Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan (2023)

My dear, I don't give a damn.

Gone with the Rain is one of the few Chinese dramas out there that has a very apt English title. It is also set in a time of civil war and the design of the four main characters are unmistakably inspired by Margaret Mitchell's epic classic novel Gone with the Wind. It is very much a character drama that is at surface a romance, but the true love story is the one between two women who are almost diametric opposites of one another.

This story takes place in a fictional Jing state but the costumes and background suggests this loosely is late Tang dynasty when the powerful local military governors rebelled. Vast swarths of the country was thrown into civil war during which the central government had little knowledge or control over what was happening. The drama's greatest failing is that it is very sloppy in terms of clearly explain who the different factions and what their agendas are. Events unfold conveniently and not always logically simply to enable character conflict and development.

The story is told largely from seventeen year old Tang Moxi's perspective. She breaks the fourth wall in the beginning and continues to share her thoughts via very vivid, at times funny and at times silly daydreams. Moxi is illegtimate and orphaned at an early age, she grows up on sufference in the household of her uncle Bai Wentao a scheming mid-level official. Her first cousin Bai Fengyao its the only one that cares for her. The drama opens with the country on the verge of civil unrest. The cousins are colluding to evade their family's efforts to marry them off for advancement. Moxi rescues a dashing wounded soldier Wan Jiagui and falls for him. She also encounters an infuriating general Chen Wende. Through a series of misunderstandings, some self inflicted Moxi finds herself caught between both men while Wan Jiagui finds himself engaged to both women. A tortuous romantic quadrangle between the four plays out as the country slides into chaos. The romances are secondary to how the relationship between the women navigates civil war and a messy love rivalry.

Despite their different personalities and perspectives, Moxi and Fengyao share a touching and unbreakable bond. Moxi is fiesty, selfish, cynical, manipulative and tough as nails beneath her lovely exterior. She is above all a survivor; she has to be as there is only the rather helpless Fengyao in her corner. Fengyao is pretty much everything Moxi is not - selfless, well educated, gentle, sentimental, idealistic,and impractical; in other words quite useless. Their strengths and weaknesess complement and together, they are able to acutally fend quite well for each other. Unfortunately they both fall for the gallant, noble hero in heroes clothing Wan Jiagui who when tested is actually a weak character. Moxi spends most of the drama fighting her devastating attraction to Chen Wende, a rough, uncouth warrior who is more than what he appears to be. He is the only character that remains charismatic and likable throughout the drama. After awhile, it is quite obvious where these four main character blueprints are from.

The first half of the drama is quite enjoyable as Moxi and Fengyao find their strengths and struggle with their flaws in trying times. However, Moxi's wilful blindness and her obstinate pinning for her first love went on for so long it became tedious. I wanted to hurl my remote at her and yell "My dear, I don't give a damn!" Even though all the portrayals are well done and the characters are multi-dimensional, this drama spends too much time rehashing character flaws without a well fleshed out plot to keep things engaging. The conflict and attraction between Chen Wende and Moxi is the only highlight of the second half of the drama which made it less of a struggle. I also enjoyed the casting of an actress in the role of Wu Yin. The second relationship however is not sufficiently developed because all of the men can only have eyes for Moxi. The final arc is rushed and Moxi's ability to transform herself is not well explained and frankly impossible. The story does come to a satisfying ending with the final episodes making up for the sag in the latter half. This is different enough from the usual run-of-the-mill historical Chinese drama that I enjoyed many aspects of it. It is quite well acted and had it been shorter and more tightly written, I'd probably rate it better than 7/10.

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A Mixed Bag of Everything

"Gone With the Rain" presents a diverse mix of elements right from the start. It combines comedy, wars, romance, sisterly love, murders, forced marriages, conspiracy, sacrifice, unfulfilled love, war games, strategies, suspense and thrillers. It's like experiencing a buffet of genres in one story. However, the romance aspect of the story leaves a somewhat unpleasant taste. Brazen atrocities are committed with impunity, and the suspense and mystery elements resemble an Agatha Christie whodunit set in a schoolhouse. At times, the logic of the plot feels a bit childish, as the storyline takes unexpected twists and turns to fit the writer's desired ending.

Based on the romance novel "Storm and Rouge" (Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan) by Ni Luo, the drama revolves around the lives of Tang Moxi (played by Zhang Nan) and her first cousin, Bai Fengyao (played by Wang Yuwen). Having grown up together in Bai Fengyao’s home after Moxi loses both her parents, they navigate through a turbulent era of wars, scarcity, losses, forced marriages, hardships, betrayals, and nearly every challenge imaginable. Their bond is defined by their unwavering love and devotion to each other, overshadowing the traditional romance aspect that serves more as a subplot.

Tang Moxi defies the conventions of a typical heroine. She doesn't fit the mold of a delicate flower waiting to be saved or a Cinderella longing for a prince. In fact, she lacks education, refinement, and even exhibits selfish and greedy traits in her pursuit of goals. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a care for love and morality, alongside her fearless and untamed nature. She fearlessly shelters a wounded young officer rumored to be a spy, intimidates creditors with a kitchen chopping knife to protect Bai Fengyao, and skillfully negotiates with unsavory characters. Moxi's strong-willed and passionate character is akin to a torrential rain that is difficult to ignore.

Moxi, portrayed by Zhang Nan, appears as a young girl, around 15 years old, reflected in her clothing style, with shorter skirts paired with long pants. Initially, this may seem odd if viewers are unaware of Moxi's young age, possibly due to the actor's tall stature. However, as the story progresses and Moxi reaches marriageable age at 17, she looks stunning in her adult costumes. Despite her constant sour expression, her smile radiates warmth, which Zhang Nan portrays wonderfully.

Bai Fengyao, played by Wang Yuwen, contrasts Moxi's character. She embodies gentleness and strength, occasionally displaying stubbornness and possessing extensive knowledge from wide reading. Wang Yuwen convincingly brings the character to life, with Bai Fengyao appearing younger than Moxi due to the actor's youthful-looking face. The heartfelt sisterly relationship between Moxi and Bai Fengyao is portrayed with heartbreaking sacrifices and unconditional love.

Moxi falls in love at first sight with Wan Jiagui (portrayed by Zhao Yingbo), a young and handsome officer who initially hesitates to commit due to his unwavering dedication to the country. However, he eventually falls for Moxi, captivated by her courage, intelligence, and selflessness as she saves him without expecting anything in return. A big applause to Zhao Yingbo's portrayal of the Wan Jiagui character.

Early in the story, Moxi encounters Chen Wende (Sun Yizhou aka Sean Sun), who is significantly older, around 13 to 14 years her senior. Contrary to others' fear of him due to his unflattering reputation, Moxi boldly insults and chides him, leading to continuous banter between the two characters throughout the drama. Moxi's forthrightness and unpretentiousness intrigue and amuse Chen Wende to the extent that he falls in love with her. Sean Sun's excellent portrayal of the character adds believability to their evolving relationship.

The entire cast delivers commendable performances, although some actors may have slightly overacted, making it difficult to discern if it was intentional for humor or a result of their acting abilities.

My Verdict

The series comprises two narrative layers. One layer delves into the emotional entanglement between Mo Xi and Chen Wende, Feng Yao and Wan Jiagui, while the other layer explores the story of four individuals protecting each other and serving their homeland. These two narrative layers intertwine, merging personal emotions with feelings of family and country.

The story beautifully captures the essence of self-preservation, mutual support, and understanding within the two main female characters. Although the sisterly relationship takes precedence, unfulfilled love becomes a central theme, amplifying the committed relationship between the two cousin sisters. The pain and torment experienced when the two lovers are forcibly separated by fate and events create a bittersweet romance. However, romance enthusiasts may be disappointed when the direction of the romance changes by the end of the story.

It may take some time to adapt to the storytelling format of the drama, as Moxi's wild imagination often takes the form of playful and silly scenarios on screen. This is understandable, considering Moxi's young age and her tendency to engage in immature thinking.

The entire story is built around a conspiracy to overthrow the throne, with wars, deaths, separated lovers, and a hero unjustly accused. However, all these events seem somewhat futile, as Moxi effortlessly exposes the conspiracy's flaws in the end. The climax of the story disappoints and is hardly worth mentioning. Plot holes and logic conflicts are prevalent, but viewers are advised not to take them too seriously.

Although left to be desired, the overall plot is quite intriguing, the acting is commendable, and the attention to costume and props is evident throughout.

A rather fun watch! Recommended!

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It's one of the best Chinese tv dramas in 2023

I am watching this series at the moment and love every episode of the series.

The story evolves around Bai Mo Xi mainly. She is an orphan who lives with her paternal uncle and his family and is poorly treated by him, his wife and son. The only person who treats Mo Xi well is her cousin sister, Bai Feng Yao. In the family, the girls are treated like a second class citizen in general.

As the story evolves, Mo Xi and Feng Yao are constantly used by their family as a pawn to safeguard the family during the turbulent period. Once the uncle and aunt pass away, the girls' life adventure begins following the collapse of the family fortune.

Overall, this story entices its viewers to remain with it. I find myself constantly craving for more episodes. Which is a good sign that this drama is interesting. No heavy investments like TTEOTM but with great acting from the casts.

Especially Sean Sun. I have seen his acting in The General and I and found his acting OK. But, in this drama, as Chen Wen De, Sun propels this drama into great excitement. Chen Wen De is probably the only character that makes the viewers wanting for more episodes. The scenes between CWD and MX are the best in this series so far.

Watch this drama.

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Highs and Lows but mostly highs

Story:
This was a story of Love. Obnoxious family members who would do anything for money, including selling off their daughter and niece. Suffering from betrayal from those you love and hold dearly. There is a disappointment due to secrets, traditional family values, and being forced to give up the one person you love. Then it’s followed up with revenge for a husband who was voiceless no matter how he tried.
You have sisters/cousins that go through life’s ups and downs together. They have a bond that seems unbreakable. Then one makes the ultimate sacrifice for the family that never truly treated her like family. The other cousin later becomes wrapped in pain and regret feeling remorseful and at times angry. The two find medium ground in the end. They both find out just who they are and what they are capable of.
You don’t want to miss this. There are a few holes and that’s mainly because some writers and producers have not yet adapted to the shorter dramas. When you have 65 episodes it’s easy to place everything needed in. However, when you have 30-40 it becomes a challenge, especially if the scripts were written a few years ago.

Production:
Great job on directing, scenes, props, costumes, and also acting.

OST:
Beautiful.

Rewatch:
I would watch it every few years but I definitely would rewatch it.

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GONE WITH THE RAIN is a very entertaining drama that revolves around the two female leads, Moxi and Feng Yao which, regardless of their status within their family, they manage to develop a strong relationship that stands the wrath of court and family shenanigans, love entanglements, misunderstandings, secrets, and betrayal. The drama is very well casted and the actors did a great job bringing their characters to life. Moxi and Feng Yao fall in love with Wan Jiagui that, in spite of been deeply in love with Moxi, he relents due to his family’s pressure and status. Then, there is Chen Wen De, the “antihero” and a force to be reckoned with, that, through a series of unfortunate events, gets entangle with Moxi and falls in love with her. This drama is a rollercoaster of emotions due to the strong and steadfast relationships that are formed by these four individuals and their determination to protect each other and bringing down the criminals that threatened their lives and the country’s stability. There is also worth mentioning the refreshing aspect of Moxi’s imaginary scenarios. Overall, this drama is fantastic and worth watching.

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A Messed-Up Anne Of Green Gables

Updated Review: I was really enjoying this, until the writers betrayed the characters in the worst possible way. Update at the end.

Episodes 1-17:

A really crazy, emotionally confusing coming-of-age story featuring a beautiful orphaned outsider and her cousin best friend. This drama series doesn't really know what it wants to be. One minute, we'll see quite realistic depictions of war, and then the next, the characters are serving up broad comedy. As a result, I have no idea what to feel about the storyline. This drama series wants to be a drama just as much as it wants to be a comedy, but it just fails at holding itself as either genre, nor a balanced mixture of both.

The FL, is absolutely beautiful, cheerful, optimistic, intelligent, and everything you would expect from an Asian Anne of Green Gables. Does she act a bit too flighty/ immature at times like just about all the FL in Chinese costume dramas? Yes, she does. However, I found her incredibly charming despite this, mainly on account of her sharp wit and bravery.

The story is both predictable and unpredictable at the same time. I really don't know what to make of it all. But I do know that I'm hooked on this drama, as messy as it is, and won't be dropping it. The character I can't stand in this series is the SFL. She's an educated half-wit Mary Sue who is always getting herself and by default others into trouble. I already know she is going to get the ML, or.... the character that I consider to be the ML. Her whole Mary Sue role is written just so she will end up with the best male character in the drama. I was actually enjoying the fact that romance was taking a back seat to the story of the two women living life on their own terms, but it looks like that might come to an end in future episodes. Both MLs are very interesting characters which I look forward to watching more from.

One very interesting character is Wu Yin, who is a male character, pretending to be a female, played by a very beautiful actress. I'm not saying that this actress does a bad job of pretending to be a man, but I could think of many male actors who could play a young man pretending to be a woman just as well, and I do feel that it's so obvious that the character is being portrait by a woman, that even with her face covered and in all black clothes like a ninja, I could still tell the character was being played by a woman. It just isn't plausible to imagine the character is a man, so it takes away from my enjoyment of the story.

The way our young romantic FL lets us into her imagined expectations of romance was a really nice component to the storytelling, and this also informs us of the main message of this drama:

That life isn't fantasy. It's as unpredictable as it is indifferent to our wishes, hopes, and dreams.
___________________________________________________

Update with some SPOILERS:..... Where do I even begin?!!! The writers took a beautiful story featuring great actors, and have just thrown everything into the mud.

From ep 21 onwards, the SFL, who has no brain nor beauty of her own, instead of doing the right thing, she profits off of the FL's love for both herself by stealing the SML, not even asking him how he feels about marrying her now that he has survived war. The FL accidently gives away her love to the SFL out of perverse loyalty. The SFL could have gone and been a nun, as the SML suggested, but no, that's not good enough for her.... despite her having no IQ or looks, she is too good for this... somehow.

The FL gets kidnapped and held for ransom by the actual ML (wish he was the SML, unfortunately, he isn't). The ML even attempts to rape her at one point, meanwhile our FL has Stockholm Syndrome, so of course she is developing feelings for the ML, because that's human nature, and I completely understand it, but our ML, no matter his sob story background, is a brute with multiple wives, who threatens his way through life and into our FL's heart, and it is disgusting to watch. This ML is really the worst. And his subordinates are telling the FL how she needs to be nice to the ML after all he's done to her?!! This is the same ML that forced her to get engaged with him, and then forced her to marry him! He literally ruined her life! The FL's love for the SFL also ruined her life, but in a passive way, whereas the ML straight-up took a wrecking-ball to all her hopes and dreams and her future. I can't even.... aughhhh! I don't know if I can keep watching.

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Moxi Moxi Moxi

Overall it was a good series. I enjoyed watching. I've always wondered about the next episode. It was such a series for me. However, there were many setbacks. In my opinion, it had faults, inaccuracies and shortcomings. But all in all it was a series that I loved. It was a little negative that they fit everything in the last three episodes, it's a stuck series. It's over. Even though it had a happy ending, it felt like it was rushed. Especially the attempts of the two traitors' men against the emperor, but the emperor's lack of man and Moxi's knowledge that he would present a document to the emperor about Chen Wende's acquittal, so the general's lover Wan Gui did not take any precautions with his own men, despite knowing this, he went there after a warning. it didn't come though. The excitement was wanted to participate, but it contradicted the facts a bit. If you're going to do something like that, why don't you want help or the general lover doesn't help. Second, Moxi steals documents very easily. He finds it as if he put it with his hand and takes it. If so, why didn't the great general Chen Wende receive these documents? Moxi's illiteracy before, learning from Feng Yao later on, but in our story, Moxi is aware of everything and looks like a character in front of Fengyao. Everyone admires and loves Moxi. She is looking for him. He solves everything. They showed their ignorant courage. They left one woman who read, knew, at the level of a teacher, in the shadow of another. Didn't fit. Of course, it is nice that the power of love between them from childhood continues even if they break up until the last moment, and time makes everything all over again. It is beautifully reflected how lovers in love with each other lose their love against time. It is beautifully reflected in the differences between the noble and the non-noble in marriages. How the balance is disturbed and people's perspectives on them are given nicely. It is also well given that there is no door that money and wealth cannot open. Zhang Nan did justice to the role, it was a drama that was based on him from beginning to end. He got over it. Congratulations. It was very successful. I love Wang Yu Wen.'s naivety. I loved how Sean Sun. acted like he was kidding. He was spirited. Zhao Ying Bo is a little clumsy. Liu Mei Tong, on the other hand, is excellent. I like the idea. She played the man, well done. Veteran players were very successful. As I said, there were many shortcomings, but I watched a good series in general. I advise.

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Versione cinese di "Via col vento" ma ...."quei due diverranno una coppia"!

Cdrama storico che presenta un mix eterogeneo di elementi non sempre ben miscelati tra di loro come commedia, guerra, leggero romanticismo, amore fraterno, giallo, dinamiche sociali della dell'epoca (dai costumi penso sia ambientato nella dinastia Tang), cospirazioni, sacrificio, amore non corrisposto, strategie, suspense e thriller. È come sperimentare un buffet di generi in una storia. Tuttavia, l'aspetto romantico della storia lascia un sapore un po' sgradevole perché nonostante sia apprezzabile l'idea di mostrare la crescita anche sentimentale di una fanciulla di 17 anni (stessa età o quasi di Rossella O'Hara a cui il personaggio si ispira) , quindi di una persona che si innamora per caso perché è innamorata dell'amore e non vede l'ora di sperimentarlo con chicchessia ,diverrà una resistenza inutile nei riguardi di sentimenti più profondi verso un altro uomo che la ama da subito (Rhett) ,interpretato dal rude e temibile generale Chen Wende.

Il titolo non è a caso perché ambientato in un periodo di guerra civile e la caratterizzazione dei quattro personaggi principali è inequivocabilmente ispirata al romanzo do Via col vento sebbene liberamente adattato.
Moxi, il personaggio principale è la figlia di una concubina che lavorava in un bordello, e quindi cresce un po' come la cenerentola della casa, bistrattata e molto trascurata in termini di educazione e cure, è cresciuta da sola ed è priva di buone maniere tuttavia è molto sveglia, intraprendente, volitiva, e pronta a sopravvivere a qualsiasi costo, anche se questo significa agire disonestamente o a scapito di qualcuno ( la sua irruenza , l'assenza di modi,la bellezza e questo opportunismo come reazione al trauma sono aspetti che possiamo ritrovare anche nel personaggio di Rossella O'Hara sebbene le manchi la sua intensità , la sua follia, le abilità espressive di Vivien Leigh, col risultato di avere una brutta caricatura).
Fengyao, è la cugina, figlia legittima della famiglia Bai, è colta, istruita, raffinata e composta ma di contro debole, priva di piglio, incapace di districarsi tra le varie vicissitudini della vita, poco sveglia e perfettamente INUTILE, in ogni senso, anche dannifica seppur involontariamente ( un personaggio fastidioso più dei cattivi).
Dovrebbe ispirarsi a Melania Hamilton per bontà e idealismo, per la capacità di vivere i rapporti in modo disinteressato ma le manca la lungimiranza, lo spessore, l'intelligenza e la forza morale di Melania ( in poche parole niente di più diverso). Spesso si dimostrerà anche ingrata nei riguardi del generale che chiamerà traditore ma che la salverà dalle frustrate , oppure si rifiuterà per principio dei favori e poi dovrà chiedere aiuto per sopravvivere abbandonando i principi che l'avevano portata ad avere bisogno di aiuto. Sarà una donna moralmente irrigida ma anche profondamente stupida e cieca.
Arriviamo quindi all'uomo conteso che determinerà una frattura tra le due cugine che da "sorelle" diverranno rivali , il giovane generale "Wan Jia Gui" che per uscire da una situazione scomoda verrà utilizzato dalle due ragazze per risparmiare il matrimonio di Fengyao con un disabile, però figlio del primo Ministro Wu.
Questo ragazzo è un giovane uomo virtuoso, timido e molto deciso a non coinvolgersi sentimentalmente per via della pericolosità del suo lavoro e spesso in viaggio in terre lontane. A nulla servirà, senza alcun motivo reale le due donne si innamorano di lui. Moxi gli salva la vita e sembra essere ricambiata dal giovine (sebbene esattamente come ashley wilkes si porrà in modo ambivalente per buona parte del drama).
Per ultimo, ma non meno importante, il capitano Chen Wende, un finto ribelle che tenta di salvare il regno dalle macchinazioni dei corrotti e che ha una brutta fama alimentata da modi rudi e impetuosi, privo di buone maniere ma nobile e generoso anche se non perfetto. Con Rhett condivide semplicemente l'età , si suppone che abbia 37 anni e il fatto d'essere destinatario dell'odio e delle dicerie della gente per la sua ruvida onestà e i suoi modi poco eleganti per il resto , senza offesa, Sean Sun, non ha davvero nulla del carisma irresistibile di Clark Gable, del suo fascino ed è del tutto privo di eleganza e modi gentili.
Tuttavia , questo lavoro merita di essere visto perché come recitazione il man lead è una spanna sopra tutti e perché finalmente non abbiamo un erudito, un virtuoso, un efebico, un timido ma un uomo vero reale, che se vuole sa spingersi oltre. Lo vedremo attratto palesemente dalla protagonista a cui manifesterà col comportamento anche una certa attrazione fisica (invasione dello spazio personale, tendenza a spingere il bacino in avanti, tentativi di baci rubati, sguardo da pesce lesso e proposte romanticamente indecenti nel cuore della notte ) e lo vedremo sempre pronto ad aiutarla e proteggerla, con una pazienza che poco si conferrebbe al tipo di personaggio che hanno deciso di creare.
Il capitano Chen, nonostante abbia sicuramente almeno 35 anni, abbia vissuto il mondo, sia un uomo sveglio e fisicamente non sia il belloccio efebico e smilzo a cui questi drama fantasy ci hanno abituato ma, al contrario, un uomo fisicamente impostato, goffo, rude e privo di savoir faire, non ci sa proprio fare coi sentimenti. E' stato e sarà per voi divertente, vedere un uomo impacciato che non sa come avvicinarsi ad una donna e si diverte a provocarla o a giocarci, a spaventarla per osservare il suo viso terrorizzato, e pensare che è bella, ascoltare i suoi discorsi scabrosi e pensare che sia folle ma interessante. Sin da principio gli sentirai dire "INTERESSANTE, SEI MOLTO INTERESSANTE"... .
La sua prima notte di nozze sarà esilarante perché proverà in tutti i modi a "consumare" senza successo ma sebbene inizialmente arrabbiato si dimostrerà un paziente gentiluomo seppur ferito nell'orgoglio maschile.

Veniamo alla storia: È in gran parte un drama che solo in superficie è una storia d'amore, la vera storia è il rapporto tra le due protagoniste, le vicissitudini affrontate insieme e l'aiuto e il supporto che si daranno nel corso della storia.
Moxi è illegittima e orfana in tenera età, cresce nella sofferenza nella famiglia di suo zio Bai Wentao, un funzionario di sesto livello opportunista, rozzo, manipolativo e in definitivo stupido, sempre sudato, grasso e grottesco. La moglie sembra una maschera del teatro: inattraente , avvizzita, truccata con un cerone bianco che ricorda le geishe, stupida e priva di scrupoli, interessata solo al figlio maschio che è uno dei personaggi peggiori che io abbia mai visto in quanto ad opportunismo ed edonismo fuori luogo, sarebbe in grado anche di vendere sorella e cugina agli amici per divertirli un po' in cambio di denaro.
Tutti e tre i personaggi sono davvero stupidi, non cattivi ma del tutto AMORALI, e questo mi ha causato fastidio nonostante io abbia apprezzato di non vedere punizioni corporali come bastonate o tante altre angherie che ho visto in altri storici.
Moxi salva un affascinante soldato ferito, Wan Jiagui e si innamora di lui. Incontra anche un esasperante generale Chen Wende. Attraverso una serie di incomprensioni, alcuni autoinflitti, Moxi si ritrova intrappolata tra entrambi gli uomini mentre Wan Jiagui si ritrova fidanzato con entrambe le donne. Un tortuoso quadrilatero romantico tra i quattro si svolge mentre il paese scivola nel caos. Le storie d'amore sono secondarie rispetto al modo in cui la relazione tra le due donne affronta la guerra civile e una complicata rivalità amorosa.
La storia è raccontata in gran parte dal punto di vista della diciassettenne Tang Moxi che condivide i suoi pensieri attraverso sogni ad occhi aperti molto vividi, a volte divertenti, a volte stupidi.
Inizialmente ho trovato geniale mostrare le fantasie ad occhi aperti della giovane Moxi, poi ho iniziato a trovarle noiose, fuori luogo e che interrompessero il ritmo della narrazione (questo aspetto così ridondante ha penalizzato di molto la mia valutazione).

La prima metà del dramma racconta delle conoscenze tra i personaggi e la formazione dei legami, poi verso l'ep 9 un arco narrativo racconterà la tragedia famigliare e il viaggio di queste due donne che finite in disgrazia si spostano in un'altra città e si ritrovano coinvolte in un intrigo imperiale, ed è stato molto interessante vedere le soluzioni che la regia ha adottato per rendere il complotto intrigante ( non spoilero ma vi dico solo di attenzionare le allieve della scuola per gentildonne di Quizhou, non tutto è come sembra). In seguito verso l'episodio 17 si sviluppa un altro arco narrativo che vede il matrimonio di entrambe e verso il 26 inizerà una nuova vita per entrambe, l'ultimo di chiusura verso il 32. Il finale è positivo , frettoloso ma non di pochi secondi come tanti fanno.

Andiamo al negativo:
-Recitazione non sempre credibile di molti personaggi, fa eccezione il capitano chen wende e altri due personaggi ( non i principali ), questo è un peccato perché Zhang Nan è molto bella ma non altrettanto brava nella gestione dei ruoli drammatici, sarebbe sicuramente più indicata per commedie teen dove non ci vuole un grande spessore emotivo). Stessa cosa per la cugina che non ha dato profondità al suo personaggio, piange, si dispera ma poi non ha coloritura emotiva, e non si tratta di compostezza... .
-Sceneggiatura, dialoghi narrativi più che emotivi e nessun discorso mi ha scosso o provocato riflessioni, prendetelo per quello che è: una commedia leggera che ogni tanto prova a diventare un crime case o un thriller imperiale.
-Storia un po' noiosa e lenta in certi episodi perché viene molto trascinata con dialoghi e scene riempitive inutili, dal 7 al 13° sono le parti più lente e noiose, resistete se potete. Se questo drama fosse stato di 28-30 episodi avrei dato un altro mezzo punto.Poca coesione tra elementi comici e tragici, generando confusione e perdendo intensità, mi chiedo quali fossero gli intenti del regista. L'arco finale è affrettato e la capacità di Moxi di trasformarsi non è ben spiegata e francamente impossibile. La storia giunge a un finale soddisfacente con gli episodi finali che compensano il cedimento nella seconda metà.
-Slow burning estremizzato , lei si renderà conto del suo reale interesse ma 5 episodi prima della fine e in certi momenti sarà ingrata , opportunista e stupida. Per me i registi hanno sbagliato a formare una coppia sul finale e si sono troppo dilungati nell'ossessione di lei per il suo primo amore, se avessero mostrato un amore vero tra i due non avrei avuto da ridire ma personalmente per circa 30 episodi viene portata in scena la fissazione di lei a discapito di tutto, nonostante il generale Wan Jagui sia debole, irrisoluto, tentennante e alla fine una vale l'altra, disposto a sacrificare chiunque per il bene più grande ma lei non lo capisce e arriverà anche a rendersi patetica e miserevole (Rossella O'Hara non si sarebbe mai prostrata a 90°). Wan Jugui, inizialmente non ne vuole sapere , poi nella seconda metà sembra deciso a stare con lei ma bloccato da ogni tipo di scrupolo, e sembrerà vergognarsi delle sue origini, e poi volerla sposare per senso di responsabilità nei confronti di una promessa fatta ma il suo comportamento tradirà i suoi veri pensieri e la protagonista sarà sempre incapace di vedere l'evidenza. Nemmeno dopo aver visto una interazione illuminante tra lui e la cugina durante la fuga sarà in grado di voltare immediatamente pagina. A questo punto quasi speravo in un finale triste alla "francamente me ne infischio" perché Moxi Tang questo meritava nonostante alla fine si riscatti mostrando un'evoluzione francamente impossibile dopo solo 1 anno di tempo.

-Totale mancanza di coerenza dei personaggi: Moxi Tang è una ragazza sveglissima e scaltra che sa gestirsi e destreggiarsi tra le bassezze della sua famiglia e quelle dei funzionari corrotti, tuttavia non riesce a suggerire al suo amato soluzioni di salvezza e vittoria quando poi le escogiterà da sola con successo sul finale, non sa aprire gli occhi e rendersi conto di chi sia veramente Wan Jiagui e muta idea sentimentalmente un po' troppo bruscamente.
La cugina è colta e intelligente ma a volte stupida e del tutto inutile, possibile che sappia intuire la strategia militare di un nemico e si faccia derubare i bagagli davanti gli occhi? E' vittima degli scrupoli d'onore ma accetta aiuti più grandi quando i suoi scrupoli la fanno ammalare (ep-22), considera l'antagonista del marito un disgraziato e dove è il suo senso di gratitudine che le ha salvato la vita 3 volte? Dove è l'intelligenza?
Con il marito ha spesso confronti accesi dove lo accusa di indecisione, di ipocrisia, di debolezza... eppure il suo amore non vacilla dopo aver visto che razza di uomo si è sposata.
Yu-Win, sembra ossessionato da una persona ma non si capisce come risolve la sua ossessione per lei, passando da propositi assassini a nobili intenti ("la restituirò a voi"), quando la rincontra dopo tempo non proverà nemmeno a conquistarla. Era quindi un capriccio?

-Il capitano Chen Wende, nobile negli intenti ma a volte irruento e molto meschino nell' accettare le soluzioni degli alleati per salvare l'armata , inizialmente attratto dalla protagonista poi la dichiara non all'altezza delle sue attenzioni, poi la rincontra e nonostante non ci sia nulla di romantico o significativo tra i due inizia a sorvegliarla e volerla "prendere con se". E' il personaggio più lineare di tutti, e anche il più coerente ma ciononostante la regia ha voluto inserire elementi di ambivalenza per i colpi di scena che non sempre hanno una base logica sottostante.

Per concludere: il conflitto e l'attrazione tra Chen Wende e Moxi sono gli unici punti salienti della seconda metà del dramma che lo hanno reso godibile anche se con picchi di insofferenza per il comportamento immaturo e poco sveglio di lei. Ho MOLTO apprezzato il casting di Liu Mei Tong e il personaggio che interpreta, è una delle chicche mai viste negli storici cinesi. La seconda relazione non è sufficientemente sviluppata ma ho trovato i due fastidiosi e noiosi sicché per me non è stato un problema ma potrebbe esserlo per voi se simpatizzate con uno dei personaggi.
È abbastanza diverso dal solito dramma storico cinese di routine e ne ho apprezzato molti aspetti.
CONSIGLIO se siete stanchi di vedere i classici bellocci e rapporti che nascono sempre nello stesso modo.
Qui l'amore è più realistico e maturo, le soluzioni narrative sono sì molto comuni ma con dettagli piccanti, interessanti e gender fluid che lo rendono meno scontato e interessante.

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What Rain?

I have to say that despite a few hiccups, I enjoyed this drama. So much time wasted on side stories and characters who contributed very little to the overall plot. The war and fighting scenes were overdone and took up too much time for my liking. This whole drama could have been told in less episodes with less fillers.

First time seeing most of these lead actors. I realized the chemistry between the ML & FL immediately. The 2ML was handsome and all that, but despite her goo goo eyes at him, I felt little or no chemistry between them, so I had no problem with 2ML syndrome. I liked the pairing of 2FL & 2ML and how it kind of developed as their personalities and backgrounds were more appropriately aligned. BUT - that character of FengYao OMG! If she shouted, called out, called after, or moaned Mo Xi one more time I was going to throw something at the screen! Helpless, simple-minded and just plain useless! I'm glad she had some redemption in the end.

The FL is beautiful - even when she was scowling or making faces, she has a very pretty face. The ML was rugged and rough and scoundrel-ish, and I grew to like him. I kept mixing up the 'bad guys' and couldn't really keep track of the plots and who's working with who. And that gender-bender general was downright nasty! That actress played the part so well that was the one character I genuinely hated with a passion.

OST was pretty.

I might rewatch if I wanted to kill some time on a weekend. I'd still fast-forward through some of the scenes, but there are some scenes I enjoyed and would watch again.

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an Unexpected ending

First thing to notice is this series has very good visual standards. I so much love the costumes here, the softness of fabrics and the natural looks of wigs/extensions! the genre has a strong comedy to it, mainly given by the FL naiveness, spontaneity and by the fact that us, viewers, are taken into her shared dreamworld.. it is hilarious!! (the following is not a spoiler but purely based on the opening, the closing songs AND on the synopsis given here on VIKI which are available to viewers since the first episode; I am myself on episode 4 as the program is currently airing): The development of the romantic interest reminds me a lot of the one from Story of Yanki Palace, where a young girl's first infatuation has then moved into a more mature one, initially forced relationship, to then become her TRUE LOVE.. still, in that story, Fuca (her first love) remains in deep love with her to the point of sacrificing his life for her.. a drama for sure, in which my heart painfully decided to stay loyal to her first love Fuca... Unfortunately I feel this series will be similar to the above example as, based on the Synopsis, this is described as a love story between Moxi and Wende but we do see her on the first episode to be infatuated with a younger man. From the Opening/closing songs, it looks like the young couple will be separated, him forced to marry her cousin but keep thinking of her... whilst the FL will gradually get closer to Wende, and with him she will go through ups and downs, bringing Moxi to be inevitably in love with Wende ( and this is purely my theory..). But regardless of my romantic expectations and preferences ( i prefer the young boy), after episode 4, I am ready for anything as this is going to be good! MY UPDATE AFTER EP30: i have downgraded this of 1 star because the way they have scripted the romance. Not convincing to me, i am not spoiling anything, but they have made a non believable turn of events given the personality of the character that was initially presented to us. Also they made us emotionally invested in one couple for 30 episodes, and then, for non believable reasons, from episode 31, only 6 left to the end.... they have changed into what it looked to me a slow burn love for a person which she was forced to be with, like a prisoner...someone has described Moxi change in love interest as the stockolm syndrome, and i agree... 🤗 And i will get lots of dislikes in here which i dont care, but i still wish for moxi to end up with the SML 😛😜

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