Go Ahead

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

A Lovable Slice of Life Drama (but kinda slow)

8.25
Finished 29/40 episodes
(I tried to get a perfect 30/40, btu I couldn't get myself to watch one more episode. I feel like I should give this an 8.5, but 8.25 is more suitable I believe)

Note: I watched this drama with my parents in the room, so any flaws that this drama had was emphasized as my parents are quite critical of what I watch.

Disclaimer: The below opinions are mine and mine alone. If you don't agree then that is just fine. If you really loved this drama, I am happy for you. I'm genuinely glad that this drama was enjoyable and even lovable for you.

I feel really sad to drop this, but this drama has met its limit for me. I have come to a point where it's only bearable to watch at a fricken 2x speed. And if I'm watching a drama at such a speed, I feel like there is no need to force myself if I have ~~VERY~~ little motivation to watch. I mean, I am curious how it ends, but not curious enough to watch it all through. I think I'll just watch some Youtube shorts and read some episode guides, and I'll be satisfied.

However, for a dropped drama, this was pretty good. I definitely can believe that some people would love this drama.

Story:
-so many very well developed characters. This aspect was the highlight of the whole show. And that was wonderful because it wasn’t just the main leads who had complex inner makings, but also all the supporting leads. They had also made understandable decisions.

-I like how they showed dysfunctional mothers. In the media, we always hear about horrible fathers and angelic mothers. That’s the combination that everyone is obsessed with. As someone who’s biological mom wasn’t the most mentally stable in the least, I grew up where if I told people my relationship with her, they would think I’m either (or even all) lying, hallucinating, or going crazy. “No, ALL mothers care about their children and do what's best for them!” And it was so dehumanizing, because my mother wasn't all that great. But watching this drama, I really felt seen and acknowledged. (However, unlike Ling Xiao aka ML, I did not feel any sort to filial piety towards her but maybe that’s Chinese culture 🤷🏽‍♀️)

-liked how much they showed Li Hai Chao (the dad) cook. Made me hungry 🤣
-liked the fl's job
-ml and 2ml's jobs made me roll my eyes
-there are some really good, heart felt, meaningful dialogues in here
-we got to see the characters grow up

-What made me drop this was the speed at which everything was happening. I used to think I was the kind of person who liked "Slice of Life" dramas. Now I'm starting to doubt myself. This is genuinely a good story but its taking up too much of my time... And some of the flaws (in the romance) I just couldn't overlook.
If I had nothing better to do, I would finish this drama. But since I do, I've dropped.

Romance:
-the romance makes one realize that, yes, this was made in 2020. It hasn't aged well.
-it was really toxic; they were romanticizing emotional blackmail
-the above really pissed me off and made me want to roll my eyes. Yes, he is pitiful, but that doesn't mean you owe him to be his girlfriend

Acting/Cast:
-Zhang Xin Cheng has blown me away. He might not be good at romance and might not have the most pretty face, but he sure can act. This dude is amazing
-Tan Song Yun also did very well, but Imo, I felt like she made the role fit her instead of her fit the role. I also don't really like her style of acting. Like, yes, act like a child while you're a teenager, but once your 26-27 or whatever, please act like an adult 🤷🏽‍♀️
-Song Wei Long was the weak link of the three. His acting was mediocre compared to the others. He brought some of the chemistry to the romance but it gave more predatory vibes than love vibes
-the chemistry between TSY and SWL was not great, but the kisses were good. Mostly because TSY brought no heat at all
-I also enjoyed watching Tu Song Yan

Music:
-I probably won't listen to the music in my own time
-but, it really suited the drama and the moments that it turned on
-this drama also managed to not overplay the ost, which is hard to achieve nowadays

Rewatch:
-no
-I wasn't even able to completely watch it in the first place 😅😅😅

Read More

“Beautiful Story, But Too Heavy and Dragged Out”

I started Go Ahead because I heard it’s a warm, healing story about three kids growing up together and becoming family. And honestly, the first few episodes were really nice — I loved the sibling bond, the simple moments, and the cozy feeling.

But after a while (I watched up to episode 21), it became too heavy and dragged out. There was just too much drama, constant family problems, misunderstandings, and repeated emotional conflicts. It started to feel tiring instead of comforting. I kept hoping it would pick up, but it stayed slow and overly dramatic.

I think the actors did great, and the idea is beautiful, but the storytelling could’ve been tighter and less exhausting. If you enjoy long, emotional, slice-of-life dramas with a lot of family baggage, this might be for you. But if you’re like me and prefer lighter, more focused stories with a steady pace, it might not hold your interest.

— ⭐⭐⭐/5 (Good start, great acting, but too long and too dramatic for my taste.)

Read More

I'm going to pretend the second half of this drama doesn't exist

Okay so I absolutely loveddd the first half of this drama. The second half not so much.....

I rated this pretending that the second half doesn't exist

(Spoiler Warning):

The relationship between the characters was soo sweet and the way they handled their traumatic backstories was so well done. The first part of this drama is absolutely amazing and one of the best things I've ever watched. HOWEVER! the minute there was a timeskip to adulthood, it all went downhill for me. The way they developed the relationship between FL and ML was soo weird. I'm okay with the "childhood brother figure turned love interest" trope but they had zero chemistry once they grew up and it felt so rushed and unnecessary. FL was def only with him because she felt bad for him (She also does acknowledge this and tells him outright but still why???).

I felt so bad for ML, especially when he says he wants to marry her and she keeps invalidating him and saying things like "who wants to marry you" or "who wants to live with you" when he talks about buying a house together. I get that they're trying to portray a realistic trauma-bonded relationship and she's only trying to do what she's always done (protect him and make him happy by appeasing him) but I did nottt f w it. I wish they would've just developed their relationship in a normal way because they definitely had chemistry when they were still in school/living together. However, I do acknowledge that I didn't finish the entire thing (had like 6 episodes left I believe? so maybe they miraculously fix their relationship and FL falls in love with him for real and everyone is happy and healthy forever etc. etc. but I have very little hope for that based off of other reviews I've read.

Also, I hate that they made the second brother have feelings for her too. Their relationship was a million times more sibling-like than FL and ML and it felt so creepy (especially the part where he gropes her like that's so unnecessary??). I think they did it intentionally to show he's confusing platonic love with romantic but it failed imo. Its a 10/10 if you pretend the second half doesn't exist lol.

Read More

Disgusting Incestuous Family Love Triangle

Yeah, I'm not going to bother finish watching this series. It's disgusting. They could have FIXED this problem easily by just having the three leads as close childhood friends--instead, they made this big deal about how they grew up as brothers and sister. There is no getting around that. How the hell are you going to turn that into a romance?!

Which is a shame because the female lead is a very good actor as are the two fathers. The two male leads are kind of wooden. They also have good supporting characters in Mingyue and Tang Can (or Can Tang, whatever her name is).

Read More

Started great but got boring

from the very beginning, I liked the set, plot and acting. in comparison to other asian family dramas that I've watched, the story and ideas were much more relatable and I liked how they were telling a story of a Patch-work family.
it went well and I liked the humor and emotional scenes.

but I DROPPED it.
when it comes to longer dramas, i'm usually patient but from episode 10 onward, I thought they are actually stretching the episodes and it could be much more enjoyable if it was a 20 episode series.
I skipped too many scenes in sake of keeping up with the series because I thought the back story for each character was interesting and did worth the watch but i got bored since the love story began too soon but went too slow.

if you are looking for a fluff and family-oriented drama and actually do have a considerable amount of time to spare for this series, watch it otherwise I think you better keep it for when you only wanna kill time .

i hope my review doesn't mislead anyone. I just wrote what I felt because when i started watching this series, it was still ongoing and I've heard many positive comments about this series but found it a tad against my taste in series and dramas.
hope I could help

Read More

Everything about this drama is beautifully bitter sweet and heart throbbing, the focus on family relationships is so real. Director beautifully executed the scenes well and I love how they don't cut out minor details that seem extra but lets you see how the characters would really interact. One of the best dramas in history in my opinion but I could not carry on watching it anymore since episode 21+ because it was so heart breaking and heavy. Every time after I finish a episode i feel extra heavy in my mood and I cannot binge watch (which I usuallly do) for this because there is just so much emotions in one episode alone. I'm not talking as if i can relate to the experiences with same personal experiences which I don't have, which is why i find it amusing how this drama is able to portray the realness of anxiety, fear and rejection people face today. Takes much emotional energy to watch this I would say.

Read More

Endearingly Beautiful

**Let me preface this by proudly stating that I’m a big fan of both this original Chinese version & the Korean remake, “Family of Our Own”. They both have their strengths & weaknesses. I like some aspects of “Go Ahead” better, while also preferring other parts from the Korean version instead. I like the cast of both versions & the characters they bring to life. Yes, there are tons of similarities - that’s to be expected when they’re made from the same story. If that bothers you then my advice is simply this - don’t watch one version right after the other. 🤷🏻‍♀️😉**

This is a truly wholesome family drama. The widowed father of a little girl takes in a young abandoned boy. When their neighbor’s wife leaves him & their son behind, the two dads form a new family unit for the three children in their care. And the bond of friendship they develop along the way makes them the most non-gay, “married couple” of the ages, haha. They’re so great!!

Where once these kids used to be alone, now they’re being raised as siblings. The studious brother, the sporty brother, & the mischievous sister. So vastly different, but yet similar in many ways. Their bond is perfection at all ages - kids, teens, & adults. I laughed so much at their antics. Plus, the depth of their loyalty, protection, & love for each other is beautiful. I just adore them 💕

Watching them as youths is a delight. Seeing their pain when they’re separated is brutal. Experiencing their distance upon reuniting after 10yrs is bittersweet. Witnessing them each finally get their happy ending (2 of them together! 💍) is everything 🩵💜💙

Note: my only complaint is that the ML’s mom got off way too easily. I understand forgiveness & familial ties, but she was so toxic & evil to him that I wasn’t happy with the ending the writer(s) gave her. Being blood isn’t a free pass for abuse 😠.

_________\\__________//________


-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


.


…


….


……

The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.24 💋
- Together : ep.23 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💖

Read More

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 !!😸💕

Read More