KNOCK AND KORN: DICHOTOMY

Knock

Knock is portrayed as a happy-go-lucky, carefree guy, childish, immature and mischievous. His character is depicted as an owl creature-- nocturnal, either partying all night long or engaging in online games having no sleep at all which results to his waking up late, constraining him to be absent from or sleepy at work. But underneath his character, it appears that his love for Korn is bigger and more solid. Without Korn’s knowledge, he followed Korn to the same company so that they could stay close to each other. When the issue of coming out surfaced, he mustered courage and took the initiative to open up with his parents and disclosed his feelings to Korn. Happily, his parents are very accepting and did not consider his love for Korn as an issue. As a matter of fact, Knock’s mother said, “love has no gender.” Clearly, Knock’s love for Korn was so great that he wanted to set an example for Korn and save their relationship. He even volunteered to go with Korn in disclosing with his parents about their relationship, and assured Korn that he will not face his father’s wrath all alone.

Knock was discerning. When Fam declared that Knock was more of a burden than a boyfriend, he thought about that statement. When Fam added that all the good deeds of Korn cannot be outweighed by his single mistake, all the more that Knock plunged into deep reflection.

Knock went away for a breather after he mistakenly thought Korn cheated on him the second time around. At the hotel, he was thinking of Korn all the time. It appears that his love for Korn is bigger than his hatred. He even dreams of Korn scolding him for his unkempt clothes and shoes. However, when Korn finally appeared before him, begging him to open the door, he was instantly in denial saying that he does not need Korn and that he better goes away as he does not want to be with him. He was playing coy. This is very Asian. This is a trait that is exclusively Asian. Culturally, when something goes wrong, one has to please another as if courting and one has to do it gradually and not by force. Time element is very essential.

Knocks’s character has a very good juxtaposition: someone who we thought was shallow in the beginning emerged as someone who has greater depth and strength in character.

Korn

Korn is an ideal guy: levelheaded, disciplined, clean, orderly, punctual, direct to the point. His previous relationship led to a break up because he claimed he had been cheated; something he would later do with his current partner. Between Korn and Knock, the former seems to be more nurturing and mature. He puts toothpaste on Knock’s toothbrush everyday, he gathers Knocks used clothes and put it in the laundry basket and does the chores when Knock was too lazy to do them. However, he was too gullible and vulnerable. While he managed to dodge Bright’s temptation to have sex with him in the first series, he fell victim to Peach’s machinations. Intoxicated, the flaw in his character surfaced. He let it all out. As a viewer I could hardly accept that scene where he seems to fall willing victim to Peach’s set-up. But maybe that was necessary to strengthen his character and redefine his relationship with Knock. It was very apparent that he was remorseful for the dirty act he did with Peach. His regret was so conspicuous in his facial expression when he woke up beside Peach realizing he bedded the wrong man, he even punched the wall, hurting his hand. He was so upset the whole time when he arrived home and even when he went to work.

Korn is perceived to be upright and tight, but his weakness and susceptibility gave another dimension to his personality and character. What makes the story interesting is that each character has his own internal conflict. I could not forget his line referring his feelings for Knock, “I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, all I know is I love you…”

One poignant scene was the dialogue between Korn and Knock after their heated argument which was witnessed by Korn’s father, forcing Korn to spill the beans, divulging that they are indeed a couple, declaring that he loves Knock. Nightime came and they were both seated at the sofa. Korn asked Knock to say something as he had been silent for some time. Korn admitted he was at fault. He was in tears and it was obvious based on his expression that he was regretting the deception he inflicted on Knock. He was imploring forgiveness and asking if Knock still loves him to which Knock replies that all he could think of at the moment was Korn and Peach together. I could understand Knock’s reaction at this point. But when Korn took Knock’s hand and kissed it begging him for forgiveness, pleading him not to chase him away, it melted my heart. He even hugged him appealing not to break up with him. I cried buckets of tears.

At 48, why do I still feel giddy? The entire film has lots of comical chunks, in the same manner that it has wonderful, powerful, and meaningful fragments. The casting was perfect. Kudos to the stylists, writer, director, and actors! The story was superb and was handled with restraint. I loved the film in the sense that it has achieved total maturity--story-wise, acting-wise, directing -wise. It was a successful transition from the first series, which I also loved. I watched the film 20 times over and it still makes me laugh and cry as if I am viewing the flick for the first time.

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