Slice-of-bitter-life
I believe that, in the end, the good bits outnumber the bad ones, which is why I gave this series an 8 out of 10 overall. The essence of the series is good and most things were taken care of pretty well, but some others seemed to be put there carelessly or were just neglected. I'll try to sort my feelings about Moonlight Chicken as best as I can.Starting from the plot and the overall narration: I believe it's good enough, but not really as good as it could be. The story itself is pretty simple (no surprises there since it's an obvious slice-of-life), there are a couple of major surprises but nothing huge. Something that I really liked about it was the cinematography, along with some specific dialogues and symbolisms sprinkled in: it felt like being fully immersed in the life of the characters and the metaphors and parallels made for a very satisfying watch during the most important scenes. What I didn't like was how the show seemed to cling onto the "realistic" side of it all way too much for my taste, to the point that a good chunk of the events are very anticlimactic - even when they were really important, I ended up not feeling much about them. The pacing felt too slow at times, and I also had lots of trouble understanding how much time went by between the main events: in certain instances it feels like it's only been a day or two, then it's suddenly revealed that it's been weeks or months.
There are multiple interesting themes in the story as well: moving on from grief or a past relationship, learning to be responsible for the people around, learning to let other people go and make their own choices for their life, and so on. These themes found their place in multiple characters and situations, but not all of them were explored as in depth as they could have. Since the pacing already felt too slow to me, I believe that putting some of these ideas aside might have helped to let the others shine more.
I wasn't able to enjoy the story as much as I wanted because it felt incredibly bitter, with money issues and lack of understanding among the characters looming over all the episodes like a huge black cloud. But that's just my preference and I'm not considering it an actual flaw.
As for the characters... well. Like others have already said, Earth was not the right actor to interpret Jim. Earth is about my age, so I kept feeling very weirded out when I saw him being called old and being treated like a middle-aged man at all times. I feel especially bad about it because Earth is a favorite Thai actor of mine, and also the main reason why I decided to watch this series in the first place, but he just isn't the right fit for this role. I believe that the other actors were a good choice, but since Jim is the main character and basically everyone interacts with him at some point, he made a lot of interactions feel off.
The characterization was pretty good for all the characters, support roles included. I liked the fact that no character was entirely perfect, and rather than making villains and heroes out of nowhere, there was just a group of people doing their best with their life.
As a couple, unfortunately Jim and Wen weren't interesting enough to me. Aside from Earth trying to interpret someone 10 years older than he is, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. I don't believe it's the actors' fault since they had incredible chemistry in other series I watched with them as the main characters; it's probably because of a combination of overall mood and pacing to me. I saw some sparks on the very first episode, but then their individual circumstances made each of their appearances feel oddly gloomy and uncomfortable. I felt like Wen wanted to stick around for no real reason other than, well, the plot.
Li Ming and Heart were absolute show stealers. The acting of Gemini and Fourth is already amazing at their young age, and Gemini in particular did amazing portraying a deaf character. Their chemistry was incredible to see even in their smallest moments together, and the development of their relationship was steady and well-paced. Their story was also easily the most lighthearted of all, so I unconsciously started to look forward to their moments instead of focusing on the bitter and gloomy main plot.
In the end, I can say that it's a good series and that it should be watched at least once, but at the same time I can't recommend it. I don't even see myself picking this up again in the future, if not to watch Li Ming and Heart falling in love one more time. It can be good if you want to watch a more serious Thai series and take a break from goofy comedies with lots of sound effects, but that's it.
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A Soul-Stirring Tale of Love, Loss, and Second Chances
Moonlight Chicken" is a beautifully crafted Thai Boys’ Love (BL) series that dives deep into the complexities of love, loss, and the longing for second chances. Directed by P'Aof , this series offers a mature and nuanced portrayal of romance, interwoven with the everyday struggles of its characters. With its raw emotions, heartfelt storytelling, and stellar performances, Moonlight Chicken redefines the BL genre by embracing realism and the bittersweet nature of life.One of the series' strongest points is its honest depiction of love that is both messy and beautiful. It explores the fear of vulnerability, the pain of unspoken words, and the courage it takes to choose happiness despite the odds. Jim's reluctance to embrace new love due to his past and Wen's struggle to move forward from a broken relationship are portrayed with a depth that feels authentic and relatable.
The performances are nothing short of exceptional. Earth's portrayal of Jim is subtle yet powerful, capturing the character's loneliness and internal conflict with a restrained intensity. Mix as Wen brings a mix of charm and sensitivity, making every glance and unspoken word between the two feel loaded with meaning. Their chemistry is undeniable, drawing the audience into their world of late-night conversations and stolen moments under the flickering lights of the diner.
The supporting cast and their storylines add layers to the series, exploring themes of acceptance, family, and the courage to embrace happiness despite societal expectations.
One of the standout aspects of Moonlight Chicken is its incredible side pairing—Li Ming (Fourth) and Heart (Gemini). Their relationship is, without a doubt, one of the best side couples in BL series history. The portrayal of Heart, a deaf character, is both beautiful and respectful, offering heartwarming disability representation that is rare in the genre. The way Li Ming learns to communicate with Heart, not just through sign language but with pure understanding and affection, is both adorable and profoundly touching. Their journey from awkward interactions to a deep, unspoken bond is so genuine that it brought me to tears, especially witnessing how much Li Ming loves and cherishes Heart.
In addition, I can’t help but wish we could have gotten more plot about Alan and Gaipa's relationship. Their dynamic was intriguing and full of potential, and it felt like a missed opportunity not to delve deeper into their story. With First and Khao’s undeniable chemistry and acting skills, I’m sure they could have broken the internet with more screen time together. The few glimpses we got were enough to leave fans wanting so much more. Their scenes were charged with tension and unspoken emotions that hinted at a beautiful yet complicated love story beneath the surface.
Visually, Moonlight Chicken is stunning, with its warm-toned cinematography capturing the quiet beauty of nighttime streets and the comforting simplicity of Jim’s diner. The soundtrack, filled with soft melodies, further amplifies the emotions of each scene, making the series a sensory and emotional treat.
In essence, Moonlight Chicken is not just a love story—it’s a poignant exploration of life’s imperfections, the courage to heal, and the beauty of finding love in the most unexpected places. With its heartfelt narrative, unforgettable characters, and meaningful representation, this series is a must-watch that lingers in your heart long after the final episode.
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A Realistic Portrayal of Mature Love
**Brief Synopsis**B (Employee): Wen
T (Owner): Jim
- Beginning: B is the owner of a chicken restaurant and T is the person he has a one night stand with. Despite telling T that they should remain a one nigh stand, B doesn’t want to give up and decides to take a part time job at B’s restaurant so they can spend more time together. But B keeps denying his own feelings, not wanting his already complicated life to become more complicated.
- Middle: The crux of the story focuses on the trouble already present in B’s life. It is revealed that he has a ex boyfriend who was cheating on him. Despite that, he still loves him and is devastated when the latter died. This remains very traumatic for him, which is why his defences are so high. It is also revealed that T has boyfriend he had just broken up with but for some reason is still living with. In midst of everything, B has to deal with his nephew and the risk of losing his restaurant.
- End: Thanks to B, T finally understands what it means to have an adult relationship. He breaks off completely with his ex and finds a new apartment. B, on the other hand, finally opens up to T about his past and meets the girl his ex was cheating on him with, and they talk about the man. B finally lets go of the past and decides to move on. The show ends with B finally accepting T’s feelings and gives them a chance.
**My Opinion**
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT:
- The actors playing B and T. Their chemistry was amazing and their interactions were cute and sweet. They also do a great job in portraying the affection between the characters.
- I like the small looks they gave each other when they are still unwilling to admit their feelings. The small signs of affections are the best.
- The characters are very likeable despite each having their own flaws.
- The writing is pretty nice despite the plot being predictable and cliche. But the story flows really well and the ensemble cast make the city they live in seem alive. This show isn’t exaggerated like some BL can be.
- I like how real this relationship is. It’s not fluffy by any means and have its ups and downs. It truly depicts how hard love can sometimes be. The sweet moments makes me smile and the low moments makes me root for them, hoping they will soon get their happy ever after. Their relationship is so well written it’s very easy to get invested.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE ABOUT IT:
- Very tame intimate scenes which can be a disappointment.
- Angst comes from B constantly denying his own feelings which is an overused trope.
- The show is very slow burn with them only kissing in the last episode. I would have liked to see more of their interactions as a couple.
- Plot as a whole is well written but there aren’t any plot twists or memorable moments.
- I didn’t like the fact that B actually forgive his ex when he found out he had a girlfriend and still loved him and wished him to stay. Cheaters should never be forgiven.
**Conclusion**
An OK watch but probably won’t be revisiting.
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Another Mix & Earth drama
Watch this of course to watch our 2 ML Mix & Earth. Kinda glad to watch this. Heartwarming story with a few flaw....Really interesting to read the summary given by MDL: "Jim is an ordinary guy running a Hainanese chicken rice diner. One night, he meets breezy Wen when he stays past closing drunk. Brought together by fate that night, intangible feelings arise. Neither can stop thinking about the other despite Jim's efforts to remain unattached." Yeah we can feel their 'lightning' from the start, is all over the place...
But this drama also talk about friendship, family & grief.
* The relationship between Li Ming & Jim. How Jim handle the rebellious teenager Li Ming, while in the same time Li Ming actually also think about his future & how not to put more burden to his uncle Jim again.
* The relationship between Jim & Wen. How Jim manage to finally let go his past & move forward with Wen. And also how Wen finally manage his relationship with his ex-boyfriend. And also about how Jim finally dare & owned his feeling toward Wen.
* The relationship between Heart's family. How he finally make peace with his family with the help of Li Ming
* The heartwarming relationship between Kaipa & his mother. Also how Kaipa manage his feeling with Jim.
* And finally the relationship between Li Ming & his mother....
Now the (+) point that I like about this drama:
+ The chemistry between our lead, Mix & Earth & also Fourth & Gemini. Their chemistry never a miss.
+ The starting point of Li Ming & Heart relationship. Really love how Li Ming can get Heart out of his shell & be friend with him and finally something more.
+ How the writer fix all the family problem in the drama. Like Heart & his family, or Li Ming & his mother.
+ The mature Li Ming. Oh how much I like to see how Li Ming think about his future & making decision about it. What I don’t like, he become rebellious teenager instead talking to his family. I think Jim & his mother actually someone he can have discussion with. But yeah i understand, teenager & their hormones, sometimes think everyone can't understand their feeling.
+ Finally last not but least, Saleng & Praew relationships. How Saleng dare to take the challenge & responsibility for Praew when she's pregnant.
The only thing that I feel lack, not a flaw, just something missing is.... How much I wish Jim make goodbye party for his dinner with his usual customers, instead just one table with his 'family'. I think if they close the curtain with Jim's goodbye party it's gonna be perfect.
Overall this really heartwarming story but with a flaw that I'll gonna write down below. Like usual with SPOILER ALERT. So read review below with ur own risk.
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--- SPOILER ALERT!!! ---
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The flaw:
- How Heart become Mute??? I mean yes he's deaf, but he's not deaf since birth. It supposed he became sick & deaf just a few years ago, not since birth or childhood. That's mean Heart supposedly can talk, cause he can hear before... The deaf people become mute if that's happen since birth or baby, cause they can't hear so they can't learn to talk. But if that's happen in ur adulthood u supposed be able to talk. The writer supposed to make Heart DON'T WANT TO TALK instead CAN'T TALK.
- The weird ending.... I don’t know what happened in the last 1 / 2 ep. It happened so damn fast. One min Jim still only say Wen is his friend, although he already open his heart to welcome Wen, but the next min Wen suddenly become his boyfriend. Oh come on... I know that's the set up, but that's also one lazy writing there. This is the why I lower the score a little bit.
- The decision for Jim to open Chicken Rice Foodtruck. Isn't it he just talk to Wen about his dream to actually open Chicken restaurant or not. But instead taking a break to thinking about ur dream & future, he just jump into what familiar for him.
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Great show!!
I loved it! But to be honest idk why but I preferred the side couple (with heart and li ming) better than what I liked the actual main couple? But idc because they got a good amount of screen time compared to side couples in some other shows I've watched. However i also the loved the main couple and the rest of the couples. This show is fairly realistic and covers topics lie being poor, cheating, gay love and highschool love, deafness and death. It has it's ups and downs but defiantly recommend but maybe not to a brand new fan? Like new fan sure just not brand new only watched 3 dramas type of fan watch 4 dramas then I recommended! Anyways defiantly watch this when you get the chance!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
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Not a fluffy romance but love in a real world
When we start watching a show or a series, what most of us look for is an escape.An escape into a world that is not ours, that doesn't consist of the same problems that we go through in our daily lives.
This show does offer you an escape, but without completely losing touch with the reality.
The story follows Jim, who is the owner of a chicken diner shop, that offers free chicken after midnight to its customers. He is a middle aged man(looks too fine for his age though), who struggles to make ends meet. Along with his financial problems, he has a somewhat stained relationship with his nephew Li Ming. Jim is a good and kind-hearted man, but also a man who has been broken and humbled by life for too long to have any place for love and romance in his life.
Enters Wen.
At midnight, Jim finds Wen drunk and passed out at his diner. As they start to communicate they both realize the undeniable spark and tension between them. So, they have a one night stand. Or so Jim thought.
Wen falls head over heels for him from the very first glance and not even for a second does he try to conceal that. On the other hand, even though Jim also likes him and is attracted to him too, he finds it difficult to let go of his past traumas and fears and so creates a wall around his heart, keeping his true feelings locked away.
What I truly loved about the development of their relationship was how mature and unapologetic it was. There was no - 'I think I like you' or hidden glances or confusion created just for the sake of drama. It was clear to both the characters and the audience from their very first scene together that they liked each other. But their unresolved past stood in the way.
Theirs is a romance between two adults who have baggage, regrets, and jobs that don't pause for romance. Their characters have lived life enough to understand that only love wasn't enough to get by in life. That even if you love hard and unconditionally, it can still end in heartbreak. And so their relationship grows silently, not with electric passion or shivering at each other's touch - but through silent moments, by not leaving each other's side.
Alan and Wen's dynamic was also very beautifully explored in the plot. Alan's yearning and his inability to let go of his love was painful to watch. It just showed how sometimes love doesn’t disappear — it just changes form, and sometimes the bravest thing is to let go with love. First's acting in those particular scenes with Mix felt so real that it was a struggle to not burst into tears.
While Alan struggled to let someone go who he has been with for many years, Gaipa on the other hand, was stuck in an unrequited love. Even though we don't get to see their relationship blossom, I felt like the series did justice to both their characters. Alan accepting the fact that Wen can't be a part of his life anymore and Gaipa realizing that some relationships are just not meant to come to reality gave a much needed closure for both the characters which helped them move on.
Now for the young love! Li Ming and Heart's story was as you would expect teenage fluttery love story to be. Simple, Sweet and heart-warming.
Heart is deaf and to avoid him getting judged by people, his parents restrict him to his house. Their first encounter with each other is not very pleasant. But over time they become friends and Li Ming, a sulky teenager soon turns into Heart's most trusted companion. Both of them find solace in each other's presence, and grow a bond that is beyond just friendship. They create a world within the world where both of them feel understood by each other.
Apart from the romantic relationships, the highlight for me was Jim and Li Ming's evolving relationship. Their misunderstandings and then reconciliations felt personal. All of us have been there with our parents at some point, where we struggled to speak each other's languages. But as we learn to be better sons and daughters, our parents too are learning from their mistakes. It was heart warming to see them choose each other despite all the differences. To try to understand each other better and be there for each other.
Over all, I was really satisfied with each and every story and the way they ended. None of them felt forced. We get to spend enough time with each of the characters to understand their internal conflicts and see a reflection of our lives in theirs. This show can't be described as 'love story' but rather a story about love that is always growing and evolving as we move through life. And in the end, it's the people we choose to sit with at a random chicken diner shop, at midnight and share our plates with!
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Heart and Li Ming
This TV show is a realistic mess with a lot of invested emotions, with characters struggling with their own issues and flaws.Heart and Liming, who are adored for their comforting and healing love, are the series' best characters. I adore watching their scenes because of their deft hand movements, sign language exchanges, and eye locks. If comfort were a person, that person would be made up of Li ming and heart. I cried for Li ming because I understood what Heart was going through.
Jim and Wen follow, with Earth and Mix winning out for acting. It's no joke, man, about their chemistry. They have a completely different story than Heart and Liming do. It's full of angst, unrestrained desires, and tension. Both of them are flawed people who have a lot to say and show but are unable to fully express it. I genuinely feel for them.
Alan and Wen's relationship is complicated and difficult to handle. Gaipa's sweetness is unmatched, and Leng and Praew make a darling couple. Gaipa's mother is encouraging and endearing, and I would like to give 10/10.
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THIS IS REALLY PROMISING.. but maybe more khaofirst moments would be perfect
Let me give this series a review... it's been a while since I uploaded my last review.Story- 8.5 it has a lot of potential that still needs to uncover, unfortunately the series has only 8 episodes and we all know that's not enough to maximize everything and the very big example if the Khaofirst moment that everyone is looking forward to, a lot of viewers as I can see are begging for more of their story maybe a spinoff will do, hopefully. But all in all the story is a binge watch for me I love all the realistic struggle of Uncle Jim life and I also love Wen's involvement to Uncle Jim's life, he is like a light in his darkest time he may not look at it but we know that Uncle Jim still struggles about his ex's past so having Wen in his life makes is the best choice he could ever have. And ofcourse here come Geminifourth/FourthGemini these two really stole the series for me they desurv an award nothing to explain you better watch it of you are looking for FourthGemini moments hehe. Hands down as well to Leng the Shipper of all time hahahaha.
Acting- 10.0, What do we expect from two famous actors Earth and Mix, have a really good chemistry and the acting is top notch. First involvement is perfect as well I love seeing mad/angry/cool/handsome first at the same time. And my baby Khao tears...I live for that I will not leave any spoiler but please know I cried when Khao cried okay?? And again Geminifourth these two desurv an award, no argument!
Music- 10.0 I soooo love the music... My cutie pie Ford really has a soothing voice! I know most of the viewers fell inlove with his voice here like NO ARGUMENTS! I have his 'Tomorrow' on my music list already and will put this on loop before I go to bed... bye.
Rewatch Value- Will leave it at 7.00 I know because I don't see myself yet watching this again in the next few weeks or months.
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Side characters stole the show
This had to be said - this series would be a forgettable mess if it weren't for the side plots.To be honest, the main plot is so unfocused which did not allow proper emotional investment from the viewers at all. Jim's running a chicken shop - and then there is the problem of his business not being profitable enough, his landlord wanting to sell the building, Wuen being a part of the project that wants to demolish the building, and then all the unresolved issues with their exes. None of these issues were properly fleshed out and discussed and their plot just feels so unfinished and messy which I did not appreciate. I just wished they had a more focused issue that they fully focus and not just handpick a bunch of drama cliches they could add as a conflict point.
HOWEVER, the silver lining of this movie is the excellent excellent side couples and characters. Gemini and Fourth is becoming two of my favourite emerging actors - they delivered a stellar and emotional performance as two youths trying to find their own paths in life, while also building each other up. Their struggles, emotions, and connection feels so raw and real which is so engaging to the viewers.
Another standout is Khaotung's performance as Gaipa. I might not always buy into his performances (especially where he plays the "bad boy") but he was absolutely excellent here. The emotion he managed to evoke out of me was insane - and not only once but he is just so consistently emotionally transparent which allows us to really sympathize with him. Khaotung as Gaipa and First as Alan is glorious and I wish we had more of them on the screen.
Lastly, the soundtrack is actually tear-jerking. The nostalgia of this song while also having the song played at the most pivotal emotional moment in the series really is a genius move because now I can't stop crying whenever I hear 月亮代表我的心. Not to mention I was obsessed with Teresa Teng as a child so this was an excellent song choice by them.
I have to give this a 7.5 overall because of how forgettable the main couple's plot is, but it's more of a writing problem than anything else. If the main couple were even half as engaging as the side couples, I would've given this an easy 8.5 at least.
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This drama is a gem
What about this drama? It left me amazed. I found the story very deep, at times even too realistic, you can see that there was a big work behind the script, in fact this series, in my opinion, deserves to be seen even just for the screenplay. The narration is very fluid, never boring or banal, and the story tells the difficulties of everyday life from different points of view.There is Jim (Earth), owner of the chicken restaurant and a very closed person due to a difficult past and present with some financial and relational problems, who, however, can always count on Gaipa (Khao), his friend who is secretly in love with him; and then there's Wen (Mix), the opposite of Jim but a character that will make you collide with the difficult reality that life sometimes puts in front of us: after years of love, even an healthy and happy relationship can end when one of the two stops to love the other, and this thing, unfortunately, sooner or later has to be accepted... something that Alan (First), Wen's ex-boyfriend, didn't understand, even if it means suffering to have him.
Then there is the second couple, personally my favorite, formed by Heart (Gemini), a boy who has become deaf due to an accident and who has been forced to live indoors for three years due to overprotective parents , and Li Ming (Fourth), Jim's nephew and a hotheaded guy, who, due to a succession of events, will have to keep Heart company when his parents are not at home.
I suggest you give Moonlight Chicken at least a chance because it's a well-curated drama in many aspects. As I have already written, the screenplay is wonderful, but also the shooting and photography are amazing (if you don't believe me, just watch the trailer) but the strong point in my opinion are the actors and their performances: phenomenal.
If you decide to watch it, prepare lots of tissues!
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そこが私たちの特等席
男子は禁制 ここは秘密の花園
ただの 溜まり場なんだけどね
これから これから
今から 行くから
いつもの中庭 みんなで待っててよ
何時までも一緒は 絶対ないよね
わかってる
わかってる
わかってる
大人になって 酸いも甘いも知った時
今日のお昼と同じように笑いあえるかな
大人になって 大事なものが見えた時
またこの中庭に集まって笑いあえるかな
なんて、私だけなのかなあ
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Came for FirstKhao & GemFourth...
... Stayed for FirstKhao & GemFourth.Right from the get-go, I didn't like the main-est lead, Jim, as a character. I can't tell you exactly what it is about him, but throughout the series, I grew to dislike him more. This series has been my first encounter with both Earth and Mix, and I can't say Earth left a good impression on me. Mix's character, Wen, wasn't as instinctively dislikeable to me, but the show never hooked me on their romance--"romance", I say, in quotation marks.
Meanwhile, GemFourth were just the loveliest. Heart and Li Ming were absolutely adorable, and Second Couple Syndrome struck me hard. Every time they, Gaipa, and/or Alan appeared on screen, I was wholly invested and glued to the screen. These four are all that keep me from rating MC 5 stars. Especially after the 4th episode, whenever Jim appeared on screen I wished they'd hurry up and move back to Li Ming and Heart.
If the series had been about them with FirstKhao as a secondary couple, I would've undoubtedly given this series 10 stars, because the production value is there. Disclaimer, though; FirstKhao has only some vague implications in the last episode, so don't interpret my selfish wish of FirstKhao being anything substantial in MC as them having anything romantic going on in the series. They didn't, to my utter disappointment. Just a heads-up.
But my god, I was so bored with Jim/Wen! I don't think they're very interesting characters. Jim especially felt like a lifeless character, and maybe some of it was meant to be given his backstory, but they went overboard--or underboard, I suppose, given that he has almost no personality, and was rarely likable to me, if ever. The thing is though, the plot itself is mostly pretty good, and I loved the vibes and atmosphere of the setting, but Jim/Wen felt unnecessary and a waste of time. And sadly, they take up most screen time.
As the headline says, I was interested in watching MC because I adore FirstKhao, and both them and GemFourth were subsequently what pulled me through to the end. Would I recommend anyone watch Moonlight Chicken? Only if you're an EarthMix stan who'll enjoy them being on screen together no matter what. I wasn't, I came in wholly blind to them and their acting skills and was thoroughly disappointed.
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