guainiao
This review may contain spoilers
Punk rock poetry in a boys' love dream.
Motorcycles, street art, social justice, rooftops, parkour, strong women, LGBTQ+ pride, and boys’ love…what more could you ask for? All my favorite things aside XD, this show is exceptionally well made in many ways. Great writing, engaging story, beautifully filmed, nuanced acting. So fulfilling, and I'm not even talking about the soy milk :D
I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this show, but it definitely wasn't to find a masterpiece of queer cinema. Most of the other BLs I've watched, even though highly recommended, are not really about queer issues. Not Me is a queer punk rock revolution, celebrating equality and fighting for social justice. Like in the rooftop scene about fear and bravery, Anucha Boonyawatana teaches us how to be brave enough to speak out, and that your voice matters.
Visually, this series is like poetry. The close-ups are raw and realistic—you can feel the detail and subtleties in the actors’ skin. The scenes are allowed to play out naturally—this was the first drama where I felt the arc leading to the first kiss was well built. The flag march, simply holding hands, then sharing secrets in White's room, then the rooftop. In that rooftop kiss, they put out the sun between their lips…and hug—it’s so simple, that new love embrace that everyone has felt, but no director has managed to capture quite so authentically.
The chemistry between the actors playing Sean and White feels unbelievably real. The love scene left me in tears. The sweetness and passion between them is so moving. Seeing the two lovers model communication and respect for each other was truly special. The ear tug, the button, the love of detail and honesty is what makes this story so memorable.
And the turning point, when Sean meets Black for the first time left me speechless. Not realizing they are twins, Sean in a way must feel he is with an abusive partner that seems to switch personalities. Black/White are like two sides of the same person battling themselves, and it's the person closest to them that ends up getting hurt. Although this last interpretation is a deeply personal one, it brings up trauma in a cathartic way.
To me, one of the most important questions the director raises in this work is whether or not a person is capable of change. "Someone who always goes with the flow cannot go against the current." Sean says this, and White responds saying that people are capable of change, otherwise we'd still be living in caves. This, along with the idea that bravery cannot exist without fear, are powerful tools for self-acceptance and growth.
For me, this show was healing. This is one of those rare times when I want to hold a story close to my heart and also share it with everyone. Only a good work of art can do that—that’s what Not Me is. It's a poetic love letter to queer artists and activists overcoming trauma. Their happy ending is what this community needs.
Anucha, you are my soul friend! Thank you to the actors, the director, and writers for this beautiful and inspiring dream.
P.S.
Take my Not Me Boyfriend quiz, and let me know what you think!:
https://mydramalist.com/games/DEDBCr
I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this show, but it definitely wasn't to find a masterpiece of queer cinema. Most of the other BLs I've watched, even though highly recommended, are not really about queer issues. Not Me is a queer punk rock revolution, celebrating equality and fighting for social justice. Like in the rooftop scene about fear and bravery, Anucha Boonyawatana teaches us how to be brave enough to speak out, and that your voice matters.
Visually, this series is like poetry. The close-ups are raw and realistic—you can feel the detail and subtleties in the actors’ skin. The scenes are allowed to play out naturally—this was the first drama where I felt the arc leading to the first kiss was well built. The flag march, simply holding hands, then sharing secrets in White's room, then the rooftop. In that rooftop kiss, they put out the sun between their lips…and hug—it’s so simple, that new love embrace that everyone has felt, but no director has managed to capture quite so authentically.
The chemistry between the actors playing Sean and White feels unbelievably real. The love scene left me in tears. The sweetness and passion between them is so moving. Seeing the two lovers model communication and respect for each other was truly special. The ear tug, the button, the love of detail and honesty is what makes this story so memorable.
And the turning point, when Sean meets Black for the first time left me speechless. Not realizing they are twins, Sean in a way must feel he is with an abusive partner that seems to switch personalities. Black/White are like two sides of the same person battling themselves, and it's the person closest to them that ends up getting hurt. Although this last interpretation is a deeply personal one, it brings up trauma in a cathartic way.
To me, one of the most important questions the director raises in this work is whether or not a person is capable of change. "Someone who always goes with the flow cannot go against the current." Sean says this, and White responds saying that people are capable of change, otherwise we'd still be living in caves. This, along with the idea that bravery cannot exist without fear, are powerful tools for self-acceptance and growth.
For me, this show was healing. This is one of those rare times when I want to hold a story close to my heart and also share it with everyone. Only a good work of art can do that—that’s what Not Me is. It's a poetic love letter to queer artists and activists overcoming trauma. Their happy ending is what this community needs.
Anucha, you are my soul friend! Thank you to the actors, the director, and writers for this beautiful and inspiring dream.
P.S.
Take my Not Me Boyfriend quiz, and let me know what you think!:
https://mydramalist.com/games/DEDBCr
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