Truly Heartwarming!
This is such a heartwarming story. I love the dynamic amongst the 3 main leads and the 2 fathers. They all portrayed their roles so well including the young actors who played the children version of the 3 leads.Tan Song Yun's acting as Li Jian Jian was brilliant; she truly depicted a character who is full of life and optimism and I couldn't help but laugh at her antics. The father, Li Hai Chao, is the parent every child aspires to have and every parent aspires to be. He has such an open and generous heart and the actor Tu Song Yan portrayal of a man who truly loves his children was so on-point. The love story between Li Jian Jian and Ling Xiao could be better developed but nevertheless it was enough to overcome my initial resistance to the idea that they are 'siblings' (they are not!).It is a story where you wish you were part of their family and you wish that you could continue to see their story develop further but alas, all dramas must come to an end!
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a cdrama you CANNOT miss out on
i first watched this c-drama 2 years ago, the story didn't really resonate with me, but I found the acting and the chemistry of the two leads to be amazing. the story was also very real in it's own sense - none of that cringe I get while watching other cdramas.but after having just rewatched this drama, and at the exact age and stage of life as the characters at that, I'm overcome with emotions. not only did the story actually resonate with me this time, but I could feel the emotions of the characters for real this time. i was laughing, crying and eventually balling my eyes out at all the same time. this is a truly spectacular, coming-of-age drama that you HAVE to watch. at LEAST once.
this will forever be one of my faves - even considering rewatching it one more time tbh!
ALSO - this cdrama got adapted into a kdrama!! so make sure to follow along with that too. i watched the first two eps and it seems rlly good.
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Family
Really recommend it for those who really want to find out about what a real struggle in family is. This story bring out value more than what I expected. Each episode was really good and the story from each cast was top notch. Hope that many other will also try to watch this too. I bet you won't regret it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
THIS IS LITERALLY THE BEST C-DRAMA I HAVE WATCHED
I can't explain with words how much I adored this show. It has been my comfort show over the last months. I would watch one episode a day, whenever I had free time at home. It has given me so much joy and happiness that I can't put into words. When I first saw that it has 40 episodes, it really repulsed me. But, as I was hooked since the second episode, I never wanted it to end. I swear if it had 40 more episodes I would watch them with no complaints.Of course, there were a few small bits which I didn't find enjoyable. I preferred the episodes when they were in high school and loved their bond there. When the brothers moved abroad, it was very sad to see them apart - I really wanted these episodes to end as soon as possible. Later, when they reconciled, it became the amazing show it was.
Here are some small commentaries of mine about the characters and events in general (spoiler alert!!)
-I really wanted Ziqiu and Mingyue to be the endgame. I wish she never had a crush on Ling Xiao. The friends falling in love with the same guy plot doesn't really interest me.
-I found Zhuang Bei really annoying with the way he treated both Mingyue and Tang Can. I'm happy Tang Can didn't be with him at the end.
-Ling Xiao's mother is awful
-I don't know why we were forced to feel sympathy towards Mingyue's mother in the end. She put Mingyue through hell and we are forced to accept and forgive her??? To be honest, I wanted a different ending for them. I think Mingyue should have put a distance between herself and her mother to be able to find herself. I don't think such people change abruptly, especially after they're old. Her mom had narcissistic tendencies.
-Lastly, despite loving the chemistry, I didn't like the "step-sibling love" idea much. They were just neighbours, obviously. But as the name of the show suggests, they were like a family. And I can't imagine being with a family member whom I have seen as my brother for years. Little Jianjian had a crush on Ling Xiao, sure. But it still gave me a little ick, especially at first. Also, when Ziqiu tried to fight with Ling Xiao over Jianjian I cringed so hard like... these parts were definitely hard to watch. I am sure Ziqiu never liked Jianjian like that. He mistook his love and care for Jianjian as romantic love. He just wanted to protect her like a brother. Zhuang Bei put it in his head.
Regardless, I can ignore all the small points because overall, this show made me so happy. The relations and acting were so natural. The events were enjoyable to follow. The characters were all well-written and relatable. It was not filled with filler scenes or events or dialogues. So, I give this a 10.
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Realistic Storyline~
•PLOT•This drama, Go Ahead narrates the story of three youths who are not actually siblings but have a better bonding than real siblings. Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long) is the eldest of the three, who lives in the apartment above Li Jianjian's (Tan Song Yun). He Ziqui(Steven Zhang) is the middle child, a foster child, whose mother almost married Li Jianjian's father. Li Jianjian is the youngest who lives with her father. Her mother died when Li Jianjian was four. While both the brothers are quite matured, Li Jianjian has a cheerful spirit and is kind of naughty. Ling Xiao's mom left him with his dad. He grew up living with Li Jianjian and her father. He Ziqui's also left him with Li Jianjian's father, saying that she will not be able to take care of him.
The three grow up together, supporting each other, comforting each other, facing hurdles together and most importantly understanding each other. They have got two amazing dads to look after them (Ling Xiao's father and Li Jianjian's father). They were living a happy life when suddenly one day, Ling Xiao's mother shows up with a girl who she claims to be Ling Xiao's younger sister, a sister she has given birth to by marrying a rich man in Singapore. His mom apologies. She and Ling Xiao's new younger sister cause trouble for all. However, Ling Xiao doesn't accepts her mother's apology nor the new younger sister, he is forced to take care of them. Once they return to Singapore, the happiness returns. Then fine day, He Ziqui's real father (his mom divorced his real father) comes to him and wants Ziqui to go with him to Britain and study there. He Ziqui firmly denies but when, his father goes hurting Li Jianjian and both their dads, he decides to obey him. Here, Ling Xiao's mom gets into an accident and gets severely palarized. Ling Xiao is pressurized to go to Singapore and look after his mother and younger sister. Despite Li Jianjian's desperate unwillingness, both of them leave. The three go back to their real families. They are parted. They try thier level best to maintain the bond through phone calls and messages but as the years pass they have nothing to talk about expect asking each other to stay healthy and take care. They stop sharing their problems. Finally, they reach the stage where they just wished each other on festivals. He Ziqui doesn't keeps his promise of coming back after graduation.
Nine years pass.
Li Jianjian is all grown up and is a sculpture artist, having a studio where she sells wooden sculpture. She moves out of her father's house and lives in an apartment with her two best friends. Unexpectedly one day both her brothers come back claiming that they'd never leave now. Li Jianjian is unsure of how she should react as the bond between them has already weakened too much. Ling Xiao becomes a dentist and He Ziqui opens a cafè and bakes cakes and desserts there. Now, He Ziqui makes desserts because Li Jianjian loves sweets and Ling Xiao is a dentist because Li Jianjian is always getting toothache as she eats too much sweet and is afraid of going to dentists without Ling Xiao. Both her brother expect her to be the same Li Jianjian she was 9 years back. That 16 year old naughty Li Jianjian who used to cling on to her brothers, hold hands, have fun and cause troubles is now a 25 year old girl who is mature and can't do anything she used to. In fact, she tries her best to maintain a safe distance from both of them, while both of her brothers' hearts start grow feelings for her.
•WHAT I FELT WHILE WATCHING•
Go Ahead is a mixture of all kinds of emotions. The writers did an amazing job! Hats off for them!! They didn't let you be sad for a long time neither did they allowed you be happy constantly. It's like something good happens to one and the next moment a problem pops up for another. You'll need a box of tissues while watching their family issues and laugh like anything on the naughtiness and troubles Li Jianjian causes. There are happy moments, sad moments, heartbreaking moments, moments when you'll be angry and moments when you'll just want to be there in the drama to comfort the cast. It's literally a beautiful love triangle which deals with realistic family situations, realistic best friend relationships, the realistic hardships of growing up and the realistic feelings alongside! IT'S JUST SO REALISTIC!! Even the second lead cast (Li Jianjian's friends, He Ziqui's aunt), has their problems and family issues to deal with. It's like around 6 to 7 times I've watched this drama and it feels new everytime I watch it. I love to feel those emotions again and again and again! Mark my words, you'll never be bored while watching this!
•OST•
Mesmerizing OSTs! The lyrics are strongly meaningful and match the situation the three of them are in. I specially loved 'Like A Breeze' which was sung by Tan Song Yun herself.
THIS IS HONESTLY MY FAVORITE DRAMA! MY ULTIMATE DRAMA! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND 'GO AHEAD' TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE! IT'LL COMFORT PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAMILY ISSUES...INSPIRE PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING...SHOW YOU THE VALUE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS...TEACH PEOPLE TO LOVE AND UNDERSTAND OTHERS...AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IT'LL MAKE YOU REALISE THAT EVEN WITHOUT BEING BLOOD-RELATED ONE CAN PROVE TO BE THE BEST PERSON FOR THEIR LOVED ONES.
JUST WATCH IT AND YOU'LL KNOW WHY I AM SO MUCH IN LOVE WITH THIS DRAMA!
Happy Watching !!??
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LOVED this drama!
I want to be part of the Li/Ling family! What a beautiful story. So "real" -- all of the bumps and bruises and not wrapped up neatly, just like real life. Family isn't just about DNA, it's about the people we choose to be family, and this drama depicts the very best kind of family. I want a Ba like Li Ba! Loved it. Will definitely watch again. Originally I watched it because of the ML, I enjoyed him in Find Yourself and am so glad he starred in this one because it was so good!<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
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Go Ahead and watch because this is the best!!!!
This drama made me laugh, cry, and in-love. The story is amazing, the actors did such a great job on their roles, you can even feel emotions even in the scenes without dialogues. The leads were perfect for their characters, there were scenes that you can feel their emotions even if there are no lines. It's one of those stories that would make you all warm after watching it. I also love how the story depicted love, how it can destroy or heal you. SWL -his acting here, is just on point, there are scenes where I actually felt how suffocated he was while trying to keep it all together. This is the first time I've seen Seven Tan, and I think no other actress can pull off JianJian than her. Steven Zhang, my beloved Ziqiu... his acting is just... perfect. Out of all the three leads, his acting was the best (for me), those eyes... and when he cries, I feel like reaching out to the screen so I can give him a hug. This is the best drama of 2020 (for me). Will I rewatch this without skipping? Definitely. This will leave you feeling warm and loved. So watch it!Was this review helpful to you?
REALISTIC AND RELATABLE
There are people who dislike the drama for example due to the romance between the two leads but I think rather than picking at the faults in the drama, why not enjoy and appreciate it for what it has to offer? I was able to relate to more than one of the characters and really put myself in their shoes and feel whatever they're feeling whether it be sadness, anger, hurt, regret. The actors all delivered the emotions well, I cried and laughed with them. I also think that I learned some lessons from this drama whether it be about family, love, friendship, or just about growing up in general. This for sure would be an unforgettable drama. For people contemplating whether to start it or not, I'd say it's worth a try. I can definitely see myself rewatching this drama or parts of it for the feels.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Heartwarming Story
From the first episode itself, you would know that Go Ahead is the kind of drama that requires quite a few pieces of tissues. The first 10 to 12 episodes will make you cry buckets. However, the sad moments are balanced out by heartwarming ones. Both will make you shed tears but they arouse different kinds of emotions. You will feel sad for the boys who got abandoned but you will also feel moved by Hai Chao’s love for them. If you like dramas that evoke deep feelings within you, Go Ahead is definitely one that you should watch.Story
I find the story to be unique as there is not one but two abandoned kids. The circumstances that led to their fate are also different although both are tragic. There is hardly a boring episode for the entire drama with good pacing throughout. While there is always something happening with the characters, they are never overdone or exaggerated. In other words, the characters’ stories are very realistic and relatable.
Each of the characters has their own struggles and issues from unrequited love to depression. Some of them are carried over from childhood as the story tracks the ups and downs of the different personalities throughout a period of 20 years. So, the story will make you laugh and cry with them as it is told in a very vivid and engrossing way. At the very least, it made me eager to know what will happen to each of the characters as the drama progresses.
Acting
Seven Tan
Seven Tan certainly didn’t disappoint in her role as Jian Jian. She is way past being a teenager but still played the part of a schoolgirl convincingly. In the later episodes when she becomes a 25-year-old woman, she managed to display subtle changes to the character to reflect her age and maturity. I think she fits the role well with her adorable and cheerful look as Jian Jian is basically a happy and optimistic gal. If you have become her fan, you can also catch her in the costume drama called Under The Power.
Steven Zhang
As for the boys, I feel that Steven Zhang has outshone Song Wei Long in their portrayal as Jian Jian’s brothers. Perhaps it is because Zi Qiu is a more expressive character compared to Ling Xiao. Hence, Steven Zhang has the opportunity to showcase a more varied range of emotions which suits Zi Qiu’s personality. He also emits a brotherly vibe in his scenes with Seven Tan. Their chemistry as siblings is evident and heartwarming to watch. You can also catch Steven Zhang in Skate Into Love whereby he is paired up with Janice Wu Qian.
Song Wei Long
While Song Wei Long’s acting is acceptable, his portrayal of Ling Xiao is not totally convincing as someone with anxiety disorder. His chemistry with Seven Tan is only average to me as I can’t see the sparks and difference when the nature of their relationship changes. No doubt Ling Xiao is a challenging role to play with his reserved nature. One would need to rely on the eyes and facial micro-expressions to convey the emotions. In that sense, I just feel that Song Wei Long could have done a better job portraying Ling Xiao. Personally, I prefer him in Find Yourself than Go Ahead.
The rest of the cast also did a good job especially the 2 men who played Hai Chao and He Ping. They are central figures in the drama and hence, their performance is just as important. They successfully gave their characters the fatherly feel which contributed to the heartwarming emotions in the drama.
The Romance (Spoilers Alert!)
If there is one stain on this drama, it would be the romance. For me, I find it unnecessary although others may disagree. It is predictable who Jian Jian would end up with between the 2 brothers because it is laid out pretty early on in the drama. A few might even find the romance weird because they grew up as siblings although they have no blood ties.
While I’m fine with the transition from siblings to lovers, the way the romance started could have been better developed. Ling Xiao’s love for Jian Jian may have been there all along since high school but I get the feeling that his love has turned into an unhealthy obsession during their years apart. He has mental issues because of his toxic mother and Jian Jian is like his salvation. Somehow, I just find that is no longer a healthy way of loving someone.
After Ling Xiao returned home, he sort of pressured Jian Jian into a relationship. I guess some would say Jian Jian loves him. But to me, it is more of she didn’t have the heart to reject him then. Ling Xiao’s love for her is clouded by neediness and desperation. He needed Jian Jian for his mental well-being. So, there is an element of selfishness there which doesn’t quite jive with the loving brother image that has been crafted for the character early on. You can see the clear contrast with Zi Qiu who genuinely wanted to take care of Jian Jian and make her happy.
Hence, I’m not too keen on their romance. Alternatively, they could have allowed Jian Jian to slowly explore her feelings for Ling Xiao at her own pace. That would have been a better way to develop their love story for me.
My Verdict – Don’t Hesitate!
Generally, people prefer happy and sweet dramas and tend to shy away from tearjerkers. So do I. But after watching Go Ahead, my recommendation would be to give it a try. Don’t let the emotional nature of the drama put you off because this is indeed worth watching. At the end of it, you might just find it hard to let go of these 2 families. The story is realistic including the ending as not every character gets paired up for a fairytale-like conclusion which is typical of so many dramas.
While I’m not particularly fond of the romance, neither is it the focus of the drama. Hence, I could still enjoy this from start to finish. Basically, if you want a heavy dose of romance, then Go Ahead is certainly not the drama that you should watch. For that, you would be better off settling for rom-coms like Dating In The Kitchen or melodramas such as Here To Heart. Instead, watch Go Ahead for its heartwarming family ties, a father’s love, and close bond among siblings. If you end up liking the main couple as well, then that would be a bonus.
For this Go Ahead review, I would hand it a score of 8.5/10. The story managed to move me and get me emotionally invested. The characters are flawed with their psychological scars and emotional baggage which add to the realistic nature of the drama and makes it memorable. Some dramas are immediately forgettable after you have sat through them. But not Go Ahead. Give it a try and remember to have some tissues ready!
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A drama that fills your heart with warmth
This is the first time I am writing a review about a drama in three years which means this drama has moved me so much.First of all, the story is so well written. Each and every character has so much depth and their story is so well portrayed. You find yourself smiling at the chemistry shared by the characters.
Now when it comes to the acting, hats off to all the actors in this drama. Everyone did so well that you find yourself connected to these characters. Ling Xiao, Ziqiu, and Jianjian definitely steal your heart but at the same time the characters around them can totally catch you.
I have nothing to say about the music. The music is like a breather to our soul. Its so touching and it plays a wonderful role in making the drama memorable.
Overall this drama is a very heart-warming one which can bring a satisfaction to your heart. Definitely give this drama a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
Best of 2020
This is one of the best dramas I've ever seen. I rarely come across a drama that can hold my attention for 16 episodes, much less 40. I loved seeing the main characters grow up, grow apart, and grow back together, and the love story really felt incredibly organic. I'm already looking forward to rewatching it.The one complaint that I have is I felt the drama weakened after the 30-episode mark. The main couple and the dads got pushed to the side toward the end in favor of wrapping up the side plots. I really feel like this should've been closer to 45 or 50 episodes with how rushed the last 5 episodes felt, to the point that I wonder if they had to make significant cuts pre- or post-production. The finale didn't feel like a finale at all, and some of the resolution felt a little shallow. I would've liked to see Ling Xiao go to freaking therapy for one, and for his mom and sister to actually get some help too.
But overall, amazing drama that had me crying literally every episode, with a stellar cast and so much heart. Definitely a highlight of 2020 and a go-to comfort drama now.
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my review on go ahead!
it was a nice cdrama, it had a nice plot but did take a very long time to develop and it felt like most of the later episodes were fill-ups which were a bit disappointing but it's not the worst, and still loved this cdrama.I really liked the concept of this drama and adored the relationships that the three had and how the brothers always came up for their sister.
this drama did contain a love triangle. I rarely like the love triangle trope but with this one I kinda already knew who she was gonna end up with, so it wasn't the worst but if I didn't spoil myself w who she might end up with I would've been in a lot of pain because of this triangle.
it had great acting there were fun and energetic scenes but also sad scenes that were very well executed. they had very great chemistry that made the drama very pleasant to watch.
my rating: 8,5/10
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