Gone with the Rain (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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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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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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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.
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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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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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Enjoyable

Despite my beef with this drama, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:

**Cons:**
- Some actresses' perfect makeup seemed unrealistic, especially on the female lead, detracting from the drama's authenticity.
- Female characters occasionally felt underutilized, lacking agency or impactful roles.
- The female lead's inaction in certain situations felt frustrating and undermined her character's potential.
- Prolonged focus on the female lead's love for the 2nd ML felt drawn out.
- Awkward kissing scenes detracted from the romantic elements.
- The male lead's love for the female lead could have been developed more convincingly.
- Some side actors delivered hilariously bad performances, particularly the Marquis.
- The presence of a reverse harem dynamic with multiple male characters vying for the female lead's affections felt clichéd.

**Pros:**
- Positive portrayal of cousin relationships and strong female friendships (sismance).
- The male lead's character was well-executed and compelling.
- The 2nd male lead was realistically portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.
- Abundance of comedy scenes added levity and entertainment value.
- Enjoyable banter between the male and female leads added charm to their dynamic.
- Strong performances by all actors and actresses, particularly the leads.
- The female lead's comedic daydreams added humor to the storyline.
- Depiction of evolving feelings and relationships over time was well done.
- The female lead was portrayed as practical, comedic, street-smart, and relatable, avoiding typical Mary Sue tropes.

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Angers my post-feminist sensibilities - so it's doing a good job

Though the story has potential but terrible character development - especially for second leads who get too much screen time. This is probably the downfall of this drama.

Contrary to popular belief, SFL is actually one of those manipulative and righteous people who end up being a burden on those around them. She moans about her shortcomings (genuinely) and invites the world to release her of any obligation of carrying her own weight, not messing other people's paths, and carries guilt overtly like a ticket to her true desires. In her heart, she's a very righteous and honourable person who does her best - and who could ask for more? Right, she's more than this but this aspect of her character is consistent throughout and is hard to swallow in today's world where we promote resilience, independence, intelligence, equity.... Because she looks like she checks the boxes but in reality doesn't live up to it.

SML has no b***s. If you're over the FL and can't go against your parents to marry a woman with a "poor" background, then stop making excuses for yourself to make yourself feel better. It's all...I wish I could do more but duty (to king/army/family) keeps me bound. Actually, love it when SFL calls it out in front of him.

These two deserved each other but in actuality had very little authenticity and honour. But if they're meant to portray people who lie to themselves about who they are to make themselves feel better, then the writer got it spot on.

Like the casting for ML and FL but their chemistry was a bit dry. Plus, ML and FL did not get a fair amount of screen time post getting together - and why was the FL hanging on to the SML for sooooo long?

Also, FL is supposed to be smart but faced with ML, how come she loses her edge? Is this a case of not bringing out the best in each other?

There's so much more I can say - especially about the uber rushed ending but I'm done wasting any more time on this drama. So, I'm just going to rush to an ending as well.

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