Dealing with sensitive issues like mental illness is not for everyone. Addressing these issues requires a lot of study and a lot of sensitivity. The mind, still so recently explored, is full of complexities. The brain has not yet been fully unraveled. However, thanks to science and the advancement of psychology, we can understand and normalize our differences.
One of my first experiences with the autism topic was the Big Bang Theory series, when I was about 12-14 years old. But since I didn't watch often, I wasn't aware of the characteristics of the main character, Sheldon Cooper.
The moment I really got to know about was watching the non-childlike animation Mary & Max. Max has Asperger's syndrome, a certain degree of autism (The same as Sheldon). The plot, which at the same time is beautiful because it is an unconventional friendship, is heavy in showing the difficulties of Max, and even Mary, who develops depression. By the time I watched it, I was just 16 years old and the film had a big impact for me.
And then, at the age of 20, I watched Atypical, which took a completely different approach, more similar to that of Big Bang Theory because it is a sitcom, but with the theme totally focused on autism. I believe the magic of cinema lies in debating taboos, allowing us to get to know other realities and promoting inclusion. The plot of family members from denial to acceptance is the reality of many families, where in many cases they sometimes do not even look for a diagnosis and treatment.
Last year Netflix released a kdrama called Its Okay Not to be Okay. As I am a big fan of Korean series, I watched, but I was surprised by the depth of the series that addresses various mental disorders. The background of the series takes place in a Psychiatric clinic. Similar to Orange is the New Black’s episode script, the episodes tell us the story of each patient. The main couple is formed by a writer of more obscure children's fairy tales and the boy is a nurse in the psychiatric clinic. But the real star of the series is his older brother Moon Sang Tae, who is autistic.
Sang Tae's arch is one of the most engaging and exciting I've ever seen. He leaves a brother dependent on the younger brother for a man in search of his emotional and financial independence. About dealing with your fears within your own world and teaching others to be free as well. Actor Oh Jung-se was phenomenal in his role, managing to captivate audiences with his fun, creative character and managing to make an excellent representation about autism. His character's success was such that an autistic boy made a virtual request so he could go out with Sang-Tae. Oh Jung himself did not hesitate and left with the boy characterized by his character.
The series is very rich in reflections, inspiring messages and with a high dramatic load. But like most Korean dramas, there is always a hint of comedy. The production and art direction are also impeccable, from the costumes to the animations. I am extremely happy to see oriental series having such reach and success. Here in Brazil the audience was so big that a book publisher translated the main character's children's books to sell here too (I already bought two in the pre-sale!).
In conclusion, it is important for cinema to allow us to immerse ourselves in other realities and cultures, allowing us to understand others, welcome others. Films and series like these inspire me to believe in a better and more egalitarian world.
I hope you enjoyed!
About Oh Jung: https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/oh-jung-se-spent-a-day-with-a-fan-at-lotte-world-a483-20200731