While the show features a same-sex romance, it would be a disservice to categorize it solely as a BL. Not Me delves into themes of justice, corruption, and inequality within the community and workplace, making for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged viewing experience. The series is a true gem that will stay with viewers long after the final episode.

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At first, I was hesitant to dive into this, unsure if it would fall into the same tired trope of using gender swapping to turn a gay couple straight. However, after watching the first two episodes, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this show takes the topic of gender and identity seriously.

As the series progresses, I found myself drawn in by the thoughtful and nuanced character development. The characters communicate openly and honestly, working together to solve problems rather than avoiding them. It's refreshing to see teenage characters portrayed realistically, making mistakes and learning from them without any added toxicity for the sake of drama.

Overall, this show offers well-rounded characters and wholesome moments as they explore what makes a person who they are. I highly recommend giving it a chance.

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As someone who typically struggles to fully enjoy BL Korean shows due to their often brief runtimes, I was pleasantly surprised by this particular series. It was sweet, charming, and brimming with undeniable chemistry between the two leads.

From the very first episode, I found myself completely invested in the story and the characters. The pacing was just right, allowing for a gradual build-up of tension and emotion that kept me on the edge of my seat. And the chemistry between the two leads was simply electric - I couldn't get enough of their interactions and the way they played off each other.

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I was thoroughly captivated by this series. Each week, I eagerly awaited the release of a new episode, always on the edge of my seat. The story was compelling, the message resonated deeply with me, and the love between the characters was so amazing. Overall, it was an amazing experience that left a lasting impression, the songs were also very good

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The plot may not be the most gripping, but the romantic aspect of this show is truly remarkable. I must say, it's not the main couple that caught my attention, but rather the second lead who stole the show. Their chemistry was so palpable that I found myself glued to the screen, unable to look away. Their interactions were not only adorable but also filled with a genuine charm that made them a joy to watch. Week after week, I found myself eagerly tuning in just because of Chen Yi and Ai Di.

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Characters:

The characters in this show are anything but one-dimensional. They are complex, nuanced, and often grey, with reasons for their actions that are consistent from start to finish. While there are a couple of exceptions, the main and background characters are all shades of grey. The male-dominated cast is balanced out by a few standout female characters who are truly great.

The MCs are well-established and have distinct personalities. Wei WuXian is a perfect MC, with a carefree and fun personality combined with great skills and a will to do what he believes is right. Lan WangJi, the second young master of the Gusu Lan clan, is his perfect foil, with an uptight, expressionless demeanor and a loyalty to his principles that often puts him at odds with WWX.

JiangCheng, WWX's younger brother and heir of the Jiang clan, is prone to anger but loves his family in his own way. Jiang YanLi, the older sister of WWX and JC, may seem plain at first but her sweetness and hidden strength will win you over. WenQing, a skilled doctor from the Wen clan, is tough and has a life goal to protect her weak little brother WenNing, who has a really tough time in this show.

The show directors deserve big praise for their ability to juggle so many great characters. While the cast may be male-dominated, the women are few but truly great.

Romance:

Despite being subject to BL censorship, the two male leads deliver a compelling performance that will leave you wanting more. Based on a BL novel, the TV adaptation had to change the storyline to pass censorship, but the chemistry between the two actors is undeniable. Although they never explicitly say or do anything to indicate their love for each other, their relationship is so endearing that you can't help but fall for it. The production team has put in a lot of effort to make this show a success, and it shows. The two leads are soulmates, and their relationship is so captivating that you'll see what you want to see in it. If you're a fan of romantic shows, then this duo is a must-see.

Music:

The soundtrack of this show is an absolute standout. It's no surprise, considering the main characters often use musical instruments as weapons (yes, you read that right). But the music truly delivers, with standout tracks like the emotional Wuji/Wangxian and the heartwarming family theme. Some of the songs are so powerful, they'll bring you to tears. And the ending song, sung by both leads, is simply beautiful.

Acting:

The cast of this show is simply outstanding! From the level of talent to the stunning visuals, everything is top-notch. The casting director deserves a round of applause for assembling such an impressive group of actors. At first glance, it seemed like a case of pretty-face-idol syndrome, but the majority of the cast proved to be much more than just a pretty face. The leads, XiaoZhan and WangYiBo, are particularly noteworthy. XiaoZhan delivers a vibrant and emotional performance that will make you laugh and cry with him. He truly is the heart of the show and deserves all the superstardom he has received. WangYiBo, on the other hand, is a natural talent. Despite having minimal dialogue, he emotes through subtle facial and body changes, bringing his character to life in a fascinating way. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Xuan Lu as YanLi, Meng ZiYi as WenQing, and YuBin as WenNing. Even the dubbing, which is often a weak point in Chinese dramas, is flawless in this show. Overall, the casting and performances in this show are truly exceptional and make it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

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"The Starry Love" is an absolute masterpiece of a drama that will leave you completely captivated. From the characters to the plot, everything is top tier and will have you hooked from the very first episode. After watching it, I found myself unable to move on and constantly searching for clips on YouTube, TikTok, and Google. The OST is also incredible and I find myself listening to it on repeat. This drama truly has it all and it's hard to imagine watching anything else after experiencing it.

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