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What is normal?
Cast: the actors are known from other BLs, they have a couple of shows under their belts so they are rather experienced and doing their jobs well.Music: nothing remarkable. No outstanding main tune, but nothing annoying either. There are few nice piano instrumentals though.
Production: this is very well produced, especially in the times of the pandemic. Camera work is fine, so is the editing. Props are fun, especially the whole colour theme of the main characters. Cooking bits are done extremely well. They filmed in a couple of interesting locations, I especially liked the library, the temple and the "classroom".
The only thing I will complain about (and not only me, judging from YT comments) is the quality of subtitles on the official Copy A Bangkok channel. The English subtitles are mostly delayed on every first part of the episode. Sometimes a large chunk of a dialogue is missing. The other time the entire subtitles sequence for the part is gone in 2min. They don't translate texts, messages, writings on the sheets of paper - everything that is not the dialogue. And episode 11 subtitling is an absolute mess. They also titled 2 parts wrongly. This is a shame for the international fans that enjoy and support Thai shows.
Plot: okay, this is bad.
Every episode I was screaming at the telly: Therapy! Psychiatrist! Meds! Diew is clearly on the autism spectrum and definitely not on the highly functioning one. The show says that he's got "autophobia", but it feels like it's just a tip of the iceberg. His issues, blown up by unprocessed grief after the loss of his grandmother and a big change which is going to university, make him unable to be alone for a longer period of time. This means he needs caretaker. Clearly his parents are to blame for not taking the matter earlier more seriously.
The plot is basically Diew trying to deal with his issues, struggling to understand the world and hoping to become normal. I've seen people complaining about the pacing of the scenes, but I suppose the creators wanted to show that people process the events in a different manner and I appreciate that. While the whole show was supposed to be uplifting, positive and "pat on the back" thing, I feel like this is a complete miss.
Although Diew's friends seem to be supportive and understanding of the problem, each one of them has their own life and has no time to care full time of him. Diew is forced to deal with the issues as best as he can. Some of his friends' ideas how to help Diew are only ad hoc remedies, that don't cure the real issues. It is clearly a work in progress for Diew, who needs a full medical support and a proper support network.
This is a complete misunderstanding of the situation. I understand the positive message this show wanted to show: you are not alone, in difficult times we're all together etc. etc. But I was more annoyed than uplifted. And disappointed as hell.
The show starts to develop properly from episode 10 onwards (although the messy subtitles do not help the situation). Diew starts to get professional help he clearly needs, his friends also team up to develop more tactics to try and help him. His relationship with Mix also blossoms.
And to all interested, this is not a full BL. There are BL couples, like Boon/Prem, but Diew and Mix don't get together. They do a lot of heart eyes at each other, and it is clear of their mutual crush on each other, but it seems that this relationship might be fully developed in season 2, if there is any.
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I liked also that the plot was not concentrated just of Damdeok and Goguryeo, but the fight over power was well presented and for the main enemies of Goguryeo, Houyan and Baekje.
The strategies used in battle were amazing and gave me the impression that things could happen in this way.
From all historical dramas that I seen, Lee Tae Gon was the actor that fit the best in the role of a powerful king.
All the actors did a great job, especially that the act was centered on the gestures and facial expression.
The fact that the story is about a great man and a great ruler that really existed is another reason for watching!
A masterpiece of Korean history!
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This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed the series (even though the last episodes felt pretty draggy), the actors were TOTALLY amazing and the OST too!I specially liked episode 20, it was kind of an epilogue and I’m glad to see many of my favorite characters doing well, still I really need to vent my anger at Seo Jin’s “happy ending”.
ATTENTION:
Swear words and spoilers may be ahead.
Are you f*king kidding me?? After all the bad and awful things she did she still gets a good ending?? Not going to jail, not actually paying for what she did! She only told the truth because Ye So’s mental health was being ruined by thinking about what they did to WJ! Until the very end, HJ feared for her daughter mental well-being first and foremost which is why she ended up “letting go” of her greed, she never really cared about others.
(That scene at the beginning of Ep. 20? Coordinator Kim was absolutely right in every single thing she told her!).
Did she ever thought about the other people she made suffer?? Ye Bin? Hye Na? Woo Yoo and his family? Her husband? Why does she gets to get away with a simple apology and some tears? She was a straight up b*tch for 18 episodes!!! Why does everyone just forgives her?? She was nasty, I don’t care what anyone says.
If there is something I don’t understand about kdrama writers is why do they always redeem and make kids forgive their freaking parents!!! The f*ck!!
And even though coach Kim was a total psycho she was right saying that’s all the parents’ fault! They are the ones pressuring their children and wanting them to enter SNU as if they were mere trophies to show off.
End of rant.
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Classic High School Drama
A story about friendships, somewhat growing up and navigating life in high school drama. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster that depicts pretty accurate the worries of teenagers.Dunk and Lookjun were my highlight of this series. Especially Dunk delivered a great performance as White. That one emotional scene made me cry and I’m not a crier. Lookjun was perfect as Ivy.
Ryu and Java did good too, just wish we would been allowed to explore their plot more. I’m still wondering about Tan’s backstory and Jewel’s personality. I did like their progression, but they could have spent more time on thrm instead of other focuses.
Phuwin and Parn delivered ok in giving life to their characters. At least I learnt that onscreen, Phuwin really just kisses that way🤷♀️ It is what it is… I’m still mad about GMM making yet another one-dimensional female character with absolutly no growth or development. At least Lune had some trauma that explained why he did what he did and acted like he were.
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The acting is typical Asian comedy acting, over the top but not bad. Yamamoto Yusuke is his same crazy self we know and love! I hadn't seen Nishiuchi Mariya in much else other than GTO, but she is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I could defiantly watch this again. Who doesn't love a drama thats funny, over the top, cute and silly, yet still makes you feel alot of emotions!
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Righteous sects??? You must be joking. Useless, weak, pathetic losers!
I thought I was gonna write a long summary breaking each episode into sort of segments but I can’t be bothered to be honest because I’m just disappointed.Firstly, the story is excellent. I really like it. However the execution was woeful. The writing choices were just terrible.
The acting was good, but I marked it down because of the villains annoying, crazy laugh
The music was also good and generally appropriate to the scene but having sad music when the villain meets their demise is just all kinds of wrong.
I’m really annoyed about the female lead stabbing our male lead in the heart TWICE for revenge over her dad‘s death. I understand her impulsive and irrational behaviour but when she actually finds out the truth we get a half hearted apology and she literally does nothing to the actual perpetrator.
She was so determined on taking revenge for her dad‘s death against our hero. Where was this energy for the actual person who did it? Annoying.
I was getting tired of watching EVERY EPISODE seeing our heroes getting wrongly accused, slandered against, tortured and nearly killed. Of course all they said once it was proved they were wronged is that it’s fine, don’t worry about it, I don’t blame you.
They kept overly using the word righteous to describe these heavenly sects. It was funny at first but became came unbearable because every single one of these people were complete and utter scumbags.
As soon as they needed help, they came begging the male lead but as soon as the tiniest little thing went wrong, they were quick to blame him and use torture or other foul means to strip him of his title and position.
To top this off, in the last episode we have to watch for 10 minutes our female lead crying so brokenheartedly over the villain (2ml) who manipulated, ruined her life, basically enslaved her and would’ve had no problem violating her if it wasn’t because of the backlash. Please make it make sense..
For the first half a dozen episode, I thought this was going to be a strong 8 but it quickly unravelled into a complete mess.
I was sceptical watching 40 episodes of 45 minutes but I found myself watching intently without skipping for the first 10 or so episodes. That’s how good this could’ve been.
What a shame!
PS. I’m still waiting for the conversation between the male lead and his mum about the time she tried to kill him.
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You can feel the Characters feelings on what they have been through this trial in life. This portrays bullying in school and wihat will possibly happen to the bullied.
The Story tells that Bullying will result a bad effect if not prevented immediately and will cause the bullied to think that life is too unfair.
I have checked the Cast background and they are new stars.
Cry me a Sad River is their First Movie
The Cast did a great job in portarying the characters especially Ren Mi(Yi Yao).
Ren Mi(Yi Yao) was so great that you can see her feelings everytime she is shown.
Zhao Ying Bu(Qi Ming) His acting was good and clean.
Xin Yun Lai(Gu Sunxi) He was the best man in this Movie.The acting is great and he potrays the character well.
The others was also good since they support the story very well.
The Music is so touching that it shows up at the right time and at the right moment in thescenes that will make you sad while watching it. You feel like you want to cry.
I watched this alone and will probably watch it again with my Bestfriend. He will absolutely Cry.
So as you can see this movie the first movie that made me cry this year(2018)
You should really watch it.
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Morality, Violence, Justice: Re-evaluating Not Me 3 years Later
[Not Me aired from December 2021 – March 2022. This review was written in April 2025. Spoilers should be few; however, the review assumes most readers have prior familiarity with this series and its characters. Accordingly, it omits any detailed explanation of the plot. A goal of the writing is to explain why the series remains fresh three years after its broadcast run concluded.]When Not Me debuted in December ’21, it instantly became the most unusual BL series in the GMMTV catalog. Three years on, it retains that distinction. Edgy, dark, and violent, its vibe represented a stark departure from the light, fluffy romantic fare the company usually peddled. Prickly, stubborn, and hot-headed, its anti-hero protagonists represented an equally stark departure from the typical BL lead characters who ooze sweetness and light. In the customary GMMTV BL formula, the romance of the lead couple anchors the entire storyline, but I cannot say Sean-White fulfill this obligation. The couple is not a failure per se, but it is also not entirely convincing. Could have been stronger. Two other plot elements overshadow the Sean-White romance. First, White’s masquerade as Black, trying to solve the mystery behind his twin’s near-murder. Second, the gang’s crusade against entrenched social injustice. In fact, I think the Sean-White romance subplot feels forced. Yes, the duo do spend a lot of time sharing close quarters--and, yes, those scenes deliver the usual BL mushy moments. Even so, it feels like their relationship progresses because the writers understand many viewers came to see the actors: they want Off and Gun fall for each other. (Again.) Thus the flirtatious scenes begin to pile up in middle of the series even though the first part of the series has made perfectly clear these mismatched personalities have many layers of conflict. (Yes, I know enemies-to-lovers is a viable trope. But I'm not sure this series fully earned the transition from enemies to lovers, so much as the whole audience just accepted it by habit. I mean, it's Off and Gun, so of course!) Put another way, BL romance trades in sweet moments, but the passion between Sean-White reeks of a more combustible hate-love. The attraction of the bodies is clear. The attraction of personality, less so. One wishes the meeting of the minds had benefited from a deeper investment into character development in the earlier episodes. Aside from Sean's rage at the world and White's struggle to connect with a twin he no longer understands, we do not know enough about either character for their sudden coupling to make sense beyond youthful randyness: namely, forced proximity + young horny men + tension = lust. By contrast, the Dan-Yok relationship feels far more organic amidst the detailed worldbuilding. The furtive romance between would-be revolutionary Yok and Dan, a renegade cop with a secret alter ego that itself flirts with illegality, is a clever match of character types. Their story provides a sweet emotional center to the series that the Sean-White relationship never quite supplies. The Yok-Dan pairing strikes me as a natural outgrowth of the story. It never felt forced. This devaluation of the Sean-White BL arc does not diminish the series because Sean and White themselves are more focused on The Mission than each other (until the last two episodes, anyway). Only if the viewer arrived at the production expecting the usual romance-centric BL plot will the shortcomings of the Sean-White relationship rankle. Perhaps “BL” is not even the best way to classify this complex work, as the characters’ absorption in their self-appointed crusade to right the wrongs embedded into the Thai social structure always overshadows their interest in romance. Not Me may be better understood as a social commentary wrapped in BL packaging. But its masquerade succeeds on both level, social critique and romance alike.
That success owes to detailed worldbuilding by the writers and the director. This worldbuilding includes a rich array of support characters and a willingness to explore multiple sides to many issues. In particular, the series uses its university setting to good effect. Various episodes present legal theory and economic theory to set the stakes, delivered in the guise of the classroom. The power of the arts to effect change is also showcased here, with both dance and street art marshaled to articulate the message of protest. Speaking of protest, the legendary scene where White dances in jubilation under a giant rainbow flag remains one of the most iconic moments in the entire BL genre. Also, that scene provides one of the very few where explicit symbols of queer power work their way into this genre all about same-sex romance. My remaining concerns can be easily dismissed. Aside from a central romance overshadowed by the side couple, one might also fairly criticize the presentation of the fight scenes. Some of the action set pieces implausibly favor our anti-heroes, who by rights ought to be overmatched in direct conflict. They are after all, amateur vigilantes who train for battle in between classes. That they can repeatedly best professionals with years of experience is far-fetched. Nevertheless, providential victories in battle for main characters in action films is so routine this largesse can be overlooked.
One test of a classic is whether it holds up to repeat viewing years after the initial enthusiasm for its arrival has faded. This series aces that test. Indeed, Not Me improved with age. This time, knowing in advance not to expect the typical light, fluffy BL made me more receptive to the social criticism baked into the story. The lads in Black's gang see themselves as heroes crusading on behalf of the overlooked, the downtrodden, the forgotten. But the script also overtly questions that premise. In the face of the gang’s self-image as heroic, other characters question their assumptions. That they have chosen illegal (and violent) tactics to achieve their ends is not simply dismissed. In fact, the series carefully offers counterpoints to nearly every grievance the lads claim to fight against. This nuance forces viewers and characters alike to reckon with the gray areas of morality. Life, the script seems to insist, cannot be boiled down to black and white. And both Black and White seem to grasp this point. Eventually. It is this balanced approach to the issues that helps Not Me to withstand the test of time.
In the end, all its daring departures from the norm work to distinguish Not Me from the pack of repetitive first love plots that comprise most genre stories about students. Tight writing, thoughtful and coherent, combined with powerhouse acting to meet the challenges of this difficult script. Not Me remains excellent today.
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NOT ME IS A SERIES ECHOING THE VOICES OF MANY
Not me is an absolutely stunning series focusing on the underlying real-life issues of how powerful people use their power for corrupt practices. The series is more of a plot-driven with elements or themes focusing on action, politics, social problems, thriller along with the BL romance. If you love series that mainly focus on the story and character then you are at the right place, romance is like a treat that you will find along the way. Also, you are not going to find a fluffy romance here.STORY
The story sequence of the series is mainly focused on the individual motive of the characters which pushes the events in the story. Not me has successfully portrayed the voice of the youth demanding justice due to their broken system. I loved the portrayal of all the energy of the students demanding an explanation and transparency of their government. " The power of Unity" is echoed throughout the series making it a remarkable and meaningful series to watch. The symbolism of White and Sean holding hands under the Pride Flag in the parade was so powerful and emotional that it literally gave me goosebumps. I think it was probably one of the most powerful scenes in the series. The discussion on politics, law, and crime, and art is something that makes an audience more interested in the series. I personally like that they kept the romance slow burn, This was befitting for the series like 'Not me'. You get a pure example of how circumstances bring together people of diverse notions. I found the ending to be good and justified. Not me has taken on the example of Tawi to show us that there are several powerful people like him who take advantage of their power. Even in the end the fate of Tawi remains undetermined and is left for the audience to interpret its actual ending.
ACTING/CAST
Off has done a remarkable job in portraying Sean. I have been watching his series since SOTUS and one has to applaud for his immense improvement in his acting. Gosh, his acting was so freaking powerful that his expression was enough to convey his emotions.
Gun never disappoints in whatever role he has been given, but I guess he broke his own record by playing Black and White. The transition of his portrayal in playing both of the characters on the same screen was hair-raising. Personality-wise I like White more than Black, but I like watching Black more because I have never seen Gun playing such a character.
First is an immensely talented actor, even as a supporting cast he dominated his role in such a way that it left a deep impression on me.
Gawin did such a great job in portraying Dan, since the beginning, his eyes showed so much emotion, I could from the very beginning understand that he is portraying someone with huge guilt weighing him down.
The chemistry between both the main and side couples was amazing. I am glad that both the couple got a happy ending. Towards the end, I was so devasted to know that Dan had betrayed the gang but then he was helpless in that situation, and with no way out he had to follow his superior's instructions. It absolutely broke my heart when Yok comes to know what has happened at that point, his expression of hurt was so on point that even I cried along with him. I would also like to point out the friendship between Yok and Sean, It was well played out that you can't help but smile at how much they care for each other.
OST
I want to know who was in charge of selecting OST for the series. Each and every OST never failed to echo unexplainable emotions within me and it only made me draw more towards the series.
REWATCH VALUE
The direction, visuals, storyline, and acting are enough to tempt me to watch the series again.
Overall NOT ME is a series that left a deep impression on me by successfully conveying powerful messages and symbolism.
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A rare romantic drama that is comfortable to watch..
It's a rare romantic drama that is comfortable to watch. The main leads are "normal people" with positive values. They communicate in time when encountered with problems without internal friction. ML supports the FL emotionally and shares the pressure (without violating her principles to succeed independently without using his influence and resources!) when she faces difficulties at work place and the FL shows she can feel his efforts with her love and gratitude. This is pure mature love! Love is not just sweet romance but requires joint efforts, mutual understanding and support of both partners to go hand in hand on the road of life.The second couple are everyone's favourites! They add more colours and storylines to the plot. There is a third couple as well. These characters show that everyone has issues/ obstacles/challenges they have to go through themselves. There will be mistakes and growing pains!
All characters and performances complemented each other. The family dynamics between the parents and in laws is a treat to watch!
Another highlight is the women in the workplace who are mutually supportive of each other and love their work (leave Tang girl). Their growth is entirely obtained through their own efforts and not by convenience or influence of a man.
Yes the drama may have certain shortcomings and some logical bugs but the flaws do not outweigh the merits! It's a profound theme exploration with insights on love/marriage, work and life in general for young couples. It's more realistic compared with other similar dramas broadcast recently and is definitely worth a watch.
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When the characters regress and you are questioning reality.
After watching one episode one would think the female lead will get an amazing character development and slowly will learn how to prioritize her own needs. One could not predict she will infect male lead with her Jesus complex - and yet this is kind of what happens.Not gonna lie, Takumi was adorable. The twist on the contract marriage and the initial presentation of him as a cold male lead was done perfectly and set my expectations for the rest of the show slightly too high. On the other hand, Yae was just frustrating. While at the beginning the situations she put others’ needs ahead of her own made at least some sense, later it was just too much to handle and the script was leaning into some ridiculous territories.
I think the writer just fails to deliver a character development. I know not all characters need one, but her behavior was truly pathological on a whole new level. If anyone needs character development, it’s her. What’s worse, I feel like her “giving up so others can be happy” persona started to influence male lead too, which led to at best questionable last episode.
That said, I did enjoy them as a couple and their scenes were adorable and blast. The actors had amazing chemistry and as a viewer it was clear to me how in love they are. I also really liked all the side characters - which, surprise surprise, actually got more character development than our leading lady…
Overall, a decent rom-com that is lacking in some major areas.
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Outstanding characterization
What an amazing journey. The fact that ULS is an adapted screenplay, it really retained the soul of the manga. They also did a great job of picturing the script.The way the relationships between the characters are developed is great. And with strong direction, the characters were also expertly and carefully written. With this cast, they did fantastic job with their roles and their relationship has such great chemistry.
One could contend that this series lacks strength, which I could see on some parts, but most of all it was thoughtfully planned and well-written, addition of the excellent work from the cast with of course those wonderful ost/s.
A must watch for this show really exhibits that romantic feelings existed even before we realized it and how crucial trust is for a healthy love, be it love of intimacy or love of friendships.
P.S.
I guess they have the most sweet-comfortable-hug I'd ever seen in a kbl.
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An Emotional Story About Losing Everything and Finding What Truly Matters
The Servant Prince is the usual eight episode Japanese BL airing weekly on GagaOOLala. I have to admit, episode one almost made me drop the series. Naoya is described as someone as handsome as a prince, but I personally did not find him attractive. What turned me off the most was his selfish and abusive behaviour toward Takaaki. After he accidentally spilled a drink on him, Naoya demanded that Takaaki lick his bare foot clean. The hardest part to watch was that Takaaki actually did it without resisting. That scene was incredibly uncomfortable because it showed just how much Naoya abused his power and manipulated Takaaki, making it difficult to continue watching after the very first episode.Thankfully, I decided to continue, and I am so glad I did. Ten years later, their lives completely reverse. Naoya, who once had everything, loses his status and becomes an unemployed man working as a waiter, while Takaaki becomes the successful CEO of a large company. Despite now having wealth, power, and the ability to have anything he wants, Takaaki still chooses to stay by Naoya's side. Their master servant relationship may seem unhealthy at first, but as the story unfolds, you realise it is built on years of unspoken love, codependency, and genuine devotion. Their reunion after so many years completely changed how I viewed both characters.
The most heartbreaking part of the series was not Naoya losing his wealth or his social status, but the way his own father and brother publicly humiliated him for working as a waiter. There is absolutely nothing wrong with honest work, no matter what the job is. This series reminds us that family is not always better than outsiders. While his own blood relatives looked down on him, his colleagues accepted and supported him without judgment. That message hit me harder than anything else.
What I loved most is how this story shows that money and status cannot buy happiness or love. Takaaki may now be a powerful CEO, but the only person he truly wants is Naoya. Their relationship is awkward, emotional, and unique, making every episode more meaningful as they slowly heal old wounds together.
Japanese BLs continue to impress me with their realistic storytelling and powerful character development. Even though the first episode was difficult to watch and almost made me drop the series, I am so glad I kept going because the emotional payoff was worth it. This story is about much more than romance. It explores pride, forgiveness, second chances, family, self worth, and proves that genuine love can survive even after everything else has been lost.
This is not a fluffy BL filled with sweet romance and fan service. Instead, it delivers a mature, realistic, and emotionally powerful story with excellent writing and believable characters whose struggles feel genuine. The unique plot, meaningful life lessons, and emotional depth are what make this series so memorable. Once again, Japanese BL has shown why it continues to stand out with some of the most realistic and powerful storytelling in the genre.
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