This review may contain spoilers
"It's already bad that we are poor, and now you're gay as well" . This just got me.
If I had the privilege to award something, I would give this series the best BL series award in 2023.I feel the sense of proud while watching this series. Why? Because, it is so nice to see how BL series have evolved to this.
Particularly the story. So if you are expecting a common troupe like poor lead falling for a rich lead and happily ever after, or poor couple falling in love and then becomes rich and problem solved or something like that. This is definitely not that, it has the most sense of realism that any story could ever have. It shows the actual struggles of working class people and how they make ends meet everyday.
When Uncle Jim said. To Li Ming
*"As if, Being poor was not enough, and now you are gay as well".*
I was tearing up with such a powerfull dialogue, specially the fact that it was said by someone who himself was a gay. That was too deep. It gives you the touch of sad reality, that even in this whatsoever progressive world being a sexual minor is still a challenge.
Earth-Mix acting is over the top. They blend into the character soo well, that you might question wether they are different person or the same as their characters. Gemini-Fourth acting and story is wholesome. First-Khao-Mark are steals the show as a side character whenever they are on screen.
I believe this kind of stories that have a good takeaway message should be more appreciated.
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In regards to Earth and Mix, again, their acting here was impeccable. From across the screen, it was easy to feel the raw tension as well as Wen's desperate desire for Jim in a way that is not riddled with toxicity and inappropriateness. Through this pair, the issue of familial homophobia is brough to light thanks to (not really) Jim's family. It is here we witness the birth of Jim's craving for a successful loving relationship, which happens despite all the negatively he faces from not only his family but the general public as well. The failing of this relationship serves as the catalyst for Jim locking himself away from opening his heart to another man again. This compounded with the burden of poverty and a failing business builds the narrative for Jim's character throughout the series. Wen on the other hand, may not be as complex as Jim but he still has his own internal struggles. His reluctance to take the initive and move out of the shared condo with his ex despite them being broken up for quite some time shows his unwillinesses to move on, which later down the series, is due to fear of not having a safety net to fall back on to.
Gemini and Fourth both did an amazing job that I refuse to speak on it, you must watch it for yourself. Their performance was better than some seniors who have been in this industry for twice as long as them.
Khaotung's performance, both acting and singing proves to show just how multitalented he is. His character is jam packed with nothing but good intentions and emotions.
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An inclusive and worn series that deals with many topics
What we have to appreciate the most is the fact that the series focuses on a poor family (It reminds a lot of an italian novel of the nineteenth century, with all the tragedies), instead of usual rich engeneering students and doctors.The stories of many characters are interwined and interesting, expeccialy Li ming and Heart one (the main reason to watch the series, in everyone's opinion).
On the other side, I don't like the fact that Wen and Jim story starts with love at first sight and sex. This could really be avoided because it ruins the plot and gives a bad impression about the series at the first episode. However, Wen will do everything to conquer Jim, starting by working for him.
Then we have Saleng, portaied by Mark (always starring the funnies second character), forced to marry his wife Praew after getting her pregnant, but not having enough money to marry her and to rise his future son.
Another thing I appreciated about him is the fact that he expeesses his support to gender equality. He doesn't matter what will be his son gender, he will grow up them the same way (no gender role).
Than we have Li ming (Jim nepew), that finds himself working for the parents of Heart, a deaf teenager that have been forced to stay home since he lost hearing (3 years) due to an accident.
With Li Ming we finally have a character that, being poor, doesnt see a future ahead of him, so he decides that he doesn't want to sign up for university but he rathers work. Finally a characters where most of the teenagers can find themselves.
Then we have Gaipa. Gaipa story should have been developed better because it is really interesting. Gaipa is in love with Jim and has a really good relationship with his mother. He helps her at work and she comforts him a lot. Their relationship is really touching.
Unfortunately Gaipa story is not happy. We all hope that one day he will find happiness with Alan (Wen ex). We feel Khaofirst sexual tension 😏
The series, beside of showing what people with financial probles have to deal, shows also what people in same sex relations deal. It also reflects disabilities.
In conclusion, what makes this drama amazing is its inclusivity and all the problems it faces.
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I don't know
Only finished because of Li Ming and Heart they're such cuties. Almost fell asleep while watching the main couple's conversation but overall it's really interesting and the couples chemistry is amazing. Shout out to Alan and Gaipa, I love them with my whole heart.Was this review helpful to you?
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Heart and Li Ming carried the entire show
To be honest, I would probably have dropped this series if HeartLiMing wasn't in it. I have nothing against the actors that play the main couple, but I just wasn't really interested in them (dramatic storylines aren't really my thing). They did have really good chemistry, though.On the other hand, Heart and Li Ming quickly became my favourite pairing EVER on a BL series (and, mind you, I've watched a few already). Their relationship is so cute, warm and unproblematic, that I could rewatch their scenes over and over and never get tired of them. There's something comforting about a ship that doesn't have any drama in it - and the only drama that happens doesn't have anything to do with them, but rather with Heart's parents and how they treat their son.
You know what, I'm not even mad we got an angled kiss. GeminiFourth steal the show every time they're onscreen together, and they bring a lot of dimension to the characters they play. Gemini's acting is especially commendable, because he had to convey the emotions and thoughts of a deaf character, while not being deaf himself. His facial expressions were top-notch, his body language amplified, and his gestures a lot more animated, which made it very easy to understand Heart, even when the sign language wasn't translated.
Fourth is a great actor as well - he nailed the gentleness of Li Ming, his determination to communicate with his friend, and his joy every time the other managed to talk.
I love that this series took a different route than most Thai series and decided to go with a darker, more realistic tone for the story. I also liked that the two couples balanced each other out, the main couple's relationship being a lot more convoluted and messy, and the secondary couple's being mostly smooth, innocent and pure.
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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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Duas Histórias Sob o Mesmo Luar
Senti nesta obra um drama devastadoramente real. É sobre pessoas comuns, falhas, dificuldades financeiras e a busca por conexão no meio da exaustão da vida adulta. Mostra as dificuldades do casal principal, Tio Jim e Wen, que são pessoas complexas, cheias de bagagem e erros passados. Em contrapartida, o casal secundário, Li Ming e Heart, que são um dos pontos altos desta história, exploram a descoberta pura e otimista do amor da maneira mais inocente com uma comunicação única. O próprio restaurante parece um personagem vivo, um refúgio para pessoas quebradas. É uma série melancólica e profundamente humana.Was this review helpful to you?
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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