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Moonlight Chicken?...
...More like Underbaked Chicken.EarthMix do nothing for me in this series, their characters were aggravating as all hell, by the end of the series I could really care less if they ended up together. I continued watching for GeminiFourth and FirstKhao. The side characters MADE this series.
The story itself?
*Yawn* Like I could see what they were trying to accomplish through Jim's character, showcasing the lower working class and the struggles they face to maintain their families afloat. But there was something missing, I don't know, It seemed detached from the romance aspect they were trying to forcibly shove down our throats. Jim's persistence of not wanting a relationship with Wen made it seem as if he was genuinely uninterested, not playing hard to get. But Wen was trying to get all up in that, ignoring the very blatant signs of indifference Jim was showing him. Totally healthy and not toxic at all. Also, Jim is supposed to be this 40 year old who has already "lived his life" and is haunted by his past....it just wasn't believable (sorry Earth). I did appreciate Wen and Alan's relationship dynamic because it was heartbreakingly realistic. Think about it. Sticking around and living with your ex because it's comfortable. Because it's all you know. Because you dont' know where else to go. Because you're afraid you can't find anything better. It was so relatable (and I'm totally not speaking from experience here...ahem). First played that role beautifully. The scene where Alan finally confronts Wen and Jim at the restaurant and it finally clicks that his ex no longer wants him was brutal, it broke my heart. But Li Meng & Heart's storyline.....INCREDIBLE. Fourth absolutely killed it in this role. They were the main reason I stuck it out those 8 episodes. Showcasing love between a hearing and non-hearing person was so brilliant. I could feel their innocence and attraction for each other through the screen, it was magnetic. It was everything a first love ought to be, innocent yet intense, emotional yet filled with false confidence.
I've already made comments on EarthMix, First, and GeminiFourth but we need to give a standing f***ing ovation to Khaotung who played Kaipa. His speech at his grandmother's funeral??? Girl. Give him all the motherf***ing flowers. All of them. Side note though, why was Alan at that funeral? He had some nerve showing up at that funeral not knowing a god d*** soul except Wen. Like, get the hint Alan.
Regardless of the length of the series, Moonlight Chicken delivers a strong production. I highly recommend this series if you are a fan of the following things:
-EarthMix/FirstKhao/GeminiFourth
-One Night Stands turning into a Relationship
-Teen Puppy Love
-Hainanese chicken rice
-dark & moody lighting
-Love Triangles
-Pretty Criers
Overall a decent watch with a super talented cast. Worth the watch at least once.
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Story
Absolutely loved this series. Anything Earth/Mix star intheir chemistry with each other is 100% but it was Gemini/fourth that got my heart strings going. The scene where heart has a hard time off his parents for
wanting to lead a normal life and being comforted by
was a beautiful moment and just summed up the whole series..Sadness..fear..guilt and love. I watched a1000 stars with earth/Mix and they got me to watch more BLs and I haven't been disappointed.I pick what I want
to watch being as I enjoy mature BLs with a good storyline. All the cast were brilliant. Whoever directed this little gem I will be forever grateful 🥰.
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Great story, great actors - I've rewatched it three times already
One of my absolute favorites of Thai series! Great story and great acting from all six main actors. Addresses several interesting and current topics such as acceptance of homosexuality, disability, poverty and class differences, that in some cases friends can be even more important than one's biological family, how trauma can affect one many years later, etc. I've rewatched it three times already.Was this review helpful to you?
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Loved from start to Finish
This is a must watch. The chemistry between Mix and Earth is always fire. The way they look at eachother literally melts your heart ( as it should) . I dont even mind it takes so long for them to actually get together. Its such a beautiful story and pretty emotional at times. Not to mention khaotung is an acting phenomenon. Even though we dont see as much KhaoFirst as we would like, their talent is not overshadowed even slightly. And of course we love our GeminiFourth duo. Their story is so adorable and they do an amazing job. Lastly we cant forget Mark. He is such a light to the show and I love him so much in this series. Will watch again and again.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Messy, Beautiful Slice of Life
Moonlight Chicken isn’t just about serving up plates of chicken rice—it dishes out a deeply emotional and beautifully raw story of love, regret, and second chances. This slice-of-life romantic drama, directed by P’Aof (Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon), stands out as one of GMMTV’s finest, offering a refreshingly mature take on LGBTQ+ relationships.Set against the backdrop of a humble late-night eatery, the series follows Jim (Earth Pirapat), a street food vendor who keeps his heart as guarded as his business. One fateful evening, he crosses paths with Wen (Mix Sahaphap), a charming yet complicated young man. What starts as a fleeting one-night encounter slowly simmers into something deeper—but only if Jim is willing to let go of his past and embrace the possibility of love.
Released on February 8, 2023, via GMMTV’s YouTube channel, this eight-episode drama boasts a stellar cast, including Fourth Nattawat as Jim’s headstrong nephew Li Ming, Gemini Norawit as his deaf love interest Heart, Khaotung Thanawat as the heartbreakingly earnest Gaipa, and First Kanaphan as Wen’s possessive ex, Alan.
Few dramas capture the messiness of real love as well as Moonlight Chicken. Unlike many BL series that lean into dreamy romance, this one is flawed, complicated, and painfully real. Jim isn’t your typical brooding male lead—he’s a man weighed down by responsibilities, trying to balance his small business, his nephew’s future, and the fear of getting hurt again. Wen, on the other hand, refuses to let Jim push him away, despite carrying emotional baggage of his own.
The side characters add incredible depth. Li Ming and Heart’s slow-burn romance is one of the most rewarding arcs in the show, tackling themes of self-worth and breaking free from limitations. Fourth and Gemini deliver standout performances, with Gemini’s ability to convey emotion without spoken dialogue making his portrayal of Heart particularly moving. Meanwhile, Khaotung’s performance as Gaipa is nothing short of an acting masterclass, his restrained yet powerful portrayal leaving a lasting impact.
Beyond romance, Moonlight Chicken explores economic struggles, generational conflicts, disability representation, and even the cost of living in modern Thailand. These themes aren’t just background noise—they actively shape the characters' choices, making their journeys feel authentic and grounded.
While the series’ eight-episode run means some themes don’t get the depth they deserve, it never feels rushed. Every scene is purposeful, every conversation weighted with meaning.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the best performances from Earth, Mix, and Khaotung. Earth, playing a man older than his actual age, delivers a deeply nuanced portrayal of Jim, balancing warmth and hesitation. Mix brings layered vulnerability to Wen, making him more than just a lovestruck young man. And Khaotung? His portrayal of Gaipa is so heartbreakingly raw that it deserves to be studied by aspiring actors.
If there’s one minor critique, it’s that Earth and Mix look closer in age than the script suggests. Since Jim is meant to be significantly older, the show occasionally reminds us of this through dialogue. But honestly? Earth sells it through performance alone, so it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
Moonlight Chicken isn’t just a love story—it’s a reflection on life’s uncertainties, second chances, and the courage to move forward. It’s a drama that lingers long after the credits roll, perfect for both BL fans and anyone who appreciates authentic, emotionally rich storytelling.
If you’re after a romantic drama that’s equal parts heartfelt and thought-provoking, Moonlight Chicken is a must-watch. Short, deeply moving, and beautifully acted, this series proves that sometimes, the most meaningful love stories happen when you least expect them.
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SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A BL
When we hear "BL", people start to stereotyping. but BL is not or it shouldn't be a "genre" as we don't have the "straight" genre.This show is something else and dare I say one of the best works of P'Aof.
The casting was on point. Choosing EarthMix was the right choice as they show chemistry in a level we haven't seen before and their acting was convincing and emotional. This was Gemini Fourth first work together (they shoot it before MSP) and they SHINE. Fourth played anxiety and angst so well while Gemini on his first job had to act without being able to talk and it was perfect. First and Khaotung were also amazing in portraying emotion and heartbreak but nothing new there.
The cinematography and photography that allowed us to see the real skin tones of Earth and Khatung is amazing for me and that's something P'Aof always brings in his shows. It was also beautiful, aestheticly speaking
the storyline made me cry several times. it was a good script and the actors knew how to bring it to life.
We got past traumas, the harsh reality of those in lower class, anxiety, family issues, the struggles of parenting, internalized homophobia, grief... and all of this being treated with respect and realism
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Such a gem.
Honestly, this was such a joy to watch. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on such gems. I’ve definitely been sleeping on both leads of this show. I’m currently going through all their other works and having a great time. The other actors did a phenomenal job too.It’s such a realistic take on life, so I can see why it’s not for everyone — especially BL fans who prefer high school romances. That’s probably why Heart and Li Ming seem to be the viewers’ favorites. I love them too, but I think all the characters are very nuanced.
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This show was beautiful.
Wow. I can't believe they did all that in 8 episodes. For me personally, the alanwen storyline hit so close to home since I was also going through a similar situation and they had a hard time letting go. I feel you wen. I also want to touch on Khaotung's acting because its SO GOOD. He earned that award. His acting is phenomenal so as the other actors too. And yes, I did watch it for gem4th as heartliming but they did so well too! I love the fact they didn't add any subtitles to the sign used and I was able to research them. You should definitely give this a watch, I highly recommend!💗Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece
This is the best thai bl I've seen since getting into the genre. I am recently diving deeper into the genre and this was just amazing. The characters actually felt like real people whereas some series felt like I was just seeing caricatures of people. These characters are flawed in a likable way that lets you have your own opinion on them. Though at some point around episode 6 I lost interest in the main relationship and was sticking around for other characters. I quickly fell in love with Leng and Gaipa but Li Ming and Heart stole the show for me. Their relationship was so beautiful and the pure feeling of their romance is a great parallel to the main couple and their more adult problems compared. This is the second series I have watched that I've seen Khaotung and his acting stole the show for me once again, he's truly amazing.Was this review helpful to you?
Vale totalmente la pena.
Uno de mis BL favoritos. Es una historia con mucha profundidad, los personajes son desafiantes para los actores e hicieron un muy buen trabajo y la química de las parejas es muy buena. Los conflictos que se plantean son muy verosímiles, sutilmente tratados, repito que los actores hicieron un excelente trabajo, la sensibilidad, la amistad, el dolor y el desamor están retratados de forma descarnada y hermosa. Me gustó mucho la fotografía y los colores también.Me hubiera gustado un poco más de desarrollo a la historia de Alan y Gaipa, si tengo que decir que algo me faltó.
Destaco a Earth y a Fourth en sus personajes que fueron mis favoritos, sobre todo el de Fourth que me pareció un personaje hermosísimo pero a la vez super complejo y que lo hizo lucirse siendo un actor tan jóven y con tan poca experiencia.
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REALLY A SERIES THAT IS WORTHY OF GAZE MUCH LIKE A MOONLIGHT
Here, I'll leave it here already: ANOTHER TOP-NOTCH MINI SERIES!!Everytime EarthMix is in the series, it makes it better but to add Gem4th is just too much for me to handle ahahgjfhd!!!!! This series captured my heart. It wasn't lackluster at all, not a lovey-dovey. Ngl I was expecting more to unfold from this mini series in Midnight Series. The cinematography is just chef's kiss. It felt like it used the cinematographical feature from I Told Sunset About You which is nostalgic yet beautiful. The shots here and there are greeted with another praise from this ho.
The story is realistic about life. I really thought the plot is well-thought of and the cast really did their thing. There's so much to unpack here.
Okay the first scene, well the One Night is damn convincing enough for me that EarthMix are a versatile couple. They really proven themselves over and over again. Mix really did that, being flirtatious to justify his character. I also love how Li Ming is emphasized. His longing for a better life working abroad albeit a minor. The hardships felt real. The diner closing down bcuz of the owner, loan, misbehaving nephew and more. It all really rained down on me. Mind u, I don't felt forced to be fed with those as I let myself immerse in the story.
The rest of the cast are good but the bestsellers in my heart being EarthMix and Gem4th really had me enjoying the series even more. Bruh I swear I never remembered Heart being deaf. All I could remember from the trailer is that One Night scene of EarthMix lol!!!
Anyways, it felt unique to have one of the leads being disabled which makes it something to enjoy watching considering I've never have seen a couple like this. The sign languages and the heartfelt convos between Gem4th really sold me.
This series really just unfolded many further situations that are really hard to face in real life. Unwanted early pregnancy, death of a relative (which happened on 7th ep), loveless relationship that needs to end, confronting the fact that your ex had family and his sudden death to Li Ming's issue with her long lost mother.
I thought my issue was it's only 8 eps and I thought FirstKhao should have their characters develop with each other more. But I'm still glad that most of the problems were settled properly within 8 eps. I think there's not much anything to say. The writing for this series is simply great. GMM should create another one of this. I've never watched any other Midnight Series along with it but I can safely assume this to be the best among the rest!
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I’m a pescatarian but I still ate that Moonlight Chicken up
Production/Cinematogrpahy:HOLY the cinematography in this was breathtaking. The use of warm vs cool lighting set the mood of every scene so well. I loved the focus of every shot, it was so carefully thought out and executed. Production was near, if not, perfection. Loved to see everything so thoughtfully put together.
Acting:
The casting was entirely perfection. Every. Last. One of these characters who played by who they were meant to be played by. I was absolutely blown away by every single actor/actress in this show with no exceptions. This is my first time seeing Earth and Mix in a drama together and they were fantastic in their roles. However, I gotta glaze the shit out of my boys Gemini and Fourth because god DAMN I can’t with you guys. I was afraid I would have a tough time after My School President but from the moment they were on screen they became their character and once again blew me away with their talent. Every emotion was portrayed realistically and beautifully. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO.
Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:
Chemistry was clear as day between all of the couples. This is a realistic romance story so it’s less about the romance as it is about personal growth alongside another person because falling in and out of love is only one aspect of day-to-day living. That being said, it of course works well as a romance story. The kissing was on point for both couples, tender and cute.
Side Couple:
Oh my oh my oh my I can’t with Heart and Li Ming they have my heart and soul. I can’t speak for how accurate and well done the representation was for the deaf community, however I can say that I ate that shit up it was so heartwarming. In a series where the MC is constantly getting on your nerves and the ML is also making some choice decisions (or lack thereof) the story really benefitted from having Heart and Li Ming’s relationship. This wouldn’t be nearly as good of a story without them. I only wish we got to see them go off on a plane together hand-in-hand.
NC Scene:
That opening scene really set a mood that I wasn’t expecting. Love a good sensual little intimate scene that feels real and not overly orchestrated. Really beautiful work.
Music/SFX:
Music was lovely and fitting. Really helped in setting the mood of a scene. SFX were great, nothing stood out as off in any way.
I was afraid after watching My School President (which I gave a perfect 10) that I was going to be let down by the next series I saw, but I had no reason to worry because this was masterfully done.
Now, for some highlights from my notes:
- Okay lighting in that streeeeet, I see you
- Prolonged eye contact, PROLONGED EYE CONTACT, prolonged eye contact, PROLONGED EYE CONTACT
- *You’re as cold as ice. You’re willing to sacrifice our love*
- Uncle going through it, Li Ming going through it, Heart going through it
- ALMOST 40?? The actor is 29???
- Not the shop owner x the guy whose job involves demolishing the shop…
- Bitches love a non-deaf x deaf pairing (I’m bitches)
- Bitches also love a Gemini and Fourth onscreen couple (once again, I’m bitches)
- Is that a tragic gay backstory I smell?
- Oh of course we have a bisexual cheater in a bl what a shocker… Stop demonizing my people
- Getting ahead of myself here and imagining what it would be like for Heart to lose the one person he has in the small world he’s been locked in for years if Li Ming leaves to go abroad. Got me shedding tears over here. My heart hurts if my Heart hurts.
- How is any of this your business, Alan?
- Gong a 10/10
- Is that my boy Ford?? Ford in the house??? Sing it bb
- It’s like that scene from the Bratz: The Movie (2007) cute
- Are we travelling abroad TOGETHER???? Please in the name of all things good and gay let this be thine truth
- Tragic gay backstory 2.0?
- Supportive older brother Wen smiling at the budding relationship between Heart and Li Ming has my heart in a chokehold
- Uncle’s been on my nerves for so long I get that you want to see this through and love him but like damn Wen… He’s kind of an ass and not in like a fun way
- *Presses play on Joji’s Slow Dancing In the Dark*
- Oooh that double meaning “don’t rekindle the fire, we’re done” oooh I like that shit I like that
- He saved every note… Heart… My love…
- Well fuck, that gay backstory was in fact tragic
- Oh Kaipa you sweet summer child you’ll find someone so much better for you I promise
- You can really tell the cat owners to the non-cat owners in this cast by the way these bitches hold that cat lmao
- Bottom tier guardians right here in this house. Jimbo probably did a better job raising that kid than ya’ll
- Once again a drama takes another mother
- Is that.. Is that.. Character growth? From Unc? Check the skies for pigs, bro.
- God DAMN Lookwa always looking fine I swear
- Oh my GOD my HEART these boys are so CUTE you go to Rochester and learn/work and love to your hearts content my little loves
- Lmao the ex-boyfriend of ML x guy who was in an unrequited love with MC situation is truly gay representation
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