2
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A masterpiece: a truly underappreciated, hidden gem.
If you're looking for something fast paced- then this isn't for you. Moonlight Chicken is stylistic and very aesthetically beautiful, it's a warm and sometimes angsty slice of life of everyday people just living life and trying to make ends meet.
It brings up issues of poverty, class, hardships and tragedy; the lack of opportunities, interpersonal relationships and how even when there's love and good intentions, poor communication can make one feel trapped and miserable. This series takes its time to introduce and go through these topics with these very real and very human characters that come from diverse stages of life. The sense of community and family is super present here and it's really made me laugh, cry and feel with these characters which is honestly so special. If you like to watch complex and believably flawed characters navigate complex interpersonal relationships, then this is for you!
With a cast like this- gosh this show was blessed AND it's a P'Aof directorial? Yes, please! It also includes the perfect song choice which is sung by Ford Allan.
In my opinion, each and every actor held their own but they all have such different characters that it makes it harder to appreciate their craft and each of their portrayals. Even the side characters are masterfully crafted and portrayed; and are ready to steal your hearts!
Earth's performance of uncle Jim is a more subtle one yet it's purposeful in this low-key character. It's easy to miss it. Mix is able to embody the open minded and charismatic Wen who's searching for something more. He's understanding and such an essential part of the cast.
This was GeminiFourth's first significant supporting roles- as this was filmed before My School President- I wouldn't say that they'd stolen the show like other users have, but I'd argue that Li Ming and Heart are just as much of main characters as EarthMix's Jim and Wen. Phenomenal and very commendable performances from both of the boys especially as rookies in this very experienced and established cast of actors. They were both able to hold their own and definitely held a lot of the spotlight with their charming storylines. I was really amazed at how Fourth was able to portray the intricacies of Li Ming's emotions and internal frustrations; I adore all of the characters in their own light but Li Ming is definitely my favourite! Gemini's portrayal of a deaf boy was so spot on and completely believable; after having watched the behind-the-scenes of MLC, you can really appreciate all of the preparation and dedication that he'd put into his first significant role. Very impressive and definitely payed off.
Mark's Leng/Saleng was a great addition to the cast, and so were Aey, Chokchai, Lookwa, Papang and View in their respective roles. And then there's First. He committed so much to his character and when he shows up he absolutely kills the role; there's not much else I can say without spoiling it.
Last but not least, Khaotung's performance as Gaipa/Kaipa (apparently his character's name is Kaipa but the subtitles call him Gaipa. It's confusing). It's no secret that the guy's a great all 'round actor but his performance here has got to be my absolute favorite role of his yet! He's not a main lead but he almost feels like he is. His performance was phenomenal and lovable and I just don't have any more words for it. Please just trust me in this one!
As of writing this review, I've finally gotten around to rewatching this underappreciated, hidden gem; this series really is like a warm hug that just so happens to also encompass all of the emotions that one could ever possibly feel, during a hug.
I'm loving this rewatch just as much as I did when I was watching Moonlight Chicken premiering for the first time last year; for me, this has a huge rewatch value. I've just got to say that I'd forgotten just how angsty and painful some of the scenes and relationships can be. It really is such a journey and a joy to experience.
My Rating: 9.876/10 stars
It brings up issues of poverty, class, hardships and tragedy; the lack of opportunities, interpersonal relationships and how even when there's love and good intentions, poor communication can make one feel trapped and miserable. This series takes its time to introduce and go through these topics with these very real and very human characters that come from diverse stages of life. The sense of community and family is super present here and it's really made me laugh, cry and feel with these characters which is honestly so special. If you like to watch complex and believably flawed characters navigate complex interpersonal relationships, then this is for you!
With a cast like this- gosh this show was blessed AND it's a P'Aof directorial? Yes, please! It also includes the perfect song choice which is sung by Ford Allan.
In my opinion, each and every actor held their own but they all have such different characters that it makes it harder to appreciate their craft and each of their portrayals. Even the side characters are masterfully crafted and portrayed; and are ready to steal your hearts!
Earth's performance of uncle Jim is a more subtle one yet it's purposeful in this low-key character. It's easy to miss it. Mix is able to embody the open minded and charismatic Wen who's searching for something more. He's understanding and such an essential part of the cast.
This was GeminiFourth's first significant supporting roles- as this was filmed before My School President- I wouldn't say that they'd stolen the show like other users have, but I'd argue that Li Ming and Heart are just as much of main characters as EarthMix's Jim and Wen. Phenomenal and very commendable performances from both of the boys especially as rookies in this very experienced and established cast of actors. They were both able to hold their own and definitely held a lot of the spotlight with their charming storylines. I was really amazed at how Fourth was able to portray the intricacies of Li Ming's emotions and internal frustrations; I adore all of the characters in their own light but Li Ming is definitely my favourite! Gemini's portrayal of a deaf boy was so spot on and completely believable; after having watched the behind-the-scenes of MLC, you can really appreciate all of the preparation and dedication that he'd put into his first significant role. Very impressive and definitely payed off.
Mark's Leng/Saleng was a great addition to the cast, and so were Aey, Chokchai, Lookwa, Papang and View in their respective roles. And then there's First. He committed so much to his character and when he shows up he absolutely kills the role; there's not much else I can say without spoiling it.
Last but not least, Khaotung's performance as Gaipa/Kaipa (apparently his character's name is Kaipa but the subtitles call him Gaipa. It's confusing). It's no secret that the guy's a great all 'round actor but his performance here has got to be my absolute favorite role of his yet! He's not a main lead but he almost feels like he is. His performance was phenomenal and lovable and I just don't have any more words for it. Please just trust me in this one!
As of writing this review, I've finally gotten around to rewatching this underappreciated, hidden gem; this series really is like a warm hug that just so happens to also encompass all of the emotions that one could ever possibly feel, during a hug.
I'm loving this rewatch just as much as I did when I was watching Moonlight Chicken premiering for the first time last year; for me, this has a huge rewatch value. I've just got to say that I'd forgotten just how angsty and painful some of the scenes and relationships can be. It really is such a journey and a joy to experience.
My Rating: 9.876/10 stars
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