I regret that I just know about this drama now. If only I had watched it while it was airing, I would have jumped on the same fun boat with the other watchers of this drama on MyDramaList sooner.
In short, I really adore this drama to pieces. These are the reasons:
- The Story
The story is pretty simple, but it doesn’t mean that the story can not keep you entertained for the whole 36 episodes. The premise of the story is about Chu Li, a fresh graduate from Finance Major but decides to pursue her passion in editing. She applies a job as an editor in a publishing company. Though initially she is rejected because she doesn’t have any background in editing field, but because of her deep knowledge in novels and authors, she’s accepted. In order to pass the probation period, she has to make Zhou Chuan, a best-selling author who is known as not only handsome, but a gentleman, to sign his upcoming book with her publishing company. Unbeknownst to her, Zhou Chuan is also her online friend who has been chatting with her for quite a long time. She finally can persuade Zhou Chuan to sign with her publishing company and she becomes his editor. After living under the same roof, they become closer and closer and then voila, they fall in love with each other. It’s a slow burn romance for sure, but each episode provides you the progress of their relationship bit by bit. From strangers to editor-author relationship to friends to lovers. Ding Yu Xi and Esther's chemistry is great in showing the dynamic of their relationship from the beginning. Thank God that this drama does not provide any cringey and cheesy scenes unlike other usual Chinese dramas which sometimes tend to be over-exaggerated in a way that makes me stop watching them.
- The Acting
Moonlight is the 1st collaboration between Esther Yu and Ding Yu Xi (luckily, we’ll be having them hopefully next year with their new drama, Yong Ye Xing He). I already knew about Esther since I loved Love Between Fairy and Devil and I must say she's a good actress. As for Ding Yu Xi, I was attracted by his acting in Love You 7 Times. Many people feel bothered by Esther’s high-pitched voice. But, I’m not that bothered because at least, she can act. When she’s needed to act seriously, she definitely can act those scenes without any exaggerations. Though I have to admit Ding Yu Xi is better in terms of showing various micro-expressions. He’s a really good actor who can act in love very convincingly and act in funny scenes without fail. Most of the main actors here can deliver funny lines very well and sound very natural. Be it Esther Yu, Ding Yu Xi, and the actor who plays the role Jiang Yu Cheng. So, as for me, not cringey though not all the funny scenes and dialogues can make me laugh. However, I do find their dialogues to be witty. I really like witty banters. In serious and emotional scenes, I find Ding Yu Xi is the best among them. His eyes can emote very well. Esther Yu is best in scenes which require her to show her earnest side.
- The Music
Unfortunately, the OSTs are not memorable. At least, they’re all well-matched with the scenes.
- Rewatch Value
I will watch my favorite scenes on IQiyi Youtube Channel. It provides all the highlights from Moonlight.
To sum up, Moonlight is my current favorite Chinese Drama.