Till the End of the Moon (2023)

Draggy and a bit corny but...

The series started off at a good pace, where I found myself binging the first 10 or so episodes until the romance scenes began to drag on and then all of the scenes slowly disintegrated into long drags. The remaining episodes were completed through a heavy-hand of time skipping. But there is something to be said for the effort of even making it through to the last episode rather than just dropping it completely and it'll be easier to just highlight the negatives into a list:

- While the acting was average, there was enough chemistry with the ML and FL that the trials and tribulations of their romance will tug at your heart.
- The action scenes/CG effects started off okay and slowly deteriorated (even on the sound effects). And the number of times people will bleed from their mouths in the series has got to be record-breaking.
- They increasingly incorporated way too many flashback moments that only contributed to the drag.
- The plot also increasingly deteriorated with each time skip era.
- The characters started off well and then would bounce around between being out of character and then back into character for no naturally good reason.

However, despite all of the above, there was enough suspense of wanting to know how things end. Unfortunately, the ending was lackluster. The concept of the plot is really interesting and it's a shame they didn't do a better job with the series. It started off with so much potential. If they didn't spend so much time on the drags and focused on diving into the supporting characters and their character evolution, or if they put a little more effort into the details of the events unfolding instead of just jumping into it, or if the cut down on the repetitive romance scenes, it would have produced a far more well-rounded effect.

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Bittersweet personified

I've been wanting to watch this drama since I saw the recommendation for it in any articles that I searched for C-dramas to watch and heard some things about it like it didn't really hv a typical happy ending. I don't regret watching this at all. I just... relieved that it was not heartbreaking, much. Yes I wld recommend to please do watch it once. This drama was about kindness, love, loyalty, how selfless our main leads were and the sacrifices they made for the peace of the world.

ML, Tantai Jin or known as Cang Jiumin, Mingye and the Devil God. First as Tantai Jin, he was born with cold nature (bcs he was destined to be the Devil God) so he felt nothing but there was goodness in him. His life was very very hard coz he was the hostage prince at Sheng Kingdom so ppl there treated him like a dirt until he had enough of it. I think there was very important point from that drama that it is essential to be kind to others. When Prince Lin helped TTJ from his bullies as a kid, he took notice of Prince Lin and strived to copy his manners in hope that ppl wld like him. He was always hounded by the devil god spirit when he was feeling very low and cornered then at one point that spirit made him sucked a demon power to initiate him toward being evil. So far he only used that power to seek revenge against those devious people that treated him cruelly. Then somehow he succeeded to ascend the throne against his evil elder brother. Living the life he had, he was bound to be ruthless. As a king, even though he had demonic powers at his disposal, he was clever, perceptive, hard working and benevolent towards the citizen of Jing Kingdom. Next, Tantai Jin went back to a lifetime where he was Mingye, God Of The War, a totally different kind of man, he was very serious about his role to protect the realm. He got back and changed a bit hvg his tribulation in that life. Then, the next phase was him as Cang Jiumin. His temperament at this life was amazing, he was calm and became wise after experiencing so many things. Talking about his love life, all Tantai Jin ever wanted was someone to love him just as he was, loyal, to treat him kindly and to not betray him. So here came the new Ye Xiwu(Li Susu). She was there for him time after time and that melted his heart but there was still conflicts btwn two of them. He really really loves her that he was willing to forgive her big BIG mistake(it was a misunderstanding caused by others but he was also in the wrong). I really love that period of his love life when he was god of war where he was nursed back to health by Sangjiu(Li Susu) and the life at the cottage was so peaceful. I also love how he changed for the better as Cang Jiumin, he was so serious about winning her back bcs he really loves her and wanted to be with her forever T^T

FL, Li Susu or in other lifetimes known as Ye Xiwu and Sangjiu. She had a bit of a temper but she was passionate and determined to save the world. Tbh there were moments that she annoyed me so much.

Honorable mentions to the loyal assistant Nian Baiyu, the very kind and precious Prince Xiao Lin (never gongye jiwu coz he was annoying), the very dear Qingyu with his badass lady love Pian Ran. Ofc the unserious guy Pang Yizhi. The wise and kind sect leaders, Zhaoyou and Chief Qu.

Cons: the flow of the drama at some parts were a bit confusing, the editing too. I really don't like how they always wrote for Tantai Jin to fight the worse battles and made Li Susu came into the scene very late!

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-This review is still not finished-

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There is a small line betweeen god and devil...

Very well made drama. The story really has potential. Impressive acting, impressive portrayal of humiliation, lack of pride and the true hearts of common people. What is portrayed as ultimate evil is actually the most sincere, strong, loving and rational between heaven and hell. The strength of character and greatness, beyond all limits, of this god, this devil god, far surpasses all other gods. His love is purer than any other. All others are indeed ants in comparison, stupid, cruel and weak in character. Even Susu pales in the face of his greatness. In fact, she has always lacked sincerity and discernment. And in the end, he even destroyed himself, needlessly. Sin will always exist. Better to have someone to watch over it and transmute it if necessary. What a loss...

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Star-crossed lovers

I'll keep this short and major spoiler free, a little word of advice I can give is that if you want to leave this drama with a happy ending, end at episode 35, if you would like to see a tragic ending, watch till the end
All in all this is a very well acted story with intresting twists and turns, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to rewatch it since its a little bit predictable. I heard they cut down the episode length of it, which makes sense considering how slighly weird the editing can be at points. I think that its initial premise is good, but it unfortunatley fails to fully deliver after the halfway point. That doesn't mean its bad perse, but that it falls victim to the typical issues that plauge many c-dramas, misunderstandings for misunderstandings sake. Even when the characters are intelligent and could just clearly ask, they just don't because the writers need to prolong the story somehow.
The chemistry between the leads is good and is worth the watch, but the story can hold it back at points. Thats why i'm rating the plot 7 and the rewatch value 5, because while its very well produced, i can't ever imagine someone going through this again.
I already knew that it wouldn't be a happy ending, but I wasn't expecting it to have such a non-ending as it did. Like really? thats how you're going to make use of the final moments of the show?

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At the end it happened as it was predicted

Drama is so cool...

Videography, CGI, fights, songs are way too good... Trust me its a piece of art in the world of CGI....

The story was very predictable but it was refined and it pretty much have alot of things explained. The way they explained everything in full circle is very good.

It also have philosophical touch like both male and female lead were always not thinking straight but at some point they finally started to see the full reality and accept that they were both are loved specially the male lead changed alot. His acting was on point. And his smirk was very attractive. Fl also showed anger so well like her acting is something.

2nd male lead sacrifice in both lifes were so precious but in the end he messed up a little but still understandable but 2nd fl was so evil but she also become good at the end.

3rd leads were so pretty so cute and so innocent i can't believe they will perform this good.

But china is above and beyond with CGI. I have seen good dramas with bad CGI so it was a refreshment.

Btw ML not only got tortured but also got sedated and Ra**ed by FL. And u can't change my mind ?.

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Similar to Love Between a Fairy and a Devil but falls short of matching its greatness

Luo Yunxi was compelling as Tantai Jin/Devil God, cold, cunning and aloof, yet deep down having a desire to feel and understand emotions. He went through hell “killing” his mother during child birth, being hated and abandoned by his father, only to be betrayed by those whom he thought cared for him most, then cruelly bullied throughout his childhood and early adult years. It could be understood why he embraced the darkness within and chose to destroy the world considering the viciousness he’d experienced within it. Then he met the *new* Ye Xiwu. She defended and protected him. She showed him kindness and taught him love. She challenged and angered him, but she always came back to him - ultimately changing him for the better.

Though the show explored an interesting journey of war, politics, love and layers of past/future lives/identifies of our leads and the supporting characters, the show fell short with the love story which was ultimately driving the overall arc on the show. It was clear that Tantai deeply loved Ye Xiwu. Not only did he tell her, he showed her in his actions. Ironically though Ye Xiwu did many things that would be deemed as loving for Tantai, her feelings were always questionable because her actions were direct by her mission. In the end I did believe she truly cared for him but the show took too long to make this clear.

The past/future/present lives of the characters gave wonderful insight, especially the past, into why these people became who they were. However, I found I enjoyed the present storyline the most when they were in the Kingdom of Sheng, especially when it came to the love story. There was a sexy flintiness between the leads that worked so well and I could see the cold walls crumbling within Tantai. I liked seeing the connection building between them string by string. The special effects were outstanding but the show never used that grandness to create epic and unforgettable moments, which I think it should’ve had considering the content. The only moment that came close to being epic was when Tantai killed Yue Yingxin and jumped off the boat into the river. It was such an unexpected moment that was well acted and written.

One thing that annoyed me about the show was the FL going to bed in gowns she’s worn all day, dangling earrings and elaborate head dresses. No way was she getting sleep with all that stuff on. lol.

The acting was great in this. The leads had really good chemistry. When their character got serious and close there was a heat between them that II wish we’d seen more of. The story was good, not great. The ending hurt and the very last scene was bizarre, but overall this was worth watching.

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Give it a go wouldn't disappoint you

As someone who has watched a few dramas with fantasy elements, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike some other shows where fantastical elements can feel forced or excessive, "Till The End Of The Moon" struck the right balance. The storyline was coherent, and the fantasy elements seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

The acting was a highlight. Many of the actors were familiar faces from previous series, and their performances were commendable. Their talent brought the characters to life, making it easy to connect with the story.

However, there was one aspect that left me slightly dissatisfied: Tai Tai Jin's ending. As the main character, he deserved a more fulfilling resolution. Despite his efforts, he didn't achieve as much as I hoped. This portrayal of life's unfairness lingered with me, even though I know it's not the whole truth.

In summary, the drama is definitely worth watching. The intriguing plot, strong acting, and balanced fantasy elements make it an enjoyable experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from start to finish.

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Great graphics, great act, but unsatisfying end

We can see tremendous amount of money spent all over this drama. The visual effects and costumes were fabulous.

I was highly anticipated this drama because Luo Yunxi, Bai Lu, and the teaser looked promising. Sadly, i was a bit disappointed.

Both lead had great acting skill & top notch chemistry that we expected in a twisted couple.
I think of all the supporting roles, I would say Ye Bingchang delivered the best play.

Now, the bad part:
1. Story plot were "untidy".
I had to watched almost 4-5 episodes just for story gave explanation about things, which some of it could be done in a short time of one episode. So, the writing were ineffective.

2. To much complicated love story.
Yet the side love stories were not interesting enough to be watched. Waste of time.

3. Problems keep on coming.
Yet, the story was ended abruptly & unsatisfying. The final episode showed the lead had a daughter from her husband but that was that. How could a love story that ran through thousand of years ended so lightly that it felt abandoned by the writer?
It felt like this drama wanted to show that the good people do not deserve happiness in their lifetime. Seemed like the producer wanted to play God by making everyone miserable at first then in the end no one would get a really sweet & happy life.

I have a suggestion for producer like this: if you want to play God, don't make drama!
People already knew what real life is, so next time you really want to make a drama, give the suffering people a lot of happy moments too! That what drama is for, to entertain people hearts, not make them desperate!

4. The motion songs were not catchy enough by nowadays drama OST standard.
Sounds like song from old classic drama remade to modern song.
I thought Zhang Bichen & Liu Yuning were guaranteed for great motion songs, turned out it were not.

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Magical, Mesmerizing and Lovely

Trust me, I had a craving for historical, fantasy drama but most of them are either cringe or the story is quite a cliche. I kind of cannot watch a basic, bland, repetitive story without interesting spices and I think this serves the purpose. This one's really different. The acting, the visuals, and the CGI was beautiful and captivating. I think one can give it a watch, I felt it was worth my time because I loved the scenery and the Chinese culture. The gestures depicted and the aspects of love were good. Throughout the episodes, there were many scenes that felt not really align with the concept that began with predictive. However, it's fine to stick out till the end. Also, while watching I did skip the dream episodes (13-17) which serve less purpose and read summaries to save time, and I felt the concept was repeating itself in those eps (you can watch though for the romance). So I'd recommend watching it at 1.5x and slowing down on the romantic moments between FL and ML because they do NOT disappoint.
Find all the episodes on YT. The makeup was average but the CGI was real and shot well. I loved the costumes. The side characters although they live for the lead romance some side stories were engrossing to watch.
In short, there are 3 realms (immortals, mortal humans and demons). The devil god (ML) purpose is to bring chaos and the FL is the chosen one to avoid him from reaching the ultimate potential so she goes back in time to reverse the fate. Love is the key, to do so.
The ending was okay. So it personally didn't leave me empty-hearted because I was happy with the romantic scenes that the leads shared. This drama also inclined a lot towards the battle of fighting for love and spans 1000 years. Again evil misunderstandings always find a way to mess up this dynamic. But I felt the few twists were good so try it out!

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