Love Under the Full Moon (2021)

Great premise. Poor execution

I enjoy stories that explore multiple timelines, with sci-fi and even a love story thrown in. So when I read the synopsis for this show along with seeing the starring actors I thought this might be pretty good.

It started off strong, with what appeared to be a mysterious chase through a snowy forest only for the protagonist who looked to be trying to escape some threat strangely appearing in a world 10 years into the future. When this happened I thought now things are about to get really interesting. Only for the story to completely stall out in an effort to build a romantic rapport between the leads.

First off, though the situation was strange and understandably difficult for the leads to wrap their heads around what exactly was happening, it didn’t make sense that the very intelligent AI which could solve very complex problems couldn’t make the very simple deduction, based on the sum of all the events, that the anomaly of the FL showing up the way she did was connected to the Super Moon. But I gave that a pass. Then the ML allowed the FL to stay in his home for what appeared to be weeks, knowing that she had amnesia, claiming he was going to help her find her family, but his only attempt to help her do that was take her around the city.

He didn’t bother to take her to a doctor, who may be able to help her or look up missing persons cases. He just took her shopping and to different locations around the city. Hoping something would jog her memories. Ok. So the writers were killing time in an attempt to build a strong foundation for an eventual romantic pairing between the leads. Again, I let it ride. Then this guy from the FL’s previously life, decides to ask her parents to close the book on their missing daughter so that he can be free to move on with his life. I’m thinking because they were engaged to be married or maybe even were married. But nope, they were just dating. So why the need for the parents to let go so that he can move on with his life? Then he proceeds to do a live stream of a memorial service he’s orchestrated, without the parents consent, to declare his GIRLFRIEND dead. Again why? She was only his girlfriend. No one would begrudge him moving on with his life after she’d been missing for 10 years. I again suspended disbelief.

However, when the FL finally found out her name and pretty much had no interest in vigorously pursuing her past and who she was, I was too done. Instead she was more interested in making googly eyes at the ML. Sigh. Then wasting time on nonsense like opening dessert stores and avoiding her parents for reasons that were deemed legitimate but could’ve easily been overcome with a little creative thinking. But the writers wanted to stall the story and create unnecessary “angst” and “drama” for the FL. This show had an interesting premise, but unfortunately spent way too much time on the boring stuff and storylines that didn’t make sense but were forced on the audience to create the narrative the writers wanted , a love story at all cost, even if the story in which the love story grew made no sense.

The actors did the best they could with the material, but that was about it. I wouldn’t recommend not even wasting your time watching. There are many other love stories with a sci-fi twist out there, that does a much better job with execution than this series.

Read More

Maybe not be a master piece, but still entertaining to watch..

First few episodes were challenging to watch. Tried to watch the series maybe two or three times. At first I was not successful, I was a little bored. Then I pushed through, glad that I did.

As the story progress, the characters developed beautifully. At first, I thought there's no chemistry between ML and FL. Secondary characters became interesting too.

Story wise, its more of a RomCom than a SciFi and very light drama. It didnt make me cry but it gave me a little laugh here and there.

The mad scientist bothered me, for me its a hole on the plot. He's just there, a villain. Then he's just suddenly gone, no followup.

The ending was a happy one although a bit complicated for the lead characters. For people like me who loves happy ending, this is a good watch

Read More

Cherish your loved ones while they're there

I was hooked throughout and liked how they dealt with the time travel. I never like amnesia tropes but this was an exception. Everything comes full circle. There were even moments that brought tears to my eyes. You never know when your loved ones may disappear which is why you must cherish them. Both the FL and ML are two sides to this, one who disappeared and one who had someone disappear. And if you don't cherish your loved one, they may end up like the SML or you'll regret it for life like the ML.

Chu Xia and Xiao Dong are adorable together with a healthy slow burn relationship. I loved all of the FL's outfits and hairstyles. She made every scene a visual. I really enjoyed both the lead's personalities. The ML's approach in romance was admirable. People love him for him because he didn't flaunt what he has. Although the FL doesn't seem like it at first, she doesn't want to be burdensome and tends to keep quiet even to her own detriment. Some may find it annoying but I find it very relatable.

The SML was a formidable antagonist yet relatable. I will say though, I find it odd that many characters believe in the time travel story without much resistance. And I do think they could have done the FL's character better as she has made some decisions I don't think any real person would do because of how brainless they are. The realism is not reliable in this drama, especially what happens with the SML at the end. Overall, it was a fun ride if you look past that aspect.

I personally like the ending. It had a hint of tragicness to it, but all is well that ends well. It was definitely a win for all in a way that you would not expect.

SPOILERS OF WHAT I DID NOT LIKE (AKA not well written character decisions):

I was facepalming when the FL pretended like the SML didn't just reveal her identity to her parents without her consent and continued to talk to him like nothing happened, or when she believed in the SML's biggest lie about her involvement with the patent without a second thought despite how she knows he's been lying to her this entire time (although I will give her the benefit of the doubt because of the photographs, but I still think she should have at least questioned it since he's an unreliable source), or how she literally did nothing but stare at a clock when she went back in time and finally had the chance to spend time with her parents, time not well spent. She was also slow on the uptake about how her past in 2011 was her future self going back in time. She should have known immediately when she was recreating the photographs and her flashbacks in the forest. They really did her character dirty.

I hate the SML but I love the concept of his character. He wasn't cherished by his loved ones and it turned him into someone who will do anything for it. I know that he wants his father's love but considering how stubborn he is, I find it hard to believe that he would just give up that easily after all the grievances his father gave him up until that point at the first sign of a loving parental relationship or just because the FL said so with her line about his future self telling her to stop him no matter what. I still very much enjoyed everything, I just have to look past the unrealistic parts

Read More

Only fools can watch this

After watching this I got confused whether this drama director is brainless, foolish and immature or he taught viewers of this drama.
I don’t with which brainless peoples he has discussed this story and direction. Even a 10th grade failed student also can do a better job than this.
In all Chinese dramas irrespective of the story the ML and FL has same default character, ML revolves around FL like she is the only girl left in this planet and FL is dumb and brainless.
The main reason I watched this drama because of FL, she looks cute and my first drama of her.

Read More

This was a very cute story! This is also another storyline you can't be skipping episodes or you will miss what this story is about. I won't comment on each actor/actress in this storyline but know that all the main leads were awesome. The storyline was actually very peculiar but loved it. I wished they had more time on the last episode. The visuals and I do want to mention the costume design of the outfits that the first main lead actress was wearing. They were all cute. That black and white outfit she had was excellently made. The song they played over and over in this drama, almost put me to sleep, it's not a bad song but I will love hearing it while beginning my sleep at night. Please enjoy.

Read More

What If love can transcend time

This was a solid series. It left a lot to be imagined in the end. However, it was interesting how science, fantasy and a little romance was weaved together. All in all, the cast was solid. The OST was okay. The chemistry between the leads was more endearing than swoon worthy. The storyline was interesting with different twists that were relatable. The love interests or challenges weren't draggy or dramatic. There wasn't much trauma hints throughout which was a relief. This was more so a 'What If' series that didn't take itself too seriously. If you want to watch a series with a push and pull for power with a fantasy element that leaves a romance connection hopeful this would be a good fit.

Read More

One of the best cdramas of 2021 but ending could have been better

Love under the full moon is one of the best cdrama's I watched in 2021. Unlike your typical cdramas, with male lead being super rich CEO and female lead is poor and is naive and gullible, this drama is completely different. Watching this felt like I was watching Kdramas. From shooting quality to Ju Jianyi's dressing everything had Kdrama vibe. What I really liked about this drama is that it touched the time travel genre which we could only see in Kdramas. It is only 24 episodes which I think is really good because watching 40 episodes is frustrating. Not gonna lie but Merxat acted damn well as villain, saw him as God Ming but he did really good job here.

Talking about Ji Jianyi, she is really beautiful and unlike typical cdrama actresses, she is not naive and dumb. Watched this Drama alongside Dali and the Cocky prince. Ji Jianyi wore really fancy dresses like kdrama actresses and had the vibe as the main female lead of the drama. There is no cheesy kisses or tons of romance here which is why it felt better than most of the typical cdramas. Both lead actors and second leads acted really good, the story was good and this was a high budgeted drama. ML was super rich more than many Cdramas CEOs but he did not show off with sports cars or expensive phones.

The things that could have been better is that the connection between main leads was not upto the mark and could have been better. Like if you watch Dali and the cocky prince you would understand what I am trying to mean. Ju Jianyi and the ml should have been a little bit more matured with their acting, I would say that It will hopefully improve as she earns more experience. Like she should have felt more sadder and should have cried when she discovers she could never go back to having same relationship with the ml again.

Also the writer should have studied more about time travelling, butterfly effect and time paradox theories before writing this drama. Because Ji Jianyi saving the father in the end when he was always meant to die will cause a butterfly effect, meaning the whole future of ML changed. He would never become winter now and the things he achieved or people he knew everything will be gone. Plus her time travelling theory didn't make sense, she was murdered by her ex that day and even if she returns back to 2011 she should be death as she no longer exist. But she revert backs to the day before in her bed which didn't make sense.

Now coming to the thing that made me rate this drama from 9.5 to 8.5 is the ending. The ending I feel could have been better. It was sort of an open ended ending. I believe it's due to making season 2 of the drama. What I feel could be a better ending is that they got married that day, had kids and then 13 years passed, it's now 2034 when moon will again change gravitational force of the earth, they could have shown the window kissing scene during that moment and could have ended well. Or, Ji Jianyi didn't change the past, this means the memories of the ml will not disappear as he will stay the same person and she could have arrived in wedding dress in that time period of herself. But then again I think the ending was like to make season 2.

Read More

Cute Fluff, Angst, Mystery and Fantasy

What I liked about the show:

I really love the story. I watched this drama with the only expectation of fluff and a bit of mystery.
The best thing about this drama I think was the writing. I love the plot and I'm shocked that there is a fantasy element in a modern drama (wasn't it supposed to be banned?). Every episode got me hooked and wanting more. They pulled me into the mystery of the drama. I wasn't expecting something complicated and this suited my mood

Some things were quite obvious *cough the ML's Chinese name* but I love it. The ending was perfect for the drama, and that was how I envisioned it.

Another thing I really liked were the kissing scenes between Shen Yao and Yalkun Merxat. They were so hot. looooool.


The negatives:

Acting:
Some of the acting was a bit unnatural. The FL was on point most of the time - but sometimes her speech delivery felt unnatural (maybe it was dubbed?). Her expressions were fine. I felt that a few others were a bit unnatural for a few scenes - Qin Yue (played Shen Yao), Jin Xiao Rui (played by Zheng Fan Xing) and some of the minor roles.

Wei Xuan He
He's so toxic and I felt that Qin Yue really needed to get away from him. But he's so hottttt xD

Overall I would recommend this drama. It was addictive and not too complicated. The acting could have been better, but it was serviceable.

lol I probably enjoy it because I'm not a programmer - this drama might drive programmers nuts with drama magic. xD

Read More

Interesting Scientific Plot That Wasn't Executed As Well As It Could Have

I was anticipating this drama because of all Ju Jing Yi, Zheng Ye Cheng, and Merxat. I fell in love with Merxat and Ju Jing Yi from The Legend of Yunxi (TLoY). The last couple of eps (TLoY) where Merxat was crying really moved me. From that moment on, I wanted to see him acting in lead roles as I felt like he had great potential. Although this is Merxat and JJY's 3rd collaboration, he still doesn't get the girl lol (at least he was with her in the beginning for this one though). I liked Zheng Ye Cheng when I watched An Oriental Odyssey. So all 3 of them being in this drama was a win for me!

I wasn't expecting much substance for the plot because it is an idol drama, but I really couldn't help but scroll through my phone while watching this show (which I never do if the drama is interesting). There were quite a few plot holes regarding the bracelet and its control of the magnetic field around the FL. It's a shame because the entire scientific premise had potential. I thought it was interesting that they dealt with alternate parallel timelines and the seemingly unsolvable issues which made it seem steeped in reality since I hate it when everything just works out so easily. On that count, this drama was great for me. If only they executed it better, this could've been a real winner! Another advantage is that this drama is 24 eps! That's like a mini-series in C-drama land - so rare! I hate it when dramas drag out the plot for no apparent reason so this length is just about right (although rushed endings are characteristic of short dramas which is a disadvantage). Also, I was pissed when ZYC just handed WXH his game. I was expecting him to have some sort of contingency plan like when he placed a bug in his superior's app to sabotage it if his superior (from YYT) went back on his word. But no, he just let WXH have his gaming account and let him wreak all sorts of havoc. Seriously disappointed in the script there.
Special shoutout to the super adorable YYT superior though (I think he was called Sui ge?)! He was annoying, but so loveable!

Although I've seen comments about the leads' acting, I don't really see any huge issue. There was nothing cringey at all. In my opinion, I think this drama had JJY and ZYC acting the most like themselves than any other drama they've been in. I liked that they used their original voices too. The chemistry may be lacking a little (i.e. it wasn't overwhelming), but they had some! The beginning was a little weird though. For someone who was essentially a recluse, I found it odd how quickly he accepted the FL's teleporting "problem" even though he couldn't witness it for himself since he's the one she's "connected" to. One second they were at each other's throats and the next, they're flat mates??? She sounded pretty cuckoo to me when she was explaining her situation, but I guess he's seen weirder stuff. Additionally, the main leads' relationship was pretty ambiguous to me. I didn't really know when they began. They just seemed like they were flirting out of mutual attraction and then suddenly the show goes "Oh btw they got together sometime between the last scene and this one, just accept it". Or maybe there was a starting point, but I don't remember? Maybe it wasn't memorable enough. Side note: JJY and ZYC are adorable as a crime-fighting duo!

Merxat did great as the SML. Hated his character (murderer, plagiarizes, treats women like shit, lives off the misfortune of others, etc.) but love the actor! He acted really well in this role! Someone give him a ML role! I was really surprised that they gave a villain this much screentime in an idol drama. Besides his character flaws, I had a problem with how quickly he turned "good". Didn't make sense to me whatsoever. Suddenly his childhood trauma and sense of self-worth (or lack thereof) that hinged from his dad's approval of him was erased with one phrase from the FL? If only reality worked that way too, that'd be less people needing therapy lol. Really though, here's some applause for you, Merxat *claps enthusiastically*.

I was quite exasperated with Qin Yue. Girl, I know you love him, but have some self-worth and LEAVE! She started doing crazy things out of desperation because she felt like she was losing her bf to the FL. Please wake up, he was already ghosting you before she (re)appeared. No idea how she thought being an expert at waiting for her bf was some superpower - that's a serious relationship red flag! I also didn't like how she stood by his side all the way until the end, but I guess that's dedication. If he really changed, then good for them! At least she had some semblance of a character redemption arc and didn't have an unfortunate ending.

The only time I cried during this drama was the last episode during the video JJY left for ZYC. I liked JJY's acting there - it was just right. It really was sad. Again, sudden ending, but whatever, it is what it is. The fact that this drama made me cry has increased its worth in my eyes.

Overall, this drama was okay. Not bad, but not great. It started with potential, but didn't really live up to it. I was annoyed/frustrated a lot during this drama and bored at times (enough that I skipped a bunch of scenes). There weren't really any memorable characters, but there were a few hilarious moments (cue the bear costume). Usually I know it's a good drama if I still think about it after I've finished the series, but I forgot about this one pretty quickly. I'd recommend this drama if you want something lighthearted (don't think too much about the plot) and fresh (scientific time-loop plot with realistic consequences), but this is a one-time watch for me.

Read More

Surprisingly good

I tend to avoid Chinese sci fi thrillers as they are usually full of plot holes and poorly researched so was pleasantly surprised by how well written the script was for this one. Feynman's theory on time loop was woven into the final decision Lei Chu Xia made not to reunite with Xiao Dong ten years later as every time she comes back, she will inevitably harm Xiao Dong no matter how much she try to change the past. Its a bitter sweet decision - I am not a fan of Ju Jing Yi but she managed to make me cry when she taped her final goodbye to Xiao Dong.
Zheng Ye Cheng has proven again how versatile a actor he is - for this role, he fitted so well into the character of Xiao Dong and I have forgotten how charming he was as the fierce soldier he was in the Sleepless Princess nor the gay, clueless boy in Love OXO.
Could this better? Ju Jing Yi needs to move away from the styling she seems to favors - heavy eye makeup on white flawless complexion and way too much accessories. The dangly bits made her look ridiculous in Rebirth for you and same thing here, the bejeweled headband and how can one look away from the Chanel ear rings LOL.
All in all, the suspense in this drama was on point, 24 episodes just nice without too much wasted on unnecessary boring side characters. Poor Merxat needs a break - he is awesome in this drama and he needs to have a drama when he will get Ju Jing Yi.

Read More

Parts about the past frustrating

Overall I enjoyed this drama. The acting was excellent, the pacing and plot well done. My only cmplaint was that because they wanted to portray past events as unchangeable, the FL acts dumb in the past when she's trying to change it. She doesn't tell anyone around her what's going on. She doesn't speak up at the press conference, at the company, nor when she talks to the ML's dad on the phone. Just saying "I've got the proof!" would have changed the past. Heck even if she didn't before, she could have told his dad to meet her at the hospital to get the proof. Voila dad is saved, or just call an ambulance on the way to the park to meet him, or when he's dying on the ground perform cpr instead of leaving!!

Read More