This review may contain spoilers
Sex ed & comedy?
As someone said in another review, this was quirky fun. But that quirkiness wore thin pretty quickly for me with the plot going from fun to boring to quirky to serious, all the while dragging on.Knock Knock Boys is a comedy. The title is the indication but the opening credits just confirm that it should not be taken seriously. The story about four men sharing a house is nothing new. The comedy comes from the four of them being completely different characters. But if it were only that, it would have been a really fun watch. Unfortunately they decided to do what The Warp Effect did better: turn a comedy drama into a sex education video. While I support the idea of educating young people on internet and sex, it was badly presented here. Practically in every episode, they'd suddenly stop the plot and give us a lesson. And even though they tried to fit them neatly within the plot, they failed: the lessons broke the natural flow and the mood of the drama.
The four main characters are all stereotypes: a naive young Almond (extremely cringy in his behaviour at the beginning but every teen behaves like that, trying to figure things out by trial and error!), an experienced pansexual Latte who cares about nothing, and two older characters: Thanwa on the rebound from a failed long-term relationship trying to figure what to do with his life both private and professional and Peak (styled like he was stuck in the 80's!) who is trying to hide from his father's expectations. The friendship chemistry between the four of them is something else: the bromances are bromancing big time. Romances as well just not as much!
The acting was solid, the production values ordinary, music made for dancinng. Every episode starts with a flash forward scene before the opening credits: about the only original feature of this series.
Eventually, I was just bored. I smiled a few times, was charmed by Thanwa's grin, annoyed with Peak's glasses, enyoyed Almond's and Latte's childish bickering. What was supposed to be a light summer watch was weighed down by a preachy tone.
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This review may contain spoilers
A bit childish, a bit cringe, a bit forced, a bit fluffy and a bit mature
Not sure what to write, my headline says it all. There was lazy writing, there was not so good execution and there were lots of flash-forward on the start of each episode which did nothing for the flow. It maybe an art style but it confused more than it helped.The problems of the chars are a bit forced, a bit over the top and unresolved for too many episodes, especially regarding the "older" couple. And then it's easily resolved and everyone is happy which feels forced too.
Again lazy writing and not so much character development as needed. Also I think you could tell this story in just eight episodes, especially if they would have cut the unnecessary drama. The premise was interesting but they did too less with it, they could have shown how the couples and all of them grow together in a more meaningful way.
A nice touch was the inclusision of the follow on show MLs in the finale.
It's not a bad show, it's not a good show, it's a bit cringe, a bit fluffy, a bit silly, a bit childish, a bit mature and a bit fun. You could have watched worse.
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mostly quirky fun
Overall: though I enjoyed the funny/sweet parts, they needed to reduce the episode count to really make it quirky awesomeness. 12 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/album/89w1vvkv6zpo6wf and GagaOOLala everywhere except Japan, https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4297/knock-knock-boys-2024-e01Content Warnings: non con touching/voyeurism, dub/non con kiss, non con video taking/sharing, unwanted public outing, beginning/attempted sexual assault, punches, past death/grief
What I Liked
- finally we had a character who was inexperienced and also very interested in romance/sex
- supportive friends
- showing instead of telling i.e. they showed a character was rich and naive instead of just saying it right away
- laughed several times
- characters established as queer, pansexuality was explained
- good dreams
- sweet moments
- glad they talked about consent but not sure why they needed actual toys at the club meeting (and fyi petroleum jelly degrades toys)
- calling out invasion of privacy/posting pictures online and there were actual consequences
- Thanwa's friend/boss had great advice
- good apologies
- good consent with Latte stopping on 2 different occasions
- Almond's mom
- lack of episode 11 curse
- well done final episode
- 2 characters from Monster Next Door had cameos in ep 12
- production value (some nice camera shots like with the wall in episode 6)
Room For Improvement
- need to reduce the episode count as things felt dragged out, I was tempted to write out to skip episode 11 but this does really explain a character's previous actions (or inactions)
- how they started the episodes with a flash forward and then moved to the present so the episode didn't pick up where it left off from the previous week
- a character told his female friend something that he had no right to tell her
- I couldn't root for a character to be in a romantic relationship until they cleared up what happened in the past, they mostly cleared it up but wanted this information sooner
- Peak and Jane could have easily explained things to Thanwa much earlier, definitely 'because the writer said so' stuff
- not a fan of what Almond did at the end of episode 2 and then again later
- too many near kisses
- toilet humor
- drunk driving after a party
- that the playboy character who was pansexual didn't believe in love due to his past, this played into stereotypes
- didn't make sense that neither Almond or Latte suggested trying something different, waiting until the final episode definitely felt like 'because the writer said so'
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cute but…
I liked this drama. it was cute a little over the top at some points. however, there were some things I wasn’t obsessed with. my main grievance is that the main couple barely had chemistry. I’ve never felt such a lack of chemistry between two actors. the second couple has amazing chemistry though. I mainly kept watching for the second couple’s storyline.I am glad there was some pansexual representation. I feel like we never see that when it comes to media.
overall it’s not the best bl drama but it’s definitely not the worst.
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Having roommates will definitely go from "sharing the house" to sharing everything; the bad jokes, the bad times and the existential crises. Although it is impossible for everything to be rosy, returning home to be yourself and having someone to talk to about the good in all circumstances is always a relief. The constant company of other people around you helps to observe the panorama beyond the tip of your nose.
The premise of this 'rom-com' may seem corny and implausible: Latte, Tawan, Peak and Almond are four young people who share a rental house. One night of drinking and playing spin the bottle, the first three discover that Almond is still a virgin.
In this way, the young man who has never enjoyed sex makes a bet: if one of them manages to connect him with the person he likes, he will cover a year's rent.
However, the creators of 'Knock Knock, Boys!' (Thai: บ้านหนุ่มโสด โหมดพร้อมเลิฟ/Ban Num Sot Home Phrom Love), make this 'fairy-tale' story a hilarious and emotional delight. This is how the story of love, dreams and friendship begins.
The series stars Nokia Chinnawat Phattharathanachot, who we saw in one of the episodes of the drama 'If I Love a Boy', specifically in 'Han on Me', and in 'Thank God It's Friday', both from 2019, playing this time to Almond.
Carrying out the daring and romantic mission is carried out by Latte (Boss Jaonine Jiraphat), who we know for his role as Tar in the drama 'Find Yourself'; Thanwa (Seng Wichai Saefant, star of the dramas 'Secret Crush on You' and 'War of Y', and Peak (Best Vittawin Veeravidhayanant), an actor we remember for playing Pluto in 'Love With Benefits' and Daonuea in 'Check Out'.
Directed by Natavut Leewairoj, the youth comedy-drama with an LGBT+ theme leaves us with a great lesson: living with roommates will mean that the jokes and fun will not stop, and the complicity and support at home, whether to set up night games, to prepare food, doing the laundry or helping you find the love of your life will be nearby whenever you need it.
The upbeat music, composed and produced by Susui and performed by Smart Wattana, makes 'Knock Knock, Boys!' remind us that true love and soulmates are also in our closest friends, which can even be those we just met. It also commemorates that in the same way that a loving relationship is built every day, so is friendship. Furthermore, an external look always helps us see more clearly.
The series will also address other topics, such as internalized homophobia, the school and work environment, family relationships, sexual repression and the fear of living sexuality freely.
Together with Almond, we will learn that not everything has to be perfect if you have the right roommates, because any difficulty or setback will be fixed as we go.
They are four opposite but complementary roommates, real, fun and imperfect young people who explore their sexuality, embrace their ambitions and face their insecurities while dealing with the difficulties of youth, such as coming of age, conventions, secret loves. , bisexuality, the discovery and acceptance of homosexuality without dramas or tragedies and a commitment to normalization, in a beautiful and fun youth story.
I would like to highlight the use of humor to dedramatize difficult moments such as coming out or recognizing one's virginity or pansexuality.
The drama aims not only to fulfill what one expects from such a premise, but also to overcome any idea or preconception, entering from a perspective full of love and humor into the lives of four friends, two of them in their early twenties, the other pair are university students still in adolescence, all in constant existential crisis, who oscillate between love dramas, student and work confusions and identity doubts, finding their salvation in each other.
Nokia leads with Almond's desperation to fit in and purest innocence. Jaonine puts security and emotional independence into her Latte; Best brings the entanglements of a heterosexual courtship just to make his father happy and Peak's sickly perfection, while Seng brings Thanwa's sexier carefreeness and self-love.
The four complement each other, argue, hug each other while drinking a drink of alcohol or face life as it comes and, above all, they never fail each other.
Much of its success lies in the perfect chemistry between the four young people, especially between the two couples in love: Peak and Thanwa, and Latte and Almond.
The cast closes with the performances of Mon Taechin Phaisanwan as Sean, Pak Varayu Pusomjitsakul as Jumper, Tuss Thotsawat Sing-uppo as Max, and Ten Tosatid Darnkhuntod, among other actors and actresses.
'Knock Knock, Boys!' It is a fantasy that we have all been able to or wanted to have, but that is more enchanting, natural, genuine and immensely fun in this production that will bring us many surprises.
I recommend this hilarious and unprejudiced Thai series, with its satirical humor with heart and its commitment to cultural, sexual and gender diversity, through the vicissitudes of four strangers who go from friends to lovers.
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Comedy, Chaos, and Consent! Suprisingly good and entertaining!
The series begins as a light hearted cohabitation-themed BL with very silly and chaotic comedy. However, it does get better and more substantial as we proceed. To me ,it felt like this is more a character driven drama. Although the plot was familiar, the character development felt very rich and made me invested !The camaraderie among the four boys is what kept me interested till the very end! All of them were different and unique in their own ways. Watching their paths crossed and their journeys intertwined together was enjoyable. Latte stole the show for me with his bright smile and maturity. I was expecting his character to be a bit 'playboy-ish' and immature, but surprise! surprise! I was very wrong! Almond’s story of his first experience leaving home and becoming independent was a fun ride. Watching him navigate his issues , both seriously and un-seriously was such a different journey in itself. Thanwa and Peak’s characters were confusing and aggravating most time but they finally grew a spine at the end and came around. Jane's character didn't add much value to the story for me! Almond's mom being supportive was a refreshing change from the overbearing parents troupe.
Another positive thing that struck out for me was asking for consent and stopping whenever the opposite felt uncomfortable or uncertain!
Overall, Yes it is far from being "perfect" but very entertaining! Recommended if you are into chaotic comedy and don't mind a few cliched BL troupes. Honestly, the synopsis doesn’t really do the story justice. It is way better! In fact, I found this better than some high-budget GMMTV BLs.
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my thoughts of almond and latte
I honestly hope that almond and latte end up together because their chemistry is on top and they are perfect.Was this review helpful to you?
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Absolute queer goodness
This series along with Diary of Tootsies will be my absolute favourite piece of queer media that has come out of Thailand. Knock Knock Boys is a hugely feel-good story of found family, self-discovery, and queerplatonic friendship at its best. It manages to be sex-positive without needing to have explicit NC scenes and manages to have an amazing across-the-spectrum lgbtq rep without being preachy.I'm not going to delve too deep into the bad with this series, because I just can't be objective with this. To me, everything questionable in this series is justifiable which is not what I would usually say for any other series ever. I will, however, outline my favourite things in this series:
1. Found family trope done excellently. The progression from housemates to friends to found family in this series will always be beautiful to watch. I loved every scene the four of them had together, even more than any scene between the romantic coupling. The four of them have such an amazing dynamic where they are so comfortable with each other but also have the utmost respect for one another is just beautiful. The breakfast scenes in this series were so wonderfully done and the way you can see the change in their dynamics from the breakfast scenes alone is masterful.
2. Characters are so well written. I am so fiercely protective of the four boys and I haven't felt this much love for a group of characters since the Chinchillaz gang in MSP. These boys are not perfect, not by a long stretch. However, they are just fundamentally good people, which is why this story works.
Yes, Peak appears selfish at first and can appear inconsiderate especially towards Thanhwa, but he was never intentionally hurtful and has always been quick to apologize. I loved the scene where Thanhwa geeked out about food in front of him and went into a self-deprecating mode because he thought he appeared nerdy, but Peak's immediate reaction was just extreme awe. He was not even doing it out of pity, he genuinely just has huge respect for people who have different talents and interests, even though it is not necessarily conventional or something that society deems as "useful".
Latte is kind of a horrible housemate at first, but the way he tried to make it up to Thanhwa by buying him congee is adorable. Latte was also initially portrayed to be a playboy but he takes non-verbal cues and any sign of reluctance as a hard no, which is groundbreaking in the BL consent world (even though this should be the standard).
Almond, my precious darling, does a lot of questionable things out of curiosity but he is so willing to learn. I love how non-judgmental he is towards his roommates from the beginning even though it is clear he was initially very sheltered. His willingness to learn more about sexuality spectrum, consent, and life through the other three is adorable.
Last but not least: Thanhwa. My darling, my love, my universe. He is just the kindest soul who is in a crossroads in his life where he has to deal with the transition between school life and working life AND has to deal with a breakup on top of it. He then moves into a house where he is faced with a huge messy boy and his first instinct is to take care of him. I personally wouldn't have been so kind if my new roommate have 3 other people lying drunk in my bed when I move in - I would have run for the hills. But this guy chose to clean up after him and then cooked him breakfast. How Latte did not immediately fall in love is beyond my comprehension. He is also incredibly patient while Peak sorts out his life - he offered so much kindness and understanding even though it is not an easy situation for him to be in either. Words cannot describe just how much I love this man.
3. Amazing cast filled with people who NAILS both physical comedy and subtle comedy. I don't think anyone can deny the absolute comedic powerhouse these 4 boys make. I usually hate gross comedy or overuse of secondhand embarassment, but somehow these boys still managed to make me laugh even when toilet comedy is in the script. There is a scene where a guy literally puked and shat and that would usually make me gag in the worst way possible but they made it work somehow.
Honestly, if I go on about the things I like about this series, I would hit 100k words so I will stop at these three. I wish for more series that features queerplatonic friendships as well as this one, and I hope this series gets more hype so we can have more series like this.
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Where's the script?
The script is simple, probably too simple. We'd like the characters' secrets and their community life to be more developed, but no. It's all a pretext for gravelly allusions. A number of secondary subjects are touched on at the outset, but remain unaddressed after several episodes. The characters are also a touch pushy. It's boring, the scenes all look the same.So after 5 episodes, I'm giving up!
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Funny and Dramatic
I went in to Knock Knock Boys blind with low expectations because I knew absolutely nothing about it or anyone who was watching it. I was very pleasantly surprised!! From the very first episode I could not keep my eyes off of the screen, and couldn't get through one without laughing so hard I needed to rewind the scenes. The cast's acting is absolutely perfect, all of them are able to do the funny scenes without overdoing it while also having the ability to make the emotional scenes feel completely real. In particular I was impressed by Jaonine's portrayal of Latte. He is perfectly suited for Latte's character and I found myself holding my breath every time he was near Almond. I also really really loved the very accurate Pansexual representation in this show and I loved how Lookpeach and Latte provided other characters (specifically Almond) with valuable sex education. I also really enjoyed Jane's character and loved her friendship with Peak. Though I am not usually one for slow burns I really enjoyed this one and would 100% watch it again. If you want a funny, bingeable BL with characters who you will grow very fond of, definitley give Knock Knock Boys a try!Was this review helpful to you?
Chaotic, heartwarming and entertaining
A truly underrated series if I may say so. Based on the synopsis alone, the actual emotional depth of this series is barely depicted.A wager between roommates to set one of them up with their crush after a round of Never Have I Ever, leading to outlandish schemes, team work and tons of chaos, but what also followed was an unapologetically sex positive series that highlighted consent, pleasure, sexuality and much more. All while keeping comedy and romance at the forefront, giving us the perfect mix of emotions.
Both the pairings in here have my heart, so different in dynamics between the pairings and between the people in each pairing, and they worked so well together. Communication, honest conversations, trust, they had it all. Above all, it was just how much they understood their dynamics with the other person in the relationship. It may have been frustrating as a viewer and sometimes even for the characters, but there wasn't a single moment where each of them didn't make it a point to visualise a clear picture of what their relationship was like at that point. The chemistry was dazzling and the angst, oh the angst. You can't help but root for them.
And I mean all of them, because the bond between the four of them was highlighted no less than the romantic relationships. What may have started out as a bet, eventually developed into a kind of brotherhood where they could always go to each other for advice, talk freely and trust in the fact that they would always be there for each other. All the supporting characters were no less, each of them had their own distinct personalities much like the leads and it was chaotic and fun to watch all of them interact.
This was thoroughly entertaining, start to finish, and it is truly underrated with well written characters, a solid story and not a single scene that I had to skip. A gem indeed.
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Really enjoyable watch
Was this a fantastic story, with a twisting plot and harrowing ending? No. However, what it was was fun, educational, and so much about good sexual practices. They put everything out there, and had discussions about everything from safe sex, to pansexuality to sex that sometimes is about which leg goes where, and oh man, I hit my head for the third time. I really enjoyed this, and will absolutely rewatch it.Also, the actors were really great in this. I'm going to have to watch some BTS, because I don't know how they didn't laugh through the entire thing, a la SNL style.
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