To the Moon and Back (2023)

Best Lakorn of the Year

The review might be biased from my side personally,
Since this drama is all about positivity , you'll be reading this without any negativity.

anywho. lets start summing up

If you're someone who's looking for a family drama/lakorn that is not too intense but its everything inside like humor, laughter, tears. fun, romance and friendship, then this one is the best yet you could ever watch in your life.

I started watching this lakorn since 2 months ago. Never missed any episode. Every episode was worth the wait. Binging all the way through and so much emotions going through within this two months because of this show itself. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, and mostly I smiled all the way.

Now lets talk about the actors & the characters
Toey - Watched Toey's performance in Timeline before (the same co-star with James Ji). Was deeply touched. Completely a different developed character with what she's playing as Mata. I did read lot of news and reviews for the main character that Matalada only and can just be played by Toey. That she is Mata and Mata is her. I can see why.

James Ji - One word, natural. Quite natural as Penneung/Purim, The way I see it, he's just playing himself in the lakorn as himself cause sometimes I forgot, he is James Ji and Penneung is his character.

The chemistry for both of them is undeniable. I've been following up the news, events and project about them since Timeline which is in 2014. I could say, they're just passed as lovers in real life. But it takes two to tango as what they said. Anyway, just happy and glad that they're very close in real life too. That what makes Mata and Penneung is perfect for each other.

I'll summed up the others characters as short as I can. Tri-Pang-Riri, just happy and satisfied that they can be friends. Not picking any side for the pair really either Tri-Pang or Tri-Riri, cause I love their characters very much. They had their own wounds and reasons.
Father Grace, speechless for this character. He is the main one and the reason why Mata was born as one of the most loveliest person in the planet. Same goes to Aunt Vee.
The Cage - Type of gang that I think everyone should have or meet at least one time in their life. So much fun
The doctors - Type of gang or family that everyone needs, supportive.

Music
Love, love and just love. Just wish they have a full soundtrack list and score. Would love to add in my spotify list.

Overall
8/10. Pretty sure will watch it over and over again after this cause I'll miss them.

Possible sequel - positive to say, its possible. For Pang-Tri-Riri perhaps. Maybe Mata & Penneung with Tee Ruk (their baby) too

Now, to those who is missing Matalada. I strongly recommend for you guys to watch Timeline. Also, prepare tissue 🥹

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Best portrayal of Opposites attract

If you question the concept of opposites attract in a relationship, watch this lakorn . You will probably find the best available answer to it.

The main lead charcaters are just so impressive and inspiring . Despite Penneung being pressuried to be the best always , he grew up to be an amazing individual and Mata being broughtup among people who are mostly prejudiced by society has a positive perspective towards life. They just complete each other perfectly .
Him bringing discipline into her life and she filling his days with positivity and love.

The second half of this lakorn is what impressed me the most, initial episodes had few complicated medical terms ,me being a math student felt they were difficult to comprehend and had to skip , at times i felt those scenes took up lot of screen time but ya the sweet and cute moments of the leads made up for it.

This is among those rare dramas which maintained my attention even after the leads got together. I found Mata a little childish and silly at first but later she grew extremely positive and mature after watching how she handled few uncomfortable situations.Story had a lot of elements in it like toxic relations, unaccepting parents, painful past, cheating partner, therapy, busy life, positivity. Usually all added in one would seem a little messed up , but this lakorn had them executed perfectly. JUST LOVED IT!!

Ending commeng : Would have enjoyed it even more had there been a different and clearcut ending for Trai

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A work of art in lakorns

it's a work of art in the lakorns. normally i only rate a series among the series in its country. but this is beyond all of them, everyone should watch it. you will surely find a piece of yourself. there are no bad characters in the series. but there are a lot of people and events that bother you, just like real life. so you get completely caught up in the flow.

I could talk about this series for hours.
All the actors did a great job. The chemistry between the couples was terrific. And the level of guest stars. You will be completely shocked. So I don't need to say anything more. Just go and watch it

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Favorite Thai Drama To Date!!!

This is an ongoing drama, so I haven't seen the end yet. But I felt compelled to write a review of this drama from what I've seen so far. The male lead is absolutely amazing! He's so adorable, and as the drama goes on, you can see the look of love in his eyes when he sees the female lead. He is green flags everywhere. I love how accepting he is of the female lead despite her crazy family and weird personality. I absolutely love it. The female lead, I absolutely love her too! She's adorable, kind, funny, and brings out more goodness in the male lead. She also gives him love that he never received while growing up. They are such a perfect match for each other.

The story line is impeccable. The cast is so well picked, and the characters are so funny! They just add to the story. If you are considering watching this, I definitely say, "GO FOR IT!" I can't wait to see how the story will end.

UPDATE:

I have officially finished the drama and let me tell you. This drama is worth watching. Most people say it's a slow burn romance, which... it is. But for me it didn't feel that way. It didn't feel that way because I was entertained the whole show. The main leads romance was cute and adorable, and I loved seeing how the ML fell first. Were there characters that got on my nerves? Sure. But there are always characters we don't like. I enjoyed pretty much the whole cast, and they did a splendid job with this drama. If you like romance with green flag main leads, which includes a cute and perky FL who helps the ML break out of his shell, with fun friends, coworkers, and family, this drama is definitely for you. Watch this drama, you won't regret it.

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Nice & Easy Watch

This lakorn proves that opposites attract each other.

I have started this drama when the subber first started subbing it, later on I completely forgot about & marathoned it in the last 2 weeks and completed the lakorn.

This lakorn has an amazing cast, not just James Ji , Toey, amazing veteran actors, guest stars including Louis Scott, Great, and many more we are familiar with from the other Thai lakorns.

Beyond this point, my review contains spoilers.


Mata & Pennung they are the opposite polar, Mata grew up in a more free household without anyone putting pressure on her, she has a gay father & lady boy auntie who she time to time calls ma, her mother & father is divorced, she has a half brother. Her dad owns a cabaret, she grew up with love, and she is surrounded with other lady boys & gays who works in her dad's cabaret.

Pennung , the only son of a motivational speaker author & speaker dad & former actress mother, his dad comes from an unprivileged background & wants the best for his son, he grew up in a strict household, where everything is planned for him.

His dad decides everything for him.

Ma is more weak, father is the dominant character.

"You can send your kids to best schools, give them the best, but you can not change their destiny or luck"

well I understand Pennung in away, my sister & I grew up in a family where everything was decided for us. (not to the extend like Pennung's dad picked Phaeng as his future wife), we had to study hard, no time for fun as if we had fun outside, we couldn't beat others to enter the best unis.

All work no fun.

if you think logically both Pennung's & Mata's family environment is not normal. (not a normal family) lucky enough that both grew up as normal healthy individuals

Not only Pennung, Mata weird family environment, we can also add Trai, Phaeng to this list.

James Ji, he still looks so cute, I wanted to stroke his hair at one point instead of Mata.

James Ji & Toey had a natural chemistry, and Toey fit into Mata perfectly.

There are some medical terms, some might find it difficult to understand.

I also liked Mata's best friend, everyone including her rooted their relationship from day 1, even when Mata & Pennung didn't know themselves they are in love, people around them supported them..

There's a bit of jealousy & problems but that is within the family of Pennung

No 3rd parties trying to break them apart, no crazy ex, no R

easy to watch and enjoy.

I don't think I'll rewatch it, I enjoyed it but I don't see a rewatch value.

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Frankly speaking, this is my first lakorn in 4 years, as the last one was 'My secret bride' (2019). 😬 I found this gem accidentally, as i scrolling netflix when i visited bangkok and boy oh boy, i got hooked right away. I thoroughly enjoy the story so far. I'm still hanging on ep 14, and seems, ep 15 upwards will be starting on full throttle. On neflix, it's a 21 eps drama. Not really sure why it's written as a 16 ep.

This lakorn, although it's dealing with such a "heavy sub-plots"--- the abusive and toxic relationship between parents and their children, the story was being delivered with the right amount of warm, tender, comedic,heart breaking and mind feeding phase.

The children is indeed the product of their parents. Their upbringing really become a big factor of how they were facing the world. Matalada being brought up with an immensed love of her dad and her adoptive mom and aunts, eventhough the world might see them as a band of misfit who defies of the social construct that the perfect family is consisted of a mom and a dad. But Mata grew up as the kind, loveable girl that she is. Although her dad was definately a product of a very toxic parent (partly the grandad), but he was able to raise his child in such loving environment and she is the epitome of walking sunshine💓

Purrim, oh, i just want to hug him close and pat him in the back, told him that he did great holding up, and he is enough and he can live all the way he wanted. He always live under his dad pressure for all his life, living the pre-programmed path that his control freak dad had been arranged. Although, prior meeting Mata, he already show some rebelious act toward his dad, but meeting Mata, is just like an icing on the cake, she became his big reason for him to live his life the way he wants with the one he loves! And how i love that his doctors' friend, beside the constant teasing from them, they also genuinely giving such a good and wise advices for him. He's indeed one lucky guy, to be surrounded by the right people whose wholeheartedly wanted the best of himself. Mata always gives him the assurance, the space, the calm, the anchor and helped him build his confidence back, brick by brick. Imagine, being as good, as smart as him, but he always felt insecure due to his venomous dad!

As for the other two: trai and paeng, are another example of the toxic parenting in a dim light. I felt them, empthatise with them too, hoping that they could stand up on their own and redeemed themselves for whatever "bad deeds" they might do in the later part.

And oh, how i love all the supporting roles here: they are the MSG! Often time the drama only make the supporting role as a filler, but here, everyone are lending their charms and make the entire drama as meaty and delighful to watch. From the dramatic aunties, the nosy and gossipy dr.purim's collegues, and of course, the furballs stars: Olive and the kiddos!

The other thing that i like about this drama, eventhough the cinematography is very "classic lakorn", there was no fancy "cinematography" or what so ever, but, it served just right. And the dialogue!! All the dialogue is very thorough, thoughful, deep and related. And i feel that i could learn alot from the single dialogue they have: there was not a wasted of line delivering there. Kudo's to the writer!

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Beautiful Drama of Romance, Family, Comedy and Healing. Brings me so much joy!!

Subjective Mood Rating: 9.0

“To the Moon and Back” is my last drama completed in 2023 and it’s a big surprise!! I was just browsing around trying to find a romance drama to end the year on a happy note, and stumbled upon this treasure. This is one of the very few Thai modern dramas that is not about fighting for inheritance or a company that I watched. Is this drama a masterpiece? Definitely not. But it brings me so much joy that emotionally, I just need to give this a high rating.

Main Romance:
Romance is what I was searching for and this doesn’t disappoint. This drama tells the story of opposites attract and it’s done so well. FL does take me a little to get used to since she’s so outgoing and talkative. ML is the quiet, reserved and repressed type. But they complement each other so well and bring out the best of each other. ML is patient and caring, while FL teaches him how to feel and understand his and others feelings. It does take them half a drama to be officially together but the cute scenes of them together starts from the very beginning. ML understands FL’s thoughts and actions (and clumsiness) so well, and FL is so in tuned with ML’s feelings. I love how she worried about his feelings after the surgery, when he tried to stay strong for her and didn’t say much. When he finally opened up and broke down, it pains me as well. I can’t help but smile whenever I see them together.

Auntie Grace
I am awarding FL’s dad the “Father/Mother of the Year” title. She experienced so much pain due to her sexual orientation but yet she taught FL to live with kindness. Auntie Grace raised a beautiful child and you can see that especially in the last ¼ of the drama and when FL has to face ML’s parents at the birthday party. The lessons taught in this drama by Auntie Grace should be taught to everyone. She also comforted ML and 2ML and allowed them room to breathe, to be themselves and to feel. I love Auntie Grace so much!!!

Family Relationships/Healing
A big part of the drama is spent on broken families and mending relationships. ML’s father is controlling and does not appreciate ML’s efforts. ML has been brought up not having a childhood and with feelings repressed. His mother is unable to support him and stand up for him. On the other hand, Auntie Grace’s father did not accept her new identity. There’s so much anger in me whenever I see these two fathers and how unreasonable they are. But of course, no one is a true villain. They both want what’s best for their child but are unable to communicate. FL is integral in mending both relationships and her persistent, kind and happy personality helps heal these relationships in the end. On the other hand, a smaller part of the drama is about 2ML and 2FL relationships with their families as well. No one comes from a ‘normal’ family.

Loving Non-traditional Family
They are loud, they are crazy and they are fun! That is FL’s family. A group of drag queens, transgendered and gay aunties that help raise FL. It does take me a little while to get used to how rowdy they are, but I love them! I love their fashion and always look forward to their outfits/costumes. I love all of their performances. I love how they always say they are “kind and pretty” because they truly are. They step in to help strangers, even those they might have a beef with at times.

Villains
Can’t really get away from evil parents in a Thai drama. They are not truly villains, but characters that have so much pain and jealousy in their hearts that they don’t know how to express them appropriately. Therefore, they cause our main leads a lot of pain and hassle. I hated seeing ML unable to fight back when he’s in front of his dad. I hate it when 2ML tries so hard but his mother just doesn’t get it. Do I find these villains irritating and want to punch them in their faces? Definitely. But I also know that they did not have a happy childhood or life. Luckily, FL’s family balances out the toxicity.


If you like Thai dramas, I definitely recommend “To The Moon and Back”. It is a great combo of romance + family + comedy + healing. In the end, it gives me such a warm and fuzzy feeling. This is in no way a perfect drama, but it brings me so much joy.



Other Random Observations:
1. FL is said to be the “hippie” and “Bohemian” type, does that mean she doesn’t wash her hair??
2. I love ML trying to learn how to braid hair.
3. Two handsome male leads with 6-packs. LOL
4. There’s some useful, simple medical advice for the general public.5.
5. Didn’t like ML’s acting in the early episodes, but he grew on me.
6. Pacing is decent, maybe a tiny slow in the middle. But that’s also probably because I binged 13 episodes in one sitting. LOL



Completed: 12/31/2023 - Review #389 (First review of 2024 and I still can't keep it short and succinct.)

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Where’s everyone.. ? This is a good drama !!!

This is so good.. start it.. don’t contemplate anymore.. where’s everybody… ? so many well done scenes in this Lakorn (Thai soap opera).. we’re seeing how characters are developing, the script is playing out.. from the one that feels caged to slowly taking charge of their happiness and Life, the parent slowly forgiving and accepting…. the challenges that lurk ahead.. (offcourse they’ll overcome all.. lol) ..

Love the plot, the dynamics, family, friendship, brewing romance, the pacing (sometimes slow paced is good.. doesn’t feel draggggged for me.. lol - the character developments is moving just right for me )..

It’s something to relax, watch and enjoy with some slice of life okay ..

P.s. I’ll update when done

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want a cute watch that will leave you slightly teary eyed this is the one for you

To the moon and back is a cute heart warming Thai drama with elements of serious topics concerning themes of prejudice, violence hate and love the drama is worth the watch because it presents these topics in a relatable and thought-provoking manner. The characters are well-written and their development throughout the drama is captivating. The chemistry between the actors is also undeniable, making the romantic aspect of the drama even more enjoyable to watch. Overall, To the Moon and Back offers a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and important social commentary, making it a must-watch for any drama fan.

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Engaging characters with Good Story

I have watched many of the ML dramas but in this one he is totally not the macho, domineering good looking male lead. Instead he is intelligent, thoughtful and respectful to others ( may have a little autism maybe). Even though you bite your tongue waiting for him to become more assertive with his parents -he finally is able to so while attempting to keep his relationship with parents. The FL is definitely sassy but has had her share of heartaches but she is neither mean or hateful because she’s got this large support system especially her transvestite “ mother” who teachers her to be the better person. I had a difficult time accepting the actor who plays her father in this role but I came to like his character. Give this Lakorn a chance. I like lakorns cause you get to feel as an audience member many emotions in just one episode- anger, frustration, laughter, pity, jealousy, etc. instead of special effects the actors and the story take you on a wild ride.

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Gosta de lakorn? Tem que assistir!

Matalada vai ganhar inúmeros prêmios e é merecedor. A ideia de diversidade, entendimento, aceitação, preconceito, amor romântico, amizade, redenção, erros e acertos foi bem construída, me deu vontade de assistir, pelo menos, mais uns dez episódios. É um lakorn solar. Jirayu e Toey são perfeitos no bom mocismo. Ryu é imenso na tela em sensualidade e faz um casal lindo com Amanda, é nítido que ele é uma estrela jovem em ascenção e amadureceu muito na atuação. O elenco maduro é inacreditável, com absoluto destaque para o núcleo familiar de Mata. Parece que todo o elenco foi escolhido com muita certeza, eram para estar ali, com aqueles personagens. Dá uma saudade desse lakorn, espero que tenha sequência. Porque até Olive, Pluto e Popeye estavam perfeitos.

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