Eu Não (2021)

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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Che sia un BL è secondario

Due gemelli con una potente (forse troppo?) connessione reciproca vengono divisi da bambini quando si separano i genitori: il forte e deciso Black resta con la madre, che è una giudice, e White, un po' più timido e remissivo, va col padre diplomatico in Russia. Dopo diversi anni, White torna in Thailandia per iniziare la carriera, solo per scoprire che il fratello Black è in coma all'ospedale dopo un pestaggio. Consigliato dall'amico Todd, si sostituirà al gemello, infiltrandosi nella sua gang per cercare di scoprire chi l'abbia ridotto così. Ma, se pur uguali nell'aspetto, caratterialmente i due non potrebbero essere più
opposti, e i sospetti non tardano a fiorire.

Ci sono opere che trascendono da ogni definizione. Definire Not me un BL sarebbe, oltre che restrittivo, anche fuorviante. Quest'opera è fuori dal coro per molti aspetti.

Il gioco dei gemelli, dei quali uno prende il posto dell'altro, è condotto veramente molto bene, anche per la stellare interpretazione di Gun. Questo splendido attore, che neanche nei suoi giorni peggiori dimostra i 27/28 anni che probabilmente aveva quando ha girato questo drama, ha saputo interpretare con infinite sfumature due personaggi così uguali nell'apparenza ma così lontani nel carattere, in modo tale che, anche con abiti simili, si capiva immediatamente se si trattasse di Black o del suo gemello White.

Togliamoci subito il sassolino dalla scarpa, per poi continuare a tessere le lodi di questo drama: la visione sociologica presentata e le teorie sposate dai ragazzi (e quindi dagli autori) sono forse un pelino troppo semplicistiche e infantili; alcune situazioni e soluzioni sono effettivamente un po' troppo accomodanti nei confronti del lieto fine desiderato, lieto fine che, ad ogni modo, rimane per un certo verso piuttosto sospeso. La situazione familiare di White e la sua carriera nel mondo della diplomazia scompaiono presto dal radar, si ha l'impressione che la maggior parte di questi ragazzi viva un po' in una bolla, come accade ai personaggi di tanti anime. Anche i cattivi sono abbastanza blandi e vengono sconfitti un po' troppo facilmente, ma l'impressione che si ha è che siano un pretesto per avere un qualcosa contro cui battersi allo scopo di mostrare il mutare dei rapporti fra i ragazzi e di presentare una determinata situazione sociale.

Se in un drama cercate completa coerenza e mancanza di fili appesi, forse Not me non farà per voi.

Né pensate di trovare una sequela infinita di baci e situazioni erotiche, perché non è il caso: pochi i baci, e forse una scena di letto piuttosto edulcorata. In realtà non si è sentita affatto la mancanza o la necessità di qualcosa di più spinto perché c'era talmente tanta carne al fuoco di qualità superiore che non è stato necessario farsi distrarre.

Non sono al corrente della situazione socio-politica thailandese ma, se viene presentata in questo modo, un fondo almeno di verità dovrà esserci.
Ci troviamo sostanzialmente all'interno di un gruppo di rivoluzionari che cerca di abbattere con le proprie azioni un losco figuro, industriale monopolista e neanche tanto segreto signore della droga. Esistono continui e pesanti riferimenti alla corruzione e al marciume imperante, contrapposti alle fatiche e ai dolori della classe proletaria. Non ci si ferma qui: vi è anche una pesante critica verso la discriminazione nei confronti dei disabili e dei rapporti non etero.

Non mancano alcuni momenti divertenti, ma Not me si sviluppa su diversi livelli, spaziando da quello di protesta sociale passando per i vari temi dell'amore, in tutte le sue forme, dell'amicizia, del cameratismo, dell' espiazione, dell'assunzione delle proprie responsabilità e probabilmente di qualcos'altro che ora mi sfugge.

Né si può dire che l'opera non sia stata girata con dovizia di accorgimenti tecnici e artistici. Molte scene colpiscono con forza sotto la cintura e non solo per l'ottima interpretazione dell'intero cast, ma anche per l'uso sapiente di luce, ambientazioni, inquadrature. Difficilmente dimenticherò la scena del rapimento nel retro del van. Una parte importante viene assunta anche da alcune scene di danza e da diversi dipinti e graffiti, che sottolineano i concetti di protesta sociale portati avanti dall'opera. Anche la colonna sonora vanta tracce molto piacevoli.

Ho gradito particolarmente la presenza di un personaggio trans non relegato a ruolo umoristico e la presenza di coppie etero, che hanno evitato l'assurdo effetto che fanno molti drama del genere, in cui sembra che ogni e qualsiasi maschio che cammini su questa Terra debba essere per forza gay. I personaggi femminili in quest'opera hanno una valenza personale che non è relegata ad azione di disturbo nei confronti della coppia principale omosessuale.

E' un'opera che a mio personale parere rappresenta una perla rara non solo nel panorama dei BL ma in quello generale dei drama Thai. Nulla da dire contro i BL ambientati nelle scuole (che comunque appaiono di sfuggita anche qui), ma uno scenario diverso dal solito, con argomenti e dichiarazioni pesanti come macigni, per quanto mi riguarda è il benvenuto.

Dopo aver doverosamente parlato di Gun, è giusto anche tessere le lodi di Off, uno splendido Sean, e di First, un ottimo Yok, ma tutto il cast maschile e femminile ha dato veramente il massimo e ha contribuito al successo di quest'opera, il cui unico difetto vero, ai miei occhi, è di non avere altri 14 episodi. Purtroppo pare non sia previsto un sequel.
Ho orecchiato qua e là che le puntate siano state tagliate in corso d'opera, passando da 16 a 14, e questa può essere una delle cause che hanno determinato l'abbandono di alcune situazioni in corsa, e alcuni dei problemi che ho citato prima.

Non abbasserò la mia votazione per questo. Sono manchevolezze che si notano ripensandoci in seconda battuta: mentre guardi il drama la prima volta, la tensione e l'immedesimazione ti agganciano come un rampino da arrembaggio. Personalmente mi sento un po' come un mercantile saccheggiato dai pirati: la serie è finita e sapere di non avere un nuovo episodio da guardare, e di dover abbandonare quelli che sono diventati i miei beniamini, mi riempie di una gran sensazione di vuoto.

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отлично

Досмотрела этот шедевр. Нет, это не громкие слова, это реально шедевр!
Лакорны этого режиссера люблю. Нучи умеет добавить огня даже в пустую банальщину. Здесь же она превзошла себя по полной. Настолько грамотно и красиво поднять многие темы общества (не только Тайланда, я думаю многие понимают, что здесь ярко показаны многие уголки мира). Правильно и красиво поставлена музыка, действия, актерский состав подобран просто идеально. И вроде порой актер был мимишным мальчиком, а тут сильный взрослый мужчина, что привычного зрителя заставляет сердце биться сильнее.
Ган и Офф. кратко тут не сказать. Но попробую. Эти два актера растут из лакорна в лакорн все больше и больше. Трудно представить их не вместе (я имею в виду в работе). Они чувствуют и знают друг друга уже с закрытыми глазами. Ган здесь удивил мощностью актерской работы. Сыграть два разных характера настолько идеально, что уже порой зритель начинает путать где Вайт, где Блэк, где дублер. Только БРАВО.
Фест. я удивлена. Очень хорошая работа.
Почему Бом получил эту роль - не удивлена от слова совсем. Зная как он в последнее время занимается трюковым и цирковым искусством, эта роль точно его и справился он с ней потрясающе.
Лакорн новинка, находка и летит в папку Любимых. Эмоции, музыка, игра. Это потрясающе. Это стоит посмотреть хотя бы раз.

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Skip Synopsis, Click Watch Instead

I almost skipped the show because of the synopsis! I though its another petty revenge show, hence I wasn't keen. But, I gave OffGun a chance lol...

I love the social satire displayed. It's also brilliant how this show managed to cover several issues from capitalism, LGBT, social injustice....and throw us some BL hot stuff in between.

They did it WITHOUT having to do any extreme hot sex scene to sell the show, or unnecessary toxicity in the show.

Is the show realistic? Perhaps, not totally, there are some loophole here and there, but hey...it's called a show for a reason.

What's important is this show is not only entertaining and, thrilling, but it is also thought provoking.

Of course, OffGun Chemistry fills my cup up with their love and sweet moments. Oh, did I mention that their acting, especially Gun's has improved so much!!! It's also of the rare BLs where all the casts, boy or girls are very lovable!

Give it a try, it's really good, I really enjoy it a lot...so much so that I didn't skip any parts at all!

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o pior bl para ser o seu primeiro bl

este foi o meu primeiro bl thai. uma pena. depois disso, nada da indústria de drama bl tailandês é capaz de me fazer sentir SENTIMENTOS como "not me"!!!!!! este é simplesmente o melhor drama, sem exageros. o casting, a narrativa... tudo é simplesmente incrível. o que significa que ainda estou esperando - e provavelmente vou continuar aguardando, sentada - por um outro drama thai bl neste nível. quero dizer... uma tailândia sem glamour? amor em tempos (quase) anárquicos? eles me tiveram de joelhos do início ao fim! é verdade que o fim, para mim, poderia ter sido menos apelativo à audiência cisht do que foi, mas tudo bem... é comum que dramas para "jovens lgbtq+" não levem atitudes "insurgentes" às últimas consequências; teria sido interessante assistir a anarquia, na narrativa, como uma opção válida/razoável. mas enfim. isso é bem pessoal, e não fez perder em nada a qualidade da história. além disso, meudeus, offgun??? a cena no terraço??? a química deles é de outro mundo, e a atuação impecável me fez me apaixonar pelo apaixonamento dos personagens. inacredítável, e sem comparações. se bem que... o gun é um ator tão absurdo de bom que eu acredito que ele teria sido shippável com qualquer outro goxtoso desse cast. enfim.

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The best drama i watched in many years

To be honest there hardly anything left to say how this drama is one of the best series that been on the market in years.
The story is stunning, complex masterpiece, writing obviously by people who have a full understanding of how young people think and act. Just want to emphasis screenwriter as dialogues are captivating. There a lot of actions and talking there.
Acting is top level.
This story could not have BL at all and still would be one of the best dramas I watched. BL is just moving it to another level adding another layer of complexity. It is obviously different to usual BL dramas where BL is the main focus, here BL is just part of the complex story.
All characters there are written with backstory, all of them a complex thinkers/creators, striving to accomplish something, only strong cast could support it. This drama enhance all your senses with powerful messages via action, painting, dancing and thinking. Nothing there is extra or fillers, you cannot skip it, you need to watch full on repeat. Extremely powerful messages of freedom and right to express your opinion, of recovering through art, of equity, of trying to find your way and more.
I still surprised that this series is not highest ranking. I watched a lot of BL and dramas and this one of the most impressive dramas that I watched in years.

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Probably the most important BL GMM has ever made.

You know is rare when you can pinpoint the bad things in a Thai bl in only one hand, but this one I definitely can. Most of my questions were responded. Even tho I'd like to know what made Black become an activist, seeing that he came from the privileged side just like White. But I can bare not knowing that.
Kudos to Gun's acting, like for real, he completely changed his whole aura, you can feel how obscure and bitter Black is in comparison to White's almost naive flavour. Also Off(Sean) did an amazing job too, let's not forget about him! Some of the secondary cast left a little to desire, but not First(yok) the last 3 episodes he gave us everything.
About the couple itself don't even need to say anything is OffGun after all, of course it was good.

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can't believe i didnt watch this earlier

what an excellent series!
when i first started watching this i hadn't expected this series to touch on such serious and important topics such as the political climate in thailand. it felt very refreshing and made me think twice about things in real life. I think also that that's what makes this drama also very timeless because many of the problems the characters are experiencing are still relevant today and teach us the power we hold and how important justice is.

I mainly wanted to watch it for OffGun, but I'm so glad to say that they are not the saving grace of this series as this series has many good aspects. The plot itself was a little bit predictable at times, but the motives of all of the characters, not just the leads added a lot of depth to the story which was great and made the series feel more real. I'm also glad that the female characters weren't used as plot device but actualy had their own story and wants that didn't centre around just romance or the male lead. Of course, OffGun both did an excellent job :)
I also thought the music was beautiful and it makes me emotional just listening to the OST. The director also did an excellent job with the cinematography, it was a treat to look at.

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This series was everything I needed this year

I‘ve rewatched Not Me a couple of times now and I never get over the fact how good it is. Last year and this year I‘ve struggled quite a lot with depression and thus threw myself into watching series, just to keep me distracted. Not Me kept me distracted while at the same time imprinting itself in my memory forever. And eventhough I‘ve watched MANY series this year, Not Me is still one of my favorites. Why? Because it managed to capture the heartfelt struggle of minorities in society that isn’t build to support the poor and needing. The series addresses many important issues, such as monopolies, gender identity, sexuality, disabilities, and more. All while wrapped into a storyline that has you captured until the last moments. Of course there are always things one can criticize, for example at times the quality of the production lacks, but taking into consideration, that Not Me was provided an incredibly low budget by GMMTV, it did really, really well. I tend to be really generous when rating things I‘ve watched as to not disregard the work and struggle that came with creating it. But Not Me never deserved anything less than my full attention. Even if the storyline isn’t something that would normally interest you, the social criticism portrayed openly and even the one only portrayed in undertones, is worth every second of the time spend watching it.

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