Till the End of the Moon (2023)

Great story!...(just had to shut half of my brain off to continue)

After finishing the first 5 episodes of this drama I figured I'll have to shut half of my brain off to continue watching. I figured I'll have to ignore the heavy eyeliner and makeup on Leo Lou. Ignore that all the characters go to sleep pretty and wakes up pretty. I wanted to continue because the drama have a very strong concept. It tells of the main lead, Tantai Jin, who's fate is to be none other than the Demon God. Our main FL is Li Susu, whose main focus is to save to the world from the destruction of the Demon God. The concept of the story is refreshing and intriguing to watch. I really like the idea that the biggest and baddest villian the protagonist.
Leo Lou did such a fantastic job protraying his character, that made me pity, hate, and love Tantai Jin. Because he have so much screen time, his character was the most rounded of all, but no arguments with that decision because the story revolved mainly around his choices and his will to break free of his fate. Although it took me about 30-ish episodes to get use to his eyeliner (makeup artist was very invested in glamming everyone up), I was finally able to accept it. It was not horrible, just heavy.
Since the writers poured all their attention into building Tantai Jin, I feel they lacked in creating good supporting characters. All the supporting leads seemed very linear and have no growth in their characters, especially our second couple. Their loved was forced and seemed to have a lot of blurs in between. It would have been better if they would just start their relationship like our third couple (the general and fox). Despite their limited screen time, I seem to understand and feel their love and was sadden when they did not end up together. The second couple, I wouldn't care less. Despite that, all the actors and actresses as a whole did a beautiful job portraying their characters with the limited screen time they have.
Another thing I would applaud is the CGI, especially for the attention to the environment. It really added the fantasy into this xanxia drama. The Demon relam and the immortal relam awed me in addition to all the effects of the powers used within each episode.
Not sure if I will rewatch this show again, but I feel it was worth it for me to go all the way to the end to find out how Tantai Jin will change his fate.

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Beautiful drama!

Excellent! Bai lu and Luo Yunxi never disappoint!

The plot is interesting and the cast is excellent! Luo Yunxi is amazing as TTJ and the devil. He is plays each role so different and looks amazing. Such screen presence! Bai Lu is so beautiful in this and acting is excellent. She is one of the few actresses that can portray cute without being infantile and annoying. The second female Sun Zhenni is so beautiful and perfectly portrayed the seductive fox demon. Chemistry between the main cast is excellent all around! The costumes, makeup, hair, sets, cast are all so beautiful.

Must watch! This and Lost You Forever are my top 2 dramas this year!

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What a waste of potential

It's disheartening to see that this tv show had the potential to be among the greatest in the genre. But,...

While the writer(s) had great ideas obviously, they struggled to put them onto the screen in a manner that would be visually and emotionally pleasing, especially in the first 25 episodes, those could have been condensed into 10 or even fewer, resulting in a significantly improved viewing experience in my opinion.

*** SOME SPOILERS AHEAD ***
Establishing a strong connection between the audience and the main characters is usually achieved through the gradual development of chemistry between the two leads. Unfortunately, due to a lot of misunderstandings and sufferings, going back and forth many times, repetitiveness, particularly in the early stages but even later on in the show, this bond between the characters felt almost non-existent to me, it felt like it's there only to satisfy purpose of the plot, not real genuine romance.
I understand that these choices were driven by the demands of the story, but they should have done it in a much better way.

There are many plot holes, lazy writing, characters are mostly one dimensional without real depth, some parts felt so unnecessary dragged, like the first half of the show, and some felt rushed esp. towards the end, un-logical time jumps (they are mortals but they live for 500 years without aging a bit, Yue Ya was a child but after 500y she is still teenager) and so on.
*** THE END OF THE SPOILERS ***

Story: 6.0
I have a feeling that It's as if the writer initially conceived the ending of the story, the last ten episodes in particular which are the best part of the show, and then added the remaining parts of the narrative to fit around that initial great idea. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to execute it in the most effective manner.
Even though few parts were amazing but because overall feeling, 6 is the highest I can give.

Acting: 8.0
Main leads did a good job with the given material and the others were pretty convincing too.

Music: 7.0
Music is ok.

Re-watch: 1.0
Once is enough.

Conclusion:
It's shame to see such untapped potential. A skilled storyteller and director could have worked wonders with the material, turning it into a masterpiece. Unfortunately, the show's narrative structure and execution became a missed opportunity to create something truly remarkable.

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MOST MASTERPIECE XIANXIA DRAMA OF THE YEAR

First of all i wanna this is really worth it to watch. Yepp this a basic Xianxia drama but after you watch it you will know it diffrent. We can see how the Demon God become the crueless it start to when he is powerless human in mortal and the pain he felt since birth. His birth is the destruction of the 3 realms. Then Li Susu which is the time traveler to 500 years that when the Demon God still powerless human. Li Susu when to Ye Xiwu bodies and she is general daughter. The storyline is so angsty and good if you read the novel it more angsty and full of pain. Also the cinematography make me wooo this so amazing. Then their Hanfu in every eps make me become so interest. Their ost is so good too i can feel the pain through the music. And the main reason i watch cause Bailu and Luo Yunxi chemistry is everything. Their chemistry drive me crazy, they doesn't look like acting. Overall it worth the pain to watch this drama. This drama is my top 1 st drama of the yearr

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Overrated drama

When I watch a good drama I usually tend to watch episodes after episodes and I have to discipline myself not to watch the whole drama in 2 days ! Nothing like this watching "Till the end of the Moon". Quite the opposite! I had to force myself to go to the end of the show after watching the first twenty episodes.

The show starts rather well and we know that we are going to enjoy watching Bai Lu and Luo Yun Xi acting together with talent and good chemistry. We really want to know if the Devil-Lord-to-be will fall in love and feel human emotions. We thing we are going to watch a really good love story. But suddenly the story stops and a new story comes to us. And then a third story comes to us ! Of course everything is linked but I really disliked it. Moreover, I do not like to be watered with the blood that actors spit several times per episode, I do not like the free masochism that we have to endure in love stories where finally nothing is tangible. The 3 last episodes were all messed up and seemed never ending. We were shown hell and nirvana and redemption I guess. Maybe we have to be Asian to understand and appreciate what was supposed to be a rather happy ending.

This love story is disappointing. There is no doubt about Tantai Jin's feelings but nothing is certain about the heroine. She wants to stop Tantai Jin becoming the Devil Lord but for ulterior reasons than love. We are given to see too little idyllic moments between the two lovers, it's hard believing in an authentic love story.

What was interesting to watch ? Acting. Luo Yun Xi is a brilliant devil and very skilled actor. Sometimes his makeup was too noticeable, making him appear a bit ridiculous.
What else ? Outfits. Some outfits and clothes were just gorgeous. They sublimated the actors and actresses.
Is that all ? Scenaries and sets. Some were really nice.
What about the tracks ?The soundtrack was typical of this type of drama. Nothing original.

In summary ? Drama overrated.

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A story that you will never forget

I discovered asian dramas this year. I saw some not romantic ones before but just in passing, between other shows. But this year i found "Alchemy of Souls" and got on Asian dramas basically full time. "Alchemy of souls" got to me so much and no other left such a great impact since (I enjoyed others of course a lot but not to this level).

And then i watched "Till the end of the moon" and i got that feeling back. What a beautiful, wonderful, amazing and heartbreaking story. It made me feel everything in just 40 episodes that pass by like 10 minutes. I love everything about it.

I talked a lot in the comments because i can't help myself when i love something this much. Here is the links to those comments so as not to repeat myself:

https://kisskh.at/693513-hei-yue-guang-wen-na-be-ju-ben#comment-14833177

https://kisskh.at/693513-hei-yue-guang-wen-na-be-ju-ben#comment-14876383

So final throughts on this fantastic tale: The end, for me, is sad. I know it have that hopeful component that maybe they will meet again but all the scene where SuSu have to kill him is heartbreaking. Even when is sad, i feel the end fits their characters perfectly:

-Tantai Jin was driven by his love the moment he was aware of it and confess it to Ye XiWu on his family's burial place. Since that moment all his actions are because of that love. At first it is mixed with jelaousy and other not so good feelings like that possesive side when she died. But i think he learn to get rid of those bad feelings during his time as Cang Juimin and what is left is love. Mostly for SuSu but also for humanity (Which i don't think is easy for someone that was mistreated all his life). So his actions at the end are the ultimate act of love: Self-sacrifice for the wellbeing of the rest of the world and the love of his life, Li SuSu.

-Li SuSu reminds me a lot of my all time hero, Buffy the vampire slayer. Both of them are the chosen ones and both of them have to be the strong ones and make the hard decisions. I have to say that i had a hard time at moments to understand her actions. She was clearly in love but she was also aware that Tantai could end all life if his destiny end up being fulfilled. She never forgot that. She couldn't. When she said in the last episode that she made a wish that time at the Ye house that he didn't become the Devil Lord is proof of how much she love him and how much she must really suffered. She is soo strong that her becoming a god it was just something that had to happen. She never for a moment believe that Cang Juimin was really the Devil Lord no matter what he do and still, besides all the love, besides being completely heartbroken, she did what she had to do. Because she is the chosen one for a reason.

I can't really explain how much i cry watching that scene where SuSu is about to tell him she loves him (She never did it out loud when she actually mean it) and she can't. So she just said: "I will tell you when i see you again" 💔💔💔. Not to mention the scene at the tombs of both of them and what is written "Tomb of Ye XiWu loving wife of Tantai Jin" "Tomb of Tantai Jin husband of Ye XiWu" 😭😭😭😭

So in episode 39 Tantai ask: "Will our story be know by posterity?"

Yes, their story will be with me forever ♥♥♥.

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Epic Xianxia

Oh, my goodness! This drama drew mean in, chewed me up and spit me back out. I was very excited about watching this drama because it has two of my favorite male actors, Luo Yunxi and Deng Wei. I first saw Luo Yunxi in Ashes of Love and was very impressed with his performance. Over the years I often wondered if I would ever see him in another drama again and was happily rewarded with this drama. Last month, I suffered through Miss the Dragon and was rewarded with my first glimpse of Deng Wei, another incredibly gifted young actor. I was so impressed by him and to know that he would be in a drama with LYX, was a gift. The beautiful Bai Lu took my breath away. Not once did she grate on my nerves. She played the part of Li Su Su and Ye Xiwu with grace and candor. She was so genuine that I immediately found myself rooting for her. I loved the costumes, special effects and story. Unfortunately, it got repetitive and toxic towards the middle. I hoped that the series would get back on track and it did. What I felt satisfied with was how the drama played out. Some people would say they are disappointed with the ending, but I think it fit the circumstances just right. The music was lovely and the drama breathtaking. It was really a beautifully done production even with flaws. Oh, and I can't stop looking at Luo Yunxi. He is so handsome!

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Great Acting but the storyline?

Acting is great, the OST's are just beautiful. Love the production and visual effects but geesh the storyline!
I.E. the writers overuse of miscommunication, don't ask, don't tell, I'm doing this for your own good and the evil jealous trope ......these just kept going and going. When one ended, another popped up and took it's place. - Never a dull moment.
Top it all off with the "I have to sacrifice myself for you and the good of all" over and over and over and not once a heartfelt confession on the FL's part. This is why I gave it an 8 star. I realize this type of story usually has to have the open ended gut wrenching sad ending. And while it was not a complete tear jerker of an ending, a plus in my book, I really dislike sad endings, this ending felt rather unsatisfying.

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Black Rose Needs a Small Hug!

"Till the End of the Moon" is a uniquely compelling drama, adapted from “Black Moon Holds a BE Script” by Teng Luo and Wei Zhi. This series takes you on an emotional rollercoaster—sometimes you'll find yourself smiling like a fool, and at other times, shivering in horror and awe. It masterfully balances feelings of disgust and delight, all under a pervasive theme of darkness. The fleeting moments of happiness are incredibly sweet but are ultimately swallowed by a sea of suffering and agony.

Acting/ Cast

The main leads are portrayed by Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu. Luo Yunxi plays the roles of Tantai Jin, Ming Ye, and Can Jiu Min, while Bai Lu brings to life the characters of Li Su Su, Ye Xi Wu, and Sang Jiu. The entire cast delivers a masterclass in acting, drawing you deep into the emotional landscapes of their characters until you feel your heart shattering into a million pieces.

Their mastery of body language and facial expressions is chilling. Some scenes will make you leap with joy, while others will leave you gulping in disbelief. There’s no denying their extraordinary talent.

Luo Yunxi
- As Tantai Jin, we see the remnants of humanity struggling beneath the weight of evil imposed by the world, embodying the notion that "evil is not born; it's made."
- Ming Ye offers insight into the origins of the conflict between the Gods and the Devil God, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
- Through Cang Jiu Min, we observe how circumstances and opportunities can lead to redemption and personal growth.

Luo Yunxi's profound understanding of body language and facial expressions makes each portrayal deeply compelling, drawing viewers into the emotional core of each character's journey.

Bai Lu excels in her roles as Li Su Su, Ye Xi Wu, and Sang Jiu, delivering performances that are both powerful and haunting:

- Ye Xi Wu is depicted as a strong-willed woman determined to achieve her goals, even at the expense of her own happiness.
- Through Sang Jiu, we explore how a pure heart can become tainted by the misdeeds of others, adding a tragic dimension to her character.
- Li Su Su offers another layer of depth, providing a thoughtful perspective on the world's complexities.

Bai Lu's ability to convey intense emotions with authenticity and grace ensures that each character resonates deeply with the audience, evoking a spectrum of feelings from joy to profound sadness.

Story

The story begins with the Devil God wreaking havoc across the world. To save this shattered world from total apocalypse, a group of ancient sages devises a plan to send a young girl 500 years back in time. Her mission: to prevent Tantai Jin from becoming the Devil God and plunging the world into an abyss of despair.

"Till the End of the Moon" stands out as one of the most extraordinary Xianxia dramas to date, offering a richly textured narrative complemented by outstanding performances. The series expertly captures the fragile balance between light and darkness, happiness and suffering, leaving viewers deeply moved and reflective.

However, the story is extraordinary, the screenwriters faltered in crafting a coherent and satisfying conclusion. They portrayed humanity as wicked and cowardly, capable of unfathomable cruelty with little room for good. This raises the question: Does such a humanity deserve saving? Would you save a world that views you as a harbinger of destruction and repeatedly pushes you into a corner? Human nature is complex and unforgiving, and the screenwriters' deviations from the original material threw the plot into chaos.

Conclusion

This drama is a profound and intense viewing experience that is not for the faint of heart. Its dark themes and emotional depth will captivate some while overwhelming others. If you are prepared for a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and challenge your perceptions of destiny and morality, "Till the End of the Moon" is a must-watch that will leave a lasting imprint on your soul.

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