Boys' Lockdown (2020)

One of the Best!

Cute, charming, and sensual. If I wrote 10 pages of accolades for this series, it would frankly not be enough. This is a beautiful and stunning, heartfelt, and warm BL series. It was a joy to watch and was a soft easy series to absorb with tremendously good acting. This is one of the finest acted BL series out there and one of the best dealing with the current pandemic. I have not seen anything of this romantic caliber since 2GETHER. These guys are simply beautiful together and have a magic together. Their chemistry as a couple is almost overwhelming. These two guys MAKES this series in a non-assuming way where they slowly draw you into their relationship. . It is extremely rare for a series to display such a deep connection between two people in a very short period of time. A simple basic love story where it is focused on success, not failure. I absolutely loved this series. I shall post my full review of this beautiful series on my blog site shortly so please review that there, if inclined. It will be at ppbongi.medium.com.

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Nothing new, but cute and refreshing

This series is quite short that it ends before I know it.
The plot is nothing new, just a puppy love between two guys with lots of coincidence happened that makes the world seem very small, and overly joyful and silly characters. On the bright side, the mains are cute, lovely, being comfortable with each other and the ways they express their crush are quite on point; and they are gay (or bi) instead of being typically straight like in many BL out there. Also there are too many shirtless screen. While I feel that that is a cheap way to catch viewer's attention, I wouldn't complain for the guilty pleasure I got there: those shirtless guys are sights for sore eyes.
Alongside the love story of two guys, this series also propagate know-how and what to do during Covid-19 pandemic: keeping distance, wearing mask, sterilizing and so on. Quite topical.
In the end, I enjoy watching this series. A score of 7.5 for the refreshing and entertaining value, I guess.

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Easy to watch sweetness overload

This drama is a perfect dose of sugar in a pretty messed up world, it is very easy to binge with very little conflict and more cuteness. Portraying day to day life and flirting during lockdown, showing both some measurements that would seem completely absurd less than two years ago (for me they still seem a bit to much, and odd), but are a clear sign of life in most parts of the world 2020. The drama portrays loneliness, flirting, insecurity and how the effects of covid go beyond the illness itself and over to spreading fear and the mental strain it can have on otherwise healthy people.

The drama also shows quite a bit of humor showing covid-guards just casually taking of their shirts and working shirtless as if that was the most natural thing to do. The guards where lovable for more than their abs, and so are the rest of the side characters. Not a single one is annoying or overbearing.

I was also very impressed over the way the main leads smiled with their eyes, one may think it is hard to see emotions thru the mask but those eyes and body language did one h*** of a job making up for the lack of mouths seen.

All in all this drama was highly entertaining and very refreshing, and definitely worth the little time it has...

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A completely fresh Philippine pandemic series that will evoke pleasant experiences in the soul of many viewers. Often beaming smiles, good mood, lightness, but also the likeability and beauty of the individual actors, both the main couple Key-Chen and the others, for example the lovely Dev and all the other young gentlemen. On the one hand, the narrowness of the strict measures breathes on you, on the other hand, the characters are still optimistic and there is no NEGATIVITY in the entire series, which cannot be said about some reviews on this server.

I would highlight the benefit of this piece in the fact that the characters who are faced with adversity still find a way to handle everything, get around it and enjoy even the little things. Yes, the series isn't quite top-notch, but it deserves a high rating from me, as it has a rating of 8.3 from less than two thousand users on the main world server. Overall, I rate it a hair higher than another excellent Pinoy series Meet Me Outside, which we also have here (actor Kaloy Tingcungco appears in both series).


Naprosto svěží filipínský pandemický seriálek, který mnohému divákovi vykreslí v duši příjemné zážitky. Mnohdy rozzářené úsměvy, dobrá nálada, lehkost, ale také sympatičnost a krása jednotlivých herců, a to jak hlavní dvojice Key-Chen, tak i ostatních, např. sličná Dev a všichni další mladí pánové. Na jedné straně na Vás dýchne stísněnost přísných opatření, na druhé to, že postavy jsou stále optimistické a v celém seriálu není žádná NEGATIVITA, což se o některých recenzích na tomto serveru říci nedá.

Přínos tohoto dílka bych vyzdvihl v tom, že postavy, které se potýkají s nepřízní osudu si přesto najdou způsob, jak vše zvládnout, obejít a těšit se i z malých drobností. Ano, seriál není úplně top, že by mi spadla brada, ale vysoké hodnocení si ode mě zaslouží, vždyť na hlavním světovém serveru má hodnocení 8,3 od necelých dvou tisíc uživatelů. Hodnotím celkově ještě o chloupek výš, než další výborný pinoy seriál Meet Me Outside, který zde rovněž máme (herec Kaloy Tingcungco vystupuje v obou seriálech).

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WHAT A GOOD SURPRISE!

I did not know this series and when I spotted it on YouTube, I decided to try ... and I was immediately hooked.
The first episode at the supermarket was excellent and pretty funny. They kept looking at each other and fell in love .
The last episode is more than excellent, it's funny, smart and so sexy. You cannot resist to the sexual desire, you cannot resit to a love attraction, even if you try to frame it, to put some rules ... OK let's give us 5 seconds to kiss and then we will rinse our mouths ... yeah... the kiss started like 5 minutes before the end of the episode and they were still kissing when the camera came back on them :) The episode stopped there but we can be sure that they did not stop there. Oh well... The text of the monologue said by K off camera was beautiful. Very moving, very authentic.
The two actors were very good and very cute: a perfect couple.
The short length of the series (6 episodes) was perfect: everything was in it

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Soft, cheesy, adorable but packs a surprising and interesting punch. Need I say more?

I first came across this gem-of-a-show during those really dark and uncertain days of 2020 when things were still very much fresh about the Pandemic. I caught wind of it through the promotional materials @Ticket2MeNet (Production Company) was posting with the introductory vlogs and the getting-to-know Ali and Alec. Which I would say were great ways of introducing the two actors playing the roles.

This was at a time where almost every conceivable production house was churning out boys-love content here in the Philippines and new ones were coming out of the woodwork on a near daily basis. Major props on the production company and the team on the masterful way they promoted the show. So by the day they dropped the first episode, I was there waiting.

So what's the show about? Basically it's a teen romance written between a bag of medicine, a dash of fluff, some quirky characters, and a whole lot of happenstance. Oh! And some facemasks with tiny dicks on them.

When I first watched it I applauded it for being a simple, cookie-cutter cutsie show that is very enjoyable. But now in 2022, after re watching it, I found it to be something much more.

It's a show with a lot to say and knows exactly how to say it.

Set in the early and uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns in the Philippines. There's a lot of hints on social and political commentary, and a keen eye can see the little socially relevant advocacies it's bringing to the surface.

There are the likes of the Wi-Fi connection names at the dorm's lobby referencing hot button issues of the time. Then there's lines from Ate Libby's amazing dinner scene where she says "I feel so abandoned. It's now up to us to fend for ourselves. Where are the people who are supposed to lead us? They should know better! They should fix this!" - a reflection of the sentiment of a lot of Filipinos at the time, and even to some extent, now still feel, nearly three years into the pandemic.

With the way the show says its piece is also very interesting. It is also a very introspective show - we explore the two main characters; Chen and Key through their thoughts and inner monolog which makes it feel like a very personal story to be experiencing. We are shown and told what they are feeling, how they feel it, what goes on inside their heads and it lends such a connection to the protagonists.

Now speaking of the characters. For such a short runtime and few episodes they managed to build a holistic picture of the main characters and even the supporting ones. We have Key who is the 'key' driver of the story and from which we view most things. Then there's the absolutely lovable BGC type, dude-tol-pare-chong-bro coñyo kid that is Chen. Both of which play off of each other very well and were very well written and acted. Even the auxiliary characters of Martin, Dicky, Whilce and Dev were very well sewn in.

Plus the cameo of social media personalities like Macoy Dubs was also a very nice touch.

But honestly I have to go back to Teetin Villanueva's absolutely dynamite portrayal of Libby Chavez. She has such a great presence that I cannot shut-up about how good she was at every scene she was in. Major, MAJOR props to her.

Another thing to appreciate about this show, the production values. They're spot on!

When it comes to the visuals, the pastel overtones we see lends a lot of freshness, innosense, and life to the show. Even the color grading of that browner hue lends a lot and enhances the experience.

Sound-wise, it's also very good. I don't recall an instance where I got irritated by muffled sounding dialogue (considering they wore masks a lot - but that's probably since I'm guessing a lot of dialogue was done in ADR).

The sets and locations were very simple and straightforward as well. I count roughly around 7 locations and each were dressed just enough to cater to what each scene needed.

Overall the show is very good. It felt very young. A very optimistic, yet realistic story with the raw romantic feelings of a budding relationship, but with the weighted restrictions and limitations of a global pandemic. It channeled a lot of the uncertainty, frustration, the stresses and anxieties such a time had.

There is also something to be said about the way the story learned a lot on the use of social media which again, is very reflective of the time period and how people were actually doing a lot of the interactions.

The only true qualm I had with the show was that there were a lot of takes and cuts used during those video-call / video-conference sequences. It's something that one can ignore but for me it can sometimes throw me off just a little bit.

Just before I finish, I’d really like to point out how good the title sequence is. I really appreciate a show that doesn't spill the story during the title sequence, but still shows a good chunk of how the show would feel like.

All in all, #BoysLockdown is a very good, very entertaining, and re-watchable show that you definitely shouldn't miss. A solid 9.8 out of 10.

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A Perfect 10 Across the Board

Well, this is a pretty dark story about our unique, pandemic times but Ali and Alec (as Key and Chen) put out enough heat on screen to kill any virus. But before I get into the main event, Boys Love story, Teetin Villanueva who plays Chen's sister, gives a monologue characterizing her meltdown about the pandemic that's worthy of a major acting award. It's a feeling I'm sure everyone in the audience -- of any age -- will relate to. "Boys' Lockdown" sets a high bar for BL dramas. The six episodes use most of their time wisely on our main and secondary characters. There's a bit of padding with a few extraneous characters but never to the extent we're used to in the 24 and 36 part epics. The leads have the looks and personalities you almost want to savor in slow motion. The script is tight, relevant and totally believable. Perhaps the most surprising thing here is what _isn't_ here -- "Boys' Lockdown" seems to exist in an alternate universe devoid of gay stereotypes. Heterosexuality is still the default as Chen asks Key if he has a girlfriend, but Key's reply of "No" transitions seamlessly to Chen asking, "Do you have a boyfriend?" without missing a beat. With the COVID Pandemic providing the dramatic engine to drive the drama, "Boys' Lockdown" doesn't have to force unsavory cliches on our main characters, like sexual violence or some other kind of emotional dysfunction. These are just two guys who are crushing on each other and trying to solve the dilemma of getting together when there's a deadly virus loose in the world. It could have had a tragic ending, but the writer delivers what the audience really wants.

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SWEET, SHORT & SIMPLE

OMG this was so freaking cute!!! Both the male leads are so adorable! And the storyline, even though it's pretty simple, it's so good! It comes without any unnecessary drama and toxicity. Just a pure, sweet and fluffy teenage love story in the midst of lockdown. And I have to say, Key and Chen are so damn lucky! They are each other's crush and Chen approaches him..He finally even ends up in Key's room! Gosh! Fantasy of every person who has a crush on someone.
We need these type of light hearted, feel good dramas. It uplifts our mood. I have seen a lot of BLs with similar plots..Thai, Japanese... One of them having a crush on a popular guy and the popular guy also secretly has a crush on them and eventually they end up together. It's cliche. BUT, TRUST ME...EVEN THOUGH ITS CLICHE, YOU'LL LOVE IT BECAUSE THE CHARECTERS ARE SO DAMN ADORABLE AND THEIR ACTING IS NATURAL. Even though Chen is so popular, he's preety much down to earth, which I really liked. Unlike most dramas with similar plot, it was him that approached the unpopular guy (KEY). Key, even though he was so over the moon when he knew he was his Crush's ( Key's) crush, he didn't really behave like a silly boy and maintained his composure. The chemistry was so sweet and natural. I want season 2.

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Unexpectedly binge-worthy

Before I begin my review, I am very picky with BL series in general--especially if it's Pinoy one. First, I am a queer person and I think BL series should step up from being "made-to-female-mlm-shipper/fetishizer" to something that can portray or showcase LGBTQ+ life, love and struggles. (If you don't agree, then I'll gatekeep mlm. Jk.) Second, I am a Filipino and I notice the surge of BL series in PH media which gave me a lot of thinking. I understand that BL became mainstream because of the uprising of pinoy thai-BL fans, thus, media producers see this as an opportunity to make contents as such. But my problem now is....will it be the next Thai BLs?

Thai BLs are good, cute and funny. The problem is, that's the only thing they can offer. (Well, exemptions to UWMA and The Effect. Fight me!) Or should I say, majority of thai bls are decent but shallow. And PH is starting to become one.

Mainly the reason why I'd rather watch Taiwanese/Chinese or even Kdramas with BL/Bromance contents. And to be honest, PH only have few BL series that I can say worth watching.

One of which is this mini-series. BOYS' LOCKDOWN.

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I gave this series 8.5/10 for the following reasons:

1. The story is simple and decent. There are lots of skip and unnecessary parts that should've been deleted or streamlined (tho I hope it's longer than 6 eps) But I can't deny the fact that it has impact on me tho.
2. The representation is on point. Majority of PH BLs are downright queerbaiting or written with lots of stereotypes. But this one was impressive. I'm not sure if the two leads are members of LGBTQ+ but I am all for the fact that the characters are GAY/BI like GMMTV should take down notes. It's not difficult to showcase gay person on a series. Tbh. I like the fact that Chen is open about his sexuality and so as Key who is very open about falling in love with same sex although he had a girlfriend. I am not saying people who are questioning and curious shouldn't have a story for themselves but the problem is MAJORITY of bl series offer us these mediocre characteristics as if being an openly gay or being a femme character is something not worthy of screentime! Okay. I'm crazy for this. Lmao.
3. It's straight forward and no unnecessary dramas for the sake of length. But I really hope the writers have explored the quirks of having a lockdown, though it's not something to be romanticized--which is one problem I noticed during the first episode, but gladly it's resolved. And hearing season 2 makes it more intriguing, how can they top this one? I hope they will stick to their formula and not on mainstream BLs.
4. The OST is on point. I will not shut up with it. It's self explanatory and case closed.
5. Although Key's friend was stereotypically written as a femme gay with "bookings" but I let that pass because as a gay person, I have known few friends using this as a joke. It's harmless as long as it does not involve minors.
6. Some scenes was a breach to protocols. Please someone tell them! But for the sake of the show, okay, maybe we can let that pass? No. Because I remember the timeline is just 3 weeks from lockdown so basically it's ECQ, right? Anyway... it's harmless. This is just me being paranoid.
7. The acting was not great, it's not bad either. It's decent and remarkable. And by the way, what's the point of having straight men flexing their bodies? Helppp, what's the point?
8. Lastly, their chemistry is there. I was moved and swayed by their eye contact and smiles.

So, I know this review is mixed but that's all I can say. I am glad I gave this series a chance. Because looking on other titles, it really gave me red flags already. Gladly, I trusted the reviews of people on MDL so I gave this series a chance! I am just sad I am very late but who cares? Lmao.

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Refreshing and Smart!

Boys Lockdown Series is a must watch series because it is one of the few Filipino Bl Series who incorporated and actually considered BL Representation in its casting. It is more valuable and fun to watch if you know that the characters who portray boys love are actually the ones who experience it. Kudos to the writers for refreshing and new plots that make the series interesting. Also, the cinematography and editing are on point. The whole production is light and very easy to take, well at leadt for now. I am also looking forward for the development of the characters. There are still a lot of things to watch out for and I am so excited for them. More power to the whole team and congratulations!

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