This review may contain spoilers
Mythic status well deserved
"Not me" holds a mythic status, and it is well deserved.Considered by many as having created new frontiers in the BL genre, it has done so.
From the start, one can feel that the creators were going the extra length. The series has a certain quality, impressed in its structure, that was maintained throughout its run.
It's a work that seeks to expand genres. It was aware of the intrinsic difficulties, and tried to do a good job, which was successful.
I was somewhat disappointed in the ending, which I felt was disjointed, and perhaps capitulated, to a slight extent, on the overall message of the show. It could have used more coherence.
But, again, the intrinsic qualities of "Not me" are its salvation. One can't help but feel joyous in having watched it.
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It was AMAZING! But...
The plot was amazing (besides some loopholes)Acting (Amazing!)
But what I wanted was more of Black. I guess it was because the story was mostly shown through the perspective of White. Throughout the series we get to listen White's monologues and his growth and change of view point while the storyline proceeds.
When Black got out of coma, I was happy as I was curious to get to know more about Black and also Todd. But I got disappointed... Throughout the last few episodes I was like where is Black!? What is he upto!? As he keep on coming in and out of the story. But it makes no sense because this whole gang thing started because of him! He was the leader! He brought in everyone under Gumpa! Out Of everyone he was one of the most interesting characters of the series.
I can only wish for season 2, which could be from Black's POV. Like how he got ambushed by Todd, what was happening behind the scenes after he woke up from coma and even more on his relationship between Eugene and Sean. I Want to know more about what happened between them? How was it before Black went into Coma. I Want more!😭
Can we pls get Season 2 😭😭🙏🙏
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Not Me is probably one of the best BLs of all time if not the BEST. (Review/Analysis) (No Spoilers)
I just cannot stress enough how much I love this drama. I finally watched it now that all the episodes have aired and it exceeded all my expectations despite me being a little apprehensive at first considering how it was not marketed very much. OffGun really took this drama and just made it absolutely soar. The plot, the pacing, the tone, the cinematography, the message, just really elevated my expectations for future BL dramas. Like don’t get me wrong I love Bad Bunny, Semantic Error, Theory of Love, and a bunch of other well made and great BLs but this is just one of those stories that didn’t require it to be a BL to be great. I’m a sucker for a good political crime drama and this one just took the cake and it being a BL was just icing on top.Plot: 9/10
Boy oh boy, finally a drama not set in a college or work environment. Having a story of twins switching places has been done many times in cinema and tv but the reason behind it was crazy. White switching places with his comatose brother after years of not seeing him who is the literal polar opposite in every way is just iconic. Especially with Black being a modern day freedom fighter and White being a upstanding future politician, you just can’t go wrong with that. The Who done it aspect when it came to Black while great actually wasn’t the overall story of the main plot, but White figuring out he can’t bring true change while being a politician and that some roads have to be bumpier to bring long term societal change. The romance plot while slow was so well done and worth it by the end and while I wish it could of been a 16 Ep series like Kdramas to tie up a lot of the lose ends of the overall story, the romance aspect of it was so well done and just absolutely made my own heart soar which entirely made up for the lose ends. Plus this being a political drama really opens up a lot of avenues for a season 2.
Characters: 9/10
Gun really nailed this big time, and if he doesn’t win an award for this I will be very surprised. His portrayal of Black and White was just phenomenal, considering they are literal twins that embody ying and yang to a T. No light without dark and no dark without light is literally these two characters, which Gun is able to portray perfectly. Black is the rough and tumble gangster/modern day freedom fighter who legit takes no shit and is absolutely a complete asshole but despite all that still has an underlying warmth towards his brother and the people he’s actually close to. Not only that Black is a get shit done kinda guy no matter who he has to hurt to get his point across. While White is the polar opposite who originally believes that most things can be solved through words and non violence, and cares deeply for people around him especially his brother despite his conflicting feelings. Though the two of them are sorta strained, you come to a conclusion that despite their differences they’ve truly rubbed off on each other and this allows them to both grow into such complex characters. The gang member especially Offs character Sean is just so well done. Sean comes off very similar to Black but that’s mainly a façade to hide his past trauma and his reasonings resonate way more with you considering his harsh upbringing unlike Black and White. This is where White comes in and slowly and unknowingly starts rubbing off the best parts of his personality and ideals onto the rest of the gang while also coming to realize that the right way is sorta in the middle of his ways and their ways. The rest of the cast and the other side couple are also great and all their back stories really resonate with you and you come to understand that the law doesn’t always give you peace nor justice.
Romance: 9.5/10
A slow burn enemies to lovers is absolutely my favorite trope and surprisingly this dramas story is so interesting that really it didn’t need it but oh boy am I happy it did. OffGun brings the chemistry hot and heavy in this one when they finally get there. They portray this couple so well it is hard to fathom this show without it after seeing the beautiful development both Sean and White have. Especially with the fact Sean absolutely hated Black and is very conflicted with his own feelings and opening up. Plus the side couples are also well done and even sad at times. I saw a post describe the four romances so well as one of True Love, Love at First Sight, Unrequited Love, and Right Person Wrong Time, and the fact we get these stories all in one drama is absolutely nuts to me. All 4 plot lines are so well done and definitely left some lose ends that needed to be tied up in a season 2.
Themes: 10/10
This is where all of it ties together for me. Despite my love for OffGun and the Plot the theme behind it all is what takes this past my standard of what we consider a BL, and I would go as far as to say that despite it being marketed as a BL, if this was a show here in the states it would definitely be seen as a Political Crime Drama. To see the injustice of societal hierarchy, not just in Thailand, but in so many other countries portrayed in such a way is crazy. The most similar drama I can think of with similar tones as that would have to be Chicago Typewriter, which is a reincarnation piece about 3 friends who were freedom fighters in a past life. While the stories are vastly different, the portrayal of social injustice like this always gets to me and that the rich always wins if no one stands up. While the characters actions at first seem minuscule in comparison to what they are up against we slowly get to see the domino affect of change as the series progresses and while I think the story took away from this darker theme with how it ties up the main plot, the development of this theme is still there and again is PERFECT for a season 2.
Acting: 10/10
My god I cannot gush about the raw emotions some of these actors portray. I cannot stress enough how well Off and Gun KILLED their rolls. The raw emotions and personality switches that Gun was able to portray with White and Black, and the sheer inner turmoil that Off was able to bring to life with his characters ideals being questioned when it comes to right and wrong, just couldn’t be topped for me at this point and you could see how much Off has truly grown when it comes to his acting. Their chemistry and real life friendship just really made these characters come to life so beautifully and even melancholy at times. To see the main pair go through this inner monologue of what justice truly is was made to real with Off and Gun. Plus that one scene towards the end with Gun and Sings characters Black and Tod just really made you feel for both sides despite everything happening. One other person that stole a couple of scenes for me was definitely First, my goodness can that boy portray so many emotions with just his eyes. He has one of the most heartbreaking scenes I’ve probably seen in almost any Asian Drama and just nailed the agony he was in to a T. Him and Fluke really nailed their story with their own amazing chemistry. You could really see all the emotions that their characters were feeling, whether it joy, love, betrayal, heartbreak. All of it. Not only that Papang’s portrayal of the lovable boss man Gumpa was just amazing he played this big brother role to these boys so perfectly and while I’ve never seen him in many other dramas his portrayal made you feel that he really did care for these boys and wanted all of them to live in a better society then he did. The main cast was all great but these were the ones that really stuck out to me. On a side note Filmshy who played Nuch did such an amazing job portraying someone who truly saw the right and wrong sides of the law and the fact it was her first acting role, I really hope we can see her back if they have a season 2. Lastly that van ride at the end was so well done by every actor involved in that scene my goodness was it powerful.
Tone/Cinematography: 9/10
I woulda done a 10/10 if the ending had matched the rest of the dramas theme and while I did love the ending it just didn’t match the tone nor the theme that the drama portrayed. For most of the show we had a dark political drama about a gang of freedom fighters with romantic undertones and a who done it side plot to boot and while I love that it was a “happy ending,” for our main cast was it really a happy ending overall? Like one of the characters said, just because you take out one evil, their will always be someone to replace it. Plus it just didn’t seem realistic to me the way the gang was handled due to the overall tone of the show. Again season 2 please. I love my dark atmospheric tones but you must stay consistent for what the overall theme is trying to project. The last episode was the only time I felt this way. Plus the cinematography really did this show justice when it came to its tone and showed us a glaring reality through more muted colors rather then the bright more vivid colors we see in most BL dramas.
Overall: 9.5/10
I hope they make a second season following this gang. I know it didn’t do as well in Thailand due to its political themes but us as an international audience need to hype more dramas like this up. It sends a message and I know most people typically watch BL for the love and the drama and the intimacy, but as I said while the main couples are all mostly homosexual relationships, I don’t see this drama as such, and while I do love the BL aspect, especially how steamy it is due to OffGuns performances, they did this story justice just by being amazing actors. And I have to give this show props for literally having the most iconic scene I’ve seen in any show or movie and that has to be the Pride Flag scene, if you know you know. The power and acceptance of what this scene shows for the future not only for society but OffGuns characters is so beautifully done. The lighting, the colors, the facial expressions between the two actors portraying what their characters could achieve is absolutely phenomenal. I have probably rewatched that scene 10 times since watching this drama, just because of how impactful it is if you look past the “BL” tag. Don’t get me wrong I love a good lighthearted BL with all the mush and gush and skinship. But this show made me feel something and maybe I’m ranting or overthinking, but I truly love this show and everything it portrays. Please GMMTV, make a season 2, because hopefully I’m not the only one who saw how beautiful and impactful this show could be.
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No matter how imperfect the world of Not Me is, there is place to love, to protect, to be who you are. To change yourself and the world you live in.
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Skip Synopsis, Click Watch Instead
I almost skipped the show because of the synopsis! I though its another petty revenge show, hence I wasn't keen. But, I gave OffGun a chance lol...I love the social satire displayed. It's also brilliant how this show managed to cover several issues from capitalism, LGBT, social injustice....and throw us some BL hot stuff in between.
They did it WITHOUT having to do any extreme hot sex scene to sell the show, or unnecessary toxicity in the show.
Is the show realistic? Perhaps, not totally, there are some loophole here and there, but hey...it's called a show for a reason.
What's important is this show is not only entertaining and, thrilling, but it is also thought provoking.
Of course, OffGun Chemistry fills my cup up with their love and sweet moments. Oh, did I mention that their acting, especially Gun's has improved so much!!! It's also of the rare BLs where all the casts, boy or girls are very lovable!
Give it a try, it's really good, I really enjoy it a lot...so much so that I didn't skip any parts at all!
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The best drama i watched in many years
To be honest there hardly anything left to say how this drama is one of the best series that been on the market in years.The story is stunning, complex masterpiece, writing obviously by people who have a full understanding of how young people think and act. Just want to emphasis screenwriter as dialogues are captivating. There a lot of actions and talking there.
Acting is top level.
This story could not have BL at all and still would be one of the best dramas I watched. BL is just moving it to another level adding another layer of complexity. It is obviously different to usual BL dramas where BL is the main focus, here BL is just part of the complex story.
All characters there are written with backstory, all of them a complex thinkers/creators, striving to accomplish something, only strong cast could support it. This drama enhance all your senses with powerful messages via action, painting, dancing and thinking. Nothing there is extra or fillers, you cannot skip it, you need to watch full on repeat. Extremely powerful messages of freedom and right to express your opinion, of recovering through art, of equity, of trying to find your way and more.
I still surprised that this series is not highest ranking. I watched a lot of BL and dramas and this one of the most impressive dramas that I watched in years.
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Probably the most important BL GMM has ever made.
You know is rare when you can pinpoint the bad things in a Thai bl in only one hand, but this one I definitely can. Most of my questions were responded. Even tho I'd like to know what made Black become an activist, seeing that he came from the privileged side just like White. But I can bare not knowing that.Kudos to Gun's acting, like for real, he completely changed his whole aura, you can feel how obscure and bitter Black is in comparison to White's almost naive flavour. Also Off(Sean) did an amazing job too, let's not forget about him! Some of the secondary cast left a little to desire, but not First(yok) the last 3 episodes he gave us everything.
About the couple itself don't even need to say anything is OffGun after all, of course it was good.
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can't believe i didnt watch this earlier
what an excellent series!when i first started watching this i hadn't expected this series to touch on such serious and important topics such as the political climate in thailand. it felt very refreshing and made me think twice about things in real life. I think also that that's what makes this drama also very timeless because many of the problems the characters are experiencing are still relevant today and teach us the power we hold and how important justice is.
I mainly wanted to watch it for OffGun, but I'm so glad to say that they are not the saving grace of this series as this series has many good aspects. The plot itself was a little bit predictable at times, but the motives of all of the characters, not just the leads added a lot of depth to the story which was great and made the series feel more real. I'm also glad that the female characters weren't used as plot device but actualy had their own story and wants that didn't centre around just romance or the male lead. Of course, OffGun both did an excellent job :)
I also thought the music was beautiful and it makes me emotional just listening to the OST. The director also did an excellent job with the cinematography, it was a treat to look at.
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perfection
i love everything about this but justice for gramWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Maybe Controversial - But I don't think the OffGun Romance Plot was Needed.
First off I think as a newer BL fan this is a must watch, not actually because of the BL elements but because its just a very well done series that goes places I haven't seen BLs dare touch.What I really liked:
- Most of the characters were morally grey - all are flawed and in the wrong at certain points
- The plot and atmosphere is messy, dark, all over the place at times (this is a good and bad thing, as some things aren't really resolved)
- Gun's acting was AMAZING. You could literally tell the difference between Black and White based on the way he spoke, body language, and facial expressions.
- Actually delves into social/political issues instead of just skirting around things, or mentioning gay marriage once like most BL dramas do. This was truly from the POV of those fighting to make social change.
- Music was poignant and used tastefully
- Female characters are their own people and not just plot devices (Trans character as well - she was not just a caricature or comedic relief)
Room for Improvement:
- Sean is kind of an ass and hard to sympathize with, even with his backstory
- I don't really think the OffGun (SeanWhite) romance was really needed. In fact it felt a bit forced to me. Like we had to do this because it's technically a BL. If their relationship was just a really strong platonic one and they had developed that further, it would have made just as much sense and wouldn't have taken anything away from the story. The actors definitely have chemistry, but I didn't feel like the characters needed it.
- Yok and Dan were the most interesting side characters and yet got so little screen time it was criminal
- Plot points resolved either off screen or not really resolved towards the end - the ending was very rushed. Needed another 1-2 episodes worth of content to feel fully developed.
Overall despite its flaws, it's a must watch for anyone.
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A Must Watch BL Series
Although this series has a strong focus on politics and class (and so differs from the average bl in terms of couple screen-time) the characters are still well developed and interesting. I highly recommend this show even if you are not interested in Thai politics as it asks interesting questions about privilege and imbalance in our society. The main couple was great to watch and the actors did an amazing job.Was this review helpful to you?
gun atthaphan is another level of acting
i just finished watching the show after putting it off for months. i dont know where to start and who to compliment first.let me start with the writers and directors because theyve done an INCREDIBLE job. this series sets the expectations for other bls so high.
everything from the plot to the music to the pacing to the acting was absolutely perfect. every single actor acted like their rent was due and i respect that fr.
but what pushed me to write a review is gun. this man is literally an acting genius. idk if im delusional but i could FEEL different people between black and white. that couldnt have been the same actor. that man had the camera on his face for the entirety of the series and not ONCE did any of his scenes look unnatural or weird. there's no way this man doesnt get an opportunity to act on bigger screens... he deserves worldwide recognition.
thats all i have to say tbh i just needed to let it out. kudos to all the actors i think they made history with Not Me I'll be looking forward to and support all their upcoming works.
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