Moonlight Chicken (2023)

The story tries to be realistic. But in some cases it doesn't seem reasonable.

Earth: Uncle Jim is 40 years old, but his decision+Composure+Experience has been also not showing well

Chicken Rice It takes a long time to cook and it's a very difficult food to cook. There is water to boil the soup and add ingredients to cook, cooking rice, making dipping sauces. But I still haven't seen Uncle Jim do anything.He spent his time on walking, sitting, talking and walking around. Even chopping chicken, chopping chicken doesn't look like professional.

Some of the actors did it well, like Saleng, Kaipa, Li Ming.

Leia Mais

Watchable drama

I feel the people who are giving less ratings but I hope they shouldn’t concentrate on only one couple and give the ratings anyhow guys I’m big fan of all the actors they are really good at everything for acting it’s just that some plots are not that entertaining but I like the deaf boy couple I watched the series just because of them it was really sweet and cute I love that couple their chemistry was another level I enjoyed it and finished within a day and as per ratings I gave high why? Because of this couple and main leads are good but it’s just their story wasn’t upto mark I hope they get other stories and do well . I guess we can give 8 above for this drama I gave bze I’m fan of all the leads and mainly for dead couple so people can watch their stories… all the best guys

Leia Mais

This couple is worth to watch!

To be short the long review. I really love this couple of how they Portrait their Characters in different ways. The eyes that always speaking itself that always captured my attention while I'm watching. This love team is like a chocolate that you can create a different variety that everyone gonna love it. Jim and Wen please keep it up and make your love team stronger than ever. To be honest In this series, all the good actors is here. Well done everyone. The story is so realistic that happens in every relationship, family matters and to the society. Thank you so much and hoping to see you both in more projects and as a love team. Yeheyyyyy???

Leia Mais

Queer Life and Love

This show absolutely devastated me in the best way possible.
It's pitch-perfect from the acting, to the cinematography, to the music, it's all spectacular.
But most importantly it's entirely driven by a cast of deeply likeable if flawed characters whose various pasts and hardships shape their lives in a multitude of ways.
As is to be expected with a project led by P'Aof, the show addresses a variety of real life issues from disability, to socio-economic inequality, to homophobia (both societal and internalised), to simply how messy break-ups can be.
Combined with the excellent writing this makes all the characters feel almost painfully like real people and makes every scene, from the light-hearted to the deeply serious, highly impactful.
This is one of those rare cases where I love a show so much I have virtually nothing to say about it, so I will simply leave you with this:
This series is incredibly meaningful both in how touching it is and in what it means for the queer community.
As a queer person, this story made me feel good - seen and respected and loved.
It's a perfectly paced, quietly angsty yet wholly comforting slice-of-life we all deserve.
Do yourself a favour and go watch it it you haven't already.

Leia Mais

Moonlight Chicken is a hidden gem

You know the acting will be phenomenal based on the cast alone, but Khaotung (Gaipa) was my favorite of them all. His scenes were just purely fun, sweet, and/or very emotional. Man made me cry like a baby twice. Of the eight episodes, 5-7 did get a bit draggy because of the repetitiveness in the main arc, nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable watch and I love the order in which certain things were revealed i.e. Alan’s entrance, the identity of Wen’s stepfather, and Ms. Hong’s death. I also like that the timeline was clear and that all eight episodes happened within a six-month to ten-month period.

What I liked/enjoyed:
- The reality and hardship economically post-COVID. It’s a no-brainer that everyone was heavily affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. But what made Jim’s Chicken diner different was despite Jim being poor and a single guardian of an 18-year-old teenager himself, he was able to empathize, sympathize, and cater to the unfortunate out of the kindness of his heart. Not only is his chicken rice recipe simple, but it’s also affordable, convenient, and fulfilling for the middle and lower class. His kindness spoke volumes throughout the whole show.
- I love the entire cast but Mark and View’s coupling takes the cake. Salaeng and Praew are naturally fun to be around and are very supportive when they, themselves are struggling; set to be first-time parents with a baby on the way. I also love Saleng’s relationship with everyone, he was the perfect friend, employee, boyfriend, and support everyone needed. Probably would have been a good son like Gaipa had his parents been alive. He also seemed like a really great dad from the one scene of him playing with his baby in episode 8. I love that although he had to be put out of his job at the diner, he didn’t forget to pay Jim back and still kept in contact with everyone. It truly showed that Moonlight Chicken wasn’t just a workplace but a home away from home.
- Gaipa and his mother’s backstory was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Normally, funerals for side characters are rushed but in this case, the show highlighted the impact that Ms. Hong, a side character, had on not just Jim, his family, and the diner but the whole community. While Gaipa mourned, you can feel just how much the Hongs were loved and respected by all.
- I know some find it weird or unrealistic, but Wen rooming with Alan after they’ve broken up is probably the one thing I like most about this series. During lockdown and quarantine, it wasn’t uncommon to hear that couples who lived together do and did break up. I thought Wen living paycheck to paycheck was a reasonable enough reason to keep living with his ex; especially when his ex is the breadwinner and they’ve agreed to be friends. The only problem was Alan took this as a possibility of them getting back together despite being told it wouldn’t happen countless times. To be fair, it was completely understandable because, in Alan’s case, he was still in love and actions do speak louder than words. If Wen hasn’t moved out by now then obviously it wasn’t really about Wen falling out of love but something else. Like another man (Jim) for instance. The reality is Alan can afford to think this way because he isn’t financially restrained like Wen is. If Wen leaves, Alan’s capable of paying all of his bills just fine but if Alan leaves, Wen will have to look for another roommate or cheaper condo. We got a glimpse of that when Wen had to ask their friend, Gong, for help and ended up renting a condo (hello Ohm’s room in ‘Bad Buddy’ xD)
- All of the characters’ growth was noticeable and lovely but Li Ming’s growth is the most impressive. Once he knew what he wanted, his confidence and responsibility surfaced and he was able to sell his future plans to his mother and uncle despite their doubt. Li Ming really showed them that he wasn’t as unprepared or unmotivated as they were led to believe. Not only did Li Ming plan the next four to six years of his life, but he’s been working towards it. He was dedicated and ready to walk his own path and his family couldn’t be more proud and supportive.
- Jim and Li Ming fight as any uncle and nephew would but I had so much respect for Li Ming when Jim said ‘Don’t raise your voice at me’ and Li Ming instantly piped down and apologized. That scene was beautifully done and showed that deep down Li Ming has a lot of respect, love, and gratitude for his uncle. He’s just frustrated because of the lack of communication and the pushing and projecting from flawed adults. It was brilliant of Li Ming to recognize that what Jim was projecting onto him was in fact Jim’s dreams and Li Ming calling his uncle out for that was great.
- The fact that Heart was deaf. I love the representation here and I thought Gemini did an excellent job. He was really convincing. I loved that the show stressed the fact that people tend to think deaf people are also mute when that’s not always true. I love that not only was Heart finally understood by his family but also accepted by Li Ming’s friends and family. His parents learning and becoming pros at signing, Wen communicating with him through sign, and Li Ming’s mother's openness to learn and attempt sign were all very wholesome.
- The communication between some characters was great whilst others were realistic.
- I love it when characters drop names without telling us who they are right away. It keeps the audience guessing and gives the characters some history and substance. Or when children are introduced and you have to do some connecting the dots. i.e. Beam’s ex-girlfriend’s daughter and Jam’s stepdaughter/Li Ming’s stepsister.
- The portrayal of Jim’s stubbornness that stems from age and fear. Jim being set in his ways as an older, more traditional guy is so lifelike. Although Jim isn’t as expressive and agreeable as Li Ming would like, it’s clear that Jim is trying his best to build a good reputation and connections for Li Ming’s sake.
- The reality of being able to accept gays as friends, co-workers, or neighbors but wouldn’t come around to it when it’s family. Although it sounded homophobic, Jam made it clear that her concern was about how her son would be viewed and mistreated by others if they found out his orientation, and not that she was repulsed by it. I did like that she had at least three conversations about it with Jim and Li Ming. It showed how much she was bothered by it.
- The revelation of Ms. Hong’s death. From the marketplace to the hospital and finally temple/funeral. The transition from Gaipa and Saleng walking, talking, and joking around to the discovery of Ms Hong was so well done. Khaotung’s acting in the hospital scene, it was clear that he’d been given the bad news and his crying was so heartwrenching!
- The cinematography and setting were aesthetically pleasing. I love the color palette and it was really giving Hainanese. (I love Li Ming’s little lion dance too!)
- Aof’s cameo! xD

What I disliked/wished was different/included, and noticed:
- Jim and Beam had more chemistry than Jim and Wen.
- Gaipa pursuing Jim is cute but surprisingly for someone who's really into Jim, Gaipa doesn't come around a lot. Yeah, he's busy helping his mom and keeping her company but he mostly, if not always, drops by only at his mom's requests and not because he misses Uncle Jim's face.
- Some events in episodes 5-7 could have been shortened or cut out entirely to focus, explore, and revisit older scenes.
- Jim consistently saying ‘no’ and bringing up what he said before their one-night stand was great, a man of his word, however; there were way too many back and forths about it on screen. They could have cut out one or two rejection scenes and implied it in a passing conversation with another character.
- It’s clear that Jim likes Wen and even misses him at the diner. However, whenever there’s an opportunity for Jim to initiate contact first, out of desperation, Wen would call or show up and we’d get the same rejection scene but in different clothes. If viewers enjoyed the mains together then sometimes a separation would do everyone some good and make a reunion 10 times better. It’s boring that Wen was the only one trying to make them work.
- The comedy was present but not emphasized enough to be memorable
- I wish there was a scene where Heart confessed to his parents that he was the one who broke the bottle OR there’s a short scene of his father drinking from the same bottle he and Li Ming secretly drank out of and wondering why it’s somewhat watery. That would have been a good callback.
- The reporter clearly said they were moving into 2023 on New Year's Eve, however, when Ms. Hong passed away, a couple of months later, she was written to have passed in February 2022. I suppose they filmed in 2022 and forgot to change the year on the printout.

This was a slice of life and I for one enjoyed them immensely. This is a definite watch and rewatch.

Leia Mais

Chemistry was so OFF

There is A LOT to unpack here.

Wen was straight up giving F me eyes the entire show. OOOOO, he better calm down. The entire time we all saw and felt how Wen was feeling. He played his role so well! So it's a shame that the lead couple had next to no chemistry. It was one sided the entire time, even in the small moments Jim showed some wiggle room, or straight up affection. It all felt fake.

Judging this as a BL on the main couple, I'd say this is a 5 rating, and only because HALF the leads were giving it hard. So instead I judged this one as a slice of life drama with a dash of BL romance thrown in. So it gets 7.

I really enjoyed the little drama we had with Alan, Jim, and Wen. It felt like real life, messy, painful, and emotional.

I enjoyed the side characters stories because it made the Chicken restaurant and neighborhood feel so homey.

Li Ming and Heart were EVERYTHING. EVERY.THING!!! They were the sweetest and the best story ever! I could have watched them as the main leads FOREVER. Every moment they had was just heartwarming and perfect.

On the spice meter this gets a 1, the first episode had lots of chemistry and lead up to the spice in a way that a little went a long way. But then the chemistry disappeared never to be seen again.

Alan really got the short end of the stick here and I felt so bad for him! Not only did he get his heartbroken after 5 years but Wen dragged it out by living together. And when he got into a serious accident Wen acted as if it was burdensome to help him. After 5 years and you care that little? Alan had every right to feel heartbroken and awful. Nobody should stay if they don't love them but have some more grace. And that last episode was total BS, 5 years of a relationship and he joins them for dinner? No thank you. But it was cute that everyone did eat together.

Overall I really enjoyed some parts and other parts it was just okay.

I have to admit I am not a huge fan of Earth. I don't know what it is about him but I don't think he suits BL's well. To be fair I've only seen his small bits in Love By Chance and this one but there is just something that bugs me about him. Now I really want to watch another Mix Earth show to see if it's just my bad for choosing the show where he is written as a stale character. I'll be back to report my findings. TO be fair the first and very end of hte last episode gave me a LITTLE hope.

Ending it with everyone eating together was so cute and gave the overall feel of the entire show.

BUT NOW what do I watch? Do I watch First & Khaotung actually get together in Eclipse? Do I try another Earth Mix to see if there IS chemistry? Or do I watch more perfection of Gemini & Fourth?!? Decisions, decisions!

Leia Mais

Hot dish, served cold

Excellent plot line, that started really well. I mean, a one night stand where one starts developing feelings for the other, the age gap, the gap in status, so many ways to make it really beautiful and fabulous. But does that happen? Sadly, no! After all, this is a Thai series. So you can't really expect too much in-depth analysis into the psyche of people, right?
*Spoilers follow! Please read at your own peril!*

I am going begin with the 'main' lead. I am going to probably invite the wrath of all EarthMix fans on my head right now, but if I can't say it here, where can I, right? Their casting is really not right! Earth is 29, Mix is 24. Casting them as someone is 40 and 30, really does no justice to either of them. Adding a slight fuzz to the upper lips and a bit to the chin does not make a person older for sure. And Mix is a real cutie. Putting him at 30 seems a little bit too much. If you want to show an age gap, maybe 5 years? Or maybe make Earth like 34 or something? Why the hell 40? It really kills the chemistry for me. And why do Earth and Mix always agree to such serious roles? They are both young, really good friends, give them something fun to do! And as I said in my review of Ai Long Nhai, onscreen chemistry doesn't mean chemistry in real life or vice versa. So, they are not the perfect pairing for me.

Jim (Earth) is a chicken rice seller, running a business that's most likely to be taken over by bigger businesses in the new upcoming mall, the designer of which is Wen (Mix), architect by profession. He is gotten out of a relationship and is not exactly looking for something new, but ends up having a one night, no strings attached stand with Jim. But unfortunately, the no strings becomes something totally different for him. Jim is still suffering from survivor's guilt about the death of his ex, who dies almost immediately after they get into a fight. And so the push and pull continues, with Wen taking every possible chance to express himself, but Jim keeps taking steps backwards. When Wen's ex makes a scene, there is more angst than actual possible love.

Next Khaotung as Gaipa and First as Alan. Don't get me wrong. They are both phenomenal actors, and have absolutely powerful chemistry. But to be honest, their talents are completely wasted in this series. Gaipa has been in love with Jim for the longest time, but instead of making things clear to him, Jim literally drags it on. Sometimes I felt that Jim really used Gaipa in a way! As for Alan, dude, your relationship is over. Get over it! Move on! As the angst ridden Alan, First is fantastic. But I don't get it. Why do you force a relationship? Isn't love mutual? If it's over, it's over! But the way Alan held on, it's almost pathetic. Wen made it clear he does not love him anymore. It was not very comfortable to watch.

Finally Gemini as Heart and Fourth as Li Ming. As warm as a hug, as soft as as clouds, as beautiful as the sunrise and as heartwarming as comfort. I could wax poetic about them the whole day. They are young boys, but the talent is just overflowing. Heart has been deaf and mute for 3 years because of an illness. But both his parents don't take the time to understand him, instead keeping him at home all the time, not even trying to learn sign language. It takes Li Ming less than a month, to not only start learning sign language, but also opens up the world for him, making him feel loved and important. Their story is wonderful, because there are no misunderstandings, no negativity, no stuttering around, nothing. The amount these two kids communicate, even though one is deaf and mute, should put grown-ass adults to shame. The way Li Ming translates when Heart talks to his mom was just phenomenal. He was the one feeling the pain that Heart was undergoing. The only thing that bothered me was the lack of subtitles for Gemini's sign language. That would not have made us feel that things were lost in translation.

I was thinking I am going to be annoyed with Li Ming's mom, and for a moment, I was really upset. You don't become gay because of heredity or surrounding factors. Just because Jim was gay, how could Li Ming? But I was glad she redeemed herself, accepting Jim and Wen and encouraging Li Ming and Heart.
I don't why we had Leng and Praew, unless it was for showing what an ideal friend, big brother, perfect man Jim is. It's a little hard to believe. I also find it really in poor taste that just to make Alan and Gaipa meet, they had to actually kill Gaipa's mom. Was their no other way? It would have been nice to see Heart and Li Ming actually going to America, a nice goodbye at the airport, instead of meeting in front of Jim's truck, making it a boring sort of an ending. Lots of unfinished feelings. It started with a bang, the first scene itself heating up the screens, but post that, 0% development, hardly any kisses, except in the last scene, kind of a vice versa of the first. GMM TV really needs to up their game, like most series are doing now. These fish kisses are not going to keep the viewers, but okay, I do agree, mostly the couples they come up with just mow down on sheer chemistry. Let's hope that at least continues.

I will recommend a one time watch, mainly because I fell in love with Fourth and Gemini. So if not for anyone else, watch it for them! Good luck!

Leia Mais

GEMINI is the next generation IT-boy

Holy sh*t. H O L Y S H * T ! I might be a bit prejudiced as I have a weakness for deaf love stories but HOLY SH*T!
Gemini and Fourth were absolutely phenomenal in this. The gentle loving between these two teens, the amazing acting even without needing words. Their performance was simply out of this world.
As a disabled person I am always looking for more representation out there and Gemini had me wondering if he really was deaf, when I found out he wasn't I was astounded at his performance. And of course, Fourth being so kind and loving and willing to learn for him. AMAZING. Their language coach did a really good job and Fourth's English was really good aswell.

As always, EarthMix FirstKhaothung being some of my favourite BL actors did a great job but for me were totally second to the stars of this show!

Special mention to First because how can I love an actor so much and absolutely despise his character, I started liking him near the end but my god was I rooting for him to be DOOMED. Great acting from First, very different character than what he usually plays and he did great.

P L E A S E BL industry give us more of these healthy relationships and diverse representation!! We NEED it.

(Also yes, the pacing was a bit off and it was worth 12 episodes at least, but I was still hooked)

Leia Mais

Moonlight Chicken? More like Moonlight Chicken Nugget

I was very excited for this series since the trailer dropped. So let me get into why it was overhyped from the start.

This show definitely has more budget than other GMMTV BL's have. Our main leads (Earth and Mix) are of course great, but i mean they are dating irl so not a surprise and both are solid actors. They definitely were the main pull for this series, however they weren't why I kept watching. The overall plot was fine, though it kind of got stale after a little bit. Though the kind of almost twist of Mix having just gotten out of a relationship was interesting.

The main reason why I kept watching was Heart and Li Ming. They were adorable and had the added inclusion of Heart's deafness. That's great. I definitely was way more invested in them than Jim and Wen's fling, turned almost, to side thing, to almost again and then finally a couple thing.

The storyline of Jim's character being cheated on was good. Yeah that'll mess up relationships forever so it made me a tad less irritated with him. However, LOL though when the ferry accident happened I was like oh his ex is missing!? He's fine! But then they showed a dead body XD and I was like ohhhh never mind. I feel like Earth keeps getting sacked with these lead roles of characters that are either initially unlikable or turn unlikable. It happened in "ATOATS" and it happened in this.

Other side notes. What are these smash cuts!? They were so sloppy editing-wise and the implied romance between Wen's ex and Kaipa was rushed af and could've actually been something. Also soooo many mommy issues ugghhhh. That is all.

Leia Mais

A Gay Drama and not a BL

Let me clarify the difference between gay dramas and BLs. This series is a fine example of a gay drama, not a BL. In gay dramas, the focus is on the lives of gay men and their experiences, while BLs explore boys falling in love regardless of their sexual orientation. It's common for boys in BLs to initially pursue girls but later develop feelings for boys, leading to questions about their sexuality. Many BL lead characters don't define their sexual orientation because their attraction is unique to a specific person.

Despite some criticism from the gay community, BL stories are primarily made by women for women. Just like in real life, being straight doesn't mean being attracted to every person of the opposite sex; similarly, BL isn't exclusively gay but rather its own unique plot device. It's more akin to bisexuality, as it revolves around finding a special someone regardless of sexual orientation.

I absolutely adore this series, as much as I disliked "My School President." Gemini and Fourth were phenomenal, and I can't fathom how the acting quality dropped so drastically in MSP. Li Ming and Heart's fluff was beautifully portrayed, making their journey believable and endearing of first love. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic eclipsed the main couple for me; it was just that good!

Speaking of the main couple, I appreciate how this series delves into the complexities of adult relationships. Love isn't a fairytale; it can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes, people fall out of love. The struggles of moving on in a long-term relationship are depicted realistically, and the hope of finding love again after heartbreak is a significant theme.

Even though I didn't care much for Kaipai and Alan, I appreciated the theme of their budding romance. Love doesn't wait for the perfect moment when you’re ready. It sneaks up on you unexpectedly, giving hope to those who have faced gut wrenching heartbreak and loss. It gives people hope and the strength to move forward.

While some are upset with Beam's situation, this portrayal reflects the harsh reality for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. I applaud the series for daring to explore the complexities of being in the LGBTQIA+ communities. Beam's situation reflects a harsh reality for many men who struggle with being a bisexual man or a closeted gay man by the comment section. It's essential to shed light on such experiences and the mess due to societal norms.

Unfortunately, many BL fans lack real-life experience and impose their biased views on the gay community. Many do not know people from any of the LGBTQIA+ communities other than what they read on the internet and BL. It's disheartening to see many women BL fans imposing their own social norms and judgments on the gay community, displaying ignorance and fetishization. Often, I find CIS women bashing or correcting gay men’s lived experiences with their social norms which is ridiculous. True support means understanding and respecting their experiences, and this series does a commendable job addressing these issues with Jim and Wen.

Leia Mais

A worth watching serie

This is my first review so my thoughts might messed up because I have plenty of things to say about this serie but I may forgot some things in between! I'm also sorry in advance because English isn't my mother tongue but I'll do my best.

Let's begin with the story, it's quite simple/ ordinary but it's also relatable and realistic.
For the story of Uncle Jim and Wen, I think it's nice to see a bit more mature/ adult relationship, I like that they showed us some complex feelings and the development of it. It's kind of new to watch but feel more real and the chemistry is here.

I appreciate and have a soft spot when it comes to family so I was glad they show us some uncle - nephew relationship and it's not really like all the time joyful / happy unlike Gaipa and his mom. Gaipa and his mom moved me and it was also heartwarming. I feel like, despite the flaws and the quarrels between Jim and his nephew Li Ming, it has a heartwarming feeling.

A special mention about Li Ming's character which is so relatable, especially he represents the teenagers in general in middle of family problems but also his personal feelings. I also like how he thinks.
Now that I can talk about his relationship with Heart, is really, really beautiful, heartwarming, and so endearing. I think, they stole the show and thanks to them, I appreciate more the serie. The character Heart is really interesting because he can show to the audience the way some deaf people would feel. He's like, I don't know how to explain but maybe represents them? The serie kind of spotlight his character even though he's a side one. It makes me want to learn again sign language but in this case, it was a thai sign language so it was still interesting to know.

I don't know anymore what to add but I wanted to say that all the actors have brought their characters to life and it's so convincing and pleasing to watch.

The set up is kind of mesmering, beautiful and pleased to watch. especially the colors that they have chosen. It brought some nostalgic feelings. In addition to that, they sung a Teresa Teng song so it's obviously a bring back memories to some people! The second song is really also beautiful that the first time hearing it, I've got some tears

The restaurant is like home and they make me want to enter their restaurant to eat Chicken rice with them and I also appreciate the chinese culture elements in Thailand, Pattaya.

I know I've repeat myself but Moonlight chicken, despite was a mini-serie, is really a heartwarming and slice of life drama that's worth watching and it left some marks. I certainly rewatch this but mainly for Heart and Li Ming haha

I just love that in this serie, it told different stories, different characters which we can relate and everything / everyone bring like a whole hotpot that we can all enjoy.

Leia Mais