Sweet Rom-Com + Challenges faced by Book Editors and Authors
7/26/2021As part of the Sweet On series, it is to be expected that this is going to be a sweet and fluffy romantic comedy. I'm glad to know that there's more to it than the usual cheesy love story. I love books, therefore, I decided to watch this drama as it's about publishing companies and authors. It's a very different vibe from the K-Drama "Romance is a Bonus Book", but it's just as enjoyable. I am glad that the actors real voices are used and the drama seems to have a combination of live recording and dubbing (not that bad).
Setting/Plot: I am not sure how realistic this drama is in regards to the challenges editors and authors face each day. However, I enjoy watching how editors work with their authors and how much effort is put in to getting a book published. Though the scenes might seem overly dramatic, the gist of what's happening seems realistic enough. The drama also focuses more on the challenges of established/veteran writers, than newbie writers trying to break into the industry. In many C-Dramas, we always see overly-bearing and disapproving parents. This drama has it, too, but it's part of an essential plot and character development of our ML. However, I do have to say that the antagonists do seem quite over-the-top. If they are really working in a publishing house, they should have been fired long time ago for their unprofessionalism.
Characters: FL at first glance seems to be another cliché female lead that is innocent and naïve. Many give up on this drama because they find FL's real voice annoying. It does take a little bit to get used to her "childish" and "whiny" voice, but once you do, it's a great story to uncover more about her. She is independent, energetic, persistent, NOT a pushover, and a go-getter. I enjoy discovering her personality throughout the show. ML, on the other hand, has more character growth. He started as an introverted, arrogant yet childish and petty famous author, to becoming more open, caring and mature. FL is more of a discovery throughout the show, and ML is more of a character development. In contrast, the secondary leads are much more mature, and go through a different set of challenges in life and romance. At the end of the drama, they have changed to become a better partner and better versions of themselves. The supporting cast has their individual role in the drama. The antagonists make your blood boil and you really want to slap them in the face for their unprofessionalism.
Acting: This is the second drama I've seen FL in after "I've Fallen For You". Both her roles are quite similar that she's bubbly and high energy. After getting used to her voice, I enjoyed her performance as she could be cutesy but you still love her, and want to root for her. It's also my second drama of ML after " The Romance of Tiger and Rose". He did a good job in playing this awkwardly cute guy, and then changed into his author character. I am especially impressed in Ep 35 in the scene with his father. You see his eyes slowly welled up and all the feels! 2ML is a handsome guy but I feel that he could look a little wooden at certain scenes. His best scenes are when he's bickering with ML. As for 2FL, she did a decent job but I find her crying scenes not believable.
OST/Costumes: I scored the OST lowest in the categories because they play the title song a little too much for my taste. It comes up every time there's a romantic scene, and it's quite unnecessary. Give us some peace when we enjoy such romance. I am especially disappointed in the last episode when the two male leads are delivering their heartfelt monologues and songs started to play. The volume is as loud as their voices and it's really distracting. I want hear their voices and feel their emotions, and not the loud music. Having said that, Ryan Ding's song "月光变奏曲"/Heartless Poem" makes me happy as it's so upbeat (his singing is just OK though). On the other hand, everyone has quite a nice wardrobe. You see different looks - for work, for play, for outdoorsy activities and formal events. Our four leads look amazing.
Bromance: The bromance between our two male leads is the best part of the show. When they are together, you feel their chemistry and laugh at/with them when they are bickering like children. 2ML is most lively when he's with ML. I want to see more of them together as they have such a fun and supportive relationship.
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bingeing on sleepless nights
as a book lover, this series tickled my fancy as it shows what happens behind the scenes in the publishing world. i know that the romance aspect is what the audience is looking forward to, but i love the fact that the background of FML was a little more complex, not complicated nor exaggerated as some dramas would normally have, but was eventually taken care of with the help of SFL.this is the first drama of Esther that i've watched and i'd have to say that i wasn't disappointed in her character nor by her acting. i've read some reviews that her pitch is quite irritating - hers isn't the first high-pitched voice i've heard on a Chinese drama and there are others that are more annoying than hers. i think her laugh is quite contagious, i actually giggle every time she does! she played her role very well and i'm looking forward to watching her other series.
i've watched Ryan in TROTAR (LuSi) and IL (YuXi) but this is the best one i've seen of him. he exudes that certain air of arrogance and gives intense stares that just gives his audience butterflies in their stomach. he had me at TROTAR but totally captured my heart in Moonlight. his character's attitude is literally something i would want to acquire: not really caring much about what others think as long as you believe that what you are doing is right and that you are not harming others.
ShiZe and YinYin... where do i even begin? the chemistry between their characters is undeniable. it is my first time watching them and despite them pretty new in the industry, they were able to portray their roles very well. they will surely have more projects to come - i hope they'll get the FML & FFL roles soon.
PS: the bromance chemistry between ZhouChuan and YuCheng is pretty strong and competitive with that of their female leads hahaha! oh, and don't tell me that am i the only one who thinks that there's really something between YuYao and SuoHeng ? i didn't read the manga so i've no idea if it's there. ^_^
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Just what you would expect - nice to have a good storyline and strong cast
Just what you would expect from a Chinese Drama. Leaning into the soap opera realm. Too many episodes. And, only shows you the pretty and clean side of China - as usual - they use the rich people to showcase and those striving to just make a living never complain. That's okay - these are made for enjoyment and escapism.Here's the ongoing Chinese drama relationship issue that seems to go on and on. To get the most episodes out of any series - the characters never learn or, finally come to their senses in the last few episodes. So, have the fast forward button at the ready and use it. It will save you lots of frustration. I was able to skip nearly entire episodes and not miss a thing. When the ML and FL petty argue - skip it - it never goes anywhere. Lather-rinse-repeat.
Villain is from within and takes tooooooo long to be exposed and brought to justice (like that ever happens in a Chinese drama - insert eye roll).
Because this has a touch of rom-com to it - expect the major couples to drag out their stuff to the very end. Again - fast forward and save hours. Or, vacuum, cut vegetables, clean, etc. so you don't feel you have wasted your time when they have their next disagreement and spend three episodes working it out.
Because FL is college educated and acts like a adult in the first episodes - expect the drams to go off the rails in the middle. Fast forward and save yourself the frustration when those moments begin. Easy to spot when they end the way Prime shows the show progress while you are zipping through.
Overall, I liked it and would recommend it. But, I have learned to spot and ignore the fluff and wasted pixels. As long as i get to enjoy the characters for who they are and see the story have a beginning, middle, and end - I am happy. Enjoy.
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Sweet romance between an author and his editor
Moonlight (2021)My first completed CDrama for the year!! Light romcom with a few heart tugging scenes.
Likes:
1. Hands down the winning chemistry between Zhou Chuan and Chu Li. They were perfectly matched.
2. One of the best bromance between Zhou Chuan and Jang Yu Cheng. I love their friendship.. they tease each other and always try to be better than the other. But they also have each other's backs when needed. Zhou Chuan supported Yu Cheng during his break ups and his new novel, Yu Cheng advises Zhou Chuan on relationships and duing the ghostwriting scandal.
3. The relationship between Zhou Chuan and his father was also a memorable one. I love Ryan Ding's acting.
4. The publishing house setting and having a glimpse of how book publishing works.
5. The visuals and the nice soundtrack.
Dislikes:
1. I didnt like eps 31-35 that much. It could have been compressed into 3 episodes.
2. The second leads' love story was boring esp the first half. I fast forwarded any scene related to the old lady.
3. Chu Li's unbelievable editorial skills. She was intern and was able to sign the best authors without any experience. She rose to deputy editor to chief efitor in just 4 ( or 5?) Years which is also unlikely. And whoever styled her should have been fired. She was always in baggy clothes or casual attire in the office.
Rating: 9/10
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Surprisingly enjoyable
These kinds of fluffy rom-coms are often too cheesy for me, but I liked this a lot, despite the cheese, because it was just so overwhelmingly nice and relaxing to watch. Struggling? Feeling traumatized? This is for you: it's like a warm. pleasantly scented bath in a really clean, luxurious bathroom in the House of No Worries. Many have griped about Chu Li's cutesy voice, but I found it soothing, along with her calm and positive attitude, and really enjoyed her growth as an editor. Zhou Chuan is a brat, but he's cute and he improves, and I especially enjoyed the arc with his father. The second couple are wonderful eye-candy (let us take a moment here to appreciate the shirtless shots of the SML, because yum). They had a pretty good storyline too, there were many other nicely portrayed side-characters, and the setting of the publishing house/pro-writer world kept me engaged throughout. Yes, it takes a leisurely speed - it is a cdrama, of course it does - and the romances are slow, and while sweet, they're not particularly steamy. But if you are looking for a relaxing dose of niceness where everything works out, you should definitely try this.Was this review helpful to you?
Love story coming from the most romantic book
"Moonlight" is a captivating romance drama that I rated 8.5/10. The main couple truly makes this drama shine, offering a heartwarming and dreamy escape. Chu Li, portrayed perfectly by Yu Shuxin, resonated with me on a deep level. As a booklover, her dreamy yet determined and bubbly personality felt incredibly relatable. Her unwavering passion and resilience in pursuing her dreams were both inspiring and touching.Zhou Chuan, on the other hand, is the epitome of everyone’s dream crush. Played flawlessly, his character embodies the charm of a man who can craft beautiful words on paper but struggles to express his feelings face-to-face. His journey of learning to open up and connect emotionally added depth to the romance, making it all the more engaging.
The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, creating countless heart-fluttering and amusing moments that keep you hooked. Their love story is not just about romance but also about growth, ambition, and finding balance between dreams and reality.
"Moonlight" is a dreamy and comforting drama that offers both escapism and inspiration. Whether you're a book lover or a hopeless romantic, it's a delightful watch that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile."
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well paced, motivational drama ! worth watching
this is now one of my favourite dramas of 2021, i didnt expect to enjoy it as much as i did!i loved the cast, the leads chemistry was great both before and after they started dating. the character of chu li was especially my favourite, her passion and motivation to do what she loves and what she believes is right honestly really motivated me haha, she is vedy confident in what she does despite having to be put down by miao while he was still there. she never gave up on others and her character is how i hope i am irl.
i didnt find there to be boring episodes, i think it was well paced in relation to the number of episodes it has. if i had to comment on one thing i didnt like about it then it would be the girl who tried to get zhou chuan to date her even though he has a gf and she was literally right there - feel like this is so overused in dramas but it only lasted a few eps so wasnt a big deal lol
good drama to watch if you want something light and romantic but also focuses a lot on the work life and family/friend relationships. there are no breakups and there was one misunderstanding but it was solved pretty quickly!
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Chu Li was made for Yu Shuxin
So I've watch this drama during the time it was aired because that time it was on my long time breakYu Shuxin playing as Chu Li, though I won't count myself as pomegranate, it felt like Chu Li is Yu Shuxin and Yu Shuxin is Chuli
Chu Li's humor and serious side was just so Yu Shuxin
I can't say that it's the "best work" as I haven't watch her other drama, but I think Shuxin really did great, despite it's like her playing herself
Ding Yuxi was so adorable, tbh for several parts Zhou Chuan was just, eh, typical tsundere boy, but he add his own flavor to the character, maybe adding his own self for Zhou Chuan
And I Love Zhou Chuan and Jiang Yucheng bromance, one of the reason why I love this drama
on the other hand, while most of the time I was more interested in 2nd cp than main CP of the drama, moonlight wasn't just it
I won't lie that Jiang Yucheng and Gu Baizhi chemistry was one of the hottest but their characters was just frustrating, always have an urge to skipped their parts
Kinda sad that Yu Yao and Suo Heng have so much potential as wlw representative in this drama, I was rooting for them, but I know back then the acception of wlw wasn't as big as "bromance", and after that Qing Lang happened so yeah
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Captivated by the light
The cutest heartwarming onscreen fluffs have the right CP (chemistry) between the leads. And in Moonlight, we got Esther and Ding Yuxi featuring the romance between Chu Li, a newbie editor and Zhou Chuan, a talented up and rising novel writer.While the love troupes for this story are nothing new, the show is a fun watch thanks to the chemistry between these leads. Their actings are natural. Zhou Chuan’s character, in a lesser actor, will make him rather annoying unless tsundere male lead is your thing.
What’s extra lovable is the characterisation of Chu Li - she was kind, but not a Mary Sue, she was persistent, but respectful, she looked idealistic, but grounded-ly worked hard for her dreams. After gotten the editor job at her favorite publishing company, Chu Li treated all books and authors that she signed with utmost sincerity and responsibility - be it the up and rising author, the outdated author or the newbie.
Tune in to Moonlight if you are in a rom com drought. Perhaps you will find yourself slowly captivated by it - like how Zhou Chuan is drawn towards Chu Li.
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Inspiring woman and cute relationships between each character
Moonlight shows the story of a high spirited, hard working woman who dreams of working as a book editor in a famous yet old publishing house.The best part of the story is the female lead. She's unstoppable and never gives up. She puts her dreams first and does everything to achieve it. Her character is so full of life and inspiring. Her work ethics are so ideal and she always sticks to them. On top of all that shes extremely beautiful and cute.
The close second best thing is the bromance, the two male leads have the cutest bromance ever, they're always looking for each other to express every problem they face and claim they hate each other lol gotta love them. I really love how petty they are to each other and how they help each other when ever they can.
The show is full of fluff, it has a few cliches here and there, but they dont really bother you much.
The work side of the show was very interesting, I loved watching her grow and stand up for her authors, always supporting and never giving up on them.
I really liked the authors stories and even the story of the female boss of the female lead.
Now onto the negative aspects of the show, the male lead is lowkey possessive, extremely petty and I wouldn't say I really liked him as a character. His personality is something I dont find attractive. Sometimes he was just annoying and I didn't understand why the female lead likes him so much.
Some of the work problems faced by the female lead was many times solved with the help of the male lead and that lowkey bothered me.
The second lead's relationship was a mess, they went off and on so many times I wanted to fast forward many parts. Sometimes there was no logic to thier decision and I was just confused.
Overall the show was pretty entertaining and cute, I enjoyed watching it and would recommend it when you're looking for something light.
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Humorous and Heartwarming
If you're looking for a super romance-y drama, this is not for you. But other than that, this was such a refreshing drama! I know next to nothing about publishing, so this was a nice insight to the behind the scenes (which I'm assuming is pretty accurate to real life) - I initially thought the premise would be boring, but the story was actually pretty interesting with lots of humorous moments that made me literally laugh out loud, and without being over the top.Also, I loved the FL! She was spunky and energetic, but I never found her annoying. She's the epitome of how hard work and persistence pays off, and I love how she always took her work seriously because she was truly so passionate about it. Another thing I loved - she's respectful, but also just doesn't take shit from other people lying down without standing up for herself and the people she loves.
As mentioned before, romance between the two leads played a part in the drama, but I definitely wouldn't say it was the main focus. Honestly speaking, I found Ryan to have had more chemistry with other FLs and the kissing was uh.... a bit wooden, let's say. They had their cute moments, but my favourite part was most definitely the various friendships the ML and FL had. Loved the ML and his best friend; they were competitive, but was always genuinely happy for the other's success. No secret backstabbing, badmouthing, or whatever other plots dramas tend to like to throw at you, just great friendship and support. Awesome.
Near the end, the plot did get kind of boring and predictable, but solid drama overall and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
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