It's Okay! (2023)

A Gentle Reminder that Being Yourself is Enough

This gentle, heartfelt film leans into simplicity with purpose. It doesn’t aim to overwhelm or dazzle, but rather invites you to walk alongside its characters—a high school girl bursting with youthful independence and joy, and an art director whose life is composed, successful, but hollow at its core. Through their unlikely interactions, the film draws a clear contrast between spirited spontaneity and the numbing routine of adulthood

This movie is about living, not just surviving. Our high school protagonist is the embodiment of sunshine: unafraid to speak her mind, pursue her passions, or weather her hardships. She's a character who brings energy to the screen, even when things aren't going her way. On the other side, the art director—stoic, emotionally distant, and quietly dissatisfied—offers a muted counterbalance, someone who seems to have it all but feels little

Though the movie itself centers on female voices and perspectives, it doesn’t exclude others. A handful of male characters thread into the story in modest, supportive roles—neither glorified nor villainized, but present enough to flesh out the world. Their inclusion adds texture without overshadowing the film’s core focus. It's not trying to be a sweeping masterpiece; it's more like a personal letter—understated but meaningful

Visually, the film is clean and warm. It doesn't push stylistic boundaries, but it doesn't need to. The strength lies in the quiet observations of daily life—the small triumphs, the silent battles, and the moments when characters are allowed to simply breathe. And that’s where this movie truly succeeds

It reminds you that:
Whenever tribulations arise, it’s fine to take a breather
Wherever life doesn't flow as it used to, it’s alright to slow down
And whatever you're facing, it’s okay to be yourself—maybe even light up someone else's day along the way

While this may not be groundbreaking, it is whole-hearted and beautifully envisioned. Just as its title promises—it’s okay, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need

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Reminded me when I still believe in dreams

Once you are #Forever28 everything changes. You learn contentment. You discover that happiness lies with simply being alive. You stop believing in dreams. You just live and enjoy whatever comes to you.

But when you're a teenager, the world is a mystery. You have very colourful and grand dreams. You have the drive to achieve those dreams. To fight for it no matter what.

That was what IRe's character represented. A teenager whose dreams were almost destroyed after the universe threw forced her to become an adult early. She learned to be happy with what life throws at her. She learned that being alive is itself more than enough.

But her close encounter with her mentor put a stop to it. She encouraged her to fulfill her dreams. To fight for it. And her mentor was right. Once you embrace adulthood, things will change. Dreams will no longer matter.

If it doesn't work, the important thing is you tried instead of giving up because life wants you to become an adult already. No regrets.

IRe's character is that person. No regrets. She almost embraced adulthood but she was protected by an adult who cares.

I hope, like me, you saw these things as well, dear reader. If you're #Forever28 too, it also reminds us that we should help protect teenagers from facing adulthood earlier than they should.

We all know how once we're adults, we will no longer be able to come back to the days when we were teenagers filled with dreams.

Dreams. They are precious. It defines the rest of our mortal life. Protect it.

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