Not Me (2021)

Why should you watch this?

Because it's amazing!

Not Me is one of the best BL series I've seen so far. The story makes you think and opens your eyes to issues you might otherwise be blind to. It evolves in a natural way that makes it very believable.
The acting is of an entirely different level. Off and Gun were perfect for these roles. Their chemestry is palpable and their skills undeniable. I especially admire Gun for the way he pulled off playing both Black and White. With just one look you could tell the difference between the two.
The OST is beautiful. It goes along very well with the episodes. The songs are part of my daily routine now.

I will definitely rewatch this! And I wouldn't mind a second season at all. In fact, I would very much like to see how their fight continues.

My heart goes out to the entire cast and crew. May you all continue to thrive!

Lire davantage

A perfect integration of romance into a more complex plot

I've been hyped about this series since the very beginning, but I'm amazed that it has still managed to exceed my expectations.

STORY:
I can't believe we've been able to learn something while watching a BL drama. It's not really common for this "genre" to bring out any deeper messages, but Not Me has done this wonderfully and on top of some great romance we were able to witness an inspiring story of young adults fighting against corruption and political issues. All the genres meshed in well and the story has been able to bring out a lot of different aspects.
The protest in episode 7 which put a lot of focus on LGBTQ+ issues and showed a small-scale pride parade had basically fulfilled all my wishes for a positive representation. I was hoping there would maybe be a conversation about sexualities since White was shown dating and kissing females earlier, but SeanWhite holding hands under the pride flag conveyed the message better than that. There was no need for words and the usual basic conversations when we got a beautifully sceneric event representing the community as a whole.
I was really worried about how they were going to pack an entire ending into the last episode, but it turns out 45 minutes can fit in quite a lot. I thought it was reasonable how in the end everything cycled back to the mission they'd started and the people they'd riled up to protest were the ones to save them. It makes little sense that someone was just able to see the kidnapping scene and photograph the car without anyone spotting them, but the rescue had such a powerful atmosphere that it didn't let me ponder on that detail for too long.
I'm sure there were some hardly explainable details along the way, but overall everything was tied up quite nicely with a room for an open ending.

However, there seemed to be a conflict between equally balancing out the romantic and story parts. The first 3-4 episodes felt like they were trying to emphasise the future romance too much on top of all the introductions to the situation and the group's activities. I understand why it had to be done as this is unfortunately the fault of the groups of viewers who would've dropped it if the romance seemed too slow and the focus was only placed on the politics at first. However, the slow development of the relationships which took place during the episodes after the beginning had an even worse effect since people had already got used to the romance-coded scenes and were missing that part as a result.

CHARACTERS:
I really liked how all of them had thought-out personalities and got a bit of a spotlight despite not being involved in any romances. The addition of Nuch and Yok mom's characters and how they could directly point out all the societal issues of their respective minority groups was also great. I think I got too invested in the story because I'd genuinely like to know more about everyone's past, not just the main reason why they'd joined the group, though Gram hasn't told us even that. But I guess we'd need a few more episodes or a second season to get that deep into the characterisation.
I'm a little disappointed that Gumpa ended up with no background story since he was playing a big role in all the planning and there clearly is a reason why he's a mechanic who knows how to do parkour and work with guns and assembled a group of teenagers to fight for justice.

ROMANCE:
It sure was a challenge to make a cohesive story in 14 episodes while inserting three romance storylines into it, but the staff seems to have done their best with what they had to make it work and I'd say it has worked quite well. It sure wasn't perfect and having more episodes with a slower romance probably would've made this series even better, but nothing felt too off or unreasonable to me.
Especially in the later episodes after the pairings had already got together, the actors expressed the feelings of the characters so well that they'd got me fully emotionally invested and I think the slower pacing with a proper friendship development before they got into the romance part in the middle of the series has helped this as well.
Also I really want to talk about this, I was so happy to see an opposite-sex couple having their own storyline in a BL drama. We almost always only see the "everyone is gay" trope which makes me feel like the same-sex couples are being isolated into their own stories instead of mixing all kinds of relationships together and showing the true diversity with everyone involved.

MUSIC:
My biggest appreciation for the music of this series came once I'd found out how many songs had been hand-picked for the different emotional and sceneric scenes. It seems like a whoever is in charge of this has done their job really well and it was really felt during some of the moments when the music went along with the mood instead of overpowering it or being too faint.
I hadn't noticed any background music being too unbalanced or rapidly switching up, as Thai dramas sometimes tend to do. Also I was personally really grateful for the lack of use of any background effects because this particular thing really bugs me and way too many Thai dramas use them excessively. Though that may just be me.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:
This drama is probably going to stay at the top of my favourites list for quite a while since it's right in the line of what I enjoy in romance stories. Even if it had its flaws and some parts were better than others, ultimately I don't mind disregarding the imperfections to focus on all the good things about it.
It makes me a little sad that this series stayed behind in popularity compared to some other BLs which I wouldn't rate as highly, but I understand how the heavy and political topics and environment aren't for everyone. On the other hand I'm kind of glad the fandom for this isn't as big since it's a little bit more shielded from the BL audience that only watches the dramas for the sexualisation and stereotyping of same-sex couples.

Personal enjoyment is definitely at 10, but since there were some issues and holes in the plot, a strong 9.5 feels more objective.

Lire davantage

The ending felt... unfinished, but that's okay

I just watched the last episode of this series and wow. I didn't expect it to feel this way. After last episode I did question how episode 14 would wrap up the entire series, and it felt kind of wrong and kind of right. I have questions to things that didn't get answered and it was just left there to be seen. How did the crowd against Tawi know their friends were in the van? Not like it didn't look suspicious enough, but still. How did no one catch Black as he was leaving the hospital? There were more than 3 policemen. I don't know.
But I felt like an open ending is kind of what this needed. Many might disagree, but we don't know what might happen to them in the future. Anyone of them could die, and that was the whole point of the ending I believe. The whole goal was to make people aware of what Tawi does and will continue to do.
What happened to Todd felt a little right. He got what he deserved in the end. Was I expecting him to die? Yes. But it almost ties into how Black isn't that person. He isn't a murderer. That's what I found to be great about his short character arc. First he's an ass, then he's all secretive, then finally he becomes honest with others and himself.
The happy endings I felt needed to be there almost to wrap up that longing feeling, especially for Yok and Dan. It felt too sad if Yok continued to stare at his drawing of Dan for the rest of his life. Sean and White's happy ending was already a given, I think everyone knew that was gonna happen.
Some open endings are great, this one was okay.

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Not Me, Not You, But Everyone... Should Watch This Show

It's finally the ending guys and I'm super sad about it! "Not Me" definitely met my expectations and even surpassed them in so many ways. Let's get into this show in detail because that's what it deserves, a thorough look at it as a whole.

First of all, the story was solid. I think it could've done with a few more rewrites but I appreciate all the messages it had to give. As well as showcasing how intense and important standing up for what you believe in is. What's right isn't always rewarded, so that's where protesting comes in. A protest is grounded in just wanting to be heard and I think the series did this aspect justice. Even in the classroom scenes, they felt real when talking about law and order. I have zero experience in this, so I'm not sure how accurate all of what they were discussing was. Especially because I am also not from Thailand. However, from the comments on the video its very real so I will trust that! Though I might've been a little lost at parts, mostly it was satisfying to watch.

Let's move on to Sean and White, because that's why most of us are here lol. Obviously, they are too adorable and of course chemistry but what else is new? Their relationship development was pretty good. I liked seeing the subtle nuances of them getting closer and eventually leading to the confession/hook up in the tent. All of which had me shrieking XD. I'm also glad the White reveal stuff wasn't super drawn out. It was rough seeing Sean confused because Black is kinda a dick, but he figured it out on his own. So though obviously it's reasonable that Sean was upset with White for lying to him, it wasn't episodes of trying to rekindle the relationship. Overall, their scenes together are pretty emotional/passionate so it's nice to see Off and Gun push their on screen romances further, though it's not a surprise knowing how close those two really are ;P

Next the twist. Since the show is based around White taking of Black's life due to him being in a coma we had to wonder who put him in that coma in the first place? Well it wasn't too surprising to me that it was Tod, seeing as he kinda recruits White in the first place. I kinda wanted it to be Gumpa because that would've been more of a shock. But that's just me! Speaking of Black and White The scenes with them together were actually really well done! Twin stuff isn't easy to pull off and certain scenes I was like damn that looks really clean and I could believe there's actually twins there. Some scenes like in the last episode I could tell when it was someone else lol but for the most part very solid, I just have a good eye for these things.

To get some of the random side stuff out of the way. Gram getting with Black's ex I did not vibe with. Sure she deserves happiness and Black seemingly sucked as a partner. I also liked Gram, even though I'm still slightly confused if he liked Black or not? But yuck that's a bff no no to get with Black's ex like that. I don't know I just can't get past that, makes me think of "Euphoria" with Maddie and Cassie. You just don't do that!


Okay side couple time! Dan and Yok are cute but underdeveloped majorly as a side couple. I really like Yok's character though, he might be my favorite of this series tbh. His discussions of art and justice were really interesting and well written. While Fluke (Dan) is just....so gorgeous lol and did a great job at showing emotion in this series. I do gotta say though Dan and Yok's ending was really good. So even if they were rushed the end result was solid. Gotta see forgiveness in order to move on into a steady relationship, I would've liked to see where they go from there.


Finally, the last scene. Is of course with Sean and White and it did actually give me chills. The song played when these two are together is actually really beautiful and their lines of dialogue were well written. Plus the KISS, ugh. Why must it end now!? I want more! Overall really good job show, lets see more and more of this in BL continue and never stop the OffGun hype train!

Lire davantage

This was a masterpiece!!

I'm heartbroken that this series had to end. It was an amazing ride. You definitely have to watch this one. Even if you've already watched it I'm pretty sure you'll agree that Not me is on of those series that you'll never get bored and you'll watch it again and again. For those who haven't watched it yet I'm telling you: go do it now. First of all, the plot is amazing. It deals with real life issues and is not about a university or engineering like we've seen so far. This plot will make you think and be a part of everything. The actors we all knew already that are amazing but the acting here is on another level. I am a huge fan of all them and maybe a little biased but especially in this series the relationship of Gun and Off and their chemistry was amazing. I don't think there is nothing I didn't like and I'm about to rewatch right now. Just trust me and add this to your watchlist.

Lire davantage

WAS IT GOOD? WELL YEAH! BUT...

IN THIS REVIEW MAY BE A SPOILER BUT IT´S NOT THAT IMPORTANT ( OR LIKE FOR ME IT WOULDN´T BE )!!

So...the most important question is "is it worth watching?" and let me tell you, yes it definitely is!
ALL the characters have have great chemistry together and all the actors are pretty good at acting too.
The story also isn´t the worst.
So you may ask "so is there anything wrong with the series?"....well yeah, but no.
For me, I always find something "cringe" or like "weird" in series and movies, even though it´s not. It´s my fault and I shouldn´t blame the series/movies because of it. But here I kinda doo blame it.

?SPOILER??

It waas all okay until Black and White were in the same room . Then i found it really weird and after a while even cringe. I get it. This obviously isn´t some Hollywood movie or something really big but like they could have try more.
When there is Black and White in one shot it´s pretty cringe. For example: You can see White´s face while he´s talking to Black who you can´t obviously see ( most of the time it´s like this ) but we know how Black looks right? We know how his ears and hair looks like, don´t we? But they didn´t even try to choose an actor with similiar ears and hair like Gun have ( the actor who plays White and Black ). So it´s pretty weird when you see Black´s hair and ears looking very different just based on the angle of the camera lol. And that is propably my only problem lol.
I know it´s pretty small detail but I was cringing because of it A LOT lmao

Overall really good series :) definitely one of the betters :DDD

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Despite a few misgivings with the ending, I still strongly recommend watching this

Not Me is social commentary, it’s gay comraderie, and it’s a bunch of college kids who are trying to fight against systems that they see as unjust. The actors are fucking phenomenal, the soundtrack is a straight up banger, and I will shout praises for P’Nuchy from the (gay) rooftops.

It starts off so thematically robust. The characters grow on us as we slowly get to know them through White’s POV. The cinematography and depth of meaning in some scenes will straight up punch you in the gut and leave you breathless. In a short span of fourteen episodes, Not Me manages to address a wide number of important issues like LGBT rights, worker rights, disability, cops, and overall systemic corruption.

I will not deny that the ending (read: last few episodes, a little more for two specific characters) is plagued with messy character writing and pacing issues, but despite this, it never strays from its core values of criticizing societal inequality and forms of oppression.

Go watch it.

Lire davantage

Game Changer

At first I didn't know what to expect but...they got me. Excellent series. I don't know what else to say but let me start with the basics...

First up - the performances. Gun's double performance absolutely caught me off guard. Two completely different characters, both of them top notch performances (Gun as a badass action hero...whoa! Who saw that coming?). And the rest of the cast isn't too shabby either. Watching Off go from dripping with contempt for Black, to wondering what the heck is up with Black to falling for Black to - THE BIG REVEAL! - his expressions just say it all. There's the second tier couple - Dan and Yok - that are so well written (down to the bitter end) that I was rooting for them no matter what turn the story took. They're my second favourite side couple of...ever(!)...right behind Uncles Cheep and Dej in "My Ride" (but that's for another day). Then there's the understated performance of Papang as "Gumpa" - the glue who holds this entire thing together. Love him.

On top of that here, is so much that I did not expect: - Politics, Disillusionment, Rebellion and Art as a means of Protest. There's so much more, but I refuse to spoil the experience for anyone.

Well, 2022 has been an exceptional year for GMMTV, that's for certain - with their stories of Anarchy in Thailand, Ageing and facing one's own Mortality "55:15", a Romeo and Jules Love Story ("Bad Buddy") and their Epic
production of "F4 Thailand". I hope they can keep it up 'cause I'm rooting for them.

There's so little else to say about "Not Me" except I love! LOVE!! L.O.V.E!!! it!!!!!!

Lire davantage

I quite liked it, it definitely deserves the hype.

I liked the acting (except Fluke, he was again painful to watch). I also like the dynamic of the gang & the bromance between the brothers. Whitesean was pretty cute, had good chemistry and dynamic, the relationship felt wholesome. I would have loved yokdan more (a cute love at first sight story), if Dan's character would have been played correctly...
I like the social criticism aspect and the message the story delivered, especially since it's about Thailand, one of the highly corrupt countries.
I wouldn't say that the series is perfect, but definitely good and worth watching.

Lire davantage

More than a BL, it's truly a Legacy in the making...

As an avid fan of Gun and Off projects and unique bond, I was looking forward for Not Me release. And all I can say is that it was worth the wait. It's under a great screenwriter and director guidance like P' Nuchy that this project was able to succeed.

Not Me has set the bar up high, direction and production wise. It definitely excels in those departments. The cinematography is really good here, and although some shots were definitely filmed up-close the subjects in certain scenes, even those were premeditated. Most likely to make the viewer become immersed within the characters feelings and actions.

Gun just prove everyone his talent with acting, by not only playing a double role in the set of twins. But also by making them so distinct that even I, and well, presumably everyone who watches this series will be able to tell who is who and see two completely different characters, to the point of taking sides or rooting for both in their own way. That is a hard task to achieve and yet he did it so well, almost looking so effortlessly when I bet it was the labor of his dedication to the project.

By giving them their own personalities Gun was able to set them apart, and sometimes even without saying a single word. Just one glance suffices, mainly when it comes to Black.

"Bravery and fear, I think these two things are the complete opposite. However, they can't remain apart.
We can't be brave without fear. But being brave with no fear is like an explosive with no target." - White

White is soft spoken and composed. Black is without a doubt a force to reckon with.

"In that moment, I realized if he's the bravery, I must be the fear." - White

Sean has got to be the most challenging character Off has ever made, and probably - just like the set of twins are to Gun, - this one will remain unforgettable. Since it's a broken and more serious role, unlike his early projects. At the same time it really made Off grow to improve his acting skills. It's not only the chemistry and him being at ease with Gun that allowed him to do that, but his own commitment to the role and to the tasks he was given when he enrolled in this series. By doing all that Off was able to incarnate the impulsive Sean with his anger and resentment, eager for revenge.

Until he gets swayed by the only one who can calm down the storm that he carries within his heart.

"This is the goal that keeps me alive, and you are too." - Sean

The characters complexity within this series is what makes it all more interesting. Therefore, I only have to point out a flaw here, because by having only 14 episodes, that were not enough screen time to exploit the mysteries of some characters more than others. At the same time that seemingly aura of mystery that enlaces those characters allures us more to them.
Be it the always resourceful and intriguing - Gumpa - owner of the garage where the gang meets.

"If you want to change anything, you must have enough power." - Todd
"Power is corrupting." - Black

Or even unveiling more of Todd and Black's friendship, one that has it's levels of toxicity, since they don't seem able to get on the same grounds but at the same time there's a bond between them that makes them connected to each other. I admit, that I like the tension their scenes behold, almost like there is something else lingering in those desperate and dark glances, and into the feeling of betrayal they both have by witnessing how their actions and choices made them grow apart over the years.

"What we should do is find common ground to live together in peace." - Todd

One thing for sure, is that Not Me is a continuity plot. Driven to expose the corrupts of the system and that no matter who opposes or who surpasses who, there will always be corruption when there is power involved. It's a never ending cycle.

So, this wasn't all about being able to destroy that conviction.
But to gain awarness of the reality of this situation that happens worldwide.

Another flaw I have to point out. Is the way they made Gram in here. Mond has bad luck with his characters.
The ridiculously sick puppy love without an ounce of chemistry between them, made me roll my eyes out in their scenes.
Despite trying to be symbolic and balance the series with several types of love and equality. Gram's odd pursue, almost seemed like an obsession rather than love. To crave someone's girlfriend, and your best friend no less was low enough but the course of actions in all the wrong timings made it all worse. It's a downgrade of a character that had potential, and significance too. Not sure what made the screenwriters made this choice, but it's obvious that it's forced attraction and love. It's like a filler in plot. It upsets me that it had more screen time than other potential interesting characters, like Yok and Dan or even Black and Todd.

"Don't follow me, if you want no regrets." - Dan

Dan and Yok. It's hard not to love these two artistic souls.

"You can't run away from me. You know that, don't you?" - Yok

First and Fluke gave us that typical troupe of criminal/delinquent and good cop.
More than that they presented us love at first sight, and communication within their honest artworks and heartfelt confessions. Just like White is the one who can warm Sean's cold heart, Yok is able to pull Dan from his own guilty torment and give him a shred of hope for a better future ahead of them. I have not enough words to express their relationship, - much less about this whole series :') - from Yok's sassy behavior to Dan's calm nature, and well just with their loving glances, soft touches, to the heartbreaking tears of betrayal and the tough decisions into self-sacrifices made.

A scene can't break your heart.
The scene:

"Finally, you get to arrest me for real." - Yok
"I'm sorry I failed you. The more you try to escape, the more dangerous it is for you." - Dan

"Do you remember what you told me?
You told me not to look for you if I wanted no regrets. I should have believed you then." - Yok

Not Me has such a deep symbolic value within the hints it gives throughout the plot scenes and lines of the characters. It hits differently than most dramas or BLs even. Because its based on a judicial and political activism plot, and set on sensible and important topics happening in Thailand, but at the same time relatable to the rest of the world. It walks the fine line of using a more realistic plot and bring upon important questions and themes that need utter attention and respect.

Even better than all of this is the exceptional OST with hit songs in which the lyrics match the scenes and story well. From original song by Off Gun, for example, to international hits that boosts the artists by having their works into this production.

Definitely a must watch. It gives an impression. There's always a moral lesson to behold upon.

Lire davantage

OffGun remains ELITE

OffGun strikes again as a powerhouse duo in another amazing BL! I loved everything about this series. The story was something totally new and it had me filled with anticipation every episode. I'm used to Off's tough exterior, but to see Gun be anything more than a cute fluff had me in awe. The side couple got some good scenes, but I definitely want more of them and the rest of the cast. Visuals for miles and you can relate to at least one character which makes this not only an amazing drama but a relatable series. There's confident females, broken souls, crooked corporations and more all tied together into this epic drama that I'd totally recommend to any and all.
The last ep seemed a bit rushed but ended well in sense of logic
Enjoy...

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My new rewatch show

I was so hesitant to watch this show as it isn't my normal kind of drama I go for, but oh my days....
From the first episode I was absolutely hooked, the music gave me life and the actors are an all time fav!
It's one of those shows that I like to binge watch when I'm in just the right mood, you definitely want to watch it pretty rapidly to keep the flow of the emotion.

And that's exactly what this show did for me. Everything made me feel bittersweet, but in a good way. It made me feel both the losses in life and the hope for a better future. If I had to describe this show I'd say it feels like the moment right before dawn. That moment when the world is the quietest, the air feels chilly and the knowing that another day has left you, but a new day is right around the corner to shed light and warmth upon you again. That's what this entire show made me feel like. It made me want to feel alive.

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