What Is Over the Moon About?
The premise of Over the Moon in 345 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a moonlit village where folklore drifts through the lantern‑lit streets, a young dreamer clings to the ancient tale of the Moon goddess Chang’e. The story of her immortal ascent and eternal love fuels the imagination of Fei Fei, a bright‑eyed girl whose world is painted in the soft glow of mooncakes, fireworks, and the whispers of old myths. The film opens with the warm bustle of the Moon Festival, a celebration that feels both intimate and otherworldly, setting a tone that blends heartfelt wonder with the gentle humor of everyday family life.
Fei Fei lives in a home still echoing with the love of a mother now gone, a loss softened only by a white rabbit named Bungee left as a tender parting gift. Her father, busy with his own grief, is on the cusp of a new chapter, bringing a lively eight‑year‑old boy, Chin, into the household. Their dynamic is a delicate dance of adjustment—Fei Fei’s fierce independence meets Chin’s curious optimism, while the subtle presence of their future step‑mother, Ms. Zhong, adds a layer of quiet anticipation to the family’s rhythm.
Fuelled by a blend of grief, hope, and unshakable belief, Fei Fei conceives an audacious plan: to build a rocket shaped like a rabbit lantern and launch herself toward the Moon, hoping to prove that Chang’e truly exists. The project becomes a collective adventure, a testament to youthful ingenuity and the power of imagination. As tinkering tools clink and fireworks simmer, the story swells with a sense of limitless possibility, inviting viewers to wonder what lies beyond the familiar horizon.
The film’s visual palette bursts with vibrant reds and silvery blues, echoing the duality of earthly roots and celestial dreams. Its tone balances the bittersweet echo of loss with the buoyant thrill of discovery, creating a world where belief feels as tangible as the moonlight itself. Through Fei Fei’s eyes, the audience is invited to embark on a journey that celebrates the magic of myths, the resilience of family, and the boundless courage of a child daring to chase the impossible.
What Happens in Over the Moon?
The complete story of Over the Moon, from the first scene to the last, in 654 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
A young girl named Fei Fei is captivated by the legend of the Moon goddess Chang’e, who took a potion for immortality and, as a result, ascended to the Moon to wait for her beloved Houyi. As the annual Moon Festival approaches, Fei Fei, at the tender age of seven, along with her family, prepares mooncakes for the village. Life takes a tragic turn when her mother falls ill and gifts her a white rabbit named Bungee before passing away, leaving a profound impact on the young girl’s heart.
Fast forward to Fei Fei at age thirteen; she clings to her belief in Chang’e even four years after her mother’s death. However, she is disheartened to discover her father is engaged to Ms. Zhong, which complicates her emotions further as she has to deal with Ms. Zhong’s lively eight-year-old son, Chin, and his pet frog. During the Moon Festival celebration, memories of her mother flood back, triggering a spark of inspiration as she decides to construct a rocket shaped like a rabbit lantern, intending to journey to the Moon to prove that Chang’e truly exists.
With her ambitious spirit and a design powered by fireworks, Fei Fei’s rocket nearly achieves lift-off until she realizes that Chin has secretly tagged along, resulting in their imminent crash to Earth. Out of the blue, they are whisked away by a mystical beam of energy and land on the enchanting Moon, where they are soon rescued by two friendly winged foo dogs and taken to Lunaria.
Upon arrival, they meet Chang’e and her fabulous backup dancers, the Lunettes. Chang’e reveals to Fei Fei that she was expected to bring a special gift to reunite her with Houyi. Fei Fei, eager to capture proof of Chang’e’s existence, takes a photo with her, but in an unexpected twist, Chang’e snatches the photo away and insists on receiving the mysterious gift. Confused and frustrated, Fei Fei is determined to uncover what this gift could be.
Feeling disgruntled with Chin, she ventures off on her own, hitching a ride with the Biker Chicks towards the crash site. Meanwhile, Chin encounters some Lunettes and gets taken captive by Chang’e, who challenges him to a game of ping pong for the gift’s location. To everyone’s surprise, Chin triumphs, yet Chang’e’s sorrow over her lost love creates further turmoil as she laments that she may never see Houyi again.
While Chin is imprisoned, Bungee follows the Jade Rabbit into Chang’e’s domain. As Fei Fei continues her quest, she meets Gobi, an exiled Lunarian who helps her navigate the complexities of Lunaria. In a series of unfortunate events, Fei Fei discovers her Chang’e doll has been damaged by the Biker Chicks, but she eventually stumbles upon a broken half of a jade circle within one of her mooncakes—an object mirroring what Chang’e wears, which leads her to the realization that this is indeed the coveted gift.
With Gobi’s assistance, she reunites with Chin and Bungee, and together they present the broken jade circle to Chang’e, who reconstructs it into a full circle. Briefly reunited with Houyi, Chang’e faces the painful truth that accepting the past is crucial; as he encourages her to move on, she falls into despair, shrouding Lunaria in darkness.
In a heartfelt moment, Fei Fei and Chang’e bond over their shared grief, and they inspire each other to embrace the love surrounding them, ultimately restoring light to Lunaria. A grateful Chang’e grants Fei Fei and Chin safe passage back, while Bungee decides to stay on the Moon with the Jade Rabbit. As Fei Fei returns home, she learns to welcome her father’s marriage to Ms. Zhong and grow fond of her new step-brother Chin.
Fast forward a year, and Fei Fei, now fourteen, embraces her new life happily. During the Moon Festival, she sits with her father, gazes at the Moon, and watches as cranes ascend towards it, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
Over the Moon Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Fei Fei's Introduction to Chang'e” to “New Beginnings”. 7 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Fei Fei's Introduction to Chang'e
At a young age, Fei Fei becomes enchanted by the legendary tale of the Moon goddess, Chang'e, who sacrificed her life for love by taking an immortality potion. This fascination sets the foundation for her journey and unwavering belief in Chang'e's existence.
When:At age 7
- 2
The Loss of Her Mother
Fei Fei's life takes a tragic turn when her mother falls ill, leading to her untimely death. Before passing, she gifts Fei Fei a white rabbit named Bungee, leaving a significant emotional scar that shapes Fei Fei's character and motivations throughout the story.
When:Shortly after age 7
- 3
Confronting Change
Now thirteen, Fei Fei struggles to cope with her father's engagement to Ms. Zhong, which complicates her feelings and challenges her memories of her mother. This situation is further intensified by the presence of Ms. Zhong's son, Chin, who is only eight years old and a source of annoyance for Fei Fei.
When:At age 13
- 4
The Moon Festival Preparation
As the annual Moon Festival approaches, Fei Fei is reminded of her mother's legacy as they prepare traditional mooncakes. This nostalgic atmosphere inspires her to build a rocket shaped like a rabbit lantern with hopes of proving Chang'e's existence.
When:During the Moon Festival
- 5
Rocket Launch
With her fiery ambition, Fei Fei constructs her rocket, and using fireworks as propulsion, she nearly achieves lift-off. However, she discovers Chin has hidden aboard, causing chaos and fear as they face an impending crash.
- 6
Arrival on the Moon
Fei Fei and Chin find themselves transported to the Moon by a mystical beam of energy after their rocket malfunction. They are met by friendly winged foo dogs who rescue them, marking the beginning of their extraordinary adventure in Lunaria.
Where:Lunaria
- 7
Meeting Chang'e
Upon exploring Lunaria, Fei Fei and Chin have their first encounter with Chang'e and her glamorous backup dancers, the Lunettes. Chang'e emphasizes that Fei Fei must bring a special gift to truly reunite her with her beloved Houyi, adding to the stakes of Fei Fei's quest.
Where:Lunaria
- 8
The Quest for the Gift
Motivated to uncover the mysterious gift that will unite Chang'e and Houyi, Fei Fei sets off on her own after feeling annoyed by Chin. Meanwhile, Chin faces his own trials as he is captured by Chang'e and must compete in a ping pong game to reveal the gift's location.
Where:Lunaria
- 9
Discovery of the Broken Jade Circle
While navigating the challenges of Lunaria, Fei Fei stumbles upon a half-broken jade circle within a mooncake, realizing it resembles the item worn by Chang'e. This discovery gives her hope as it is potentially the special gift needed to help Chang'e.
Where:Lunaria
- 10
Reunification and Loss
With the help of Gobi, Fei Fei reunites with Chin and Bungee and presents the broken jade circle to Chang'e. Though Chang'e is temporarily reunited with Houyi, the joy is short-lived as she is faced with the bittersweet reality of needing to move on from her past.
Where:Lunaria
Show the other 4 events of Over the Moon Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Bonding Through Grief
In a poignant moment, Fei Fei and Chang'e share their grief over their lost loved ones. This emotional connection empowers them to accept their pasts, illuminating Lunaria and restoring hope and warmth to their surroundings.
Where:Lunaria
- 12
Return to Earth
Grateful for the connection formed, Chang'e grants Fei Fei and Chin a safe passage back to Earth. Meanwhile, Bungee chooses to stay on the Moon with the Jade Rabbit, symbolizing the changes Fei Fei must now embrace in her life.
Where:From Lunaria to Earth
- 13
Embracing Changes
Returning home, Fei Fei begins to accept her father's marriage to Ms. Zhong and grows fondness for her new step-brother, Chin. This acceptance marks a significant turning point in Fei Fei's journey toward healing and happiness.
- 14
New Beginnings
A year later, now fourteen, Fei Fei is shown as a joyful young girl who cherishes her new family. During the Moon Festival, she gazes at the Moon with her father, filled with hope and anticipation for the future.
When:One year later
Who Are the Main Characters in Over the Moon?
3 characters, among them Fei Fei, Chang'e and Chin: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Fei Fei
Played by Cathy Ang
Fei Fei is a determined and imaginative thirteen-year-old girl, driven by her love for her late mother and the legend of Chang'e. Her journey reflects her struggle with grief and her desire to prove the existence of the Moon goddess, showcasing her bravery and resilience.
- 👧 Girl
- 🎈 Dreamer
- 🚀 Adventurer
- C
Chang'e
Chang'e is the ethereal Moon goddess who embodies beauty and sorrow. Captured by her past, she faces the struggle of moving on from her lost love Houyi while mentoring Fei Fei through their shared experience of loss and hope.
- 🌌 Goddess
- 🌸 Mentor
- 💔 Lost Love
-
Chin
Played by Brittany Ishibashi
Chin is the lively eight-year-old son of Ms. Zhong, impacting Fei Fei's emotional journey. His playful nature and determination ultimately lead him to embrace unexpected challenges, playing a significant role in the adventure on the Moon.
- 👦 Brother
- 🎮 Playful
- 🐸 Adventurous
Where and When Is Over the Moon Set?
Over the Moon is set in Lunaria and the Moon. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds both in the present day and through flashbacks that evoke themes of nostalgia and loss. It highlights the emotional transitions surrounding significant events, such as the Moon Festival and the passage of time following the loss of loved ones.
Where
Lunaria, the Moon
Lunaria is a magical realm on the Moon, characterized by its enchanting landscapes and vibrant inhabitants, including the winged foo dogs and the Lunettes. This mystical land serves as the backdrop for Fei Fei's adventure and the reunion of the Moon goddess Chang'e with her beloved Houyi.
- 🌕 Moon
- 🏞️ Fantasy Land
What Are the Themes of Over the Moon?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Grief, Hope and Family.
-
01
Grief
Grief is a powerful theme throughout the movie, illustrated by Fei Fei's emotional journey after losing her mother. The narrative explores how grief can affect relationships and personal growth, as both Fei Fei and Chang'e learn to cope with their respective losses.
-
02
Hope
Hope plays a central role in 'Over the Moon,' particularly as characters seek to reconnect with their pasts and strive for a better future. Fei Fei's journey to the Moon symbolizes her hope in the existence of Chang'e and the possibility of love being everlasting.
-
03
Family
The theme of family is prevalent, showcasing the bonds between parents and children. Fei Fei's relationship with her father evolves as she navigates her feelings about his new engagement, ultimately leading to acceptance and the realization of the importance of family support.
What Kind of Film Is Over the Moon?
Whimsical in tone, with variable pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and heartfelt animated adventure that blends vibrant fantasy with a touching exploration of grief, as a young girl's journey to the moon helps her learn to embrace new love while honoring the past.
- hopeful
- imaginative
- uplifting
- melancholic
- nostalgic
- dreamlike
- grief and loss
- acceptance
- family
- mythology
Content notes: loss of a parent.
Quiz
How well do you remember Over the Moon? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Over the Moon
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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