Go Ahead (2020)

Easy breezy slice of life family drama full of warmth

No wonder this is such a hit, an easy breezy slice of life family drama, Go Ahead is the happy pill for gloomy 2020. Whatever you're going through right now, or missing your family so damn much, this is the perfect comfort watch, complete with comfort food porn.

Such a charming ensemble cast oozing with chemistry helmed by Seven Tan, who is such a natural actress and comedic talent, Song Wei Long who is drop dead gorgeous, relatively greener but held his own, and Steven Zhang who really shone in this drama. I love his Zi Qi! Sun Yi as bff Ming Yue also did well. And the most adorable dad ever Hai Chao played by Tu Song Yan.

I'm not a fan of the Ling Xiao-Jian Jian romance, maybe it's second lead syndrome, their feelings are deep-rooted since childhood, but I'd prefer a more gradual transition from adopted siblings to romance, than stolen kisses as confession of feelings. I appreciate though there's no overwrought love triangle. But this drama is not about romance anyway, its strength lies in tackling relatable family matters and great friendships.

With a 40 episode drama, there is a slight drag in the middle. The probably only stressful stuff in this drama is the 'mother' issue, but the drama balances that with warm scenes. Thank you for the endless warmth, Go Ahead, and the reminder to push forward whatever hardships we're going through, there's always someone to hold your hand, as there are bonds even stronger than those tied by blood.

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Slightly Gross but Excellent Otherwise

I love Seven Tan and this is why I started to watch Go Ahead.

I love the first third of the drama (about their childhood). The second third was fast forward 9 years later when the three kids were in their mid 20s. To be honest, it was very hard for me to stomach the times when Ling Xiao kissed Jian Jian without first getting her consent. First time, Jian Jian was sleeping (so it was really creepy). Second time, because Jian Jian looked really uncomfortable (I can sympathize with her!). The last third of the drama was as good as the first.

The only reason I managed to "go ahead" (excuse the pun hehehe) and push through all those slightly gross moments was because I genuinely interested on the stories behind all the characters! Especially Zi Qiu. Man, that guy is an amazing actor.

The ending didn't disappoint. Everything came together perfectly.

This drama is such a tear jerker. I think I finished half a tissue box watching this.

I'm still giving this a 10 because I really enjoyed the storylines. The gross moments, I didn't like it but I can tolerate it.

They're not really brothers, so I don't get how some people think this is incestuous. One is her neighbour, the other one is a son of a lady her Dad almost married. I just disagree how Ling Xiao kept on forcing himself to Jian Jian after they met again 9 years later. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against him. In fact he's also one with the saddest storyline. I just disagree on his kissing scenes! I thought it was really cute when little Jian Jian and little Ling Xiao was bowing to each other (as if they're getting married, like in ancient Chinese tradition).

The story of Zhuang Bei was open ended, it didn't say whether he ended up with Can or Ming Yue. Maybe he didn't end up with any haha. But it's ok, because at the end, in my opinion, this is more of a family drama than a romance drama.

Would I watch it again? Maybe. No, I think I will! This is a must watch if you feel like crying out your sorrow. I'll just skip/fast forward those "gross moments" between Jian Jian and Ling Xiao!

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Lovely slice of life

Such a comforting drama about found families and the strength of their love for one another. I really enjoyed how they teased out the generational conflicts between children and parents and came to a refreshing resolution that resonated with real life and was both believable but not cruel.

I loved the first half of the show before the romance storyline was introduced, but once it was the story didn’t linger on it (but you will need to suspend disbelief and just run with the premise). As another review said, I wish the drama transitioned that plot line better will and explored how Jian Jian felt, how Ziqiu and the parents felt with this development. It’s clear why Ling Xiao is in love with Jian Jian but I wish they did more to convince the audience - the abruptness added to the discomfort a bit for me. Thankfully they also didn’t linger on the love triangle that is hinted. Ziqiu’s love for Jian Jian was different than the love Ling Xiao had for her and eventually it’s clear there isn’t really a love triangle. The romantic elements felt a bit forced as was all the love triangles between the friends, but I think those elements aside it was really refreshing to see the story focus on the characters’ growth, struggles with their careers, self-esteem, self-loathing, mental health issues, coming to terms with their values even when in conflict with their parents’, and the selflessness of Li ba’s love for his three children in contrast with the selfishness of some of the mothers in the show.

Many of the moments of resolution and moments of love between the characters and the siblings were so endearing and lovely to watch. Those moments made the length of the show worth it and it felt as peaceful as sitting in a bright warm sun-lit room.

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Great until melodrama ensues

Overall, a great drama with high production value, but after a certain point, it becomes so melodramatic that it reminds me of those old family dramas that runs episodes by the thousands.

This drama begins with an extremely unique conception - a group of young children coming from incomplete and dysfunctional families band together. They face various adversities together, and I must admit that I went through half a box of tissues watching them soldier through their hardships.

Alas, that's where all the fun and games ends. The last third of the drama ticked all the right boxes a soap opera should have. You'll find yourself rolling your eyes more often than not, and I can almost envision the familiar scene of my grandmother watching her daily dose of with a box of sour plums at her side.

I jacked up the speed to 3x just finish the rest of the show.

Overall, watch it for the eye-candy (SWL and SZ are <3), and the unique premise. Feel free to drop it after ep 30, trust me, you're not missing out on much.

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A Must Watch 2020 Slice-of-Life Drama with Good Storyline and Cast!

I usually don't write a review for a drama, but I can't refrain myself from writing this time. This is literally a legit slice of life drama, with many relatable scenes and emotions. I'm not a fan of slice-of-life genre but I gave this drama score 10/10 because I really like how they deliver the emotions and I think this drama has the most similarity to the real life situations.

STORY :
The storyline is very unique and doesn't get depicted in many other slice of life dramas, It can be a little bit mental-tiring (especially at LX and his mom relationship), at the same time how they portrayed the 'heartwarming' in the Li and Ling's family can definitely make up for that. The story contains a lot of relatable life-lesson so prepare few sheets of tissue! It's kinda heavy but it's enjoyable. Honestly I almost drop this drama, but after watching few more episodes, you might already find yourself addicted to the story.

CAST :
10/10. The casts is very terrific in doing their job!
The one who portrayed Li Haichao, he really nailed it!! I don't know how many times I cried because of him. His delivery is rather smooth and his voice matched the theme of heartwarming of this drama.
Steven Zhang gave us few nice crying scenes, also the one who played Chen Ting is also very good at her character, I don't know how much I told myself that this is just a drama because of her :v
Everyone is perfect in their own characters, I don't know who else that can play each characters this good if not them.
At first, I didn't know the real life age of the cast, but later I found out that turns out Seven Tan is the oldest of the three siblings! Chemistry is great between each casts, so without doubt, 10/10.

MUSIC :
The OSTs are put in the right timing in each scenes. Those songs are easy-listening and can make us calm our heart, also can make you emotional. There's also few songs that sung in English. I personally listen the OST in daily basis as I can't move on from this drama easily.

REWATCH VALUE :
OF COURSE!! I think I will rewatch this drama few times after the drama ended. I just can't get enough!!

OVERALL :
A great drama with a great cast and story. Every aspects in this drama are balanced, very enjoyable drama. Not for you who want to watch a happy family slice-of-life, but overall it's the greatest slice-of-life drama that I've ever seen in my life! 10/10

I'm in 38th Episode when I'm writing this review, but I think I'll miss the fathers and the three siblings so much!!
Can't wait for the ending!

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first 10 plus episodes were great then it went downhill

first 10+ episodes were still nice. especially liked it when they were young. the whole heartwarming family drama. I loved the father and how he took care of them, the bonds between the siblings. the point of being unrelated but still being a family.

So didn't understand why ling xiao had to leave, and leave his family for his mother who left him? why don't cherish the people important to you? and okay he ziqiu leaving to study abroad. but why don't come back at all for 9 years??

the worst is later when ling xiao confessed to jian jian, she rejected him saying he's like a brother until he force kissed her. and then he zi qiu also confessed, and she also said that he's only a brother to her. but maybe all he should have done was force kiss her as well?? i feel like it would have been better if they showed her having some kinda liking toward lingxiao from high school but buried it cause he's her brother. or else, it just feels damn off. i feel the yikes every time during their romance scenes. and feel so bad for he zi qiu when he was just being you know decent, respectful, although he should have definitely been more active at chasing her? anyway their romance was just so hard to watch. or how it seems like he's guilt tripping her and everything. ugh
i think it would have been great if she was the same to both and said yall are both my brothers. and got another boyfriend lol.
definitely should have continued more of the heartwarming family drama scenes after episode 10. like i didn't sign up for this ??

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Heart-wrenchingly and Hilariously Beautiful

Go Ahead is without a doubt my favorite C-Drama I’ve ever watched. I’d seen quite a few before this one and I wasn’t really expecting anything amazing from it, but by the end of episode one I was already 100% percent sold on the story. And by the time I was finished with it I was left with some mad post drama depression because no other C-Dramas were matching up to this one.


There’s a ton going on in this drama, but I think this is probably the best way to sum it all up, Go Ahead is an emotionally devastating and uplifting show about the story of how three unrelated kids (Li Jianjian, Ling Xiao, and He Zi Qiu) and two single dads (Li Hai Chao and Ling Heping) become a pseudo family. The story covers a full twenty years of the characters’ lives.


Often, shows that span a long period of time loose me, it’s hard to follow characters and a story when the setting, characters and story are so frequently changing with the time, but I was fully invested in every period of their lives.


I would say the show takes place in three main sections. The first is when the children initially meet as little kids, and the current family dynamic is set up, the next takes place during high school, and the third with the characters as adults.


Go Ahead takes family dynamics and shows how they change over time, how people can grow further apart and closer together, and how said change isn’t always a bad thing. It was one of the most beautifully heart wrenching pieces of media I have ever consumed. And the OST only added to it, it made both the happy and the sad moments much more intense and there’s not a single miss of a song in the soundtrack. I never skipped the into or outro sequence, never once.


Though it isn’t the initial most important point, there is a romance plot that takes significance in the latter half of the show. Without spoilers I can say there were a few directions taken that I didn’t think I would like, but ultimately did. And I ate up the romance. As with many other drama watchers, I watch most of them primarily for romance. I did, however, find myself equally invested in all aspects of this show.


The family dynamics are incredibly complicated, both the stories with the characters’ biological families and their chosen families were expertly done. And as is a trend in the drama, all of it is absolutely heart wrenching.


It’s not just heart wrenching though, it’s also absolutely hilarious and incredibly wholesome, honestly just the whole package. Unlike many other shows I’ve seen, this one is actually able to transition between all the different tones smoothly, the tone never seems confused and the switch ups are never jarring.


It also establishes some friendships too, every character regardless of how “important” they were to the main story, had a story of their own. It was nice to see every character treated like an individual person. They all felt real, at least in the way they can for being in an overly dramatized story.


And I loved every single one of them. I would die for them all I swear. Except for like one villain. I would like to kill her. The dad’s though, I can’t even express how much I loved both of them, them and all three kids were a delight to watch together.


I have never watched another show that has managed to emotionally wreck in the way this one did but did not leave me feeling depressed. It left me thinking when I had finished it, and I couldn’t start another show for weeks because I was too hung up on this one.


My only gripe with the entire show is the last episode. Don’t get me wrong, it was good and did wrap most everything up neatly in a relatively satisfying way, I just wanted more. There was so much more I wanted to see from these characters, but I’ll have to suffice with what we got.


It’s a pretty long drama too, very rarely does a long drama leave me wanting more, but I would have eaten up twice the amount of content with these characters.


I don’t think this review could ever possibly express how much I loved it, but it’s all I got for now.


If you haven’t given it a shot, please do. Go Ahead is an absolute gem among C-Dramas.

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Too Long + Low Key Romance= Okay

LIKE:
Good: sets, locations, scenery, lighting, food images, artwork, (carvings all excellent).
Cinematography & music all good.
Writing: very low key romance, even a middle school watcher can handle seeing the couples in this show. The family that wasn’t blood related, but still very close was endearing. The friendships were strong and a nice touch to the drama.
Acting/Cast: well chosen cast and the acting was for the most part was good.

DISLIKE:
Production: zoom in too close, shaky camera syndrome (lack of film stabilizer was maddening). Pacing issues due to repeating the same concepts over and over again.
Writing: ML’s mother was a sociopath, Actress’s mother was a narcissist, all the adult females or parents, came across as mentally disturbed, overbearing and self absorbed. Even the neighbourhood parents were like that. This show could’ve been resolved faster and got strung out to 40 episodes. I became a fan of fast forward button. Last episode crammed a lot of content in and resolutions too, but it was okay. Not much character growth at the end either. Typical tropes too, nothing new.

OVERALL:
Low key romance, but nice story about family and friendships. I recommend it if you have a lot of time to waste. No scene was particularly memorable and there's no need to watch it again.

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GO AHEAD And watch what the film school wants directors,screenwriters and editors to put out

Am giving the Screen writer Wang Xiaong Cheng his flowers, the man has managed to write hits after hits,Go Ahead,Meet yourself,Find yourself and many great projects.
YOu can have A list star cast but if the script sucks or is full of holes, the drama wil tank like a house with a weak foundation.
I have never wished there was an option to raate a drama more than 10/10 like this drama.I have been seeing it flying around in the the comments and edits but i kept thinking this is another childhod,highschool romance so i shelved it mentally,boy oh boy was I wrong..
In short,
No scene shall be skipped unless you have low tolerance of bad mothers,
You will laugh,cry,kick and scream whenever it applies,
In the end you will be part of the story,you will be the neighbour accross the hall,eat diner at Dad Li house or restaurant
You will hear Dad Ling famous line "Am going to work" often than you predictated
you will wait with Li Jian Jian as she waits for her brothers to come back
You will cry with He Zi Qiu as he fight his hainting past
LIng Xiao's silent deminure that carries a heavy load will keep you wanting to join karate classes so you can fight for him
Who said two dads cant be brothers and raise 3 great brats together? Welcome to GO AHEAD.
There is so much to talk about but whenever a project is mind-blowing,its better for people to watch for themselves

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The writer seemed lost

Okay so first of all, I would like to say that I liked this drama and it was better than most typical cdramas which was a plus point for me. Everything was good overall. The acting was good. They manged to wrap everything well by the end. And the parent couple was adorable.

But the thing that got on my nerves was the plot. Don't get me wrong,it was a beautiful story. But the thing is I think the writer was very sure of what they were doing. It kinda felt like the main plot was supposed to be a story about 3 siblings who are not actually blood related strive hard for their dreams and passions and live happily. But when the romance came in,it kind of went downhill for me. Even though they were not blood related it still was very weird for me seeing them as lovers rather than siblings. And the concept of siblings as lovers grosses me out on so many levels.

Nevertheless, the chemistry was good between them and as I just accepted the romance,the story started getting boring in the romance part. It looked like they were forced to add romance in a very good and well planned plot. The romance seemed unnatural. The part where the FL kept saying she is gonna keep pitying him was also something that made me mad. I think ML thought she was pitying him even till the end and that's why she was dating him.

I really would've loved have seen the ML believe he's really worthy of love and that he's lovable. And the story with his mom ended in such a rush too. I thin the drama was supposed to have more episodes but got cut short because of something because the ending was so not natural. And if it was,then it's very disappointing. I think mom learned nothing and she isn't even reflecting on herself. Even at the end , the ML had to be the nice guy and reach out to her first. I get that she's suffered alot but it's been years and she should've let go by now and actually paid attention to his son and his mental health. She was selfish till the end and their story didn't end very well. It was not smooth or satisfying to watch. There were no character developement at all for the mom.

Overall the drama was good and so was the story but it felt like they tried to forcefully add things that weren't meant to be there.

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Families often are made up of blended broken pieces.

Go Ahead is a concept drama I have not seen before in any of the 200 Asian Dramas I have viewed. The premise and format is that different. This drama carves a different lane for itself in the highway of dramas. Go Ahead is a raw account of a blended multiple family dynamic, which has at its center, the best dad figure ever in Asian Dramas. If the writer really knows this person after who the character is patterned, he or she would have been privileged to have known him.

Go Ahead is such a great drama centered around family, which honors dads. If you have that special dad in your life, hug him and do a “Daddy and Me” with this drama. So many Asian Dramas have good examples of bad examples. The dad in Go Ahead is a good example of a great example.

Written by Shui Qianmo and Wang Xiongcheng

QUOTE
Neighbor Lady to this dad: “I don’t know what good things our family did in our last lifetime (for us to) meet such a great person like you in this lifetime”.

In Go ahead, there are actually two single dads with children. One dad is a stern policeman and the other sweet dad owns a soup restaurant. Each shares the financial and parenting responsibilities of this accidentally blended family. While not giving up on finding the right woman as a wife, these two dads just worked out a workable lifestyle after loosing their mates, centered around living their best life for their children. With one child, his mother just dropped him off at the door step of the sweet dad and never came back. The sweet dad just took him in. There was less stability before the fathers joined ranks. Afterwards and for the sake of the kids, the fathers worked out a workable arrangement. What is uniquely appealing about Go Ahead is that the family dynamics consist of two sons, two fathers and a daughter. Therefore, the daughter has to learn many female things on her own, without useable help from the rest of the males in the house. This is a source of laughter moments throughout the drama. The three unrelated siblings are raised like triplets. They have a bond thicker than blood.

Cast

Families often are made up of blended broken pieces.

All three actors were raised to superstar level from Go Ahead, because of the immense popularity of this show.

Trương Tân Thành or Steven Zhan plays the athletic brother who finds his little sister annoying, but would give his last drop of blood to protect her. He was dropped off by his mother and a abandoned. The dads fully accepts him as if he is blood.

Tan Songyun plays the rough and touch tomboy with big brothers. Her performance is one of the best in long time. Her comedic timing is excellent, as she portrays a youthful girl in several stages of life and maturity and she nails this roles. One brother is athletic and clueless and the other brother is sensitive and very perceptive. The girl was raised like a tomboy and is the youngest. She wants to marry her older brother.

Chinese heartthrob Song Weilong plays the genius but sensitive brother, willing to put aside embarrassment in order to learn what his baby sister needs. She is the only female in this family dynamic and he has no real clue what little girls need when mothers are absent, but he tries his best.

Each single dad developed his role and contribution in this symbiotic family arrangement. Each dad’s gifts help this blended family correctly congeal together.
Zhang Xilin and Tu Song Yan

Zhang Xilin plays the dad who really does not understand women. He has figured out that women are the opposite of men, but not much more. He willingly acquiesces, knowing his limitations. This dad acts as a wage earner and contributes cash not nurturing.

Tu Song Yan plays the dad who takes on the role of the nurturer. He holds this family together. He is in touch with his feminine side without being feminine at all. It is just that his skill sets are the most needed for this blended family to flourish.
If you were waiting for a good reason to subscribe to VIKI, well here it is, Go Ahead.

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