Not Me

Came for OffGun, stayed for everything else

I’ve seen quite a fair bit of Thai BLs, and Not Me definitely stands out.

Whether or not you agree with the methods used by the characters in furthering their cause is, in fact, irrelevant. The point is this: The world we inhabit doesn’t exist in absolute terms. No black or white, only varying shades of grey. And it is the portrayal of these uncomfortable moral ambiguities that makes Not Me so nuanced and unique.

Not Me shows that good things take time. And are most definitely worth the wait.

Gun is phenomenal as usual, playing two completely distinct roles within the same series must have been mentally wrecking. But of notable mention here is Off – if Theory of Love was Gun’s first BL series to shine, Not Me was a platform both both Gun and Off to display their acting chops. Together, they have outdone themselves.

No doubt I came for OffGun, but I actually stayed for everything else. The series is intensely cinematic. The story is well-paced, compelling and profound (some dialogue exchanges like “We can’t be brave without fear” were rather poetic).

And the romance. Goodness, the delicious tension that builds up to an explosive romance. The romance is always better with rebels. Living (and loving) like every day is going to be their last. In Not Me, it’s not just about two good looking people getting together. I love that the relationships are characterised by deep emotional connection and intensity, longing and togetherness.

BL aside, Not Me is a visually stunning, profoundly propulsive tale about the nexus of power in Thai society and the invisible forces that govern realities. Unlike other fluffy, wholesome BLs, the romance unfolds with the theatre of politics as a backdrop. It delves into thorny and highly political issues like rule of law and rule by law, corruption, inequalities and oppression of marginalised groups.

In essence, Not Me is highly political, reflecting the zeitgeist of the woke generation.

Read my review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/20/not-me-2021-review-among-the-best-thai-bls/
Read my elaboration on why Not Me is so much better than the usual BL: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/19/why-not-me-is-unlike-your-typical-bl-but-so-much-better/

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Its a MASTERPIECE ✨

Hi its my first time writing a review, I'm sorry in advance if my English is bad.

I just wanna say that this series is a Masterpiece. When I was watching it I didn't feel bored nor skipped some scenes, I didn't even know that I was already watching the last episode.

I really thought there was something going on between GRAM AND BLACK then I was wrong. GMM you fooled me😭.

I like this story because it set a new standard in bl industry its not like other bl's genre.

STORY- 10/10
The story was beautiful because it also focuses in LGBTQ+. And its not like other story that if you've fallin in love with a boy you will deny it.

ACTING/CAST- 10/10
Salute to GUN ATTHAPHAN for portaying WHITE/BLACK. You can differentiate them apart. He nailed his roles. He's really a versatile actor. I think nobody suited to play this role except for Gun.

Off Jumpol portaying SEAN was so freaking good. I really liked his Character.

And also to some actors they did great. They nailed their roles.

MUSIC-10/10
Their background music is beautiful. I loved it.

REWATCH VALUE-10/10
I'm always rewatching this series everytime I miss the cast. Please GMM TV I want this series to have a season 2🥺.

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You're missing out on a GEM if you skip this, trust me

A beautiful story that comes from a cruel world.

The first time I read the summary and watched the trailer, I’m very skeptical about the theme and concept. Sometimes even the most basic themes of BL series (high school, college, family) failed at making things look realistic, LET ALONE a complex non-relatable story about gangsters and political drama. I’m worried that they might not be able pull this off.
But, boy was I wrong!

-----THE REVIEW-----
Not Me series has proven their quality in storytelling game in its own unique way.

A story told from the perspective of White, with his inner monologues and voice-over style narration, this series make it works like magic. The way they capture every moment, along with the acting, music, cinematography, and as I mentioned, the voice-over, everything somehow fall into place in a beautiful way to deliver both the right message and the right emotions.

STORY
The story surely is something fresh from the typical “everyday life” theme. At first, I thought it’s just gonna be about gangsters, violence, generic fight scenes, but it was definitely more than just that.

The main idea is about how we all live in the same planet, but most definitely not the same “world”. Life is unfair, yes, but things can change to make the world a better place, also a yes. But then where do we set the boundaries of creating those changes at the expense of lives? Where do we draw the line between our idealism and empathy? Not Me explores on how the characters deal with these questions.

The romance part of the story is very well written too. Despite all the political dramas going on, they show the journeys of character development, relationship development, while accepting and sharing their vulnerabilities and longing feelings that has never been addressed before.

ACTING/CHEMISTRY
I don’t have much to say about this, we all know how good Off & Gun are at delivering their characters, and how amazing their chemistry is.

But I do have to mention, that the MCs in this story are not easy to pull off, as they have very strong backgrounds and mindsets, and the 2 actors did amazing bringing them to life. Their eyes remind me of the sayings “eyes are the windows to the soul" with those silent scenes that speaks a thousand words and emotions just from the look in their eyes. Also, Gun did amazing portraying 2 very different twin brothers.

PRODUCTION
- The cinematography is to die for. I love good visuals (especially after watching ITSAY) and I don’t get how they make abandoned buildings, concrete walls, and rooftops, look both beautiful and melancholic at the same time.
- The editors deserve a raise for the amazing montages and of course, great music choices. The music fits all the shots and the feelings that the scenes are trying to convey.

OVERALL
- no cringy screenplay & editing
- no unlikely turn of events
- realistic relationship & character developments
- outstanding portrayal from the actors
- a solid story foundation
- beautiful shots and montages

In these 5 film aspects: story, screenplay, characterisation, acting/chemistry, cinematography, Not Me is mostly scoring high in all 5.

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Overall: Despite it's flaws like plot holes, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and its emphasis on social justice. I could see a season 2 or movie to explain several unanswered questions. Watched on YouTube.

Content Warnings: violence, fight scenes, restraint and kidnapping, past trauma, dub con kiss (drunk, sleeping), non con touch (sleeping)

What I Liked:
- the consent in episode 9 part 1 was amazing, I loved the check ins; related is the realistic way that there wasn't just 1 kiss with a certain couple but continued displays of physical affection (hugs, cheek kisses, sniff kisses, etc)
- addressing several social justice issues that are issues everywhere in the world
- the realistic visuals (i.e. no excessive make up, filters, blurring)
- a trans character is not portrayed as an overly comedic character
- the beautiful music
- the acting and chemistry
- the action/mystery plot
- there was some funny moments including Sean being sassy
- good production value and character styling

Room For Improvement:
- non logical/odd things, plot holes, loose ends, stupid decisions, I'm not going to get into all of them but it reminds me of Manner of Death
- the pacing felt too slow at the beginning and then very rushed at the end
- lack of smart plot twists, the ones presented I guessed a mile away (except for the G)
- they should have reduced characters (side eye to Sean's female "friend) and then fleshed out other characters like Gumpa and another couple that has a criminally low amount of screen time especially in the beginning
- the punch at the end was unnecessary in my opinion
- the lighting in some scenes was too dark and it was difficult to see what was happening and the camerawork was too shaky at times

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could have been better

Maybe my expectations were too high after watching the trailer because I was not impressed at all. Gun's acting was really good, as always and the music was good too which are the the only good things from 'not me'.

The plot had potential but was really executed terribly. Talk about plotholes. It was clearly supposed to have a heavy plot but when something like that has plotholes, it becomes less enjoyable to me. The cast and bts people kept talking about how they didn't have a budget which is bad but how does that explain the writing? For example how they got saved from the bad guys, what was that? It is a no from me

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Just like the title Not Me..

Seeing so many (+) score/review for this drama, my review will be on the negative scale. Haha... Who like it...? Just like the title Not Me. Haha... For me this drama have so many weird stuff going on that no sit right with me.

As usual the safe or (+) point first
+ Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat. I can see the diff between Black & White character. He acted good to make us easily distinguish between Black & White
+ The story of Yok & UNAR. I feel their story more neatly than the story of White and Sean. And I quite like the chemistry between First Kanaphan Puitrakul & Fluke Gawin Caskey.
+ The interesting, but unreal, connection between twin. Haha... Yeah we always fantasies twin have this crazy connection, like Black & White. They can sense each other, feel each other feeling. And Black & White just bring us the extreme case of twin connection.

Overall this one crazy drama on my list.... And down below is the weird stuff going on that no sit right with me. With SPOILER ALERT!!! So read with ur own risk!











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SPOILER ALERT!!!
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The plot hole:
- The biggest issue for me... The BIG problem never really addressed properly. Is it about big figure, in this case Tawi, monopolize economy & corruption everywhere. Or about drug. Or about how he just above the law & acting arbitrarily toward everything. What is the biggest issue that our gang actually want to fix...? I don’t get it. It's true what Black & White mom said, if not Tawi someone gonna replace him & nothing gonna change. So what our gang actually gonna fix...? What all the protest about...? In the end nothing really change or at least they don't show us what change. Not even Tawi himself in the end we can see step down from being the num 1 man in business. NOTHING F*CKING CHANGE!!! So what's this drama about to begin with...?
- The second biggest for me the relationship between Black | White and Sean itself. It just feel so weird. One moment they still bickering with each other, maybe just start being friends with each other, and suddenly BUM they start kissing & have s*x. I just thought 'what the F*'. No i don't feel they have feeling for each other prior, no gaze what so ever that indicates everything going to be different. That's just the setting & the director just decided it's time to bring them together & to make it even worse, after that they can't even live without each other.
- Black & White so f*cking diff but no one said anything about it. They feel it, they know it, but NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!!! If u have a friend that change so much until feel like diff person, won't you said something to them, even just only ur suspicion, they convince you nothing diff or not that's other case. This even worse... They'll gonna do something dangerous together, with the friend that already changing, and still NO ONE SAID F*CKING ANYTHING. If me... I won't trust someone that change so drastically over night to do something that dangerous and important with me...
- Who is Black...? Why he seems so irritated and angry with the world? What his story...? Why he became who he is, right at the moment we get to see him...? What injustice he received until he feel he need to do something to changing it...? I need background story of Black.
- Who the old man that show up in the end of the drama. Is he the real BIG BOSS in the shadow? Through out the drama, I feel Tawi is not the Big boss. Tawi more like some face that someone put in the front to take the bullet.
- Who is Tod? What important role did he had behind the curtain...? That's never bring to light to us.
- Our gang break the law but never get consequences, just because they're the main lead or in the drama because people demanded it. What White and his friend did already break the law, not just minor mischief, but they're just never get consequences. Yeah yeah just a few time get shot. This can teach bad things in wrong mind. People can do bad stuff, but that's ok if many people think they did the right thing...

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Crazy...

I write down all the BL's i've watched. As for now my list have reached 110 BL's and among all them Not Me is very close to topping as my favourite.

Usually thai BL's are about college students (engineering, medical or music) falling in love and then some dramtic conflicts. We always see that and maybe some times we're lucky to be gifted great stories.

I only decided to watch Not Me for Offgun, but damn im so hooked on everything now. I love the story and plot so badly!! Its amazing and i love how everything is portrayed realistically and in the most beautiful way! I dont even have words to describe it. Not Me is exactly the type of dramas Offgun needed. Their chemistry is out of this world and needs a drama just as great as well. These college student plots are too cheap for them. Offgun are good actors and they can really show what they're capeable of here. I liked the music too. It fit the emotions and sit perfect. One thing i also noticed and liked is how there aren't any childish or useless conflicts.

Gun did such a good job playing two characters. You can tell the difference between the twins just by eyes and aura! Its crazy!! I never noticed how different Black and White were until they stood next to eachother. When Black walked into a room you could tell it was him just by the vibe he gave off and White as well. Gun is a crazy actor and my respect for him just doubled!

Overall its such a great drama and its doing well even without promotion. Not Me will sure top in the bl history! It deserves so much more!

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Well Worth Watching !!!

Holy smoke this drama was really awesome, and super intense and suspenseful!!
An incredible series that GMM25 has delivered and a dangerous new standard for the upcoming series. this series is INCREDIBLE and therefore incredibly hard to review about, but will give it my best shot.

The story is unique and nothing that anyone has easily come close to achieving.

The production and filming/ writing of the scenes. Throughout the entire series, one can not deny the beautiful shots that were taken. Everything seems to have gone under detailed planning of how to use the natural light the best and how to film beautiful scenes at locations, that doesn´t depend on much editing. However, one thing is certain, professionals are at work. Both in the filming and editing, but also in the individual usage and choice of music. Incomparable to other series. Everything about this drama has set the bar extremely high for the rest that are to be released. This series is literally more than a bl series, as far as I can remember this is the only bl series that successfully made its lessons, representation and issues come through in a very clear way.

Not forgetting the fact we have an amazing cast who carried out there roles extremely well, and if you love OffGun then this is a definite watch. Hats off to Gun Atthaphan for playing two roles with such grace. He got the nuisances of Black and White’s characters down perfectly. You could tell the distinct differences in the characters very well. Off Jumpol, I was equally impressed. Each of the character/actors were equally amazing in the role and they each carried it out there role with such perfection and accuracy, you could see the professionalism come across from each of them, there stories were all unique in there own, but for me its there shared determination and closeness that stood out, there were more than just a team and friend that came together for a common cause. Another plus for me were the two FL in this drama, FL can be a bit of a problem in BL drama but thank goodness these two were not, and it was really refreshing to see that. There were strong women who stood for what they believe in, and worked and channeled there emotions through that. It was like watching an award winning drama.

The Music Wow it was really good, I loved how each song was associated with certain aspects of the drama, and it flowed through really well. It gave each of episodes a new meaning and new light to what was transpiring. Not often do you get Music and drama fitting well, but this drama definitely made it happen.

I honestly can not say anything negative of this show, it was that GOOD!!

Overall/Rewatch - Definitely an AWARD DRAMA, as well Oscar nominations for the actors as each of them deserve an award for pulling for such an amazing drama... SAD to see end, but well worth watching again, which I will be redoing and binge watch in one sitting!!!

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN GO WATCH THIS YOU WILL NOTE DISAPOINTED !!!!

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watch it now

OffGun's chemistry is so strong in every drama they're in, I literally can't get enough of those two! The plot of this series is very gripping and purposefully portrays the social and economic issues in Thailand, which I applaud them for.
I also must say the cinematography is just phenomenal. What impresses me the most is how superb everyone's acting is, ESPECIALLY Gun's. The two characters he's playing honestly give off different auras from one another and they feel like two completely different people.
This series knows how to keep your attention with all the shocking discoveries that later take place. It will be interesting to see how the rest plays out, but I am strongly invested so far. Thank you to the whole cast for creating such a well-developed series!

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