that there were some lacking things? I won't actually mention them to avoid spoilers, but yes, there were certain parts on the episodes that left me kinda 'empty', not filled up enough. Still, the drama is indeed about healing and it deals with that on a really realistic way. The fact that healing also includes Sang Tae, who is a character with autism, is also something that adds up a lot to the plot. We get to see things from his point of view too, which is super interesting.
The acting is marvelous. To be honest, the acting that impressed me the most wasn't Kim Soo Hyun's or Seo Ye Ji's but Oh Jung Se. Portraying an autistic person is really hard and he did it so good... he made it look so effortless, so natural. And yes, there were parts where Seo Ye Ji's acting also shocked me, as well as Kim Soo Hyun's, but long-term it was Oh Jung Se's, everything be said.
Ko Mun Yeong (Seo Ye Ji) is a book writer. Well, for children. On some episodes we get to 'read' her books along with different characters and I found this really amazing! The books were so good, always leaving a deep message behind, and the illustrations that came with it really impressed me for good.
The OST is one of my favorites along with Hotel Del Luna's and Goblin's. I was always waiting for a new track to drop. Especially the english ones, I just loved them. I kept the OST on repeat for weeks and sometimes I still do.
Overall, the drama in general is different than what we're used to. With a role-reversal that actually worked AND not changing throughout the episodes, it makes you feel what the characters are feeling and is addicting af. I loved Ko Mun Yeong, I lived for her scenes. Don't get me wrong, Gang Tae's scenes were also really interesting and I loved them, but Ko Mun Yeong just had something. The chemistry was AMAZING and their kisses... oh well. You'll have to see yourself.
I recommend this 10/10. It's something really different and the plot is interesting, the acting is perfect as well as the OST and it leaves you wanting more after every episode. Weekends were the best days of the week while it was airing, I swear, you won't regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Rapunzel but she's basically hungry all the time.
I can't believe I didn't start this show sooner! I laughed, I cried, I squealed, and I loved every minute of it. I absolutely loved this show. I really liked how unpredictable this story and the characters were. I also really enjoyed the whole fairytale and book writing aspect of it. I'm so glad I went into this show not knowing too much about it. I personally think the ending was perfect and tied up fairly well. If you are undecided or debating to watch this show, don't overthink it and just start!Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Now on to what I didn't like so much. I know I'll probably get some flak for this but I could not stand Moon Sang Tae. The character was just incredibly annoying. I desperately wanted him to have a smaller role in the show. I simply found everything about him infuriating. Yes, this was partly because of his autism and how that manifested in his character but it was mostly because of how he affected his brother. He was very selfish and it made me sad every time Gang Tae suffered because of him. Related to that I found Moon Gang Tae's character arc frustrating at times. His arc at first seems to be about learning how to take care of himself and putting his needs above those of others for once. But that arc is never realized. He stagnates halfway through due to guilt over his brother. I wish he had more character development. I also really disliked the plotline surrounding Ko Moon Young's mother. It simply made no sense. It was a huge plot hole within an otherwise very coherent show. To avoid spoilers that is all I'll say.
Overall I did really like the show but it wasn't the greatest kdrama I've ever seen. I'm happy others loved it even more than I did but it was just okay for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
Rollercoaster
It’s so refreshing to watch a kdrama what goes about psychiatry. I am happy that they make this drama. I heard a lot off this drama, but haven’t watched it till recent. Because it didn’t really attracted me. When I started I became right to the start addicted. The cast where so good. Especially the brother from ML who plays a autistic boy. Great job! I really believed he had autisem. The ML & FL had really great chemistry. The both has been hurt in the past and together they became eachother strength. In this drama there are a lot off emotions like a rollercoaster, but it’s a really good story, acting and drama. Hopefully with this story a lot more people will understand and accept what it is like to have autism of have a psychiatric disease.This is a must watch! If you want something refreshing than this is it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Drama That You'll Recommend Even After Decades Later
Likes:* The way the writer/producers interpret well-known fairy tales into a darker version with the intention of motivating you to face the harsh reality head-on instead of daydreaming a happy ending.
* High degree of chemistry between the leads. Seo Ye Ji and Oh Jung Se were phenomenal! They shall receive an award for their outstanding performances!
* Supporting roles that acted so well - I was either rooting for the good ones or hating on the evil ones!
* Amazingly beautiful visuals.
* Tear-jerking subplots of the hospital patients.
* Indirectly educating audiences to be empathetic towards other people who seems to be different to you.
Dislikes:
* The little plot holes towards the end but nahhhh, it's forgiven.
Was this review helpful to you?
Stop reading reviews. Just go and watch it!
A cursory check indicates that there are 50 pages of review on this drama to date so I shall not waste bandwidth in a detailed review but just provide a few succinct observations.To put it bluntly, this is an amazing healing drama. The setting, the story (and I mean story, not plot) and the acting from the ensemble cast are all superb. Our leads will make you swoon, laugh and cry.
However, this show is not for everyone. The presentation of mental health issues and persons with disabilities are subject matters fraught with challenges. Productions will never get it just "right". It is your own interpretation and your call. I respect that.
Ditto, the storytelling will be polarising as well. The setting is not strongly rooted in reality so there are times when you feel like you are watching a story within a story. Your mileage will differ.
There are some wrinkles in the plot. They are minor and might induce an occasional "eh?". The more you immerse into their world, the less you'd care.
Somehow I missed this show when it first aired. Better late than never! I can recommend this show unreservedly.
Was this review helpful to you?
Do not miss this drama! 100000% Must watch
This drama...Oh my where do I even start?!
Right from the first episode I was hooked to the story , the characters, the flow , everything was perfectly placed and every episode was a journey in itself.
STORY: This drama revolves around three people tied down by fate and destiny , others call it an “ill-fated” relationship which they turned into something so much more deeper, stronger , more beautiful and lovely. Almost every episode had me smiling , crying , healing , thinking , going nuts Every emotion I could comprehend.
What a story, the storytelling is so beautifully done that every nook and cranny is clear and audience receives it.
ACTING: No words! Perfect perfect cast...
I can not describe how perfect this drama is for me. Every aspect , every scene , their delivery , every emotion came across very very well. Kim Soo Hyun Couldn’t have chosen a better drama for his comeback. All of the cast did a serious commendable job.
MUSIC: Music completed the scenes tbh
Love it! Already some songs are loaded in my Spotify playlist, some slow some melody overall great and fitting music
REWATCH: So hear me out....
Sometimes when you wanna get lost in another world and not be connected to what’s happening around you , just rewatch this drama. You’ll enter into another world which is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions with lots of love , healing and deeper messages. It’s quite a deep drama. Some of you guys may not rewatch it at all because it’s deep. It depends on you.
OVERALL: This drama was a beautiful unique journey of growth, healing , self discovery, self love, and so so much more. ALSO THERE ARE SOME PRETTY HILARIOUS SCENES DUDE ,. Watch it because it’s worth the time. You will feel things which will make you think, think a lot about a lot of things. You will cry , laugh , smile, scream, and cheer along with the characters of this drama. Simply beautiful. There are only very few dramas which are Beautiful and this one right now is owning that throne for me.
Thank you to the producers and directors for giving us this good beautiful drama!
Was this review helpful to you?
it makes you feel things
my boyfriend doesn't like kdramas but he absolutely loved this one and I think it says a lot about the kind of drama this is. It's sensible, beautiful and poetic, it speaks to every kind of person. even if you don't like kdramas, even if you don't like romance or the characters in this, you'll understand the meaning behind and it will speak to your heart.many times you'll get yourself thinking about you, about your childhood or your traumas. It teaches a beautiful lesson about how to deal with those things. It is a masterpiece!
(English is not my first language)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Its okay for the show to be okay
So I believe everything is perfect about the show. From the production to the music, acting, cinematography, characters, art design, story (well almost). As other reviewers have already mentioned how this is a character-driven drama and mostly focuses on the healing of the 3 main characters among other patients in the hospital.There are a lot of things I loved about this drama. I loved the focus on mental health awareness. There were a lot of side characters whose story was really beautiful and it made me tear up a bit. The show respects all its patients and takes great care of them. Some of them were healed and some of them obviously were in progress.
I loved the writing aspect of the show. The storybook concept was beautifully crafted with the inner lives of our leads and other patients, so it gives a second layer of storytelling to help us understand their struggles. The art again was very well done.
I loved the acting in the show. the actor who played Sang Tae was amazing. Our main romantic leads also had amazing chemistry and the female lead was a revelation to me. I usually don't like KSH, but I really liked him here.
Now let's talk about characters and their development. The best development was obviously among the 2 brothers. their relationship really evolved during the show to not only make them less co-dependent but to value each other more as people and as family. I loved Ju-Ri's mom and other side characters specially Jae-Su Gang Tae's friend and MY's colleagues. Even Ju-Ri and the manager's brief romance was cute. I was a little disappointed was with our female lead whom I found kind of irritating. Because of her personality disorder, every time she would do something chaotic, the viewers will have to rationalize that behavior (its clever writing to excuse her behavior though). Also, I wanted to understand how her APD works but that plot was soon forgotten in the later episodes. I predicted her mom plot in EP-10 itself, but that itself was extremely undercooked.
I totally understand the writer's perspective that MY's craziness was required for Gang Tae to help him release his pent-up frustration and she might be good for him overall. but as a viewer watching MY harass Gang-Tae was uncomfortable to watch. It is why I've left many dramas like Oh My Ghostess.
So while everything was amazing on paper, I seriously could get myself to care about any of the main characters. The plot in itself was extremely draggy, and I myself wanted to drop the show many times. Even the romance could not get me hooked as I was not invested in the romance. Also, like another reviewer mentioned I have a low tolerance for self-loathing and pity so while it can a great drama for others, for me it was meh. But yes I completely appreciate the team behind the show.
Was this review helpful to you?
Storyline - something new, addictive for me, the twists and turns are unexpected! I did cry on some episodes that are really heartbreaking.
Music - loved the OST! I saved it on my spotify playlists.
If you haven't seen this drama, I highly recommend it! Worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
~One of my comfort dramas~
I watched this drama when it was airing and I was absolutely in love with this drama, the plot, soundtrack, the trio and Ko Moon Young fashion sense OMG I want her closet<------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
●I love how there were different ships going on all through the drama from Moon Young and Gang Tae, the nurse and the manager, Moon Tae best friend and the assistant and the 2 patients etc.
●The animation was sooo beautiful and haunting.
●The scene where Moon Young has sleep paralysis is still soo haunting even after 3 years later amazing acting you can hear the pain and fear in that scream.
●I love how sassy that assistant is I'm sooo happy for herself and Jae So I also love how close both actors are with each other
●I love the animations though some of them were really creepy and made me have goosebumps.
● The storyline with the 2 patients were just soo cute they loved each other soo much
●I love how at the end of each episode there were bts (behind the scenes not the band) or the post-credits scenes.
<------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT I'VE LEARNED 3 YEARS LATER (it hasn't changed my love for this drama)
<------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
●At the time it was airing I loved Ko Moon Young "badass attitude" but I've realised that her attitude wasn't cool or powerful it was pretty sure much like a child having a tantrum also he almost killed Moon Gang Tae.
●The plot twist of the nurse being Ko Moon Young mother didn't make any sense AT ALL, we literally saw her father dumping her in the sea and she just resurrected from the dead like HOW DOES THAT WORK????
●Now that I know what the scandal I don't really think much of it I hate how the scandal covers Seo Yea Ji amazing acting skills also I feel this scandal is very one sided it was all "she is soo toxic" "she is soo controlling" "she ruined his life" but remember it takes 2 to tango both parties were toxic to each other but whatever not here to create drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
