To the Moon and Back

want a cute watch that will leave you slightly teary eyed this is the one for you

To the moon and back is a cute heart warming Thai drama with elements of serious topics concerning themes of prejudice, violence hate and love the drama is worth the watch because it presents these topics in a relatable and thought-provoking manner. The characters are well-written and their development throughout the drama is captivating. The chemistry between the actors is also undeniable, making the romantic aspect of the drama even more enjoyable to watch. Overall, To the Moon and Back offers a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and important social commentary, making it a must-watch for any drama fan.

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She will win you over!

It took me a long time to finish To the Moon and Back, and I mostly blame that on the flood of great C-dramas being released lately. With the season keeping me indoors more often, I’ve been catching up on series while crocheting, and this drama—though highly recommended to me—was one I started slowly and took my time with. That said, once I spent a few focused days watching it, Mata’s character completely won me over. There were several moments that brought me to tears simply because the story was so genuinely wholesome.

To the Moon and Back is, at its core, a gentle love story about healing. Dr. Purim carries the emotional weight of being the “perfect son” for his father, while Mata grows up in a loving, unconventional family that often faces criticism for not fitting society’s expectations. Yet Mata remains happy, free-spirited, and endlessly kind, even in the face of judgment. That warmth—her ability to meet the world with compassion rather than bitterness—was the biggest reason I stayed with this drama.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a character like Mata, the kind who is effortlessly lovable and quietly transformative. She wins over everyone around her—Purim’s father, her grandfather, and viewers alike—without ever trying to change who she is. As MDL perfectly puts it, the two bond over baking (and stray dogs), and Matalada’s warmth and unconventional family life slowly fill the emotional void in Purim’s heart.

I don’t want to spoil too much, because this drama truly deserves to be experienced. The build-up can feel slow at first—I certainly felt that—but once you understand the characters and their histories, the story settles into something deeply comforting. I can’t praise the characters enough, from the leads to the supporting cast. They warm your heart like a fireplace on a cold day, and you can’t help but grow attached to every single one of them.

This is one of the things I love most about lakorns: the supporting cast is just as memorable and meaningful as the leads. They aren’t just background filler—they’re essential to the emotional core of the story and add so much charm and depth.

I highly recommend To the Moon and Back to anyone looking for something wholesome, joyful, and emotionally healthy—not just in romance, but in family relationships as well. This drama is a reminder that love, kindness, and acceptance can be healing forces.

For me, this was an easy 10/10.

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A Warm Hug of a Drama About Love, Family & Healing

The lakorn that will keep your heart warm.To the Moon and Back is, at its heart, a gentle love story about healing, but what makes it so special to me is that the romance is only one part of a much bigger story about family, parenting, acceptance, and the ways the people around us shape who we become. Regardless of the main couple, the story constantly returns to different families and the impact those families have on each character. It beautifully shows that an imperfect family can sometimes be the most loving and complete one, while a family that looks perfect from the outside can be filled with pressure, trauma, emotional wounds, and unhealthy expectations. What I appreciated most was that almost no one here is one-dimensional. The characters are given enough background, usually through well-placed flashbacks, that it becomes difficult to simply hate them. The more you learn about each person's past, the more you understand why they became who they are, and even when I disagreed with their actions, I often found myself sympathising with them.

And then there is Mata.

It has been a while since I have come across a female lead who was this effortlessly lovable. Mata is basically sunshine in human form. She is cheerful, talkative, free-spirited, kind and sometimes wonderfully chaotic, but there is nothing artificial about her kindness. She doesn't go around giving dramatic speeches about being a good person. She simply treats people with warmth and compassion, and somehow that kindness changes everyone around her. Watching her slowly break through Purim's grandfather's gruff exterior, win over people who initially judged her, and even earn the trust of those who were determined not to like her was incredibly satisfying. She doesn't try to change herself to fit other people's expectations either. She remains completely herself, and that turns out to be her greatest strength.

I also loved the fact that Mata's personality has a reason behind it. She was raised in a family where love, acceptance and emotional support were abundant, and that upbringing shaped the way she sees the world. Her family may not fit society's traditional idea of what a "normal" family should look like, but they are incredibly loving and supportive. Meanwhile, Purim grows up in a household where achievement and obedience matter more than emotional well-being. He becomes a successful cardiothoracic surgeon, but underneath all that competence is someone who has spent most of his life trying to be the perfect son for his father. His life is essentially pre-programmed for him, and the emotional pressure has left him unsure of how to understand and express what he actually wants.

That contrast between them is one of the best things about the romance.

The main couple is genuinely adorable, and I honestly did not expect to love them this much. They are such a good example of opposites attracting. Mata is bright, expressive and endlessly energetic, while Purim is quiet, reserved and emotionally repressed. Yet they fit together beautifully because neither of them tries to turn the other into someone else. They complement each other. Purim gives Mata patience and stability, while Mata teaches Purim how to recognise, express and trust his own emotions.

What I especially loved was that they became friends first. Their relationship develops naturally through spending time together, understanding each other's quirks and gradually becoming important to one another. Even before they officially become a couple, there are so many little moments between them that make it obvious why they are falling in love. Their flirting is honestly on another level. There were so many moments where I was sitting there thinking, "Wow, that was smooth... wait, you're supposed to be friends!" Their chemistry feels effortless, and their interactions are sweet without becoming unbearably sugary.

I could honestly compare the cuteness of their love story to When I Fly Towards You. The dynamics are completely different, but they gave me that same warm, addictive feeling of watching two people who genuinely enjoy each other's presence slowly fall in love. I kept smiling whenever they were together.

What made the romance even more meaningful was the way Mata became a safe place for Purim. She gives him reassurance, patience, emotional space and, most importantly, permission to make his own choices. She doesn't "save" him in some unrealistic way. Instead, she helps him find the confidence to save himself. There is a beautiful progression in the way he gradually learns that he is allowed to live for himself rather than constantly trying to satisfy his father.

Purim's emotional journey was probably the part that moved me most. I just wanted to hug him sometimes and tell him that he had done enough and that he deserved to live the life he wanted. His father's pressure shaped so much of his insecurity despite how intelligent, capable and accomplished he is. What I liked was that the drama never makes him suddenly rebellious overnight. His change is gradual, and Mata is simply one of the people who helps him realise that he has choices. The scene where he finally allows himself to break down after trying so hard to remain strong for everyone around him was especially effective. I could feel the weight he had been carrying for years.

His relationship with his father was also far more complicated than simply "strict father versus good son." There is clearly love between them, even when that love becomes controlling and damaging. That complexity made their conflict much more believable. The actor playing his father did an excellent job because you could genuinely feel both the father's love and the harm caused by his expectations.

I also really appreciated Purim's circle of doctor friends. They may tease him constantly, but underneath the jokes they genuinely care about him and want him to be happy. Their advice is often surprisingly thoughtful, and I loved seeing Purim surrounded by people who could support him without controlling him. It made the contrast with his father even stronger.

The family aspect is where the drama really shines for me. The story explores so many different kinds of families and parenting styles without reducing them to simple good and bad categories. It shows how parents can love their children while still hurting them, how children can carry wounds for years because of the way they were raised, and how sometimes the family you create or choose for yourself can be more healing than the family you were born into.

Trai and Paeng's story is another example of this. Their situations were painful to watch because you could see how deeply their upbringing affected them. Even when they made questionable choices, it was difficult for me to completely dismiss them because the drama lets you understand where their behaviour comes from. I found myself hoping that they would eventually find the strength to stand on their own rather than simply continuing the cycle they were raised in.

And that is something I really loved about this drama: the supporting cast is not treated as filler.

The supporting characters are basically the MSG of the whole drama. The dramatic aunties, Purim's nosy colleagues, the neighbours, the family members and all the people who enter the story each bring something to it. They make the world feel alive. Everyone has their own personality, history and relationships, and the drama takes the time to show those connections. Even characters who initially seemed annoying eventually received enough context for me to understand them better.

Grace was another character I particularly appreciated because she represents the kind of kindness and compassion that the drama keeps returning to. Her approach to difficult situations is rarely about anger or judgment. Instead, she encourages people to understand one another and respond with empathy. That message could easily have become preachy, but here it was woven naturally into the characters and their relationships.

I also thought the representation of Mata's unconventional family was handled beautifully. The characters are simply part of the family and part of the story. Their education, personalities, struggles and relationships are explored naturally, rather than making their identities the entire point of their existence. For me, that made the portrayal feel much more genuine and respectful.

Another unexpected highlight for me was the dogs. Olive and the other furry little stars genuinely added something to the drama. I loved seeing Olive slowly accept Mata, and somehow the dogs became these little character detectors. The people they trusted were usually the ones with good hearts, which made their presence even more charming.

There is also a lovely sense of community throughout the drama. The nosy neighbour who initially seemed hostile eventually becomes one of Mata's supporters simply because she keeps responding to negativity with kindness. That transformation was one of the smaller but more satisfying examples of how the drama shows kindness changing people. The party scene where Mata is humiliated was particularly painful, but it also becomes an important turning point for Purim's mother and forces her to confront how much damage has been done within the family.

I should also mention how well the drama balances its tone. This is very much a family drama, but it never becomes relentlessly heavy. There is humour, friendship, romance, warmth, tears and plenty of genuinely funny moments. You can watch one scene laughing at the aunties and then find yourself tearing up over a completely different storyline. That balance is one of the reasons the drama feels so comforting despite dealing with some difficult subjects.

The central message about kindness could easily have felt simplistic, but I think the drama earns it by showing the consequences of kindness over and over again. Mata doesn't magically solve people's lives. What she does is create an environment where people begin to feel safe enough to change. That distinction matters. She doesn't force Purim to become someone else. She gives him the courage to become himself.

There were definitely some heavier family dynamics that were difficult to watch, particularly the controlling and sometimes abusive behaviour from certain parents and the way marriage and family expectations are portrayed. Some of those relationships felt intentionally uncomfortable, and I appreciated that the drama did not present unhealthy behaviour as something admirable. At times, though, those storylines were emotionally heavy.

The final episodes also became a little more melodramatic than the earlier parts, but by that point I was already so invested in the characters that I didn't mind too much. The foundation had been built so well during the earlier episodes that the emotional payoff still worked for me.

What I ultimately loved most about To the Moon and Back is that it doesn't just ask, "Who do you love?" It asks what kind of family you want, what kind of person you want to become, what happens when love becomes control, and how much a person's life can change when they are finally surrounded by people who allow them to be themselves.

And of course, the romance delivers. Mata and Purim are one of the cutest adult couples I've watched in a while. Their love story is warm, playful and genuinely affectionate, but more importantly, they make each other better without losing themselves in the process. Purim learns to choose himself, and Mata gets to love someone who truly understands and appreciates her.

This drama made me laugh, smile, cry and occasionally want to hug half the cast. It is not perfect, but it has so much heart that those imperfections hardly mattered to me.

A beautiful story about love, family, healing and the simple power of kindness. The romance is adorable, the supporting cast is unforgettable, and Mata is basically a human dose of serotonin.

A wholehearted 10/10 for me.

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Engaging characters with Good Story

I have watched many of the ML dramas but in this one he is totally not the macho, domineering good looking male lead. Instead he is intelligent, thoughtful and respectful to others ( may have a little autism maybe). Even though you bite your tongue waiting for him to become more assertive with his parents -he finally is able to so while attempting to keep his relationship with parents. The FL is definitely sassy but has had her share of heartaches but she is neither mean or hateful because she’s got this large support system especially her transvestite “ mother” who teachers her to be the better person. I had a difficult time accepting the actor who plays her father in this role but I came to like his character. Give this Lakorn a chance. I like lakorns cause you get to feel as an audience member many emotions in just one episode- anger, frustration, laughter, pity, jealousy, etc. instead of special effects the actors and the story take you on a wild ride.

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Your Happiness Matter

A very lighthearted lakorn and i have to say, i was expecting it to be super dramatic but it was not. Yeas, ML’s family was the typical rich family who wants him to be perfect and marry someone similar to him.

I love how its a mix of comedy and as hint of sadness plus romance. Maybe to others, its a slowburn between the ML and FL but to me it was just right. The took their time to know each other and the ML took his time to figure out his feelings for her and what he wants to do which i really like. The ML knew about his family and thats why he refuses to love someone because he doesn’t want them to suffer the same fate as him.

Overall, this lakorn shows you how opposites attract and although our ML is not the typical cold rich doctor but i prefer him this way. He knew his boundaries with the other women and rejected them when he realises his feelings for FL. Oh, FL on the other hand is perfect. She played her character well and i really love that about her.

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Little Miss Sunshine

This drama should have been called "Little Miss Sunshine", because the FL spreads her mega smile, cheerfulness and dopamine wherever she went. This drama shows that family can be one your are born into, or one you make and that everyone deserves love and acceptance just as they are. Families can also be the source of stress and anxiety, but this drama faces those issues straight on and everything is resolved very nicely in the end.

Lovely romance and there was decent chemistry between the leads, but not enough fire for me. But it is still my most fav T-Drama that I have ever watched,. I do recommend this drama for it's humor, healing vibes, romance and of course the fab ladies of The Cage!

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A little gem of a comforting Thai series ╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡

Thai series, a plea for the LGBT+ cause, very cute and positive (for once).

PLOT: Improbable meeting between a "perfect - A class" surgeon, with toxic father - submissive mother, and 1 FL illustrator, raised by a group of Drag Queens, free-minded and warm. She will gradually release the ML from his father's grip.

PROS:
+ A perfect production to serve an unusual story. It tlaks about romance, but especially family (with toxic parents), family ties and homophobia / discrimination / etc., with sensitivity, humor and intelligence. RARE !
+ a cute CL (James Ji & Toey) with a top-notche chemistry.
+ Great actors who bring endearing characters to life, especially the “Cage” gang.
+ No slap/kiss, gratuitous violence, Great Villain.
+ Nothing special about the OST.

### Well, the Happy Ending, with the awareness of everyone's mistakes, is a bit far-fetched, but it's fresh & cute.

=> I wish to watch more series like that, and I'll rewatch it with pleasure (and it's rare for me to rewatch something :)
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Série thaï, plaidoyer pour la cause LGBT+, très cute et positive (pour une fois).

PLOT: Rencontre improbable entre 1 chirurgien "1e de la classe", avec père toxique - mère soumise, et 1 FL illustratrice, élevée par un groupe de Drag Queens, libre et chaleureuse. Elle va peu à peu, sortir le ML de l'emprise.

PROS:
+ Une réalisation parfaite au service d'une story inhabituelle. Elle traite de romance, mais surtout de famille (avec parents toxiques), des liens familiaux et de l'homophobie / discrimination /etc., avec sensibilité, humour et intelligence. RARE !
+ un CL craquant (James Ji & Toey)
+ De super acteurs qui donnent vie à des personnages attachants, en particulier le gang de "la cage".
+ Pas de slap/kiss, de violence gratuite, de Great Villain.
+ Rien de particulier sur les OST.

### Bon, la Happy End, avec la prise de conscience des erreurs de chacun, est un peu tirée par les cheveux, mais c'est frais & mignon.

=> Une petite perle de série thaï réconfortante ╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡ Ne passez pas à côté !

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A Binge-worthy Lakorn

Background:
- was in Thailand and breezed through a couple of lakorn in Netflix, this was the only one that I rewatched in detail

Plus:
- handles sensitive topics with such grace and consequently, power as well
- the focus on Grace’s upbringing of Mata - the recognition that it was something ‘unusual’ and being open about processing their set-up and their feelings
- Mata and Mata’s family is just a delight to watch
- James Jirayu’s portrayal of Penneung is a delight to watch, bringing a soft contrast to Mata’s bubbly personality
- their relationship was built on trust in contrast to the surroundings they were thrown in
- there was a point while watching that I just had to pause and applaud Ryu’s emotional scenes

Minus:
- not really a con but sometimes Mata is too understanding that it swings borderline unreal, makes me think if someone like her really does exist

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Overall, this was a very good series that had some interesting storylines. I usually don’t like a lot of storylines and characters, but this series did a good job with both which kept my interest. However, the script had some weak areas. It had the right amount of drama for me, but the comedy was to slapstick and over the top at times. Although most of the storylines interweaved very well together, there were three that were not needed. Another weak area was the pacing. It started off very strong and had a strong ending, but the middle section dragged a little. It also had filler scenes that I was able to skip through. On a positive note, most of the actors did an incredible job with their characters. I also loved that many of the characters were well developed and complex.

Random Notes:

Mata’s house is the same one used in the series “I’m Tee, Me Too” (Watee’s house) and “Lovely Writer” (Gene’s garden house).

Pang’s family house was also used in “Lovely Writer” (Nubsib’s family house).

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Where’s everyone.. ? This is a good drama !!!

This is so good.. start it.. don’t contemplate anymore.. where’s everybody… ? so many well done scenes in this Lakorn (Thai soap opera).. we’re seeing how characters are developing, the script is playing out.. from the one that feels caged to slowly taking charge of their happiness and Life, the parent slowly forgiving and accepting…. the challenges that lurk ahead.. (offcourse they’ll overcome all.. lol) ..

Love the plot, the dynamics, family, friendship, brewing romance, the pacing (sometimes slow paced is good.. doesn’t feel draggggged for me.. lol - the character developments is moving just right for me )..

It’s something to relax, watch and enjoy with some slice of life okay ..

P.s. I’ll update when done

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One of the Most Heartwarming Series I have seen (and I have watched over 400 at this point)

My Rating: 10/10

This is a beautifully heartwarming romance filled with vivid, deeply lovable characters you quickly grow attached to. It explores themes of kindness as a transformative force—how consistent gentleness and compassion can soften even the hardest hearts and shift attitudes in meaningful ways. The story also celebrates found family, genuine friendships, and building the supportive relationships we all crave.

If you love feel-good romances that leave you smiling and a little misty-eyed, this one is absolutely worth watching. It balances emotional depth with lighter, joyful moments and handles more complex themes with surprising grace. Several characters are transvestite, but they are integrated naturally as important parts of the story rather than feeling shoehorned in. For me (and I’m religious), it was one of the most tasteful and respectful portrayals I’ve seen—it doesn’t preach or force a viewpoint, and the characters’ kindness and humanity shine through regardless of background. The exterior details ultimately matter far less than the goodness within, and that message only enriched the central romance instead of distracting from it.

If you’re open to stories that mix sweet romance with reflections on family dynamics, personal growth, and chosen family, this is a standout. Highly recommended.

Spoilers

The only minor element that stood out (though not enough to detract from my perfect score) was how negatively most marriages were portrayed. From a cultural perspective as someone from the US, it was also jarring to see the overbearing, sometimes emotionally and physically abusive parental dynamics common in the story—though the show doesn’t present these behaviors as good or ideal. Understanding a bit about Thai cultural context around family hierarchy and even informal mistresses helped frame it, but it still felt heavy at times.

That said, the characters more than made up for any discomfort. Mata (female lead) was an absolute delight—a free-spirited, kind-hearted force of nature who operated from a place of genuine love, largely thanks to her wonderful father. Watching her gently dismantle the grandfather’s gruff exterior and win over difficult people through unwavering kindness was one of the most satisfying arcs. She served as a balm for the male lead, who had endured harsh treatment from his own father (with his mother not intervening until later). Their growing connection, and the way her family acted as a mirror highlighting healthier ways of relating, was deeply moving.

Grace (another key character) felt like kindness personified—she embodied many of the compassionate ideals I associate with strong moral teaching, gently encouraging others to respond with understanding rather than anger. I also really appreciated learning the backgrounds of the transvestite characters; revealing them as highly educated added welcome layers and avoided stereotypes.

The cousin Try’s storyline was tragic and affecting. His mother’s past cruelty (especially the mental abuse toward him) was hard to watch, and while his forgiveness made sense given the cultural and familial context, it was tough for me to fully accept—she never seemed to take full accountability. I was glad he didn’t end up romantically with the woman originally intended for an arranged connection with the male lead. Both are quite broken, and the story wisely seemed to position them as friends rather than partners. The hint that Try might connect with her friend (someone who could help him grow while he boosts her confidence) felt much healthier and more hopeful.

The dogs were surprisingly wonderful additions to the story! Olive’s slow acceptance of the female lead was almost as rewarding as the main romance’s solidification. The dogs served as perfect litmus tests for character—people the dogs trusted were almost always good at heart.

I loved the nosy, initially hostile neighbor’s transformation through persistent kindness into a true friend and advocate. The party scene where the father tried to humiliate Mata was intense, but it became a powerful turning point, prompting the mother to finally step up for her son.

The male lead was wonderfully written too—kind despite his upbringing, with a strong support network of doctor friends at the hospital. Their gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) pushing regarding his feelings for the other doctor was adorable. The hospital staff’s protocols for dealing with his chaotic family members added realistic texture, while their warm care for Mata’s father was touching. The heart operation scene with the father carried beautiful symbolism about kindness and healing. I also enjoyed the subplot with the friend, the father, and the grandmother—watching them confront past mistakes and rebuild into a loving family was hopeful and satisfying.

Overall, the romance, the emphasis on chosen family, the power of kindness, and the growth across so many characters made this an incredibly rewarding watch. The beautiful central love story, supported by all these rich relationships (human and canine!), is what I’ll remember most. A true 10/10 for me.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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