Over the Moon (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in two main settings: on Earth, where Fei Fei lives with her family, and on the Moon in a magical realm called Lunaria. Lunaria is depicted as an enchanting fantasy land with vibrant landscapes and fantastical inhabitants like winged foo dogs and the Lunettes.

• lunaria
• moon setting
• fantasy realm
• fei fei's world

Lunaria is the magical kingdom on the Moon where the Moon goddess Chang'e resides. It features colorful, fantastical environments and serves as the setting for Fei Fei's adventures and Chang'e's reunion with her beloved Houyi.

• lunaria
• moon goddess
• fantasy land
• chang'e's realm

The movie is set in the present day but incorporates flashbacks that evoke nostalgia and loss. Key events are centered around the Moon Festival, a traditional celebration that adds cultural depth and emotional weight to the story's themes of remembrance.

• present day
• moon festival
• time period
• flashbacks

The Moon Festival is a traditional celebration depicted in the film that symbolizes reunion and remembrance. It serves as a poignant setting for the story, highlighting themes of loss and the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed.

• moon festival
• traditional celebration
• reunion
• remembrance

The film explores three central themes: grief, hope, and family. Grief is portrayed through Fei Fei's journey after losing her mother. Hope drives the characters' desires to reconnect with their pasts. Family focuses on the evolving bonds between parents and children, especially as Fei Fei learns to accept her father's new engagement.

• grief
• hope
• family themes
• loss
• acceptance

Grief is a powerful theme shown through Fei Fei's emotional journey after losing her mother. The narrative explores how grief affects relationships and personal growth, with both Fei Fei and Chang'e learning to cope with their respective losses in different ways.

• grief
• loss
• coping
• emotional journey
• fei fei's mother

Hope is central to the film, 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 Chang'e's existence and the possibility that love can be everlasting, representing the enduring power of belief.

• hope
• belief
• faith
• perseverance
• love lasting

Fei Fei is a determined and imaginative thirteen-year-old girl who is grieving her late mother. Her love for her mother and fascination with the legend of Chang'e drive her to build a rocket ship to travel to the Moon. She represents courage, resilience, and the struggle to process loss while maintaining faith in the impossible.

• fei fei
• main character
• protagonist
• 13 year old
• grief

Chang'e is the ethereal goddess of the Moon who embodies both beauty and sorrow. She is trapped in her past, mourning her lost love Houyi, and serves as a mentor to Fei Fei. Through their shared experience of loss and hope, Chang'e learns to move forward while helping Fei Fei understand her own journey.

• chang'e
• moon goddess
• goddess
• houyi
• mentor

Chin is the lively eight-year-old son of Ms. Zhong. He plays a significant role in Fei Fei's emotional journey by bringing playful energy and determination to the adventure. His unexpected challenges on the Moon contribute to the story's themes of growth and bravery.

• chin
• ms. zhong's son
• supporting character
• 8 year old

Family is a prevalent theme showcasing the bonds between parents and children. Fei Fei's relationship with her father evolves as she navigates her feelings about his new engagement. The story ultimately leads her to accept this new family structure and realize the importance of family support during difficult times.

• family
• father
• acceptance
• new family
• parental bonds

The film balances a whimsical tone due to Lunaria's magical setting, fantastical creatures, and musical elements, with a melancholic undercurrent stemming from Fei Fei's grief over her mother's death. This combination creates a story that is both imaginative and emotionally grounded.

• tone
• whimsical
• melancholic
• musical
• emotional balance

Yes, the film draws heavily from the Chinese legend of Chang'e, the Moon goddess who fled to the Moon after drinking the elixir of immortality. The story incorporates traditional elements like the Moon Festival and references to Chang'e's beloved Houyi, blending mythology with an original narrative.

• chinese mythology
• chang'e legend
• houyi
• moon festival
• folklore