Moonlight Chicken (2023)

A complicated hookup with tiny sprinkes of bittersweets

I stopped watching this after the first hour because of the slow and pointless nature of the main couple's actions. The very slow-paced slow motion life did not touch me...

and I'm guessing we are supposed to understand the characters doing mundane stuff. Months later, I came back to the show to be tortured some more. The second couple was less complicated and had hints of hope and something resembling romance. The main couple just sat there being dramatic and well, complicated. The main couple's pointless actions eventually grew on me as the back story was revealed but I never fully understood the why. Like why are we here? And just why, why why

The acting is top-notch, and the visuals are moody and interesting. The story of a hook-up culture trying to be something more is not really a fun watch. But, it's closer to a bittersweet independent film that people force you to watch to say how life is horrible and we will all die alone. And after the torture of watching it you are supposed to be happy about your own life...I guess.

I'm being a bit dramatic, I mean, after all, I gave it a nine out of ten.

Leia Mais

Good BL, characters not so much.

I would have to say this is a pretty solid BL, I really enjoyed it. The plot was sort of unique and there was a lot representation especially with the deaf community which isn't often seen in BL, and in shows/movies in general so i enjoyed the aspect about it.

The characters were a bit annoying at times, especially the main couple. And I didn't really like how they made Alan out to be the bad guy in the beginning, because I generally felt bad for him. But I was glad that Alan got his own little romance at the ending, or else it wouldn't really feel complete.

There was a lot realism in this series and wasn't overally fluffy, and was more realistic with the build up of the relationships and the relationships had more depth. You don't see that in a lot of BLs. Wen was a bit repetitive with his relationship with Jim, I like how there was more build up, but Wen seemed a bit to desperate and it felt like he was forceful which was a bit annoying.

I honestly liked the side couples more, especially with Heart and Li Ming, I wish there was some spin-off series between the two people they were so much more interesting but had way less screen time. And their overall relationship was more healthy and the dynamics were fun to watch.

So 8/10 feels right, mostly just wish the main couple weren't as annoying as they were shown, (It got a bit better.) And the side couple had more screen time. The age gap wasn't HUGE, but it was kind of weird.

I recommend this BL if you like slow build up between characters and are looking for more diversity when it comes to stories or characters.

Leia Mais

First Kanaphan's acting as Alan

This is the best screen play i have ever witnessed in BL industry.
The script, the acting, plot, story everything is a masterpiece
For some people this show might feel a bit slower paced but trust me that's the beauty of this drama
Also not to mention First's acting as Alan is a masterpiece, work of art BL industry will ever see.
P'Aof did an excellent job and I have mad respect for him for this project
All the characters and their portrayal is precise and the depiction of their emotions and character development is on point.
Moonlight Chicken isnt just a drama its an ART.

Leia Mais

It's the supporting roles that steal this series

Honestly, I found nothing dynamic about Earth and Mix's performances and they do not steal this series. They have done this before. Who steals this series is Fourth and Gemini. They are so solid and believable and I want them to have a whole series on just their incredibly real relationship. Unfortunately, this series went off into inane and empty directions that it did not need to do. Only for the sake of theatrics and not story telling. Also First did an incredible job in playing a rather small part but did so with complete conviction. He added quite a dimension to that role so kudos!

Leia Mais

Mostly a good thing

Up there as one of the best shows of the year for me.
I loved it. I loved the themes it dealt with; The daily dynamics of the average person, the little joys and beauties of mundane life that makes it worth it, how all that plays into your expression of yourself, whether it is your sexuality or personality, the additional influencing factor of age and generation, the slight poke towards the trend of corporate takeover, all of that was exceptional.
GemForth did an absolutely stunning job with their characters of Heart and Li Ming. So did almost all the characters.

The only irk I had with the show was the casting choice of having Earth as Jim. I mean he's a good actor. But he's not pulling off a character in his forties. And because he's playing a character that I couldn't see him associated with, it kinda took away from the chemistry he had with Mix.
But even with a weak romance between the main couple, Moonlight chicken has a lot to offer.

Leia Mais

Two great ships in one fantastic show

Look, I’m usually not someone who likes the one-night stand trope because I prefer the gradual development of feelings and two people getting to know each other. But omg. This was so good and we still managed to get that.

I really loved Jim and Wen and seeing how they started learning about each other’s lives and helping each other grow and make hard decisions, and that’s not even mentioning that the chemistry was off the charts both in terms of physical and emotional intimacy. They completely sold their characters, and it couldn’t have been done without the great second leads that were Alan and Gaipa.

Heart and Liming were also a fantastic second couple. As a foil to Jim/Wen, both of who were somewhat jaded about life and romance, we saw a much more innocent first love situation as two people started spending time together. The commentary on deafness and communication was really beautiful as well. They stole every scene they were in and between these two ships I found the show not having one boring moment.

It was actually so refreshing that there were no villains and no terrible misunderstandings between any of the couples. I was so impressed with how much JimWen and HeartLiming both communicated, and having the story focus on the theme of parenthood was also really powerful, between seeing Jim/Liming’s relationships, to seeing Liming’s mother return, and more.

I really do wish this was longer because the plot developments felt kind of thin sometimes when it came to Gaipa’s mother — who I didn’t really see enough of go get emotionally attached to — and also when it came to the chicken diner and the corporation that wanted to buy the land. Despite what we learned out about how the diner started, the place itself never really had “personality” after the first episode, if that makes sense, and I didn’t feel the high stakes of losing it.

Nevertheless, this is a comfort drama for sure and it just might’ve changed my mind about the “one-night stand” trope.

Leia Mais

Slice-of-bitter-life

I believe that, in the end, the good bits outnumber the bad ones, which is why I gave this series an 8 out of 10 overall. The essence of the series is good and most things were taken care of pretty well, but some others seemed to be put there carelessly or were just neglected. I'll try to sort my feelings about Moonlight Chicken as best as I can.

Starting from the plot and the overall narration: I believe it's good enough, but not really as good as it could be. The story itself is pretty simple (no surprises there since it's an obvious slice-of-life), there are a couple of major surprises but nothing huge. Something that I really liked about it was the cinematography, along with some specific dialogues and symbolisms sprinkled in: it felt like being fully immersed in the life of the characters and the metaphors and parallels made for a very satisfying watch during the most important scenes. What I didn't like was how the show seemed to cling onto the "realistic" side of it all way too much for my taste, to the point that a good chunk of the events are very anticlimactic - even when they were really important, I ended up not feeling much about them. The pacing felt too slow at times, and I also had lots of trouble understanding how much time went by between the main events: in certain instances it feels like it's only been a day or two, then it's suddenly revealed that it's been weeks or months.
There are multiple interesting themes in the story as well: moving on from grief or a past relationship, learning to be responsible for the people around, learning to let other people go and make their own choices for their life, and so on. These themes found their place in multiple characters and situations, but not all of them were explored as in depth as they could have. Since the pacing already felt too slow to me, I believe that putting some of these ideas aside might have helped to let the others shine more.
I wasn't able to enjoy the story as much as I wanted because it felt incredibly bitter, with money issues and lack of understanding among the characters looming over all the episodes like a huge black cloud. But that's just my preference and I'm not considering it an actual flaw.

As for the characters... well. Like others have already said, Earth was not the right actor to interpret Jim. Earth is about my age, so I kept feeling very weirded out when I saw him being called old and being treated like a middle-aged man at all times. I feel especially bad about it because Earth is a favorite Thai actor of mine, and also the main reason why I decided to watch this series in the first place, but he just isn't the right fit for this role. I believe that the other actors were a good choice, but since Jim is the main character and basically everyone interacts with him at some point, he made a lot of interactions feel off.
The characterization was pretty good for all the characters, support roles included. I liked the fact that no character was entirely perfect, and rather than making villains and heroes out of nowhere, there was just a group of people doing their best with their life.
As a couple, unfortunately Jim and Wen weren't interesting enough to me. Aside from Earth trying to interpret someone 10 years older than he is, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. I don't believe it's the actors' fault since they had incredible chemistry in other series I watched with them as the main characters; it's probably because of a combination of overall mood and pacing to me. I saw some sparks on the very first episode, but then their individual circumstances made each of their appearances feel oddly gloomy and uncomfortable. I felt like Wen wanted to stick around for no real reason other than, well, the plot.
Li Ming and Heart were absolute show stealers. The acting of Gemini and Fourth is already amazing at their young age, and Gemini in particular did amazing portraying a deaf character. Their chemistry was incredible to see even in their smallest moments together, and the development of their relationship was steady and well-paced. Their story was also easily the most lighthearted of all, so I unconsciously started to look forward to their moments instead of focusing on the bitter and gloomy main plot.

In the end, I can say that it's a good series and that it should be watched at least once, but at the same time I can't recommend it. I don't even see myself picking this up again in the future, if not to watch Li Ming and Heart falling in love one more time. It can be good if you want to watch a more serious Thai series and take a break from goofy comedies with lots of sound effects, but that's it.

Leia Mais

A Realistic Portrayal of Mature Love

**Brief Synopsis**
B (Employee): Wen
T (Owner): Jim

- Beginning: B is the owner of a chicken restaurant and T is the person he has a one night stand with. Despite telling T that they should remain a one nigh stand, B doesn’t want to give up and decides to take a part time job at B’s restaurant so they can spend more time together. But B keeps denying his own feelings, not wanting his already complicated life to become more complicated.

- Middle: The crux of the story focuses on the trouble already present in B’s life. It is revealed that he has a ex boyfriend who was cheating on him. Despite that, he still loves him and is devastated when the latter died. This remains very traumatic for him, which is why his defences are so high. It is also revealed that T has boyfriend he had just broken up with but for some reason is still living with. In midst of everything, B has to deal with his nephew and the risk of losing his restaurant.

- End: Thanks to B, T finally understands what it means to have an adult relationship. He breaks off completely with his ex and finds a new apartment. B, on the other hand, finally opens up to T about his past and meets the girl his ex was cheating on him with, and they talk about the man. B finally lets go of the past and decides to move on. The show ends with B finally accepting T’s feelings and gives them a chance.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT:
- The actors playing B and T. Their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were cute and sweet. They also do a great job in portraying the affection between the characters.
- I like the small looks they gave each other when they are still unwilling to admit their feelings. The small signs of affections are the best.
- The characters are very likeable despite each having their own flaws.
- The writing is pretty nice despite the plot being predictable and cliche. But the story flows really well and the ensemble cast make the city they live in seem alive. This show isn’t exaggerated like some BL can be.
- I like how real this relationship is. It’s not fluffy by any means and have its ups and downs. It truly depicts how hard love can sometimes be. The sweet moments makes me smile and the low moments makes me root for them, hoping they will soon get their happy ever after. Their relationship is so well written it’s very easy to get invested.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT IT:
- Very tame intimate scenes which can be a disappointment.
- Angst comes from B constantly denying his own feelings which is an overused trope.
- The show is very slow burn with them only kissing in the last episode. I would have liked to see more of their interactions as a couple.
- Plot as a whole is well written but there aren’t any plot twists or memorable moments.
- I didn’t like the fact that B actually forgive his ex when he found out he had a girlfriend and still loved him and wished him to stay. Cheaters should never be forgiven.

**Conclusion**
An OK watch but probably won’t be revisiting.

Leia Mais

немного не хватило главной пары

Вдумчивый и красиво снятый лакорн. История потрясающая. Видела один комм, что главная пара была не правильно вписана в данный сюжет.и тут я полностью согласна. ЭртМиксы - это всегда было волшебство их игры, их (по сюжету) истории. Это покалывание в сердце, бабочки в животе и слезы. Здесь же акцент на всех, кроме них. Сюжет сам не плох, но основа шла постоянная ревность и вина прошлого и умершие родители. Боже, ну давайте как-то идти дальше что-ли. Кажется много намешали, но все сделано гармонично. Поднято очень много важных тем. Взять хотя бы персонажа Джеминая. Для меня это было вообще до мурашек, так как я сама стала "особым родителем" не сразу. У нас врачебная ошибка, а у героя следствие плохого лечения. И я прекрасно понимаю родителей, мать особенно. Скрыть, спрятать, а то без тебя он пропадет. И тот переломный момент, когда сын пытается наконец-то "поговорить" решает очень многое, ведь мама все еще не сильная, она еще чувствует вину за случившееся, и тут ее ещё больше обвиняют. Но она принимает мудрые решения. Персонаж Фота, кажется сначала истеричным подростком в переходном возрасте, но на самом деле - он сильнее и мудрее всех. Он берется за очень сложный процесс и еще думает о себе. Фот справился с ролью на ура. Кхао. Ну этот парень очень вырос в актерской игре. Его мимика просто не оставляет равнодушным ни кого. Все эмоции проигрывает без слов понятен. Потрясающе, я горжусь им. я точно рекомендую этот лакорн. Он собран из жизни, все в одном месте: отношения в семье, одиночество взрослых, человека с овз, нежелательной беременностью, молодежь, выживание и многое другое. Но в конце вы получите наслаждение . Правда, ну хотелось бы второй сезон для раскрытия второстепенных пар.

Leia Mais

Another Mix & Earth drama

Watch this of course to watch our 2 ML Mix & Earth. Kinda glad to watch this. Heartwarming story with a few flaw....

Really interesting to read the summary given by MDL: "Jim is an ordinary guy running a Hainanese chicken rice diner. One night, he meets breezy Wen when he stays past closing drunk. Brought together by fate that night, intangible feelings arise. Neither can stop thinking about the other despite Jim's efforts to remain unattached." Yeah we can feel their 'lightning' from the start, is all over the place...

But this drama also talk about friendship, family & grief.
* The relationship between Li Ming & Jim. How Jim handle the rebellious teenager Li Ming, while in the same time Li Ming actually also think about his future & how not to put more burden to his uncle Jim again.
* The relationship between Jim & Wen. How Jim manage to finally let go his past & move forward with Wen. And also how Wen finally manage his relationship with his ex-boyfriend. And also about how Jim finally dare & owned his feeling toward Wen.
* The relationship between Heart's family. How he finally make peace with his family with the help of Li Ming
* The heartwarming relationship between Kaipa & his mother. Also how Kaipa manage his feeling with Jim.
* And finally the relationship between Li Ming & his mother....

Now the (+) point that I like about this drama:
+ The chemistry between our lead, Mix & Earth & also Fourth & Gemini. Their chemistry never a miss.
+ The starting point of Li Ming & Heart relationship. Really love how Li Ming can get Heart out of his shell & be friend with him and finally something more.
+ How the writer fix all the family problem in the drama. Like Heart & his family, or Li Ming & his mother.
+ The mature Li Ming. Oh how much I like to see how Li Ming think about his future & making decision about it. What I don’t like, he become rebellious teenager instead talking to his family. I think Jim & his mother actually someone he can have discussion with. But yeah i understand, teenager & their hormones, sometimes think everyone can't understand their feeling.
+ Finally last not but least, Saleng & Praew relationships. How Saleng dare to take the challenge & responsibility for Praew when she's pregnant.

The only thing that I feel lack, not a flaw, just something missing is.... How much I wish Jim make goodbye party for his dinner with his usual customers, instead just one table with his 'family'. I think if they close the curtain with Jim's goodbye party it's gonna be perfect.

Overall this really heartwarming story but with a flaw that I'll gonna write down below. Like usual with SPOILER ALERT. So read review below with ur own risk.












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The flaw:
- How Heart become Mute??? I mean yes he's deaf, but he's not deaf since birth. It supposed he became sick & deaf just a few years ago, not since birth or childhood. That's mean Heart supposedly can talk, cause he can hear before... The deaf people become mute if that's happen since birth or baby, cause they can't hear so they can't learn to talk. But if that's happen in ur adulthood u supposed be able to talk. The writer supposed to make Heart DON'T WANT TO TALK instead CAN'T TALK.
- The weird ending.... I don’t know what happened in the last 1 / 2 ep. It happened so damn fast. One min Jim still only say Wen is his friend, although he already open his heart to welcome Wen, but the next min Wen suddenly become his boyfriend. Oh come on... I know that's the set up, but that's also one lazy writing there. This is the why I lower the score a little bit.
- The decision for Jim to open Chicken Rice Foodtruck. Isn't it he just talk to Wen about his dream to actually open Chicken restaurant or not. But instead taking a break to thinking about ur dream & future, he just jump into what familiar for him.

Leia Mais

Great show!!

I loved it! But to be honest idk why but I preferred the side couple (with heart and li ming) better than what I liked the actual main couple? But idc because they got a good amount of screen time compared to side couples in some other shows I've watched. However i also the loved the main couple and the rest of the couples. This show is fairly realistic and covers topics lie being poor, cheating, gay love and highschool love, deafness and death. It has it's ups and downs but defiantly recommend but maybe not to a brand new fan? Like new fan sure just not brand new only watched 3 dramas type of fan watch 4 dramas then I recommended! Anyways defiantly watch this when you get the chance!!!!

Leia Mais

Heart and Li Ming

This TV show is a realistic mess with a lot of invested emotions, with characters struggling with their own issues and flaws.

Heart and Liming, who are adored for their comforting and healing love, are the series' best characters. I adore watching their scenes because of their deft hand movements, sign language exchanges, and eye locks. If comfort were a person, that person would be made up of Li ming and heart. I cried for Li ming because I understood what Heart was going through.

Jim and Wen follow, with Earth and Mix winning out for acting. It's no joke, man, about their chemistry. They have a completely different story than Heart and Liming do. It's full of angst, unrestrained desires, and tension. Both of them are flawed people who have a lot to say and show but are unable to fully express it. I genuinely feel for them.

Alan and Wen's relationship is complicated and difficult to handle. Gaipa's sweetness is unmatched, and Leng and Praew make a darling couple. Gaipa's mother is encouraging and endearing, and I would like to give 10/10.

Leia Mais