Moon River (2015)

Moon River is not Boys Over Flowers but it sure is darn entertaining. The main lead, Ming Xao Xi is a martial artist who gets accepted to the prestigious college Gaung Yu University. There she encounters the cold but insanely popular and handsome Mu Liu Bing, Feng Che and Dong Hao Nan. Her existence shakes up the entire school and even the close friendships of the popular kids as she falls into a unique relationship with the leader of the trio. So while this plot sounds very similar to the Boys Over Flowers/Meteor Garden/Hana Yori Dango series, the show pulls in you and keeps you anticipating with laughs, cute romantic bits and the oh so bad drama-addict habit of clicking to the next episode right after finishing one. (You know that kind of habit...it's 1 O'clock in the morning; you've watched about 10 episodes in one setting; so you think to yourself just one more; and so you watch one more, but by the time you call it quits its sunrise?)

This drama has both its pro's and it's cons. The cons being the loops in the plot, the "unnecessary" drama and dare I say, the acting from the main leads who can sometimes come off as either annoying or "what is that face you're making!?" (Though I have to say I have to give Tseng Pets her cred for rocking that ugly bowlcut and old grandma getup/toe socks throughout the entire series while still acting out Xiao Xi in a way that was realistic and fun.)

The story starts off really well and builds nicely towards the romance. For all the romantic drama lovers, if you are like you me, (a crazy fool for cute romantic skinship and words) you will definitely enjoy the romance that takes off here. While the beginning and the romance makes for the beginnings of a good drama, the downfall comes near the end where you may or may not feel content with the ending.

While this drama doesn't exactly hit right out of the park, it is still a good watch and I'd recommend this show to anyone who is looking for something to watch. There is humor, romance and action all in one. This drama also shows the growth of Ming Xiao Xi as she tries to find her place in a new environment and adjust to the blissfulness and sourness of love. This isn't the type of drama you would take seriously, seeing as there are many similarities here with Boys Over Flowers, however what makes this series stands out is the main heroine Ming Xiao Xi and her great resilience to overcome different obstacles that occurs in her life and through her special relationship with the 3 princes of Gaung Yu.

Overall I give this drama an 8.0 for making me the crazy drama fangirl I am for skipping study sessions just to watch each episode as it was released. The music was excellent here (The Intro is hella addicting and the ending music is my most favorite song from this OST [Sung by Pets Tseng]]) and this is a drama I can say for certain you will want to re-watch.

Read More

Just completed Moon River. At first I had no interest in watching but after I read some comparisons to Boys over Flowers I had to give it a shot. Yes, there are many similarities to BOF and lots of the elements from their situations, characters and general story line. Did I enjoy it? Yes. At first the toe socks and hair was killing me on the main female lead but I later gave it up and just began to enjoy her uniqueness. The main male leads are cute and entertaining as well and I enjoyed watching their growth. The supporting cast (roommates, best friends, evil friends) etc. were good and each had their likes and dislikes. Some acting scenes were cringe worthy and just seemed blahh "come on what kind of acting is that." But after awhile you just accept it and move on. Lots of fun, funny, cute, life experiences bundled in this series. The ending; hmmmm though OK could have been way better and should have tied up lose ends on other couples. Did not care too much for the ending and think it could have gone the extra mile to wrap things up. Is it entertaining? Yes. Would I say it was better than BOF? Jury is still out. Both had their charms and differences. I think Moon River had less curve balls but was a bit more mature in certain situations. Couple of sweat moments. Not the greatest but definitely not the worst either. I think if you are a fan of BOF, Hana Yori Dango, Meteor Garden tv series etc. I think you would enjoy this type of series as well. It's all about entertainment anyway and the series was entertaining.

Read More