This review may contain spoilers
A refreshing twist on xianxia cliches with 3 beautiful love stories and well-developed characters
Moonlight Mystique received many positive reviews with its release, and it did not disappoint in the slightest - in fact, it very well exceeded all my expectations. I started watching this for the plot and Bailu, and I was so, so pleasantly impressed by the rest of the show - be it the acting/cast, the CGI, or the cohesive storyline; you name it, I was HOOKED! This drama definitely deserves a watch (or two), especially if you’re a fan of xianxia like I am.
I think the greatest selling point for this show is that it feels exactly like a typical xianxia drama, but yet it is so entirely different. There are a lot of predictable plot points, [MINOR SPOILER] especially with the past life connection (a favourite in most xianxia shows) between the main leads, and many character deaths are also pretty predictable, but I personally didn’t mind it - I was still really upset when they did die, anyway. As someone who prioritises the characterisation and development of romance in a show, Moonlight Mystique left me highly satisfied and VERY attached to 3 different couples.
I’ll mention the other great aspects of this show before diving into my favourite parts. First, the music was paired really well and I personally loved how fitting the OST/BGM was with the scenes on-screen. I wouldn’t say the soundtracks were outstandingly amazing or out-of-this-world phenomenal, but they do sound lovely and they match the vibe of the show very well - they were able to do their main job of elevating the emotional intensity of the scene, which satisfied me. Next, the costuming was done very well. The 4 main leads (the main couple and the 2nd couple, that is) were consistently styled very well, from hair to makeup to costume. The styling really managed to infuse the characters with more depth and personality, and they all looked so incredibly beautiful/dashing. My personal favourite look is the 2nd FL's styling - she was absolutely divine and so alluring, so powerful - the costumes really added to her aura - I was absolutely awestruck! Finally, I have to commend the use of CGI - while it isn’t the best CGI I’ve ever seen, it does land very much on the good side and it looks believable/realistic, save for a few moments where it wasn’t done flawlessly - like [MINOR SPOILER] the sandstorm in about ep11 (I can’t remember the exact episode, but you'll know it when you see it, trust me). Other than a few moments of slip-up, th CGI was generally done well and I think that’s commendable. Of course, like most xianxia shows, this one also has really pretty scenery - it’s not my personal favourite, but it is beautifully picturesque. Overall, the scenes will likely put you in a good mood because they’re mostly very visually appealing.
I do also have to commend the acting of the side characters (aside from the 4 main leads - I’ll talk about them later). They all did a very decent job of bringing their role to life, and I don’t think anyone gave a bad acting performance, even if they were merely side characters with limited screentime. I was most invested in [MINOR SPOILER] the love story between Ling Long and Rong Xian - I bawled the entire episode at their tragic ending, and I would happily watch a full-fledged show about the two of them! The actors were INCREDIBLE, I really felt my heart clench and shatter. Besides them, I also particularly liked MuJiu's character most. TianHuo was also highly likeable, though I personally [MINOR SPOILER] didn’t feel sparks between the two of them and felt that their cp was forced - I love them individually though! Special shoutout to the actor who played Chen Ye - he was really good in the limited screentime he had, and I went from hating him to sobbing at his scenes. He very masterfully brought this tragically complex character to life and despite the parallels between him and Fu Ling, they are different characters with similar stories; [SPOILER] I really liked the detail that Chen Ye has his memories intact and all his hatred stems from his own lived experiences/injustice, while Fu Ling has had her memories erased and essentially exploited into becoming someone she entirely isn’t. I think it adds emotional depth to both of them, making their stories different while at the same time being so similar.
I’d like to talk about the plot and side stories before I dive into my favourite part of this show - the main cast and the romances. I might be biased because this kind of plot with multiple side stories and a main storyline is my favourite kind, especially when executed well, but I was thoroughly entertained throughout the show - I was hooked from ep1, which is very rare for me. The intro of this show (like the first 5mins?) was really cute and unique too, it’s the first time I’ve seen a show use the format of a cute drawing animation to open. At times, this show reminds me a little of Love Game in Eastern Fantasy or Love Between Fairy and Devil or Love You Seven Times - which is awesome because I love those shows so much, especially the first two. The plot can seem confusing but as you watch things unfold, they all fall into place, which was very satisfying. The story follows Bai Shuo (FL) as she collects all 5 cultivations needed for her Desireless Stone, and each cultivation follows a new side quest or storyline - I HIGHLY enjoyed all of them! I was very invested in all the stories, especially the second one in which they collected the killing desire (sorry, my translation is a little clumsy - this is a direct translation). I didn’t care much for the first desire (which is I think around ep2-6 or 7?), mostly because it was kinda gory for my liking, but I feel like the show really took off after that cultivation ended. Don’t get me wrong, it was always entertaining from the get-go, but I started becoming REALLY invested from about ep8 onwards. The third, fourth, and fifth cultivations were also pretty good; this show does a great job of getting you invested in the new characters that pop up and also ties every side story together very nicely, such that they aren’t random but are instead pushing the main storyline forward, and you’ll also uncover interesting links between each side story - [MINOR SPOILER] for example, side story 2 and 3 are connected, and the pieces fall into place so nicely. Aside from the cultivations, I also loved diving into and uncovering the backstories behind the FL and ML (ML especially), as well as the explanation of their past life connection.
Here’s a quick ranking of the side quests/cultivation journeys, in my opinion:
1. The second quest - the killing desire
2. *The bonus side story - the past life connection(s) explained (not a quest)
3. The third quest - the love desire
4. The fifth quest - the greed desire
5. The fourth quest - the hatred desire
6. The first quest - the kind/altruistic desire
A quick take on the ending - I was pretty satisfied. [MINOR SPOILER] A lot of my favourite characters died, and I was of course devastated; I cried and weeped pretty damn hard towards the end. But it is, ultimately, a happy ending in the sense that both main characters lived and in the special epilogue episode, we got to see them get married and live out a happy, fulfilling life together, which I really feel that they deserved so much. So it was gratifying to see them finally get to be happy together, but my heart absolutely aches and breaks for the 2nd couple and the "past life" version of the main couple - both of whom deserved their happy ending just as much, if not more, than the main couple. Alas, all I can do is hope, wish, and believe that they did meet in the afterlife, and are living out the rest of eternity together, in bliss.
Now let’s get into my favourite parts of this show - the 4 main leads, their acting, and their love stories! First, I’m gonna talk about the 2nd couple, because I loved them so much they might even be my favourite couple of the show - which is saying SO MUCH because I LOVE the main couple like they’re my precious cherished babies... I really loved the 2nd FL's character. She is SUCH an excellent villain and she was absolutely incredible in her dark role - she was seductive, powerful, commanding, sultry, determined. She embodied the character and I was truly mesmerised by her performance - even when I wanted to hate her for her atrocious crimes and cruel, brutal ways of torture, I couldn’t help but be entranced and enthralled by her performance and beauty. [SPOILER] And when she went through her redemption arc as someone new entirely, I fell in love with her even more. She’s very lovable and the stark dissonance between the two characters she’s bringing to life is so, so clear and impressive. She is amazing at showing how versatile she can be and I was truly so mesmerised by her every scene. She’s such a tragic and complex character, I truly empathised with her, yet was also disgusted by her, but no matter what I couldn’t hate her. She’s truly such a pitiful character and I love her so, so much. As for the 2nd ML, I admittedly wasn’t a big fan of his character in the beginning, but I really grew to love him in the latter half of the show, and his acting is so commendable as well. [MINOR SPOILER] He was able to portray two starkly different characters SO insanely well and watching him grow as his life experiences change him made me emotional. The two of them fit together SO WELL and I am just in love with their dynamic from start to end, and all the tribulations, the push and pull, the tension that they went through. I will forever be upset that they didn’t get their happy ending - I hope they reunite in another project because they have some of the most natural yet intense chemistry I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of cdramas)!
As for the main leads, Bailu never disappoints with her acting. She’s a phenomenal actress and she’s so good at being that playful, cheeky character whose also strong-willed and driven. To no surprise, she brought both her roles to life so well (ok technically 3 roles I suppose, [SPOILER] she did have to pretend to be someone else impersonating Bai Shuo during thr fifth tribulation) and the difference between Bai Shuo and her past life's role was clear as day. As always, her crying scenes are always super impressive too. I won’t say too much - you can read my review of One and Only for more Bailu praise because she’s in my top3 favourite actresses and she’s always incredible in every way. Ao Ruipeng REALLY blew me away with this role though, and I’d say I’m most impressed with his acting out of everyone in the show. He absolutely nailed the role and he had to play 3 different roles as well - even without a difference in styling, his gaze brings out the CLEAR difference between the roles, especially in those scenes where he switches from one persona to another in seconds. With just his facial expressions, gaze, and body language, he’s able to delineate the difference between the characters so evidently that you can instantly tell who he’s portraying in the moment. Admittedly, I had my doubts before watching the show and I didn’t fully believe in his acting ability, but boy did he prove me wrong - he actually knocked me off my feet. He was SO GOOD. I don’t think I’ve ever been this impressed by someone's acting since Love Between Fairy and Devil (Dylan Wang). He was perfect for the role - all his mannerisms and little details in expressions... he was out of this world. Simply breathtaking. I’m a converted fan of his now - he will go far. I’m running out of words so the main couple - they had very good chemistry, nothing electric, but their love felt very real and genuine and timely. Not the best love story I’ve seen (I do have VERY high standards for romances though), but very enjoyable and definitely one of the better ones. I love watching them together, they have a very sweet and sincere love that’s not overwhelming. They respect each other and their decisions, which I find rather rare in cdrama romances, so it was very refreshing.
As for their past life love story, I was HOOKED. So emotionally invested I cried so much. They deserved their happy ending so much and I’d like to imagine that somewhere out there in the universe or afterlife, they got it. Bailu and Ao Ruipeng were amazing in bringing their characters to life - not as Bai Shuo and Fan Yue, but [SPOILER] as Xing Yue and Jing Yuan. It’s very impressive how they were able to pull us into another love story with the same actors but yet with such a different vibe and dynamic. They were amazing in the past life and I love them so, so, so, so much - they loved each other with a force that defied fate, life itself, and the heavens. I am SO attached.
TLDR - I HIGHLY recommend this show, especially if you’re a fan of xianxia. Love how the FL isn’t weak either, nor is she freakishly strong, she’s just a determined individual fighting for herself and her loved ones. Watching her mature and grow was truly gratifying. And I just LOVE the ML's characterisation. The 2nd couple were in a league of their own as well, and every side character's story is worth listening to. This show truly felt like one of a kind!
Shows with the same vibe: Love Between Fairy and Devil
More Bailu shows: One and Only (her character there was SO different from this one, she’s an amazing actress), Till the End of the Moon
I’ll be on the lookout for more Ao Ruipeng, Dai Lu Wa (2nd FL), and Chang Hua Sen (2nd ML) shows - I’ve fallen in love with all of them wow!!!
I think the greatest selling point for this show is that it feels exactly like a typical xianxia drama, but yet it is so entirely different. There are a lot of predictable plot points, [MINOR SPOILER] especially with the past life connection (a favourite in most xianxia shows) between the main leads, and many character deaths are also pretty predictable, but I personally didn’t mind it - I was still really upset when they did die, anyway. As someone who prioritises the characterisation and development of romance in a show, Moonlight Mystique left me highly satisfied and VERY attached to 3 different couples.
I’ll mention the other great aspects of this show before diving into my favourite parts. First, the music was paired really well and I personally loved how fitting the OST/BGM was with the scenes on-screen. I wouldn’t say the soundtracks were outstandingly amazing or out-of-this-world phenomenal, but they do sound lovely and they match the vibe of the show very well - they were able to do their main job of elevating the emotional intensity of the scene, which satisfied me. Next, the costuming was done very well. The 4 main leads (the main couple and the 2nd couple, that is) were consistently styled very well, from hair to makeup to costume. The styling really managed to infuse the characters with more depth and personality, and they all looked so incredibly beautiful/dashing. My personal favourite look is the 2nd FL's styling - she was absolutely divine and so alluring, so powerful - the costumes really added to her aura - I was absolutely awestruck! Finally, I have to commend the use of CGI - while it isn’t the best CGI I’ve ever seen, it does land very much on the good side and it looks believable/realistic, save for a few moments where it wasn’t done flawlessly - like [MINOR SPOILER] the sandstorm in about ep11 (I can’t remember the exact episode, but you'll know it when you see it, trust me). Other than a few moments of slip-up, th CGI was generally done well and I think that’s commendable. Of course, like most xianxia shows, this one also has really pretty scenery - it’s not my personal favourite, but it is beautifully picturesque. Overall, the scenes will likely put you in a good mood because they’re mostly very visually appealing.
I do also have to commend the acting of the side characters (aside from the 4 main leads - I’ll talk about them later). They all did a very decent job of bringing their role to life, and I don’t think anyone gave a bad acting performance, even if they were merely side characters with limited screentime. I was most invested in [MINOR SPOILER] the love story between Ling Long and Rong Xian - I bawled the entire episode at their tragic ending, and I would happily watch a full-fledged show about the two of them! The actors were INCREDIBLE, I really felt my heart clench and shatter. Besides them, I also particularly liked MuJiu's character most. TianHuo was also highly likeable, though I personally [MINOR SPOILER] didn’t feel sparks between the two of them and felt that their cp was forced - I love them individually though! Special shoutout to the actor who played Chen Ye - he was really good in the limited screentime he had, and I went from hating him to sobbing at his scenes. He very masterfully brought this tragically complex character to life and despite the parallels between him and Fu Ling, they are different characters with similar stories; [SPOILER] I really liked the detail that Chen Ye has his memories intact and all his hatred stems from his own lived experiences/injustice, while Fu Ling has had her memories erased and essentially exploited into becoming someone she entirely isn’t. I think it adds emotional depth to both of them, making their stories different while at the same time being so similar.
I’d like to talk about the plot and side stories before I dive into my favourite part of this show - the main cast and the romances. I might be biased because this kind of plot with multiple side stories and a main storyline is my favourite kind, especially when executed well, but I was thoroughly entertained throughout the show - I was hooked from ep1, which is very rare for me. The intro of this show (like the first 5mins?) was really cute and unique too, it’s the first time I’ve seen a show use the format of a cute drawing animation to open. At times, this show reminds me a little of Love Game in Eastern Fantasy or Love Between Fairy and Devil or Love You Seven Times - which is awesome because I love those shows so much, especially the first two. The plot can seem confusing but as you watch things unfold, they all fall into place, which was very satisfying. The story follows Bai Shuo (FL) as she collects all 5 cultivations needed for her Desireless Stone, and each cultivation follows a new side quest or storyline - I HIGHLY enjoyed all of them! I was very invested in all the stories, especially the second one in which they collected the killing desire (sorry, my translation is a little clumsy - this is a direct translation). I didn’t care much for the first desire (which is I think around ep2-6 or 7?), mostly because it was kinda gory for my liking, but I feel like the show really took off after that cultivation ended. Don’t get me wrong, it was always entertaining from the get-go, but I started becoming REALLY invested from about ep8 onwards. The third, fourth, and fifth cultivations were also pretty good; this show does a great job of getting you invested in the new characters that pop up and also ties every side story together very nicely, such that they aren’t random but are instead pushing the main storyline forward, and you’ll also uncover interesting links between each side story - [MINOR SPOILER] for example, side story 2 and 3 are connected, and the pieces fall into place so nicely. Aside from the cultivations, I also loved diving into and uncovering the backstories behind the FL and ML (ML especially), as well as the explanation of their past life connection.
Here’s a quick ranking of the side quests/cultivation journeys, in my opinion:
1. The second quest - the killing desire
2. *The bonus side story - the past life connection(s) explained (not a quest)
3. The third quest - the love desire
4. The fifth quest - the greed desire
5. The fourth quest - the hatred desire
6. The first quest - the kind/altruistic desire
A quick take on the ending - I was pretty satisfied. [MINOR SPOILER] A lot of my favourite characters died, and I was of course devastated; I cried and weeped pretty damn hard towards the end. But it is, ultimately, a happy ending in the sense that both main characters lived and in the special epilogue episode, we got to see them get married and live out a happy, fulfilling life together, which I really feel that they deserved so much. So it was gratifying to see them finally get to be happy together, but my heart absolutely aches and breaks for the 2nd couple and the "past life" version of the main couple - both of whom deserved their happy ending just as much, if not more, than the main couple. Alas, all I can do is hope, wish, and believe that they did meet in the afterlife, and are living out the rest of eternity together, in bliss.
Now let’s get into my favourite parts of this show - the 4 main leads, their acting, and their love stories! First, I’m gonna talk about the 2nd couple, because I loved them so much they might even be my favourite couple of the show - which is saying SO MUCH because I LOVE the main couple like they’re my precious cherished babies... I really loved the 2nd FL's character. She is SUCH an excellent villain and she was absolutely incredible in her dark role - she was seductive, powerful, commanding, sultry, determined. She embodied the character and I was truly mesmerised by her performance - even when I wanted to hate her for her atrocious crimes and cruel, brutal ways of torture, I couldn’t help but be entranced and enthralled by her performance and beauty. [SPOILER] And when she went through her redemption arc as someone new entirely, I fell in love with her even more. She’s very lovable and the stark dissonance between the two characters she’s bringing to life is so, so clear and impressive. She is amazing at showing how versatile she can be and I was truly so mesmerised by her every scene. She’s such a tragic and complex character, I truly empathised with her, yet was also disgusted by her, but no matter what I couldn’t hate her. She’s truly such a pitiful character and I love her so, so much. As for the 2nd ML, I admittedly wasn’t a big fan of his character in the beginning, but I really grew to love him in the latter half of the show, and his acting is so commendable as well. [MINOR SPOILER] He was able to portray two starkly different characters SO insanely well and watching him grow as his life experiences change him made me emotional. The two of them fit together SO WELL and I am just in love with their dynamic from start to end, and all the tribulations, the push and pull, the tension that they went through. I will forever be upset that they didn’t get their happy ending - I hope they reunite in another project because they have some of the most natural yet intense chemistry I’ve seen (and I’ve seen a LOT of cdramas)!
As for the main leads, Bailu never disappoints with her acting. She’s a phenomenal actress and she’s so good at being that playful, cheeky character whose also strong-willed and driven. To no surprise, she brought both her roles to life so well (ok technically 3 roles I suppose, [SPOILER] she did have to pretend to be someone else impersonating Bai Shuo during thr fifth tribulation) and the difference between Bai Shuo and her past life's role was clear as day. As always, her crying scenes are always super impressive too. I won’t say too much - you can read my review of One and Only for more Bailu praise because she’s in my top3 favourite actresses and she’s always incredible in every way. Ao Ruipeng REALLY blew me away with this role though, and I’d say I’m most impressed with his acting out of everyone in the show. He absolutely nailed the role and he had to play 3 different roles as well - even without a difference in styling, his gaze brings out the CLEAR difference between the roles, especially in those scenes where he switches from one persona to another in seconds. With just his facial expressions, gaze, and body language, he’s able to delineate the difference between the characters so evidently that you can instantly tell who he’s portraying in the moment. Admittedly, I had my doubts before watching the show and I didn’t fully believe in his acting ability, but boy did he prove me wrong - he actually knocked me off my feet. He was SO GOOD. I don’t think I’ve ever been this impressed by someone's acting since Love Between Fairy and Devil (Dylan Wang). He was perfect for the role - all his mannerisms and little details in expressions... he was out of this world. Simply breathtaking. I’m a converted fan of his now - he will go far. I’m running out of words so the main couple - they had very good chemistry, nothing electric, but their love felt very real and genuine and timely. Not the best love story I’ve seen (I do have VERY high standards for romances though), but very enjoyable and definitely one of the better ones. I love watching them together, they have a very sweet and sincere love that’s not overwhelming. They respect each other and their decisions, which I find rather rare in cdrama romances, so it was very refreshing.
As for their past life love story, I was HOOKED. So emotionally invested I cried so much. They deserved their happy ending so much and I’d like to imagine that somewhere out there in the universe or afterlife, they got it. Bailu and Ao Ruipeng were amazing in bringing their characters to life - not as Bai Shuo and Fan Yue, but [SPOILER] as Xing Yue and Jing Yuan. It’s very impressive how they were able to pull us into another love story with the same actors but yet with such a different vibe and dynamic. They were amazing in the past life and I love them so, so, so, so much - they loved each other with a force that defied fate, life itself, and the heavens. I am SO attached.
TLDR - I HIGHLY recommend this show, especially if you’re a fan of xianxia. Love how the FL isn’t weak either, nor is she freakishly strong, she’s just a determined individual fighting for herself and her loved ones. Watching her mature and grow was truly gratifying. And I just LOVE the ML's characterisation. The 2nd couple were in a league of their own as well, and every side character's story is worth listening to. This show truly felt like one of a kind!
Shows with the same vibe: Love Between Fairy and Devil
More Bailu shows: One and Only (her character there was SO different from this one, she’s an amazing actress), Till the End of the Moon
I’ll be on the lookout for more Ao Ruipeng, Dai Lu Wa (2nd FL), and Chang Hua Sen (2nd ML) shows - I’ve fallen in love with all of them wow!!!
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