Not Me (2021)

The power in realization

This drama was probably the discovery of the year.
High budget, interesting story about corruption, multiple characters finding themselves and fighting for what they believe is right.
I didn't expect to love it this much. Usually my level of expectations is rather low when it comes to BL - usually when the acting is great the plot gets annoying at one point. This was absolutely not the case here.
White and Sean were amazing in their differences, as White slowly starts to see the bigger picture his feelings for Sean change but while he understands him, he still continues to stay true to himself. The same thing happens to Sean with White. I truly appreciated this because the character development was done right.
I was hesitating between a 9 and a 9.5 for two reasons. First, I didn't like what happened with Dan and Yok. Their story was interesting at first but then I felt like the writers didn't know where this was going. Then, I wanted to know more about Todd and Black. I feel like we need more about those two because Todd was truly interesting and we might not get a spin off or a season 2 but I'm praying for more.

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The most daring BL from GMMTV to date

When I started watching Not Me, I started wondering if it's BL at all. Gone is the excessive use of beauty filters or blurring effects to make the actors look unnaturally perfect. Instead, you can see the actors' complexions, pores and all. The cinematographic elements tend to be dark and gritty, and one might be surprised by how politically daring it is to talk about the problems with Thai society. And while fans may start watching the series thinking that it is yet another Off-Gun BL vehicle, the series takes its own sweet time developing their characters' relationship to a point where they are clearly in love with each other. It has the sort of guts to chart new territory that the Thai BL industry needs.

To be sure, Not Me does not eschew all BL conventions. Quite early in the series, we get to see White (Gun's character) and Sean (Off's character) sharing a bed, Gun falling into Sean's arms, etc. However, the ship for the other couple, Yok and Dan, starts sailing faster and one may wonder if the White-Sean ship is going to happen at all. But what is surprising is that it leaves out a whole lot of feel-good fluff. The main characters may be mostly university students, but their vigilantism is legally problematic and morally ambiguous. There isn't much putting them in a glamorous light although they seem to be good people. With Not Me, we are definitely not watching the typical idealized rich-and-handsome or romanticized struggling-poor-but-cute leads though some of the main characters are wealthy and others are poor. They are not guys who go around campus with legions of screaming fans. If they are privileged in some way, the access to that privilege is questioned.

Of course, not everything that is different from the norm is great. So what makes Not Me such a riveting watch? The plot development, for one, is excellent. There is a good story beyond the BL. And while a revelation in one of the later episodes about how Black (White's twin brother, also played by Gun) gets injured at the start of the story isn't totally unpredictable, it is interesting how the person behind his injury is portrayed with a certain degree of ambiguity rather than as an outright villain. It is hard to tell how the story will end until you have watched the last episode.

The story of White impersonating Black and joining the latter's vigilante group isn't a story that will definitely benefit from an infusion of BL into the plot. It is good enough on its own, and having BL relationships may attract more fans while alienating others. If we consider the social impact of the series, it is a good thing to have such a series instead of series that cater only to BL fans because the portrayal of gay relationships can reach more than just a niche audience.

Despite all the praises I can shower on Not Me, I shouldn't exaggerate how ground-breaking the series is. While the social criticism is strong at the start, the society's problems seems to be very much reduced to a single villain (Tawi) later on despite hints that getting rid of him isn't going to change society. Certain deep-seated social issues like how the wealthy have connections that help them get ahead of others who may be equally or better qualified also seem to take a backseat later on. Yet, the series has done what I don't expect from a GMMTV production. (If I remember correctly, The Gifted came close but seems to chicken out of it.) Such a production deserves all the support it can get. If nothing else, the commercial viability of such a production will mean that it won't just be indie, low-budget productions that would venture into the same sort of social criticism.

I don't usually take the numbers in my reviews seriously, but I would say that if we take everything else we can out of the series except for the BL, the BL would at most be 8/10. But it is everything else that is working together with the BL that elevates the series to 9.5/10. With the same cast and production team, GMMTV could well have made another excellent but mostly safe series like Bad Buddy. But I'm really glad it didn't.

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It's not over yet but I can say confidentially that it's something I was waiting for in Bl series, so different so much of chemistry between main leads and side couples, talk about real life problems.
It's just a mix of all interesting things .
Most important, you won't get bored .
There are so many interesting fact in each episode that you'll get to know more of Thai government problems and real life problems of the people living there, fighting for human right and LGBTQ rights too. As of someone who know their government last to last month (around that only) discarded that bill of LGBTQ and same sex marriage. In the series too you'll get to see how people Sathe against such government. They're in a way indirectly picking at their government.

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This series contains great plot and storyline. I'm amazed how each characters are being portrayed and conveyed. I'm amazed how the story line involves so many things . I'm at awe as to how the actor, especially Gun portrayed the two characters. I'm also at awe to how beautiful and we'll conveyed each scenes. This series is different from what they acted previously, and I'm amazed how all of them became this so good. Kudos to the cast and pd for creating this such amazing series. If your looking for something to not just entertainment you but for you to learn more, this is something you should try to watch. Each scene is worth it and how each are interconnected. Hoping to see more people to know and love this and the actors here. All of them are great and talented.

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This is the best bl series and a must watch for a BL lover. i have just watched Theory of Love and when i got to know we have another BL series with the same main couple, I wasn't hesitant at all because they has such a great chemistry and their acting is on point. It was the best decision i ever made. The acting, the plot, the cast, the song, everything was on point. Every character was so good that i genuinely want to see more. I am speechless and a little mad at myself like why haven't i watched it before. Every scene was so good and breathtaking. Be it a action scene or a romantic one, you can't tear your eyes away from the screen. This was an awesome series and I will definitely watch it again. You will not regret a single moment when watching this.

P.S. - This is the first time i am writing a review for any series because this series just demands one ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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One of the best BL I've ever seen

I need Season 2. I want to see White working as a diplomatic and fighting against the current government. I want to see the closure to ToddBlack. The last EP gave me the need to see more of them.I loved DanYok since of the very first sight. The chemistry between Gawin and First it's something that GMMTV could explore more.And, P'Anucha you were absolutely incredible!!! I'll follow your work whenever you'll do next. You are amazing.Ps. I had to search for the books that Sean have been reading in the beginning of the series. I learned more about Thailand history and culture. As a brazilian, I'd never had heard anything about this and this Series made me wanna to learn more and more.This was a such inspiration and I clearly see the connections between our laws, government, estruture, police force... Here in Brazil too. The episode focus on amnesty was my favorite.Not Me is now my favorite serie and it changed my life and my way to see some things. Thank you GMMTV, crew and cast to bring us this masterpiece.(Sorry if my English is broke, I'm always learning)

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Me crying? Not Me

Where to even begin? This series is such a masterpiece!!!!!
When I first started episode 1, I knew that this is going to be one of those shows that's going to take me on an emotional roll coaster. It captures you from the very first episode and you can't help but fall in love at the beginning. As the story progressed each episode the plot was more and more interesting and not what you would expect from a BL. I’ve watched so many BLs and this series hit different, it did not only show us the romantic side but issues that are still happening around the world and that is powerful for a series to show that and yet still be light-hearted.

I was shipping White and Sean so hard OMG!! my favourite couple they are just so sweet with each other. Yes, they did have a rocky start, but I think it was needed to build the connection they have right now. It's amazing to see how far they have come and the connection they have. OffGun really have a good connection when they are acting because they make you believe and fall in love. It's so amazing how their acting as improved over the years, and you can clearly see this in this BL. they're Overall I'm happy with their acting 10/10 OffGun.

It was so sad when Yok was betrayed truly felt that. To think that you trusted someone, and they turn around and disappoint you was so sad but, in the end, they got their happy ending.

The friendship in this BL is amazing Yok, Gumpa, Gram and even Todd. They have all had they fair share of ups and downs, but you can clearly see that they care for each other.

The OST is amazing that I even downloaded it, that's how good everything in their series come together. I'm crying but I'm happy.

Overall, I've never felt this way about a BL it was truly spectacular and I'm going to miss this show so much it has brought me tears, joy and the feeling of love. This show has the best cast and crew, and everyone did an amazing job 10/10. Deep hoping for a season 2 or a special episode 😃
Thank you ,Not me the series.

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A true masterpiece. I really don't know what I'm going to do with my life after this is over.

Not Me is one of the best BL's I've ever seen if not the best. It's definitely earned the number one for me. I loved it from beginning to the end. I'm not one for political action thrilers but Not Me's story captured me. I was drawn in by the fight for social justice done by college students. I could relate so much even if I don't have that fight. Their struggle made me think deeply every week and made me learn more about Thailand's society. It taught me more about what's going on in the world which is always important.
The cast was amazing from Gun to Off(who improved so much and was excellent as Sean. And Gun cemented himself as Thailand's best with his brilliant portrayal as Black and White.) to unknowns to me like Gavin and First. They were all so good and made me love them as actors. I had always been and OffGun fan which was the biggest reason I watched but after Not Me I'm obsessed with them. Off and Gun's acting was in another lever and their chemistry??? wowza it's even better than before. I just love them that is all.
I think the character development was the best in the story all characters changed and grew thru the course of the series . I also loved how none of them were perfect they were all human & relatable characters No BL stereotypes here which is a big place. P'Nuchy + the cast and crew created a jewel with this series and I think it's gonna take forever to be topped. At least for me it is.
If you haven't watched this series please do, you won't regret it. 10 overall but if I could give it more I would. Now I know this show is gonna leave a huge hole in my life. Well time to rewatch from the beginning again.

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A masterpiece!

Brilliant from start to end! This series was truly a masterpiece in all the most minimal details.

First of all, the cinematography was outstanding, stunning and breathtaking. As someone who's pretty obsessed with films, this one has such an unique visual. There are so many shots engraved in my mind; I'm extremely pleased with this aspect of the series.

The acting and performance was beautifully done and captivating. The cast was absolutely perfect; everyone did such a fantastic job in portraying their role. The chemistry between the main leads is incredible, too, and truly conveyed such a tender, passionate and delicate romance.

All in all, this series has everything. An intriguing premise, a carefully thought-out plot, rich characters with deep and complex development and so realistically human. I've never been this in love with a series before. It's so worth the watch. SeanWhite's romance was so beautifully made as well; so achingly tender and raw and the real definition of Finding Your Person.

Please give this a chance if you haven't. It's such an underrated gem. It treats important social and political issues with respect and the delicacy it deserves, without moving on from also being a deeply layered series. The LGBTQ+ representation here was so wonderfully made as well. There are scenes that made me feel seen, understood and represented in a way no other series has done.

Truly recommended! A thriller that managed to tell a beautiful romance and the story of amazing characters and the society we live in. My favorite thai series so far! :)

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Not me, not you, but everyone....will love this??

This series was DROP DEAD GORGEUOUS. It's a must-watch from me because you'll miss out on a lot if you don't watch it.
Let me tell you, every character, ship, and situation is simply amazing and well-portrayed. I'm not going to mention the name of the person who put Black in a coma, cuz the fun is in discovering it yourself.
Let me give a quick summary though,
Black was one day beaten up and put into a coma and White(who had just returned from Russia) had received a call from their childhood best friend Todd(Sing Harit slayed this role) saying what had gone down. Now, White is interested in discovering who had done this to his brother and thus acted as him. He found out that his brother was a part of a motorcycle gang, and found it hard to adjust to it. As suspicions grew, the relationship between Sean(the one who hated him the most in the gang)and Black(White) grew together. What's most surprising is that the one who had put Black in the coma condition was the one closest to him after all!
Everything about this series has you on the edge. And, lemme assure you, I won't be the only one crying when Black broke Sean's heart. One thing I am wondering though is what happened to the main deal of the entire series, which was bringing down Tawi. I'm curious as to what happened to the man, but it was never revealed at the end of the series. P.S. Nobody cared about him.
The actors were impeccable. Each one of them slayed every role. P'Gun did so well as both Black and White, but one thing that not many people talked about was how well P'Sing did in his role. He slayed it, showing the real pain he felt in his eyes and showing the love and care he felt for Black.
This is pretty much all I can say. Everything about this series stands out and is breathtakingly beautiful.

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