Moonlight Chicken – Series Review & Ending Explained

Jim owns Moonlight Chicken, a diner famous for its Hainanese chicken rice. The eatery, which opens until midnight, is popular among late-night patrons. Jim allows his customers to refill their dishes for free until they have full appetites. Although this novelty helps his restaurant stand out, it doesn't make him money. Between the pandemic and the higher living costs, Jim struggles to generate profits in his small business. Nonetheless, he seems determined to keep Moonlight Chicken running.

Jim is currently in his late thirties. Many people refer to him by his nickname, Uncle Jim. He's a single gay bachelor without any long-term partner. His friend, Gaipa, has an unrequited crush on him. Gaipa and his mother run a nearby chicken stall, which supplies the ingredients for Jim's restaurant. Despite their close working relationship, Jim has never expressed a romantic interest. Gaipa's mom worries about her son's happiness as he pines over the older man.

Jim lives with his teenage nephew Li Ming, who works part-time at the restaurant. Li Ming's mother, Jam, is Jim's older sister. Jam is pursuing her life elsewhere, leaving her son in her sibling's care. As Li Ming's guardian, Jim feels troubled by his nephew's rebellious behaviour. They often clash and don't get along. Li Ming's poor grades are a source of conflict. The teenager also has an independent streak and wants to travel abroad, but Jim disapproves. Recently, Li Ming befriends Heart, a deaf teenager with strict parents.

One night, Jim finds a drunken customer at his restaurant. This young man, Wen, has fallen into a dazed stupor. Jim wakes him up when his restaurant closes at midnight. Jim accompanies Wen, who's waiting for a ride from his friend. As the two men chat intimately, they discover a romantic spark. Their flirtation leads the pair to Jim's house, where they have a passionate one-night stand. They part ways the following day without knowing each other's names.

Wen has developed feelings after the romantic fling. He revisits the restaurant and tries to woo Jim. However, Jim isn't open to the idea of dating. He wants nothing more than hook-ups. Wen remains undeterred and finds ways to get involved in Jim's life, hoping to change his mind. Wen works for a corporation. Trouble arises when he discovers his company's latest project. There are plans to renovate old neighbourhoods, which includes demolishing Jim's beloved Moonlight Chicken.

Moonlight Chicken begins with a one-night stand. The leads quickly consummate their love, solidifying their physical attraction in the premiere. The storyteller deliberately removes sex from the equation to concentrate on emotional intimacy. Despite opening their bodies to each other, the characters are guarded about the secret wounds inside their hearts. Moonlight Chicken is riveting because it explores the couple's sensitive journey from trauma to healing. The complex relationship drama unfolds intriguingly.

I love the mature themes in Moonlight Chicken, which will appeal to an older demographic. This series explores weightier topics than your average BL drama, including disabilities, LGBTQ+ experiences, and socioeconomic status. The story often impresses me with astute social commentary and intelligent observations about how we lead our lives. Many of its sentimental messages align with my personal values. I want to champion Moonlight Chicken because it promotes compassion, empathy, generosity, tolerance, and other inspirational virtues.

My favourite part of Moonlight Chicken is the lead, Uncle Jim. He's a brilliantly flawed protagonist with many intricate layers. Jim struggles with trust issues, traditional thinking, a stubborn personality, and insecurities about his age. He conquers these mental burdens after meeting Wen, whose progressive views influence his love interest to change. I'm fascinated by Jim's personal growth throughout the series. In addition, his actor (Earth) handles the role confidently. He gives a nuanced performance, balancing the character's maturity with subtle vulnerability.

The leads share a comfortable chemistry, building upon their rapport since A Tale of Thousand Stars. I love their sultry gazes during romantic encounters. With that said, I'm not attached to Jim and Wen as a couple. Their romance ranks around mid-tier BL instead of an all-time classic. Also, Wen goes through a rough patch. His hostility toward Alan is unflattering and makes him less likable. Wen and Alan's angsty breakup melodrama is the weakest plot in Moonlight Chicken. The story hardly develops their romantic history, so I don't care if they separate.

The secondary couple is enjoyable. Li Ming & Heart's compelling teen romance hits all the right sentimental notes. I love their cute relationship scenes, highlighting the pair's emotional bond. Li Ming is also central to the best storylines in the series. From his stormy family dynamics to his dreams of working abroad, Li Ming is a sophisticated character with immense depth. His performer (Fourth) elevates the role with an authentic portrayal. Fourth is a teen prodigy. He has the looks, the charisma, and the acting skills, encompassing the quintessential traits of a superstar.

Moonlight Chicken crosses into the territory of cliched melodrama. Some events feel so theatrical that they can only happen in a fictional work, taking me out of immersion. Despite questioning several narrative choices, I still respect the thoughtful themes behind each storyline. I also enjoy the chic production values, from the stunning visuals to the glorious soundtrack. This series exudes a deeply romantic atmosphere. Overall, Moonlight Chicken is a well-made BL series. The poignant plots, talented actors, and stylish aesthetics resonate positively with me.