Not Me (2021)

Went into it expecting something different, but it had its moments

I think, overall, my main issue with this show was that what I thought it was going to be, based off the insanely cool edits on my fyp. This was not what it actually ended up being. Was it a bad show? No. Was is meaningful? Yes. Could it have been better? Absolutely, because it wasn't want I was expecting out of the show.

As a social criticism drama - this hits the mark with a full ten stars. However, everything else was a mess.

The premise is absolutely the best part and is part of the reason why I was so interested in this show. I am a twin myself, so I am always excited to see them be the main characters. However, this show did not deliver on that front. White goes undercover to find out who hurt his brother - yet he quickly stops doing that. He barely investigated Blacks gang, he was way too trusting and even when they told him how Black usually acts he didn't try to change his behavior to fit in better. Actually, it seems as if he actually has no interest in his brother at all - which is a real shame bc his brother immediately came to him when he felt him getting hurt but he never did that for Black. It was always Black who found White first.

Including White, most characters acted very juvenile in their action. You are committing pretty harsh crimes yet they don't take the necessary precautions. They should be wearing gloves considering they could easily be found through their DNA for how severe their crimes are. The only exceptions of those who always seem to think things through or actually have the skills to get through severe rough patches are Gumpa and Black. Gumpa makes the plans and they are well thought out plus he has many skills he teaches to the others and form what I understand Blacks plans always worked out and he manages to get himself out of situations the others can't.

However, the most disappointing thing I've seen in this is the lack of showtime between Black and White - the whole premise starts with them but they have no scenes together and when Black is awake we never know what he's doing. He's the one with enemies yet we never know what he is doing. I believe the most interesting character is Black which is why its a real shame we never got to understand or see him in action better. The most disappointing thing about Blacks character is his extreme change form those growing up a privledged life and turning into the absolute opposite. i mean, there has to be a reason why he is willing to live like he grew up a gutter rat and is apparently mean to everyone around him. They should have gone into his character more. He was ironically the character I liked the most and I liked Euch as well bc of how she was necessary to the plot in basically playing devils advocate for the law to show both sides.

Besides the incomprehensible behavior of nearly al the characters - there were so many plot holes that could have been solved if they cut down on unnecessary side interests. Show more of the villain's motives so it feels like a well-rounded story and stop jumping from one activity to another without a leading line to show how we got there like the ROL suddenly gaining traction when there should have been more focused on it since it was important in the conclusion.

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More than a BL series

This series is literally more than a bl series, as far as I can remember this is the only bl series that sucessfully made its lessons, representation and issues come through in a very clear way.

Like where have you even seen two people who love each other go under the pride flag, holding each others hands and shouting out for equal rights? No where except Not Me.

The acting of Off and Gun is top tier and I really applaud Off for his acting, you can really see how much he improved through out the years. And Gun, lets not start with him because when I say his actings good IT REALLY IS! I also appreciate Mond, First, Papang, Fluke, and especially Sing's acting!!!!!

The OST's for this series is perfect and addicting. Lastly, I really admire how P'Nutchy (the director) is so brave in putting out this series knowing the backlash she might receive from other people's opinions about opening up about the government and society itself.

I highly recommend watching this series, this is beyond any other series not just in the BL genre!

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Just...wow.

I...don't even know where to start. Grab some water and a sandwich, 'cause you're in for a long ride with this review. I literally don't have words for how much I love this show, and it was still airing when I wrote most of this review. I...don't usually rate shows 10/10 because baby I'm hard to please, but I pretty much don't think anything could take away from my score, not even a cursed episode eleven. I also know not everyone likes the same stuff, so if this show just doesn't do it for you, that's great too! Anywho, I'll update when it's done airing. :)

Let's start with the story. Say what you want about originality, but this story is developed and executed so well. I'm literally on the edge of my seat every Sunday. I personally don't like the fluffy, nerd meets jock romances and tend towards the more moody and dramatic like Manner of Death or ITSAY, so getting to see more shows with suspense and crime just floats my boat! Even so, the drama in Not Me is reasonable and believable, with realistic conflict and even more realistic conflict management. I've only paused to take a calming (angry) deep breath twice as opposed to TharnType's whopping 59. Not Me's story flows nicely, and each episode adds layers of plot and character depth as the mystery deepens and relationships form. And those relationships, man, I literally can't. Off and Gun are at it again, still recognizable in their chemistry but novel in their delivery and performance. First and Fluke Gawin! This pairing snuck up on me like a car without headlights and then BAM, literally rent-free. Both of these on-screen relationships, and others, were built up bit by bit in a natural progression just dripping with tension, and I can't get enough. The whole Not Me world is so solid and detailed, and every character has their own traits, story, and reasons behind what they do (even the adults for once!), and I can't thank the director enough for how beautifully this show unfolded. Last important note, Not Me takes on incredibly important topics like citizen's rights, lgbtq+ rights, police corruption and brutality, disability, and even beauty standards, all of which are handled so thoroughly and well to the point of tears.

On to the acting--oh boy do I love this cast! It's perfect, and each actor has tackled their characters with such grace and maturity, I'm blown away. I've loved watching them all grow up over the years in their respective careers, especially the people I'm relatively new to like First and Mond and Lookjun, so I'm literally so excited to support them through this journey of sorts as they get more and more chances to showcase their talent. The eye contact and facial expressions are really what get me with this show. I don't know how they do it, but I genuinely forget I'm watching people act when each character is on screen. A script is really what makes or breaks a show for me, and this show gets full marks. The dialogue is fluid, thoughtful, and realistic, and even the set blocking is great. The story along with each character is fully done justice by the actors and director. But alas, if I had to pick one person who really takes the cake, it would be Gun. I could barely recognize him when I first started watching--everything is different, from his body language to his tone of voice to his attitude. I'm obsessed, and he deserves so much credit and recognition, as does the rest of the cast and staff behind the scenes. I also want to point out how seriously all the set effects were taken, from real flames to nudity to heights, it's all genuine and just adds to the electric atmosphere.

Visual effects. I'm adding this because I want to talk about the LIGHTING and the MAKEUP! Wowowow I'm in love with the warm tones and finally seeing some skin texture. I can't stand when shows come out of post-production looking like no one even touched the color palette, and when actors are caked with one foundation color and a fuschia lip tint. Stop that, no one asked for that. Not Me looks like...what the world looks like through a person's own eyes, flaws and all. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. Just...wow.

Ok, music--9/10 as something I don't really care about but am fond of for this show. The OST isn't my favorite but it's nice, and I think the only thing I have to say is that whatever music does play throughout the show feels natural. For example, I get so pissed when shows portray an emotional scene and layer too-loud, cheesy music over it trying to tell the viewers what they're supposed to be feeling--we know what we're supposed to feel, let us feel it. This show isn't afraid of a little silence, and I love that, and when there is a backtrack it's non-disruptive and evokes just the right amount of emotion. A win for me!

Rewatch value. I watch each episode twice when they come out. I haven't even finished it all and still want to watch it all again. 10/10, sue me.

Overall, I'm absolutely starstruck by this show. It's gone above and beyond the bar. Please watch this, you won't regret it. xoxo

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DEFINITELY NO SPOILERS

After the trailer was released I was kept on the edge of my seat for two whole weeks waiting for the series and much unexpectedly when it came I had very high hopes which in deed weren't let down you must check it out if you haven't.

I have just watched the series and I am very much impressed by the rather powerful start because they don't linger around the past story too much and yet I can entirely understand the whole series as the background is brief and precise you don't feel anything lacking in it.

I was excited when I saw the poster and moreso the cast list which was full of Handsome and cute actors, some of my favourite by the way, along with their characters in the series which are easy to tell from the start, you feel from the first episode that this series is very original and not cliche while it's like a gang romance so you'll definitely be dying to watch it while if defining the chemistry between all actors and their roles, they seem to understand how best to play their parts as I found the first episode flawless from the beginning to the end.

The plot in addition was very remarkable along with the graphics and the scenes, what I really have admired so much about the series is the in depth feeling of emotions being well portrayed that is anger, sadness, curiosity as I got totally immersed in the show it almost felt so real. Besides another much deeper analysis is that the mystery leaves you with so many questions which I like because it makes the scenes much more unpredictable as you are always driven from one extreme to another when you least expect which puts so many suspects in question and at times I can't easily tell whom to trust or who the protagonist and antagonist is towards the innocent White.

The two characters that are played by Atthaphan Phunsawat are very captivating in their own way and the somewhat unspoken innocence of Jumpol Adulkittiporn makes it a to die for series after their success as a couple in THEORY OF LOVE, PUPPY HONEY, I'M TEE ME TOO made it seem worthwhile for me to watch and the chemistry wasn't disappointing at all as one way I promise you start almost soon enough to feel a cute romance that is between them even by them just looking at each other there's a total rush of readable emotions on their faces and romantic heartbeats.

All in all, the drama was well executed as a whole with those remarkable fighting scenes which for a Thai series were above the charts that I wasn't as well disappointed and If you are a bl fan this is going to be one of the best gang bl romance series you have ever watched whose story is easy to understand, the plot unpredictable, the characters very intimate and the Bromance very sincere starting off as a feeling of mixed emotions it doesn't feel too rushed.

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Good Enough

Thai Drama "Not Me" has an enjoyable soundtrack and a brilliant main lead.

On that note, the music was excellent and just right for the story, without having one song being repeated throughout the whole series. Rather, there was a variety of songs and all of them feated the mood of the drama. As for the leading actor, he did an excellent job transitioning from Black to White, in which he proves his dynamics as an actor. The rest of the cast did a good job as well.

Unfortunately, the drama had not a smooth pace and the last episode just conveniently and rushly concluded everything. There were a few questionable decisions of the characters as well, some of them even got annoying after a while.

So, overall, six out of ten.

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Not Me, Not You, But Everyone...

I recommend this series 110%. The plot, the acting, cinematography, everything was amazing. You learn some real life lessons along the way when dealing with an oppressive government; one being that not everything, especially the characters, are black or white; Well besides the twins who are actually named Black and White...From the struggles the gang of college kids went through together for justice to the heartbreak some faced, it was a great journey to be on. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a strong case of second couple syndrome cause I did, tho main couple was great in their own way, had me rooting for them too. The unexpected ghostshiping was also strong at times hahaha. Soundtrack was good, nothing I paid too much attention besides intro song, mainly cause I was busy bawling my eyes out. So yes I also recommend lots of tissues for your tears. That's all I'll say without being spoilery. Would definitely rewatch it in a heartbeat.

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Brilliant! Top for 2022!

Finally some production company allowed these actors to 'act' and what you end up with is a brilliant reality play. It is a necessary, essential tale apparently itching to be told, of a story that is universally understood - social justice, And it is told with romance in such an ordinary way under extraordinary circumstances. I was mesmerized by all the performances and thought the acting was brilliant and near perfection. Plus its message is a universal one. The inequities in justice and fairness and discrimination are universally felt and understood. But the fight is real and dangerous. Yet love still takes hold and manages to blossom. But the fight must go on. This is simply a brilliant, extraordinary BL series and will not doubt be on the Top Ten List for 2022.

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A very underwhelming ending for a good series

I overall like Not Me, but that ending… it does not fit with the tone of this series. The cast is great, I liked almost every character and the soundtrack is fantastic. But I can not understand how a series like Not Me could end up with a happy ending for everyone.

I’m not saying that i wanted everybody do die, nor that I was rooting for Tawi. But let's be real, that happy ending for every single main character makes 0 sense! Todd is the only character that did not get a happy ending, but it’s not like he had a terrible ending either. Everyone is alive and all the couples are together and happy. I really expected either Dan or Yok to die, because that would be the ideal way to show the stakes and move the plot. If Dan dies, he ends up showing his will to correct the mistake of his past and show that he cares about Yok and the gang, specially after betraying them. Yok dying would show that the fight and their methods have consequences, and would push Dan to fight with the gang (I know that it would be very hard for Dan to accept that he indirectly killed Yok by betraying the guys).

And what about Gumpa?! We get no explanation about him and his story. What’s his motivation? Where did he get all that training? How did he get all the information on Tawi? And most of all: How did his fingerprint unlock Dan’s car? (OK, the last one is not a major point, but it’s weird).

I feel like everybody knows this by now, but Gun once again proved that he’s one of the best actors at GMMTV.

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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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Impactful , Awesome Chemistry, Great Acting by Gun (Black/White)

Completed - 3/28/2022 - 8.75 rounding up to 9.0

"Not Me" introduced many international viewers to Thailand's social injustices and inequality via the popularity of BL dramas. I probably would not have watched this drama if it's not a BL drama, and I am the targeted audience for such a genre - straight woman. But I am so glad that I get to watch such great drama. There hasn't been any other BL dramas that my novice brain can recall that includes serious topics as social injustices and inequality, mixed with romance. We have seen many too many high school and college dramas, good and mature ones are hard to come by.

What I Enjoy:

1. Tackling Social Issues - As mentioned, "Not Me" has a strong focus on regular citizens speaking up and fighting social and economic injustices. It discusses issues such as upper-middle class/elite privileges, evil corporation monopoly and dirty /illegal business tactics/practices, police corruption, disability rights, marriage equality, etc. Even though it doesn't go into details about all of these topics, it brought light to viewers that Thailand also struggles with these issues. I am not sure if Thailand has censorships like China, but I guess because "Not Me" does not target the government, it's free to discuss other issues. I also enjoy the discussion of 'Rule of Law' vs "Rule by Law'. There are some very intelligent discussions about this, and I appreciate that.

2. Gun's Acting - When White was first introduced and moved back to Thailand, my first impression of him was a dorky but smart college grad who looks like a high school kid. But throughout the drama, I have witnessed his transformation from dorky White to an inexperienced Black and to become very comfortable in his new identity. Gun portrays all these identities so well. You can see from his eyes how they change from persona to persona. The aura he gives out is very different as well. This is my first drama of Gun, and I was concerned initially when I see dorky White that he might not live up to the expectations. What an impressive acting range Gun showcases by playing both White and Black.

3. Off's Acting - Off might have been a little overshadowed by Gun's impressive acting, but he did a fantastic job as well. His character also provides him with many opportunities to showcase his acting ability. He switches from an impulsive & aggressive Sean, to a very smitten and totally-in-love Sean effortlessly. He also has great emotional scenes.

4. Second Half Drama + Romance - It took me a couple episodes to feel really invested in the story and the characters, as the first half covers some very serious topic. But from the middle to the second half of the drama, there is a very good mix of drama/action and romance. The pacing is great and I am totally invested in their cause, and also in their love lives. The chemistry between Black and Sean is incredible, though I have minor issue about how it all started (discussed more below). But the scenes when they are together, you can feel the sizzling chemistry and you just want them to hug and kiss (great kisses, by the way). The same goes to how Yok looks at Dan/UNAR. I can feel how he was initially attracted to the mysterious UNAR and the scenes of them together are just as awesome (though I don't like Dan's acting as much). It broke my heart towards the end of the drama with scenes between Yok and Dan at the hospital.

5. White as Black- I like how White, as an outsider, joins the group and tries to support them using more appropriate measures. Instead of just following what is instructed of him, he comes up with alternate solutions that yield much better results. I also enjoy how he matures and realizes that he's part of the problem, as someone coming from an upper-middle class family with connections to help pave his road for success.

What I don't quite Enjoy (nitpicking a little):

1. They don't look their character age - A few characters, especially Todd, looks like a high school kid dresses in his dad's clothes. He has such a young face, yet he's already a business tycoon. I find that a little hard to believe. White also looks like a high school kid instead of a college graduate when he was initially introduced. Eugene looks like a high school cheerleader, though she is really pretty and I enjoy all her dances.

2. Black/Sean falling in love - I feel that they fall in love too quickly. They were just arguing and beating each other up in one scene, and then in another they are giving each other love glances at the protest. The transition from enemies-to-lovers needs a little more development. Don't get me wrong, I love their chemistry, it just happens a little bit out of the blue.

3. Other's Acting - Because Gun and Off's acting is so great, comparatively, the other team members don't measure up to their level. I feel that Dan is the weakest link out of all the guys. When he's not crying, he seems to only have one facial expression when he's with Yok. Gram and Tod's acting is also just so-so.

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#NotMe #NotYou #NotGramBlack

So I waited until the week episode 11 premiered to begin Not Me. Once it started, I could see why it was so popular, even without OffGun, I really enjoyed the humor, the mystery elements, the politics and class consciousness and queerness of the series, and what I thought would be this big reckoning when Black woke up/White figured out who hurt him.

I feel like the first half of Not Me was doing a lot of set up and tension building and creating all these possibilities and the last arc, for me, just didn't meet those expectations they set. The Tawi plot is not resolved/offscreened. The gang spends most of the series operating outside the system and then offscreen surrenders themselves to the system. And I'm still wondering what the point of the GramBlack scenes/hints were if it was also leading to nothing.

I think the plot on paper and the strength of Gun's acting for Black and White is what has kept this series relatively high for me. I like that it's more mature and that it has a political/class conscious POV. I feel like it the back half could have landed the plane better Not Me could have been a top series for me. But I don't think it will have a lot of rewatch value outside of Black's scenes because the plot set up of the first episodes is not concluded well.

I like this series, I thought I would love this series, but the last arc was a bit of a letdown, outside of Gun's phenomenal portrayal as Black.

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Orginal plot, but messy plot.

Gun's performance always outsells. We expect and he overdelivers. We can clearly see some improvement in Off's acting, which I'm totally here for. Gawin's acting was and continues to be terrible. Honestly, I have yet to see a decent performance by him. Mond was good! Everyone else was ok. The plot was interesting and original, but they made it messy as hell. Coulda and shoulda have been better written. Definetly hoped for more black/white interactions than this. And would have loved to see the development of sean's and black's relationship after they became "family". Yok and Dan's relationship was terrible from beggining to end. And i liked yok's character, although he was clearly too naive at times. (and a lil stalker, tbh).

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