Not Me

This is undoubtedly my favourite Thai drama.

Before we get into this, I just have to say, I've been watching Asian dramas (specifically Korean) for about 7 years now. I've seen my fair share of trash shows that are only carried by romance. I've only just recently begun watching Thai dramas. For the most part, I've been underwhelmed by some of the Thai dramas I have seen. However, 'Not Me' hits practically every mark and gave me nearly everything I wanted from it.

STORY:

Every Thai drama I have seen has had such a lacklustre story. I firmly believe a show or film cannot be entirely carried by romance. Though this show does a spectacular job of balancing both plot and romance. I know a lot of you watch Thai BL specifically for the romantic relationships. However, it's refreshing to be just as interested in the main lovers as the story they find themselves entangled in. 'Not Me' strives to give you more than just Asian twinks falling in love. It feels less like its profiting from the LGBT community and more like it's supporting it and adding to the overall conversation. The LGBT rally scene is easily in my top five favourite scenes from the show. As a queer person myself, I know what it feels like to stand with my community like that; it's euphoric. I know Sean and White felt the same. The show's activism doesn't stop there, though. 'Not Me' incorporates themes relating to corrupt justice systems, police brutality, and socio-political discourse within Thai communities.

If you want to actually engage with a show beyond frothing at the mouth over boy kissing, then this is definitely the show for you. If you just want to watch gay dudes making out, then this is also the show for you because there's a healthy amount of that too!

ACTING:

Hats off to Gun for convincingly playing twins. I think a close comparison would be Armie Hammer's performance as the Winklevoss twins in 'The Social Network'. You know it's just one actor, but they've done such a good job you honestly forget it's not real after a while. Seeing the twins together was always such a spectacle because Gun managed to create two completely different and independent characters. When White was impersonating his brother, he never managed to perfect Black's glare. He was obviously soft, not just in his actions but in how he spoke. He was only ever harsh when he realised he wasn't acting like his brother. Black is entirely different; you couldn't help but feel wary whenever he was on screen. Overall, every actor brought their A-game. I was never underwhelmed by an actor's performance. Off was exceptional in every scene he was in. Sean is no doubt my favourite character in the show.

I feel like everyone and their grandma has said this but the chemistry between Off and Gun is off the charts. Even before they started to like each other, I thoroughly enjoyed watching them clash. But their romantic relationship was definitely a standout performance from the two. The way they interacted as partners felt real; every touch, hug, and kiss didn't seem like carefully plotted actions from a script but rather real actions made my two people who love each other. The realness of their intimacy sometimes made me feel like I shouldn't be watching. It was beautiful and I'm sure Off and Gun's real-life friendship is just as beautiful.

MUSIC:

I won't say too much about music but in most Thai shows I tend to cringe at the dramatics whenever the music kicks in. However, I knew this show would be different barely 10 minutes in, during the scene where White comes home for the first time. He becomes immersed in a fond memory of his brother. In the memory, the soft acoustic guitar cuts out towards the end but then earnestly fades back in when we see White's fond smile, the words "where are you" being sung. It's a gorgeous scene and really set the tone for White and Black's relationship. This type of music prevails throughout the show, with the exception of occasional campy musical accompaniment. It's a Thai show, after all, they gotta be campy sometimes.

REWATCH VALUE:

I'll say one thing on the matter...I binged episodes 1-12 in one day, then rewatched the entire show not even a week later due to my impatience for the 14th episode. The likelihood of me rewatching this in the near future is high.

I feel like I may have gone overboard for this review but I was just so pleasantly surprised by this drama. By the end, I loved every character (some more than others...I'm looking at you, Sean). I tend not to care about the side characters in BL dramas but that was NOT the case here. The show never felt low quality, in terms of music, acting, set pieces, costuming, script, etc. It was a high-quality show that deserves neverending praise. The ending was satisfying but I definitely wouldn't say no to seeing these characters again.

Give it a watch! You won't regret it.

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stunning portrayal of corruption within society

this show is an absolute masterpiece. and i’m not trying to put that lightly.

it tackles politics, corruption, human rights, capitalism, morals, etc. and i think its the beginning of a new genre of bls. (i don't even think it should be limited to just a bl, its an inclusive lgbtq+ series)

if you’re not one for politics, this isn’t for you. the political nature of this show is one of the reasons why this show is so good, as a lot of shows don’t like to tackle more controversial themes in order for more people to enjoy it.

i think every single aspect of this show is stunning. from the lack of covering up blemishes on the actors’ skin, showing the trauma that comes from losing a parent tragically, betrayal and distrust, exploring different ways to make change in your country, accurate depictions of pain, grief, and love. just… everything. not to mention the gorgeous cinematography and ost.

the director, screenwriter(s), actors, and everyone who worked on it did such an amazing job.

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Arguably the best BL to date?

I really enjoy the change from typical highschool/university BLs to a more realistic and heavy genre. Not Me touches on the hardships that may be faced by many people such as corruption, economic discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination. The acting is immaculate and to be honest, alot better to what I am used to when watching thai dramas. The small details within Not Me are really what ties this whole show together.

*Not only the chemistry between Gun/White was addictive to watch but I enjoyed the chemistry between Dan/Yok as well, although I did not care too much for the others. Gun's acting of the opposing personalities of Black and White was so unbelievably good and very convincing.
*I loved the slow progression of enemies to friends and confusion to lovers and how loyal the characters were towards each-other (well mostly...) but were able to experience many heartwarming moments afterwards.
*[SPOILER] Although a straight, cis person, I was hit deeply when White and Sean walked hand in hand underneath the pride flag and cried so much, it was simply so beautiful and a wonderful representation of the meaning of pride of your sexuality. A very memorable moment along with the trust fall and the braveness jump.
*I am desperately waiting for myself to slowly forget fragments of what happened in this drama so I can watch it again in which I can see myself doing many times.

Although I cruised through this drama in the first few episodes due to a busy schedule, I binge watched this show til extremely early hours of the morning when I had time. I have not watched a drama in so long that has left such a heavy impact in which I find myself thinking about nearly each day. I can't wait for more dramas with similar scenarios which are currently being aired or have already been released in which I am yet to watch, or any in the future, along with more Off/Gun to look forward to.

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Watch it!!!! ( writing review for the first time)

I usually don't rewatch Bls but NOT ME is the only Bl tht i re-watched!!! This show is the best bl tht i hv watched its not the typical cheesy bl tht we watch....OFFGUN'S chemistry is just so...i hv no words!!!! One of my fav ships. Their relationshipis just so healthy and non toxic...the typical enemies to lovers trope. And the side couples ( second lead couples) omg im in love with them. This drama has everything crime, rom-com, thriller mystery. They hv released only 11 eps till now :"( i am not ready for this show to end T-T. And man oh man the leads are just so hot O_o. ACTING; TOP NOTCH QUALITY. You will never get tored of watching it . ENOUGH SAID. JUST GO WATCH IT!!!!!!

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A group of social reformers but comes in gay

Before I say anything about the series I want to acknowledge their makeup team. That might be weird but it'll be a crime not to. Their whole makeup team did an amazing job on the whole cast. You can even see their pores and bumps and acnes which is not a common thing to see in Thai dramas even east Asians dramas in general which eventually made everything look way more realistic. Kudos to the whole team.
Then I'll come to the music. (I know I'm weird but it needs to be addressed) Every single song, music, tune they used for so perfectly to every single scene. The oyeoyeoye tune is still ringing in my ears. Again a 10 on 10 performance.
Then comes CHEMISTRYYYYY. OffGun have always had a great chemistry but in not me they outdid themselves. There wasn't a single awkward moment between them. Even between the second couple. It just happened so naturally. I hate to compare things but for sure it made me feel like watching western tv shows. No awkwardness and all. The straight couples were kinda off though. Black/Eugene and Gram/Eugene but I think it was tolerable somewhat. Usually it's opposite. The direction was so smooth that it made me feel I'm watching them in front of me.
The story was something new for a BL drama. Not an unique plot obviously but not "not enjoyable" as well. Who doesn't enjoy evil rich exploiters getting smashed. Overall it's 10 on 10.

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Not Me deserves its praise.

I waited a long time to watch this show when it first started airing, after watching the trailer etc it didn’t seem like a show I would be as invested in as I became. Everyone was blasting about how amazing it was and I completely caved shortly after episode 10 aired, and well…I was hooked after that!
As someone who is apart of the LGBTQ+ community and went through the struggle of dealing with gay marriage not being legal in my own country, I felt like the sentiment and conversation about that topic was realistic and held at a high standard. Finding a show that talks realistically about those topics is rare and refreshing. Not only was the depiction of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights realistic but the actual queer relationships shown were realistic. While I understand why this show is under the BL umbrella, it almost just falls under an LGBTQ+ label, and I find those to almost be separate genres. The lack of tropes and added realism really made me invested in the relationships between all the characters, and none of the drama felt unnecessary.
The acting in this show was phenomenal, while I’ve always loved Guns acting, his abilities really showed. When he was playing each twin, you could easily tell who he was, both twins were distinctly different. Major props to him for the fantastic performance. The rest of the cast really out did themselves, and those who I have seen be okay-ish in other series really gave their all in this one and it really shows. Props to everyone, genuinely.
My only issue with this series is how rushed the ending was, because it really felt like we were bolting to the finish line. After such a wonderfully paced show, the very last episode felt very fast paced and sorta like a scramble to tie up everything. In everyone’s defense, they had a TON of loose endings to tie up, but I wish we got to see more of the tie ups if that makes sense? I feel like maybe even making the last episode 15 minutes longer would have helped. Regardless, the ending was alright and I’m happy with it, just felt rushed and it threw off the pacing of the show.
Overall, Not Me has become one of my favorite shows of all time. From the soundtrack I can’t stop listening to, to the visuals and story I can’t stop thinking about, it will be a show I constantly revisit and enjoy.
If you are thinking about watching it, I recommend!

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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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Worth Watching!

I'll state right up front that I see why other reviewers had issues with the way the politics came across and how some of the show was done. Could those areas be improved on? Yeah, probably. However, this is still a BL and they still had to focus on that aspect as a major plot point, and I think to completely nail everything story-wise it would've needed to be longer.

Now that we got that out of the way, I want to mention that the political and social issues that the show brought up are very important, especially to present day Thailand. The differences between upper, middle and lower classes, privilege, LGBTQ+ rights and activism, treatment of the disabled, etc. These are issues that were very bold and I applaud the show for addressing them, and in a BL no less.

The acting from everyone was on point. From the main characters right down to all of the minor support actors everyone delivered. Gun was absolutely phenomenal, and you could tell which character was on screen Black vs White just by looking at him. Off did a great job and has really improved! First & Fluke were so good you could forget about everyone else when they were on screen. Mond was heartwarming and so likeable. Honestly, every last one of them brought their A-game and knocked it out of the park. Also, I'm so thankful that there wasn't a single jealous, bitter, angry bitch female character dead set on ruining one of the guys or being spiteful. It was incredibly refreshing to have mature, reasonable female characters with self respect. Oh, and I can't forget Sing, goodness, I've seen him act since he was young and now suddenly he's grown up and played his adult role flawlessly!! I was very impressed with how well he took to this role.

I was kind of expecting a little something different based on trailers, I thought we'd see gang on gang action or something of the like, I did not know that it would be so political and socially charged. So I was a bit surprised that the antagonist was not even remotely what/who I was expecting, but in the end that didn't detract from the show, it just wasn't what I thought it would be. I still loved every episode and I'll probably watch it again.

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This series is going to define a whole new era of Thai BL series

I literally created an account with MyDramaList just to share my opinion on this series. I just finished watching episode 8 on YouTube, and I am beyond just blown away. This series is by far one of the most visually but also storytelling wise engaging series, I have yet had a chance to watch. The story around politics, gender identity, failure and success in a world which is ruled by the few is a story I have yet not seen in many Thai dramas, and it is setting the bar high for future productions. This series is going to path a whole new way of not only BL stories, but Thai series in general, and I am beyond honoured to be able to witness this. Every character is beautifully portrayed by a beyond talented cast of actors/actresses, and the chemistry not only between them is so natural. I am immersed during every episode so far and just come back to reality when the ending song hit, that's how much of an impact the series as a whole had on me so far. Please take your time and watch this series on YouTube, you will not regret it at all. Can't believe we get to watch this masterpiece for free on their official channel. I am beyond grateful.

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Probably one of best series from the new BL generation.

First of all, I want to say the fact that I've been a big fan of OffGun for a year, the same time I've been waiting for this series since I watched the pilot trailer. And although I was highly waiting for this because it was a new series of OffGun, I must admit the theme into the pilot left me seriously hooked. I still have one quote engraved in my brain: "Iron Man and Thanos are both violent. What's the difference between a hero and a villain?". I saw this was one chance for BL to explore new genres, new perspectives. So in the end, I waited for it because of the intrigue of how they will reconsider who's the hero and the villain in the plot.

Now, let's get into subject.

Story: as I said, I was waiting for a gang of young people who were against the system as rebellion. However, the plot was developed in a deeper path, connecting all the characters that fight for a reason which affects their lives. It's not as simple as just saying "I don't want to follow the rules", but a view of "they screwed the people I love and me myself, I won't allow them to go unpunished". Once the characters start to move to the same aim even if they don't get along, when rage and powerlessness invade them sometimes, the question if they're also doing the right thing arises thanks to the intervention of White disguised as Black, who gives them a different perspective to confront Tawi, especially Sean, what slowly introduces the romance part as just a side-theme which affects the main plot, but not letting it control it. Besides, I want to add that in every episode there are claims they do regarding many issues that not only involves politics, but also social as disable people, LGBTQ+ comm fight, manipulation inside the political system. As last, I want to highlight that every kiss/love scene is strictly justified as it develops the main plot with a cause-effect and not to add sexualized scenes and gain fame. Those scenes are produced in a very aesthetic way, reaching the art level thanks to the illumination, colours, bgm, camera angles, costumes, location. There's still five episodes to watch, but until now it's been flawless.

Acting/cast: I have no words to describe how speechless I am left in every episode, if not in every part of each episode. It's not just the fact the plot surrounds really delicate issues which may affect you in your RL too, but the way each actor and actress portrayed the characters. Gun has again proved me he's probably one of the best actors in the industry, but finally Off could show off his amazing potential as actor. Fluke and First were a surprise indeed, both act deeply natural, letting their feelings lead the way in each scene. I don't want to forget any cast in here as everyone is so on point in their acting, not forced or unrealistic. And I must thank the screenwriters and director for this. P'Nuchy is so strict in her work, but doesn't refuse to try new ways, allowing the actors explore fully. There was a quote in the recent bts where she said "if I see they can't follow the script after a few takes because they don't know how to convey it, I let them improvise as long as I may be the one wrong". I applaud that way of work because thanks to it, many of the most beautiful scenes have great part of improvisation grown up inside of each actor. It's a team work that helps everyone to improve together.

Music: what to say about the music. It's perfect. So on point in each scene, not just added to fill the silence, but to convey the feeling completely. A new taste in songs that are rare to be heard in BL. With or without lyrics, it's impressive how the songs were chosen and not created for the series (aside of the main OST and My Side), because they fit 100% .

Rewatch value: I think this point is really important because sometimes the scenes are so overwhelming (or at least I felt so) that I needed to rewatch to see small details or connotations that the first time you may miss as you're extremely focused on the feeling. This is not a bad point, moreover, it shows how it absorbs you into its world.

The overall rate is obviously 10/10 because I can't see any major flaw. It's a series that must be enjoyed from a very subjective view so you will understand each feeling and reason behind their actions. However, at the same time, that's what makes it so immersive, deep and charismatic. No series are alike. No characters are alike. No plot is alike. It's a one-time experience. And I hope it will keep as such until the end.

Thanks for reading.

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BL, but a focus on social economic issues

I wouldn't say that Not Me is a BL in its essence. Yes, the main characters fall in love, but there is more than that. The characters bond over their motivations to make Thailand (or the world in general) a better place by challenging its justice system and by exposing injustices performed by rich people in power specifically. OffGun as always have knocked it out of the park with this one. Their acting is so extremely believable and detailed, you forget they are acting at times. Every single character is given time to shine, and White is able to connect with many of them on a deeper level than Black was able to.

There are parts in the series that show how Black acted towards the other members of the gang and the stark difference is incredible. You really believe that White and Black are completely different people, but they are performed by the same person! From the way he talks and his mannerisms, everything is different and you can feel the tension. I highly enjoyed the drama. I binged the last half of the show in two days because I just really wanted to see how it would develop and end. I even cried during the last episode with the crowd of supporters. I think this BL is not only good, but it is also important. This series is a statement, and I believe that there are some valuable lessons to be learned from this.

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