Moonlight Chicken

This could have been a masterpiece...

Lets rename this to "Walled Jim, Cat Commercial, Slutty Wen and the best teen romance". I am never harsh on anything, but I had such a high expectation from this project.

For such a high level cinematography it was poorly written. Who came up with the story? The dialogues? How was this person allowed to touch the production. The fact that the support couple absolutely stole the show without getting undressed is telling that two different people scripted this. Yes the whole visual execution and sound is top notch, the rest is alright. And yes, teens stole the show hands down.

Jim - the main character is too complex. The speed that he takes his shirt off and builds his wall up is not even cute, but annoying. I was expecting more from Earth to bring to the show.

Wen- second main character is summarized in that popular song "Im just thinking with my D, my sh$t dumb". And if "I don't get what I want, I will make everyone else miserable".

But then these is a second lead couple- beautiful teens doing beautiful teen stuff. Cut everything else out.

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The story tries to be realistic. But in some cases it doesn't seem reasonable.

Earth: Uncle Jim is 40 years old, but his decision+Composure+Experience has been also not showing well

Chicken Rice It takes a long time to cook and it's a very difficult food to cook. There is water to boil the soup and add ingredients to cook, cooking rice, making dipping sauces. But I still haven't seen Uncle Jim do anything.He spent his time on walking, sitting, talking and walking around. Even chopping chicken, chopping chicken doesn't look like professional.

Some of the actors did it well, like Saleng, Kaipa, Li Ming.

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Watchable drama

I feel the people who are giving less ratings but I hope they shouldn’t concentrate on only one couple and give the ratings anyhow guys I’m big fan of all the actors they are really good at everything for acting it’s just that some plots are not that entertaining but I like the deaf boy couple I watched the series just because of them it was really sweet and cute I love that couple their chemistry was another level I enjoyed it and finished within a day and as per ratings I gave high why? Because of this couple and main leads are good but it’s just their story wasn’t upto mark I hope they get other stories and do well . I guess we can give 8 above for this drama I gave bze I’m fan of all the leads and mainly for dead couple so people can watch their stories… all the best guys

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This couple is worth to watch!

To be short the long review. I really love this couple of how they Portrait their Characters in different ways. The eyes that always speaking itself that always captured my attention while I'm watching. This love team is like a chocolate that you can create a different variety that everyone gonna love it. Jim and Wen please keep it up and make your love team stronger than ever. To be honest In this series, all the good actors is here. Well done everyone. The story is so realistic that happens in every relationship, family matters and to the society. Thank you so much and hoping to see you both in more projects and as a love team. Yeheyyyyy🥰🥰🥰

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More a family drama with romance.

I was rewatching this last night and after two years I realised how much of this drama I loved, and how well crafted it is, and how it has stands up well against recent successful dramas.
I see it as a family drama that looks at how people love and change over time, that sometimes you settle in a rut, not through choice but circumstances, and its hard to get out of the rut especially if it means chancing hurting your self or someone you care about.
The acting of all the couples is amazing, helped by the cinematography and the sets, nothing is gets a glow up, so everything looks real. The 2ML, they do just as well conveying emotion, and signing in a realistic way, which for actors of their age is mind blowing. The also actors against type, so much that it took me a while to work out where I had seen them before.
It was really interesting seeing actors I have seen in pretty basic BL plots actually being able to explore the realities of life with out all the tired tropes, you get the ex but it's handled in a non trope way.
The soundtrack is excellent and it has properly scored incidental music which adds to the quality.

Some would perhaps say there is no real plot, but at the end of it each character has changed moved out of their rut. It covers serious issues how children can be over protected because they are seen as different, controlling relationships, deceit in a relationship, and single parent families. but not in the torrid c drama way.

I can not think of anything negative. If you are British you will understand this. This is not just any old drama, its the Marks and Spencer of drama's. Enjoy.

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Queer Life and Love

This show absolutely devastated me in the best way possible.
It's pitch-perfect from the acting, to the cinematography, to the music, it's all spectacular.
But most importantly it's entirely driven by a cast of deeply likeable if flawed characters whose various pasts and hardships shape their lives in a multitude of ways.
As is to be expected with a project led by P'Aof, the show addresses a variety of real life issues from disability, to socio-economic inequality, to homophobia (both societal and internalised), to simply how messy break-ups can be.
Combined with the excellent writing this makes all the characters feel almost painfully like real people and makes every scene, from the light-hearted to the deeply serious, highly impactful.
This is one of those rare cases where I love a show so much I have virtually nothing to say about it, so I will simply leave you with this:
This series is incredibly meaningful both in how touching it is and in what it means for the queer community.
As a queer person, this story made me feel good - seen and respected and loved.
It's a perfectly paced, quietly angsty yet wholly comforting slice-of-life we all deserve.
Do yourself a favour and go watch it it you haven't already.

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Moonlight Chicken is a hidden gem

You know the acting will be phenomenal based on the cast alone, but Khaotung (Gaipa) was my favorite of them all. His scenes were just purely fun, sweet, and/or very emotional. Man made me cry like a baby twice. Of the eight episodes, 5-7 did get a bit draggy because of the repetitiveness in the main arc, nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable watch and I love the order in which certain things were revealed i.e. Alan’s entrance, the identity of Wen’s stepfather, and Ms. Hong’s death. I also like that the timeline was clear and that all eight episodes happened within a six-month to ten-month period.

What I liked/enjoyed:
- The reality and hardship economically post-COVID. It’s a no-brainer that everyone was heavily affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. But what made Jim’s Chicken diner different was despite Jim being poor and a single guardian of an 18-year-old teenager himself, he was able to empathize, sympathize, and cater to the unfortunate out of the kindness of his heart. Not only is his chicken rice recipe simple, but it’s also affordable, convenient, and fulfilling for the middle and lower class. His kindness spoke volumes throughout the whole show.
- I love the entire cast but Mark and View’s coupling takes the cake. Salaeng and Praew are naturally fun to be around and are very supportive when they, themselves are struggling; set to be first-time parents with a baby on the way. I also love Saleng’s relationship with everyone, he was the perfect friend, employee, boyfriend, and support everyone needed. Probably would have been a good son like Gaipa had his parents been alive. He also seemed like a really great dad from the one scene of him playing with his baby in episode 8. I love that although he had to be put out of his job at the diner, he didn’t forget to pay Jim back and still kept in contact with everyone. It truly showed that Moonlight Chicken wasn’t just a workplace but a home away from home.
- Gaipa and his mother’s backstory was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Normally, funerals for side characters are rushed but in this case, the show highlighted the impact that Ms. Hong, a side character, had on not just Jim, his family, and the diner but the whole community. While Gaipa mourned, you can feel just how much the Hongs were loved and respected by all.
- I know some find it weird or unrealistic, but Wen rooming with Alan after they’ve broken up is probably the one thing I like most about this series. During lockdown and quarantine, it wasn’t uncommon to hear that couples who lived together do and did break up. I thought Wen living paycheck to paycheck was a reasonable enough reason to keep living with his ex; especially when his ex is the breadwinner and they’ve agreed to be friends. The only problem was Alan took this as a possibility of them getting back together despite being told it wouldn’t happen countless times. To be fair, it was completely understandable because, in Alan’s case, he was still in love and actions do speak louder than words. If Wen hasn’t moved out by now then obviously it wasn’t really about Wen falling out of love but something else. Like another man (Jim) for instance. The reality is Alan can afford to think this way because he isn’t financially restrained like Wen is. If Wen leaves, Alan’s capable of paying all of his bills just fine but if Alan leaves, Wen will have to look for another roommate or cheaper condo. We got a glimpse of that when Wen had to ask their friend, Gong, for help and ended up renting a condo (hello Ohm’s room in ‘Bad Buddy’ xD)
- All of the characters’ growth was noticeable and lovely but Li Ming’s growth is the most impressive. Once he knew what he wanted, his confidence and responsibility surfaced and he was able to sell his future plans to his mother and uncle despite their doubt. Li Ming really showed them that he wasn’t as unprepared or unmotivated as they were led to believe. Not only did Li Ming plan the next four to six years of his life, but he’s been working towards it. He was dedicated and ready to walk his own path and his family couldn’t be more proud and supportive.
- Jim and Li Ming fight as any uncle and nephew would but I had so much respect for Li Ming when Jim said ‘Don’t raise your voice at me’ and Li Ming instantly piped down and apologized. That scene was beautifully done and showed that deep down Li Ming has a lot of respect, love, and gratitude for his uncle. He’s just frustrated because of the lack of communication and the pushing and projecting from flawed adults. It was brilliant of Li Ming to recognize that what Jim was projecting onto him was in fact Jim’s dreams and Li Ming calling his uncle out for that was great.
- The fact that Heart was deaf. I love the representation here and I thought Gemini did an excellent job. He was really convincing. I loved that the show stressed the fact that people tend to think deaf people are also mute when that’s not always true. I love that not only was Heart finally understood by his family but also accepted by Li Ming’s friends and family. His parents learning and becoming pros at signing, Wen communicating with him through sign, and Li Ming’s mother's openness to learn and attempt sign were all very wholesome.
- The communication between some characters was great whilst others were realistic.
- I love it when characters drop names without telling us who they are right away. It keeps the audience guessing and gives the characters some history and substance. Or when children are introduced and you have to do some connecting the dots. i.e. Beam’s ex-girlfriend’s daughter and Jam’s stepdaughter/Li Ming’s stepsister.
- The portrayal of Jim’s stubbornness that stems from age and fear. Jim being set in his ways as an older, more traditional guy is so lifelike. Although Jim isn’t as expressive and agreeable as Li Ming would like, it’s clear that Jim is trying his best to build a good reputation and connections for Li Ming’s sake.
- The reality of being able to accept gays as friends, co-workers, or neighbors but wouldn’t come around to it when it’s family. Although it sounded homophobic, Jam made it clear that her concern was about how her son would be viewed and mistreated by others if they found out his orientation, and not that she was repulsed by it. I did like that she had at least three conversations about it with Jim and Li Ming. It showed how much she was bothered by it.
- The revelation of Ms. Hong’s death. From the marketplace to the hospital and finally temple/funeral. The transition from Gaipa and Saleng walking, talking, and joking around to the discovery of Ms Hong was so well done. Khaotung’s acting in the hospital scene, it was clear that he’d been given the bad news and his crying was so heartwrenching!
- The cinematography and setting were aesthetically pleasing. I love the color palette and it was really giving Hainanese. (I love Li Ming’s little lion dance too!)
- Aof’s cameo! xD

What I disliked/wished was different/included, and noticed:
- Jim and Beam had more chemistry than Jim and Wen.
- Gaipa pursuing Jim is cute but surprisingly for someone who's really into Jim, Gaipa doesn't come around a lot. Yeah, he's busy helping his mom and keeping her company but he mostly, if not always, drops by only at his mom's requests and not because he misses Uncle Jim's face.
- Some events in episodes 5-7 could have been shortened or cut out entirely to focus, explore, and revisit older scenes.
- Jim consistently saying ‘no’ and bringing up what he said before their one-night stand was great, a man of his word, however; there were way too many back and forths about it on screen. They could have cut out one or two rejection scenes and implied it in a passing conversation with another character.
- It’s clear that Jim likes Wen and even misses him at the diner. However, whenever there’s an opportunity for Jim to initiate contact first, out of desperation, Wen would call or show up and we’d get the same rejection scene but in different clothes. If viewers enjoyed the mains together then sometimes a separation would do everyone some good and make a reunion 10 times better. It’s boring that Wen was the only one trying to make them work.
- The comedy was present but not emphasized enough to be memorable
- I wish there was a scene where Heart confessed to his parents that he was the one who broke the bottle OR there’s a short scene of his father drinking from the same bottle he and Li Ming secretly drank out of and wondering why it’s somewhat watery. That would have been a good callback.
- The reporter clearly said they were moving into 2023 on New Year's Eve, however, when Ms. Hong passed away, a couple of months later, she was written to have passed in February 2022. I suppose they filmed in 2022 and forgot to change the year on the printout.

This was a slice of life and I for one enjoyed them immensely. This is a definite watch and rewatch.

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Hot dish, served cold

Excellent plot line, that started really well. I mean, a one night stand where one starts developing feelings for the other, the age gap, the gap in status, so many ways to make it really beautiful and fabulous. But does that happen? Sadly, no! After all, this is a Thai series. So you can't really expect too much in-depth analysis into the psyche of people, right?
*Spoilers follow! Please read at your own peril!*

I am going begin with the 'main' lead. I am going to probably invite the wrath of all EarthMix fans on my head right now, but if I can't say it here, where can I, right? Their casting is really not right! Earth is 29, Mix is 24. Casting them as someone is 40 and 30, really does no justice to either of them. Adding a slight fuzz to the upper lips and a bit to the chin does not make a person older for sure. And Mix is a real cutie. Putting him at 30 seems a little bit too much. If you want to show an age gap, maybe 5 years? Or maybe make Earth like 34 or something? Why the hell 40? It really kills the chemistry for me. And why do Earth and Mix always agree to such serious roles? They are both young, really good friends, give them something fun to do! And as I said in my review of Ai Long Nhai, onscreen chemistry doesn't mean chemistry in real life or vice versa. So, they are not the perfect pairing for me.

Jim (Earth) is a chicken rice seller, running a business that's most likely to be taken over by bigger businesses in the new upcoming mall, the designer of which is Wen (Mix), architect by profession. He is gotten out of a relationship and is not exactly looking for something new, but ends up having a one night, no strings attached stand with Jim. But unfortunately, the no strings becomes something totally different for him. Jim is still suffering from survivor's guilt about the death of his ex, who dies almost immediately after they get into a fight. And so the push and pull continues, with Wen taking every possible chance to express himself, but Jim keeps taking steps backwards. When Wen's ex makes a scene, there is more angst than actual possible love.

Next Khaotung as Gaipa and First as Alan. Don't get me wrong. They are both phenomenal actors, and have absolutely powerful chemistry. But to be honest, their talents are completely wasted in this series. Gaipa has been in love with Jim for the longest time, but instead of making things clear to him, Jim literally drags it on. Sometimes I felt that Jim really used Gaipa in a way! As for Alan, dude, your relationship is over. Get over it! Move on! As the angst ridden Alan, First is fantastic. But I don't get it. Why do you force a relationship? Isn't love mutual? If it's over, it's over! But the way Alan held on, it's almost pathetic. Wen made it clear he does not love him anymore. It was not very comfortable to watch.

Finally Gemini as Heart and Fourth as Li Ming. As warm as a hug, as soft as as clouds, as beautiful as the sunrise and as heartwarming as comfort. I could wax poetic about them the whole day. They are young boys, but the talent is just overflowing. Heart has been deaf and mute for 3 years because of an illness. But both his parents don't take the time to understand him, instead keeping him at home all the time, not even trying to learn sign language. It takes Li Ming less than a month, to not only start learning sign language, but also opens up the world for him, making him feel loved and important. Their story is wonderful, because there are no misunderstandings, no negativity, no stuttering around, nothing. The amount these two kids communicate, even though one is deaf and mute, should put grown-ass adults to shame. The way Li Ming translates when Heart talks to his mom was just phenomenal. He was the one feeling the pain that Heart was undergoing. The only thing that bothered me was the lack of subtitles for Gemini's sign language. That would not have made us feel that things were lost in translation.

I was thinking I am going to be annoyed with Li Ming's mom, and for a moment, I was really upset. You don't become gay because of heredity or surrounding factors. Just because Jim was gay, how could Li Ming? But I was glad she redeemed herself, accepting Jim and Wen and encouraging Li Ming and Heart.
I don't why we had Leng and Praew, unless it was for showing what an ideal friend, big brother, perfect man Jim is. It's a little hard to believe. I also find it really in poor taste that just to make Alan and Gaipa meet, they had to actually kill Gaipa's mom. Was their no other way? It would have been nice to see Heart and Li Ming actually going to America, a nice goodbye at the airport, instead of meeting in front of Jim's truck, making it a boring sort of an ending. Lots of unfinished feelings. It started with a bang, the first scene itself heating up the screens, but post that, 0% development, hardly any kisses, except in the last scene, kind of a vice versa of the first. GMM TV really needs to up their game, like most series are doing now. These fish kisses are not going to keep the viewers, but okay, I do agree, mostly the couples they come up with just mow down on sheer chemistry. Let's hope that at least continues.

I will recommend a one time watch, mainly because I fell in love with Fourth and Gemini. So if not for anyone else, watch it for them! Good luck!

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TOXIC UKE

Honestly, I have no issues with the series. The series is too good that it heals my missing feeling of EarthMix and everyone knows how skillful EarthMix are. The plot is definitely not rushed and I applaud GMMTV for producing these kind of plot series, they are getting better from time to time. It started where Jim had a one night stand with Wen that were one of his customer that got drunk. Though, he couldn't get rid of Wen from his life since Wen decided to chase after Jim. I understand that they try to make Earth looks older since Jim's character is almost 40 and Wen is almost 30 but they only manage to make Earth looks hotter not older. LMAO XD. So let's talk about the pairing in this series!

1. Jim x Wen
To be honest, I like Jim's character. He reject Wen with the softest way EVA. Not once in this series, there is part where Jim raise his voice or treat Wen coldly. ( except where Jim scold Li Ming but it only give butterflies to me tbh lol ). Anyway, Jim is being too soft with Wen yet he is being firm. I don't know exactly how to explain his character but if you watch them, you will understand what I mean by this. Can I just say that I really hate Wen? He is so fucking toxic bro. Like I understand that you fell out of love but he is treating Alan like shit. Like he is nothing. The conflict between Wen and Alan is pretty simple which is one of the fell out of love and instead of moving out of the condo and be firm that he no longer wants to be in the relationship with Alan, Wen decided to stay in the condo and lives together with Alan. SO you tell me, which part in his action truly says 'Im done with you'? And also, I think that Wen is not being honest with Alan, especially about his likes and dislikes. The fact that he has force himself to like beef because Alan likes them, really caught me in red flag. I truly truly dont like Wen. He is selfish and slight pick me. Im sorry but I love Mix. Just the role is trash.

2. Heart x Li Ming
ABSOLUTE LOVEEEEEE <3 <3 <3 !!!! I mean I don't really like Gemini but um HELLO??? His acting brings us the audience to a new level to be honest and I truly love their story. I think it is damn pure but what's with the fake kiss scene ? I mean I try to not let what Gemini said about his r/s with Fourth into this series but damn, now I see it. It truly feels like one sided love as per Fourth said in his live. Anyway, the chemistry on screen is perfect especially that Fourth plays Li Ming's character really well; a hot headed and stubborn high schooler which is perfect by the way. FOURTH IS GORGEOUS OKAYY. I couldn't help but to keep on smiling at the way he is smiling and can we please bring more sign language exposure in more series? Sign language is truly beautiful and I like the fact that Li Ming learn how to use sign language so he could communicate with Heart better. I really love their story, just an innocent high schoolers friendship that turned to be love.

3. Alan x Gaipa
To be honest, they don't have much scenes together since they only get to know each other at the end of the series where Gaipa's mother passed away and Alan appeared to be the one that is taking care of her account ( sheesh she is loaded ). Anyway, I like how First's eyes locked with Khao's, to show how he is hooked with Gaipa when Gaipa doesn't even realized that Alan has taken liking of him. Their relationship is the perfect interpretation of 'Someone's ending is someone's beginning' and I like that the series doesn't really shows everyone's perfect ending.

I am still shooketh at the sex scene tho- I MEAN.... UMMMMMM HELLO???????? I AM TOO SHOOK THAT I HAVE TO PAUSE MYSELF FOR 10 MINUTES. AND DONT FORGET FIRST AND MIX'S KISS SCENE TOO. K BYE\

anyway, love this series. minus 0.5 for Wen's character.

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GEMINI is the next generation IT-boy

Holy sh*t. H O L Y S H * T ! I might be a bit prejudiced as I have a weakness for deaf love stories but HOLY SH*T!
Gemini and Fourth were absolutely phenomenal in this. The gentle loving between these two teens, the amazing acting even without needing words. Their performance was simply out of this world.
As a disabled person I am always looking for more representation out there and Gemini had me wondering if he really was deaf, when I found out he wasn't I was astounded at his performance. And of course, Fourth being so kind and loving and willing to learn for him. AMAZING. Their language coach did a really good job and Fourth's English was really good aswell.

As always, EarthMix FirstKhaothung being some of my favourite BL actors did a great job but for me were totally second to the stars of this show!

Special mention to First because how can I love an actor so much and absolutely despise his character, I started liking him near the end but my god was I rooting for him to be DOOMED. Great acting from First, very different character than what he usually plays and he did great.

P L E A S E BL industry give us more of these healthy relationships and diverse representation!! We NEED it.

(Also yes, the pacing was a bit off and it was worth 12 episodes at least, but I was still hooked)

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