Taiwan and Mainland China have been separated since 1949 for political reasons. Eventually, new contacts have been re-established in an ambiguous... More

Taiwan and Mainland China have been separated since 1949 for political reasons. Eventually, new contacts have been re-established in an ambiguous political game towards the end of the 20th century. Many veterans who were originally forced to leave their hometown have now returned to the mainland to seek for their brides. Swallow is one of such numerous Mainland brides in Taiwan. In addition to facing the inherent prejudices shown towards mainland brides, she also has to endure the hostile attitudes caused by the deteriorating political and economical tensions across the straits. Lacking the skills necessary to earn their own living, with no legal status and living in cramped accommodation are among the most common difficulties such brides encounter. Extreme despondency comes over Swallow, the likes of which she has never experienced before. She feels so isolated that her remaining self-respect deserts her. Akin to being stranded on a desert island, she sees herself as a cloud drifting towards Taiwan, which then transforms itself into rain falling to the ground to nourish the land. Yet this melody, like the melancholy sound of the dripping rain, falls on deaf ears. Close