Not Me (2021)

Freedom is the oxygen of the soul

Not me has to be one of the best Thai BLs I’ve ever watched. I’ve seen the praise for it for months, so I came in with high expectations and I can tell you I was NOT disappointed.

STORY/PLOT : 7.5/10
The premise of this show was interesting from start to end, you could really tell the writers/directors put a lot of thought and purpose into it. The balance between action, mystery, social commentary, and romance was handled well for the most part and you don’t see that in a lot of BLs. The only gripe I have with this would be the pacing and a few plot holes. The first few episodes were pretty slow and more than once it felt a little too convoluted, but after I’d say, episode 6 or so, the pace really picked up and things definitely got a lot more interesting. Also, the ending.. I was happy with it because who doesn’t like a hopeful ending? But it was bit too quick or..easy for me, I guess. It really just left things to be desired.

CHARACTERS: 9.5/10
Each character was charming in their own way. I don’t think there was a character on screen that I wasn’t completely engaged in. Really liked how the female characters had goals and passions and were just overall PEOPLE and not one dimensional objects to help push the m/m romance along. Not only romance, but the friendships in this show were so refreshing, I will always love a good found family trope. Some characters weren’t as developed as I’d liked by the end, but I’d blame that on just not having enough time to flesh everyone out.

ROMANCE: 10/10
Sean and White’s build up to romance was refreshingly gradual and very cute to see. Seeing a couple just exist unapologetically queer, clear consent, and healthily developed was such a breath of fresh air and I loved every second of it. My favorite couple of this series though, has to go to Yok and Dan. The scene where they first arrived at Dan’s hide out and Yok was sketching him honestly made me tear up a little and solidified their chemistry and romance for me. The inevitable betrayal hurt so good and the forgiveness in the end, a promise to help pick up the pieces lost and hopefully build them back stronger, was beautiful to watch.

ACTING/CAST: 10/10
Gun (White/Black) has done it again. Absolutely phenomenal acting especially with such a difficult task of playing 2 different characters. The way you could clearly see the contrast between White and Black just goes to show how much work and effort he put into this role. I loved Off (Sean) in this role, I’m telling you, it felt like it came so naturally to him. Every facial expression and longing glance, you could tell he really embodied this character. First (Yok), Mond (Gram), Papang (Gumpa), and Fluke (Dan), all deserve their flowers too, not one character felt one dimensional or awkward, they all each had their own personality, faults, and goals, and it was really great to see.

MUSIC: 10/10
Loved it. Music can make or break a scene and ruin immersion but the way this team utilized it had me hooked and really did add to the tone of the episodes. Also appreciated the fact that they didn’t use any comedic sound effects in this show, definitely helped with the mature angle they went for.

PRODUCTION/CINEMATOGRAPHY: 10/10
Holy. Shit. I can say this with 100% certainty, I have never seen a BL look this good. I don’t know how many times I was just staring at my screen in awe, replaying a scene over and over because of how damn good it looked. Everything from the camera work, to the locations, to the clothing, to the lighting had a purpose to help tell this story and god damn did it work. The details they put into this production was absolutely jaw dropping.

OVERALL/TLDR: 9.5/10
This show is more than a BL. It’s a story of pain, heartbreak, social justice, corruption, but most of all hope. I will never stop recommending this. The shots were breathtaking, the characters felt real, the story was engaging, and it definitely surpassed any expectations I had going into it! ♡

Lire davantage

Punk rock poetry in a boys' love dream.

Motorcycles, street art, social justice, rooftops, parkour, strong women, LGBTQ+ pride, and boys’ love…what more could you ask for? All my favorite things aside XD, this show is exceptionally well made in many ways. Great writing, engaging story, beautifully filmed, nuanced acting. So fulfilling, and I'm not even talking about the soy milk :D

I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this show, but it definitely wasn't to find a masterpiece of queer cinema. Most of the other BLs I've watched, even though highly recommended, are not really about queer issues. Not Me is a queer punk rock revolution, celebrating equality and fighting for social justice. Like in the rooftop scene about fear and bravery, Anucha Boonyawatana teaches us how to be brave enough to speak out, and that your voice matters.

Visually, this series is like poetry. The close-ups are raw and realistic—you can feel the detail and subtleties in the actors’ skin. The scenes are allowed to play out naturally—this was the first drama where I felt the arc leading to the first kiss was well built. The flag march, simply holding hands, then sharing secrets in White's room, then the rooftop. In that rooftop kiss, they put out the sun between their lips…and hug—it’s so simple, that new love embrace that everyone has felt, but no director has managed to capture quite so authentically.

The chemistry between the actors playing Sean and White feels unbelievably real. The love scene left me in tears. The sweetness and passion between them is so moving. Seeing the two lovers model communication and respect for each other was truly special. The ear tug, the button, the love of detail and honesty is what makes this story so memorable.

And the turning point, when Sean meets Black for the first time left me speechless. Not realizing they are twins, Sean in a way must feel he is with an abusive partner that seems to switch personalities. Black/White are like two sides of the same person battling themselves, and it's the person closest to them that ends up getting hurt. Although this last interpretation is a deeply personal one, it brings up trauma in a cathartic way.

To me, one of the most important questions the director raises in this work is whether or not a person is capable of change. "Someone who always goes with the flow cannot go against the current." Sean says this, and White responds saying that people are capable of change, otherwise we'd still be living in caves. This, along with the idea that bravery cannot exist without fear, are powerful tools for self-acceptance and growth.

For me, this show was healing. This is one of those rare times when I want to hold a story close to my heart and also share it with everyone. Only a good work of art can do that—that’s what Not Me is. It's a poetic love letter to queer artists and activists overcoming trauma. Their happy ending is what this community needs.

Anucha, you are my soul friend! Thank you to the actors, the director, and writers for this beautiful and inspiring dream.

P.S.
Take my Not Me Boyfriend quiz, and let me know what you think!:
https://mydramalist.com/games/DEDBCr

Lire davantage

Unbelievably good series

Words can’t describe enough my love for this series, i’ve watched a lot of BLs, good ones, with some of the same actors as in Not me, but none of them made me feel this suffering, pressure, hurting, the most sincere love and character development..all being acted in the purest and most natural way, that no series did, it really is an unforgettable experience..Thank you production team for this masterpiece, and to the actors i found out about, and will further follow their career growth, supporting them. I sincerely recommend it to all kind of viewers, who are at least okay with LGBTQ+ relationships, to view this series, because it doesn’t only involve love confessions with some drama, it’s about life and the will to live, inspiring you to change your mindset and be braver, live life at fullest, be happy and stay by the side of people whom you love, accept their love, accept the world as it is, accept yourself as who you are.

Lire davantage

We are all grey, a mix of white and black

Where to even start? This series delivered in all sorts of ways. I absolutely loved the imagery, the production, and the OST of the series. The imagery is extremely powerful throughout the series, through what is said, what is done and through the characters themselves.

The series addresses a plethora of different social injustices and problems. And while it might primarily focus on Thailand and its problems, it can be easily translated into the culture and system of almost any other country around the world. Rich and powerful people are often above the law or are exempt from it, how unfairly disabled people are treated in the society, the problems of homophobia and marriage inequality, the sexism… and I could go on and on. I think it delivered so many important messages. It made a statement. It also showed that people have power, but only if they stand together.

The characters were extremely complex. I feel like most of the repeating characters were extremely well developed. They weren’t just there to take up some screentime, they were there to drive the plotline and to tell their stories. All of the actors did an amazing job portraying their characters.

Black and White – I think even their names are symbolic. One is supposed to be bad while the other is supposed to be good. But the fact is, once White starts to live Black’s life, we are shown the truth. No one is just good or just bad, there is a bit of both in each of us. We are all grey, a mix of white and black. White struggled a lot to live his brother’s life, but it also taught him a lot. Something that stuck with me is that he recognized himself as part of the problem, part of that society with connections. I think we were able to see a lot of changes in his mindset. I am a bit disappointed that Black’s story is not developed more, especially with regards to what happens after. He might be shown as cold and unforgiving, but in reality, he loves his brother deeply, cares for his ex-girlfriend and would die for his friends. There was just so much more potential for developing his story further. Gun outdid himself by playing the twins. The two characters are so different, but he was able to portray each of them so clearly. You can tell exactly which twin it is just by looking at his eyes which is incredible.

Sean – he is mostly driven by hate, thirst for revenge. He is willing to risk everything, including his life to see his agenda through. But throughout the series, we get to see him open to those around him. We see him realize that causing harm to others might not be the best way to go about achieving his revenge. He might not have any family left, but he found a family at the garage. They all did, in one way or the other. And him falling for White while battling with his need to bring Tawi down, was pulled off incredibly well. Off was brilliant in his role, he really excelled in showing the emotions, the struggle of Sean.

Yok – giving First this bad boy kind of role was a smart decision. He really pulled it off well. His story is very well written. I love how he wishes to do more for the disabled people, especially after seeing how much his mom struggles with keeping a job. He does seem very impulsive at times, very bold, but with what the boys are doing, risking their lives, it seems very fitting. He doesn’t know when he might die, so he tries to make the best of the time that is given to him. He does teach us a lot about forgiveness.

Dan / UNAR – he was an interesting character. Once his identity was revealed, I knew what the plot twist would be. But there were still things that surprised me about him. It is obvious that he is carrying a lot of guilt within him, as well as resentment towards the injustices that he cannot help, change. There are a lot of inner struggles that he needs to cross. Choices that he needs to make. Hard ones. Ones that will affect people he loves, one way or the other.

Gram – can I start by saying that the silver hair looks so damn good on Mond? It really was an iconic look. He is probably one of the most supportive friends one could wish for. Not only that, but when he loves someone, he loves them fully. He is willing to let that person go if they are happy with someone else. He is very quick witted, and I love his relationship with Nunch. The two don’t really see eye to eye on many things, but they are still friends.

Let’s talk about the girls – Nunch, Namo and Eugene. Nunch is trans, something that is mentioned a few times in the series. I absolutely love the fact that she didn’t become a comic relief character. She was strong-willed and smart, outspoken, and there for her friends. Both Namo and Eugene got their hearts broken, but neither of them let that bring her down completely. They each grieved in their own way, but they both overcame that and moved on. The fact that the two had a story that went beyond just being a pretty girl in love with one of the main guys, is something I really liked.

Gumpa – he felt like a big brother, almost like a father figure to the boys. He was always there to help when they needed it. He always took care of them, he trained them and made sure they were ready to undertake all of their missions. He is smart, he can see through them quickly. I think his behavior really shows that. He knows when they need support, when they need a buffer and when they need a kick in the butt. Sadly, his story is not really developed much. I feel like he would be an interesting character to get to know better.

Todd – he is another character whose backstory was not really developed enough. The plot twist relating to him was not that surprising, his motives were though. But again, they were really not explained enough. I do like his relationship with the twins, especially Black, no matter how complex and difficult it seems to be. It’s obvious that the two care for each other, whether that is romantic or not, we might never know.

Overall, it was a good series that addressed a lot of incredibly important topics. My only complaint is that there are quite a few loose ends and lack of backstory for certain characters that makes it a bit hard to understand them and their actions.

Lire davantage

I have seen some scenes from this show so often that I don't even need the subtitles anymore.

Not Me has a large ost of free-use music, and it's all very good. Most of the show is instrumentals of those songs, but they also use the full versions. Several of the songs made it onto my favorites playlist. The acting is well done. In fact, I loved Sean and White so much that it really threw me for a loop to find out those actors don't usually act for those types of roles. I actually don't like them in other things I've seen since Not Me, but I love love love them in Not Me. All the actors really brought their A game, and even though the show had a low production value, it doesn't feel like it. There's so much heart and drama and depth to every episode. P'Nuchy really managed to make something wonderful.

SPOILERS:

Two gripes: 1, the twin connection should have been used more.
2, I've seen this show multiple times, and I still can't tell you exactly how it all worked out okay in the end. Like, politically and corporately, it ended too neatly.

Lire davantage

My favorite vigilante gang ever

Going into this knowing it was thriller/romance, I already knew I would love it. But I wasn't prepared for how powerful the social message would be. In fact, I think this turned out to be more sociopolitical, and the thriller was kind of a side dish, but as someone who loves when there are stakes for the characters outside of themselves, it was perfect to see. It made the plot seem so much bigger than I expected without ever making it feel like the main characters were over-important or had plot armor.

Character-wise, I absolutely loved SeanWhite together and as individuals — it was beautiful to watch them fall in love while dealing with the looming secret identity reveal and the stress of starting a social movement. They’re definitely the best part of the show.

The side characters were really fleshed out as well: Yok, Dan, Gram, Gumpa, and even the female characters were generally good additions to the cast.

The only character I might’ve wanted to see more of would’ve been Black, who not only had such a powerful on-screen presence thanks to Gun’s amazing acting but also was probably one of the best-written characters in the show and the perfect example of how “things unsaid” can be the most heart-wrenching things ever if the writers do it well.

Black’s best scenes were with White (once again, amazing acting) and then Todd — call it toxic but but the chemistry between them was absolutely palpable. Black/Gram was absolutely something I became invested in straightaway and I’m still sad the show went in a different direction. It’s not a deal-breaker (nothing was, considering how much I still ended up loving this show) but it’s a shame the red herring turned out to be more intriguing than the truth.

I think that’s why some people having been saying the thriller part was predictable, but I personally don’t completely agree. I don’t think it was the most twisted whodunnit, but once White joined the group (basically episode 2) it became clear that there would be so much more to the story.

Overall, such a great watch. I'm so satisfied by the ending and there are definitely scenes I'll go back to. Also — the theme song is so good, I didn't skip it ONCE.

Lire davantage

A MUST WATCH!

A MUST WATCH!

This BL series has unlocked a new level of fujoshi in me. When I started this series, I was a bit skeptical but after watching the first episode, I was completely hooked.


I would start with the title significance. I admire the fact that the title is relevant and expressive to the story. This was obviously cherry on top for this brilliant series for me.


This is not just a piece of fiction, not to me at least. 'Not Me' has displayed a variety of issues like illegal workings of the judicial system, how crime and capitalism go hand in hand. This series took a deep dive into youngsters' mindset - how they see the world and in what way they want to change it.

Sure, romance is a recurring theme but it's not at the centre which gives this work of fiction a fresh and inspiring look.

The acting was commendable along with the visuals, ost and storyline. Sure, there were some loose ends (according to me) like the development of Yok and Dan's relationship. Their ending was cute but a little fuzzy.

The chemistry of characters especially with the twin trope was commendable as well. There were stark differences between Black and White that surprisingly fit well with their ideologies and personas.

All in all, you haven't watched BL if Not Me isn't on your list. I would definitely re-watch it and recommend to my fellow BL enthusiasts.

Lire davantage

The plot itself is great. The actual script, not so great.

It's actually nice to watch a Thai BL Serie that feels more mature, and not the typical "freshmen year BL" that ends up portraying characters like high-schoolers. In fact, the strongest point of this serie is the acting (also the soundtrack), by far.
The plot itself is great. However, the actual writting (script) was far from perfect. Way too many political speeches that felt forzed (not by its content but because of its lenght and reiteration). Sometimes, all you need is 2 or 3 strong sentences to get the audience's attention, instead of a whole speech/debate in every single episode. Real changes comes with "actions", not with "words". I wish we could have seen more actions.
By the end of the serie you will be feeling conflicted. You will be feeling happyness, because the two main BL couples end up together, but you will also feel like something is missing... and there will be a lot of questions, simply because the writer forgot how real life works.

Lire davantage

Subiu o nível de forma surreal

Esse BL tem tantas camadas que é difícil definir por onde começo a falar. Dona GMMTV realmente deu o nome e o sobrenome nessa série, que com certeza foi uma divisora de águas na indústria BL tailandesa, estou citando a GMM pois é a produtora que mais vi passar pano para falas condenáveis e atitudes desprezíveis nos últimos anos.

Como eu já disse, existem muitas camadas, muita coisa acontecendo, mas o foco central está na crítica social explícita e no romance de Off e Gun. Claro que em volta deles existe um universo de situações se desenrolando, mas todas elas estão envoltas neles de alguma forma, e nada fica desfocado, todos os assuntos são tratados de forma crítica, mas com respeito e atenção. A história parte da amizade entre 5 jovens que unem de forma deveras "anarquista" para lutar contra o sistema, cada um com suas motivações pessoais, que quando somadas formam o maior ideal da vida deles: Black; Sean; Gram; Yok; Gumpa.
Com exceção de Gumpa, que é o mais velho, todos são universitários de cursos na área do direito ou de ciências humanas/políticas, justamente pelo viés ideológico que esses cursos podem alimentar em pessoas militantes não importa de que área. Até mesmo as personagens secundárias da universidade, como Eugene, que utiliza arte corporal para fazer seu protesto, e Nuch, a garota trans que sabe que precisa lutar por seus direitos, mas espera fazer isso dentro das leis e por isso quer modificá-las, bem como Namo e Dan, grafiteiros que lutam e denunciam as injustiças sociais através de seus desenhos, mesmo sendo eles de universos diferentes. Digamos que a parte privilegiada nessa luta de classes, é representada por Tawi, rico, poderoso, que concentra seus esforços em explorar pessoas pobres e cometer crimes. A parcela do meio, são as pessoas que não estão no topo, algumas inclusive são pobres e carentes de políticas públicas , que sabem que o que está acontecendo é errado, mas preferem se vender para quem pagar mais ou fingir que não estão vendo nada por medo das coisas ficarem piores do que já são, assim como a mãe de Black, possivelmente o pai de Sean, a mãe de Yok,

Desses eu gostaria de citar alguns. Comecemos com Black e White. Não sei como funcionam as leis de guarda filial na Thai, mas não consigo aceitar a forma como mostram... nesse caso, pais de gêmeos se separam, e cada um leva um filho para que eles nunca mais se vejam, que p**** é essa?
Enfim, os dois pais ficaram em países diferentes, e os filhos foram criados em ambientes totalmente distintos. White cresceu na Rússia com seu pai diplomata, onde foi educado para ser seu sucessor, onde o mundo que ele conhecia era perfeito, com exceção da ausência de seu irmão. Black cresceu na Thai com uma mãe juíza, que de tanto conhecer o sistema sabia que não era fácil lutar contra ele, e por isso mesmo não o fazia. Black cresceu revoltado com as injustiças e diferenças sociais, mesmo sendo nascido em berço de ouro. Não senti maldade nele quando ele tentou separar White e Sean, senti apenas que ele sabia da escuridão de seu mundo, das dificuldades, e não queria uma vida difícil para seu irmão. Na história deles, o que me pegou de fato foi o sumiço do pai deles da vida de White, ficou faltando uma explicação de para onde White fingiu ir, sei lá, o pai simplesmente ia deixar ele sumir assim? Outro ponto legal, foi ver que ao final Black entendeu que deveria deixar Eugene seguir sem ele, já que ele não poderia dar o amor que ela precisava.

Sean: Estudante revoltado com a morte de seu pai pela polícia, que alegou que ele era um traficante e o matou, deixando nele um ódio ao estado e aqueles que deveriam proteger os cidadãos. Ele não pensa de forma muito racional, permite que o ódio o cegue. Fiquei um pouco perdida quando o romance entre ele e Black surgiu, eu realmente não acho que o desenvolvimento foi adequado. Também fiquei pasma quando ele e Gumpa afirmaram que já sabiam que White não era Black, juro que não percebi nem as desconfianças deles, isso pra mim foi um plot twist.

Yok não tem pai, vive com sua mãe que é PCD, ela é muda e já um pouco idosa e sofre muito com o preconceito, com a problemática de entrar em no mercado de trabalho. Yok retrata sua arte através das telas, ele pinta o mundo como ele o vê, com suas dores, problemas e renúncias. É assim que ele conhece o grafiteiro Dan, e posteriormente se apaixona mesmo sabendo que ele na verdade é policial, mas um policial que não acredita no sistema. A dor que Dan carrega, por ter assassinado o pai de Sean, nos mostra a dimensão humana que ainda pode ser encontrada dentro do sistema, que nem todos são maus e injustos, que pessoas ainda tem sentimentos bons.

Essa série traz cenas preciosas e históricas, como a cena do primeiro grande protesto, o desfile LGBT+, a passeata embaixo da bandeira, tudo com tanto simbolismo quanto o momento em que os manifestantes soltam os presos de Tawi. A atuação nessa série é impecável, e devo dizer que Off e Gun subiram o nível de atuação de forma esmagadora. Tem defeitos? Sim, claro que se aluta era por justiça e gostaria de ver Tawi atrás das grades, Todd preso, o pai de Sean inocentado, mas creio que a série quis passar uma mensagem mais real, pois infelizmente a impunidade está longe de acabar, a luta não para jamais. Quem sabe essa não é a deixa para uma nova temporada algum dia?

No meio de todo o quebra-quebra, os casais entregaram química e cenas belíssimas. Fotografia e ost impecáveis, aspectos técnicos sem defeitos. Definitivamente um dos meus preferidos que sempre vou panfletar, uma das bíblias para qualquer blzeiro.

Lire davantage

REALLY??? ACTION+MYSTERY+THRILLER+POLITICS IN A BL DRAMA???

Most of BL dramas today aren't exploring the other genres and stick to romance only. But this series, not only does it explore different genres, it also exceeds those genres beyond my expectation. The story never missed out its momentum. I finished this series in one-go. This is also not your typical kind of BL drama with too much kissing scenes and I love how they only include the kissing scenes on the NECESSARY PLOTS.

Aside from the note-worthy story, the characters here are on-point. Usually in some dramas, I got distracted by characters who are insignificant to the storyline. But in this drama, all characters are very well-written and have sense to the story. Plus, the character development of everyone is very commendable. I would also like to praise the casts who portrayed their roles so well. What a setlist of great actors!

I DON'T SEE ANY NEGATIVE OPINIONS ON THIS DRAMA!

One of the top BL's, I would say! A must-watch and I would totally recommend this to other watchers.

Lire davantage

Algo a mais para contar

Sem spoiler! Depois de uns anos, finalmente reassisti "Not Me", e foi como se fosse a primeira vez. Fiquei me perguntando qual era a "mágica" da série/lakorn, e é algo simples. "Not Me" ganha uma estrela de ouro só por estabelecer seu lugar próprio, ou seja, de ter algo a mais pra contar ao telespectador para além de um óbvio desenlace amoroso. A história assume um papel didático, nos ensinando e ensinando ao White as consequências do capitalismo no cenário urbano tailandês (um beijo pro Gun que deu um show de atuação). Vemos o personagem principal ser arrancado de sua bolha monetária, de seu status, para lidar com a crueza do mundo e encontrar significados para sua própria vida com seus amigos e interesse amoroso. Tudo na história se volta para o suburbano da Tailândia, fotografada em sua nudez citadina: as avenidas, as ruas, a favela, as zonas indústrias, a casa que não é ambiente privado (a garagem, o prédio abandonado). Todas essas paisagens colaboram no processo de olharmos para aquele país sobre uma ótica que o diretor nos convence a ver: a Tailândia do dia a dia, do caos, das reivindicações etc. e sentimos sobre ela os movimentos de ação/conflito e o melodrama de cada personagem. A arte (as pinturas, o grafite etc.) também colore as zonas suburbanas, preenchendo de simbolismo político e dando mais uma camada maravilhosa para "Not Me".

Os personagens secundários não merecem esse título porque eles são muito mais do que só "amigos": cada um deles tem seu papel crucial e que soma a seu modo à grandeza da série. Todos eles são apaixonantes e verdadeiros, com seus dilemas, "problemas", o que for. Somos convencidos do drama de cada um e podemos até nos ver neles. Gostei demais do casting de todos os personagens, pois só de conseguirem passar esses sentimentos já denota que fizeram um bom trabalho. Não sou muito fã do main shipp, mas foi satisfatório acompanhar o desenrolar das coisas entre o Sean e o White.

Continua maravilhosa!

Lire davantage