Not Me (2021)

One of the best ones yet

This is truly a great series, from the plot to the characters, everything was executed beautifully.

I love the main couple, although I was a bit confused when they started falling in love, but sometimes love is just a mystery, I thought it was beautiful and very cute. I like how ML wasn't actually hidden in the dark, that he has his own guesses about MC's character. Second cpl is so cute too, though a bit more angsty in my opinion.

The plot twist was interesting, although my gut instinct actually told me this would happen from miles away. I was a bit confused about the motive of this character, and I wish they would've expanded on it a bit more.

Overall, i think the setting of the plot is very interesting, i haven't come across any plotlines like this, especially in bls dramas. And i especially appreciate how they perfectly executed their relationship, without it being purely explicit, sometimes just a glance and a hug can show a lot more than being super intimate.

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A disappearing snapshot ...of that unyielding force...to shape the world to one's own conviction

Before we get serious, am I falling hardcore for First? I think so. Someone save me because I need to study.

...

You will find many issues and topics to latch onto beyond bl and romance:
- The enemy being the one who knowing better than a friend.
- A group protecting your life because your life is an ideological statement.
- Doing something (art, protest, attack) to express the anger with the state world is in.
- Forgiveness and change come in no order. And lastly... the one I will latch onto...

Existing in a world by working for more than yourself:

While I wish the world worked out in this manner the ROT and their mob, humans are rather more complicated, their interests conflicting and therefore less united.

When I tell you I got the chills when the mob united to save the group.

This is many things. Idealistic. Non-sensical. Pessimistic about the world. Hopeful for a change. Angry. Rebellious. Everything what youth is and represents. I kind of love this cloud of delusion that gives one the sense of being alive. But of course in a 14 episode time frame. And then back to reality.

I mean, I will go on a rant but adults like Gumpa who continue fighting in such manner can do so if they have their own garage, resources and no family of their own who financially depend on. Throw in a child and Gumpa would've acted like the policeman. A lot of adults need to either shut down the fire or find other ways to do channel it. Even White abandons his identity to join the gang eventually. but why White? Didn't you like diplomacy? What do you do like? Until when you will act like Black? I mean, the difference between two is larger than outfits and composure. (But the drama did take a large bite, so I do not expect it to deal with every unclosed circle.)

But this also tells us why many do not...Many do not care about social issues, not because of ignorance necessarily but other priorities, like Yok's mother. And honestly, I do not blame them. This, full-on-100% deliberation is only reserved for the kind of privileged ones we forget - the youth.

But I did feel a sting of becoming an adult and wondering am I going to lose it? Am I losing the sensitivity for social issues because life gets in the way?

We need an uprising in our hearts. A continued reminder. To not allow ourselves not to be mistreated as individuals in our lives by anyone. Ignite the spark, and wake up.

This drama reminded me of it. Which makes it a necessary watch for anyone.

...

Also Dan, you bi***, I ain't forgiving you... so it seems I have some adulting left to do.

Eh, life.

10/10.


Thanks for reading.

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J'ai d'abord été intriguée par la pochette de ce drama, je l'ai donc regardé (et le titre sortait de l'ordinaire)... J'ai été agréablement surprise par l'ambiance en général, le fait qu'il y ait des jumeaux car je trouve ça plutôt rare, la lutte entre classes sociales et les problèmes de société, les gangs et même les artistes. De plus, il y a de l'action, la musique est chouette, et tous les acteurs sont bien. Chaque épisode est intéressant, même si c'est très court. Je ne regrette pas de l'avoir regardé ; j'ai trouvé ce drama très bien.

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I feel a bit unsatisfied?

*happy ending for two couples*

Dont get me wrong. The acting was superb. Especially Gun my gosh. I think this series showcased his acting really well. It made me even think that Black is really another actor. I completed watching this just because I really loved Gun's acting in this one.

The ost? The best. I thought I will never find a more better ost than never let me go, but my boy. This got the best. They also incorporated some songs I also heard in never let me go. Save the spotify playlist. Def recommend.

The story is 10 out of 10 as well. The conflict the suspense, the cinematography, everything is the best.

However down to the last episodes, I had to skip some scenes? I dont know why it became boring in the latter episodes even though the romance and the action is in the last parts.

I think OffGun's off screen chemistry is not much shown in the series unlike TOL. Maybe because this series focuses more on the plot of fighting for what is right. Rather than the romance part. It became so not focused that I dont mind leaving the romance between OffGun. Heck, I felt more on screen chemistry with YokDan.

Another reason I think that I am unsatisfied with is becauseI didnt see or realized when Sean fell in love with White. I felt how conscious White is to Sean but not the other way around. There are some moments but I didnt feel that it was tense in a romantic way. Next thing I know he already kissed White.

I just felt overall that the romance and the plot is unbalanced in a way. I just hoped the build up is introduced all throughout the series and not just the almost last part.

Overall, this is one of the best series out there in terms of plot and execution. Must watch but know that the romance is not much the focus of this series.

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Overall one of my favorite dramas. It was one that was recommended to me because I watch a lot of BL's. One reason I liked it was that it touches on very real problems. And not just problems in Thailand but everywhere. Human rights issues, discrimination against those with disabilities, using ones power and connections to get what they want, monopolies, etc. Also, because it's an action drama and not purely a romance, the plot doesn't completely surround the main couple, which means the drama doesn't just end with "Their a couple now! Now roll the credits," ya' know?

In terms of the story, I don't have much to touch on. It was pretty well written (my standards are pretty low though) and there weren't too many clichés either. I will say one pretty big reveal at the end was pretty predictable for me but it wasn't so predictable that it was disappointing or anything, just more like a "That better not be what's happening" when it was indeed what was happening (idk if that made sense).

Honestly when it comes to music in Thai BL's, if you don't notice it or comment on it, they did a good job. I feel that was the case for this drama. Unlike some dramas where there are weird switches in the music or it doesn't fit the scene or there are weird cutoffs or sound effects that don't work with whatever's happening, etc.

I can't really say anything about the acting or casting because I honestly can't tell good acting from bad acting. I think the actors did well and fit their roles well but honestly I would have no clue even if they didn't.

I would totally watch this again and would recommend it to anyone who likes dramas about social and political issues or just talking about them in general. I would also definitely recommend it to any BL fans who are just tired of super stereotypical dramas about some rich guys who fall in love. Again overall one of my favorite dramas.

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Best series I have ever seen!

For the first time after watching a series...I am speechless. This series is truly a masterpiece that I will never forget. Where do I begin. I've watched and rated so many series since 2015 and I've never witnessed a truly 10/10 drama before. Everything was so very spot on from the acting, chemistry between multiple characters, not just the main leads, and of course the story was out of this world. It's hard to find a series that truly nails everything...not me is the first exception I've ever witnessed. Thank you so much to the whole team for creating this piece of art that will never be forgotten.

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It deserves the hype

This was so good, the cast of this series is amazing... I missed Fluke Gawin a lot since Dark Blue Kiss, even though he appeared on Enchanté it wasn't enough, this brings him back from dead ahahha
Gumpa really was the man in this series... I think he was the only one who was always honest to himself and to the others, he always did everything he could for the gang and that makes him THE MAN.
Yok, Black and Todd I don't like them but I also do like them? I don't really know how to say it I just think Yok was kinda dumb, he's with no doubts an ENFP ahaa, Black and Todd I sort of hate them but they're so hot that I think I can't hate them
(especially Todd since is my boy Sing character).
Black really creep the sh*t out of me, he had a weird but amazing way of thinking, he was extremely smart and that's hot, we finally receive a short, bottom vibes, inteligent mafia, I've waited a while for this one but I got it.
Sean and White were cute, I really loved the character development that Sean did, how he started to act so cute when he was all over Black (White) but I think that this change of feelings happened to fast, one day they hate each other next day they're eating each other faces, but I'm not complaining ahahha
I loved the ending, this open but oriented ending, I loved the kiss scenes (all of them) and the fight scene were AMAZING.
Gun Atp slayed, as always, this man couldn't act bad even if he wanted to, he really is a freaking good actor.

Overall this sh*t is dope, if definitely deserves the hype... GMM I congratulate you, you finally did it-

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This series was absolutely amazing. The story was very well written the chemistry between Offgun and Gawinfirst was freaking incredible I loved everything about this drama and the actors did an amazing job. Not to mention this was my first introduction to Offgun (I watched the first 4 eps before I watch Theory of Love). The aesthetic of everything was stunning and the way that Gun can switch between two completely differently personalities was incredible. The fact the drama was not just about two guys falling in love it was about how unfair society is and what fear can do, GMMTV did BL in a different way and I love it. THIS DRAMA IS A FUCKING MASTERPIECE.

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The all-together BL that everyone should see

Besides the rapid amount of time it takes to heal from a gunshot wound and, in my opinion, the ill placed relationship between one or two of the characters, I really enjoyed this drama as it exceeded my expectations in terms of what else I’ve seen from Thailand in the BL sector.

Personally, I didn’t feel that every character needed to have a happy ending. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that characters needed to necessarily die, even though that could have sparked a bigger hunger for fight amongst the gang, but more in terms of the various love lines we were given. Besides the out of place Dan redemption arc in his and Yok’s final scene, Gram’s entire love line was unnecessary and is something that should have ended once cleared up in the earlier episodes.

In saying that, I do feel that Black was one character in particular who should have gotten more focus in terms of the story line. Besides the lack of screen time and moments with his brother, or how he was fighting the system “behind the scenes'', we spent most of the series getting to know who he was WITH White, but in turn, the writers chose to keep him hidden while isolating him from his own friends and most of the story itself.

I also found it strange that the writers hinted at more than one potential relationship for Black and in both instances revoked them abruptly leaving us, the viewers, confused, especially the Gram and Eugene happy ending, where they simply ignored the fact that Black still had feelings towards Eugene. Not to forget the wasted opportunity that was the relationship between Black and Todd! They built that relationship so beautifully that it could have easily been a Romeo and Juliet or even a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope that could have also solved the Eugene problem, but alas, in those last two episodes we were robbed, for Karma purposes, I guess?

Two other smaller mentions in terms of plot and characters was the reasoning behind Gumpa’s existence and White’s purpose for going undercover. Firstly, besides Gumpa harbouring a gang of college boys in his garage, forcing them into all sorts of dangerous training while allowing them to set up and run with life threatening missions, we actually weren’t given ANYTHING about his character, there was no back story or reasoning to fight, was he simply a strategically placed wannabe Mr. Miyagi? Secondly, White’s original reasoning behind going undercover was quickly overshadowed by the political storyline. Although not a terrible move, it would have been a smoother transition with some sort of acknowledgement as White’s focus shifted.

As I mentioned earlier, overall, I really enjoyed this drama and I was fully invested in the story from start to finish, in fact, I binged it in one day! In terms of chemistry and acting, we have to give Off and Gun a round of applause for their performance. As always, they delivered, especially Gun , as he managed to do a convincing job of playing both the black and white swan. The choice of OST was also refreshing. After watching so many dramas, we KNOW just how repetitive the song choice can get, but the fact that they used various artists and songs throughout relating them to each scene, made a HUGE difference in the way the story was received.

Lastly, the overall arc of this story was an unusual one, especially in the Thai BL world. They took a varied spin on the boy’s varsity life and turned it into a story with great meaning and fight relating to the state of equality in Thailand. Okay, so the story itself was not necessarily THAT deep, but it did a great job in raising awareness, starting serious conversations and speaking volumes that so many can’t.

x dramafoxx

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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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