Jianjian, Ling Xiao, and Ziqiu's bond is sweet and moving. Normally I'm eager for the characters to age up, but the childhood and high school episodes are so impactful and well-paced. I love Jianjian's silliness, her love of sweets, and her career as an artist! It's so rare to see a main character who is happily living as an artist. Despite her silliness she's not naive, she's used to diffusing tension and easing pain with humor, and she's a loyal friend who stands up to bullies. I'm a big fan of Tan Songyun, and even more so after this drama, because she excelled at both the humor and the emotional moments. Everyone's favorite character is Jianjian's dad, Li Haichao, who is a big-hearted softie, possibly the most patient, supportive, and understanding parent I've ever seen in a c-drama. Ling Xiao and Ziqiu both suffer from emotional trauma (it'll break your heart), but are able to find joy and love from growing up with Jianjian and her dad. Song Weilong and Steven Zhang both played their roles so well. (I've seen other dramas in which they played the leads, but they had me totally absorbed in their characters here.) I loved the supporting characters, too: Jianjian's friends, Ziqiu's friend, Jianjian's colleague.
Before I started this drama, I was worried about a love triangle, but I was relieved—although there are some unrequited feelings and some misplaced feelings, there's nothing truly frustrating here. The characters are human, so of course there are some emotional outbursts and awkwardness, but everyone reflects over their feelings and actions and faces them maturely. (Definitely no annoying I-won't-give-up/evil-schemer second leads here!) There isn't a strong focus on the romance, but I appreciate that they talked about mental health. I actually would've liked to see more of that storyline, to dig deeper into their relationship. (I am being intentionally vague so as not to spoil who the relationship is between, but I personally think it is pretty obvious from early on in the show.)
The most frustrating aspect of this show? The moms. It's the moms either abandon their children or are too controlling or are never satisfied. This is such a stark contrast to Li Haichao, who, like I said before, is so kind and supportive. Ling Xiao's dad is a workaholic who isn't around but he's upbeat when he's around, so it gets downplayed. (I am skeptical about him unable to take ANY time off during those nine years.) Fortunately, I did feel like some nuance with the moms was explored towards the end. One of the moms has a really heartbreaking character arc and I would've loved to see more of her scenes at the end. There's also a storyline towards the end about another mom that offers a layered, thoughtful reflection. But there's one mom who is truly self-centered and emotionally manipulative, and she was allowed to continue with her behavior for far too long. I can absolutely believe that there are people like her in the world, but it's tough to watch and I dreaded her scenes.
Although this drama is more slice-of-life and relatable, the pivotal moments are really dramatic. A lot occurs in rapid succession and it truly felt like an emotional rollercoaster during those episodes—but Jianjian, Ziqiu, and Ling Xiao are so likable and relatable that I felt invested in their lives. Despite some flaws and missed opportunities (if only there were MORE episodes), I truly loved this show, the cast, characters, and the melancholy but soothing OST.
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You Must Watch It!
Its really really good drama ❤. You should try it,you will not regret!! The story line is good, the chemistry of cast is really good too ! I love Zhang Xin Cheng and Tan Song Yun Chemistry in real life ❤🧡💛. After i watch go ahead ,i watch little forest (ZXC&TSY) i just hope i want Zhang Xin Cheng and Tan Song Yun will have project drama as main role next drama💜. Ooh of course i like Song Wei Long too. I Ship Song Wei Long and Tan Song Yun in Go Ahead but in the real life i ship Zhang Xin Cheng and Tan Song Yun 💚💙💛🧡Was this review helpful to you?
Great family story with good climax! He Zi Qiu &Li Hai Cao perfect bond!
I am very eager to waiting each episode and lucky this is a perfect choice! The brotherhood and parents relationship is good to watch.The story start bright in the beginning, sad in the middle and ending with unexpected situations!
Through this drama make me understand the reason for what all is happen and the decision should be make. The real love is make the one you love is happy with his/her life even it's will not belong to you.
The total episode is too long for me, some parts is seems slow and bored when the conflict between brother rise, even the results is good.
For me the real best part is in the beginning, and after episode 35 .
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This review may contain spoilers
Must watch
This story captured my heart. They did so many things right. Each character felt like they had substance and made me interested in their story. It’s a story about Family, Trauma, and Love. The pain each character faces is so real and powerful. I’m a sucker for romance and though the main romance here didn’t take center stage rather was woven into the story seamlessly along with everyone else’s story it still managed to be one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever come across. Ling Xiao and Jian Jian’s story was so mature, the way they dealt with their problems was amazing to behold. They didn’t gloss over the fact that he had psychological problems and once in a relationship those problems didn’t just magically disappear, rather we were able to see the slow progression towards healing and how much they supported each other through these difficulties. As the episodes flew by and I got closer and closer to the end, I found myself not wanting it to end. It felt like we were a part of all these characters life journey and I wanted to witness the rest of their lives. Usually for chinese dramas I’d say around 24 episodes is the sweet spot. Once that number starts getting to the 30’s and 40’s things start dragging. However this drama was an exception, I honestly cannot imagine it being shorter. Each part of the story deserved the time it received, I wouldn’t have minded a few more episodes , that’s how much I loved this show. Right down to the music which was a perfect match to the vibe of the story. I know I’ll be rewatching this in the future, and it’ll go down as one of my all time favoritesWas this review helpful to you?
Acting was phenomenal. As I said above, I could easily tell how the characters thought about other characters, especially in the difference for how Li Jianjian treats both her brothers. The drama cleverly wove in some subtle hints from the start and I could easily figure out how she felt about both her brothers. Tan Songyun and Zhang Xincheng acted out the relationship between their characters so well. I cannot imagine their characters being acted by anyone else. Song Weilong's character was very complex, and he did a great job too.
Of course I can't talk about acting without mentioning some of the older actors. Tu Songyan's portrayal of Lin Haichao was so convincing, and he really became the embodiment of his character. His dialogues and behaviors were so smoothly executed it was like he was the character, not acting at all. I love that the drama gave enough attention to the struggles of the parental figures, and the realistic depictions of their conflicts. Chen Ting is a super complicated character and Yang Tongshu portrayed her so well. There were moments where I hated the character, then other moments where I really empathized with her internal struggles. I thought it was a great depiction of mental health struggles that people could be going through in real life.
Despite this being a family style drama with not too many dramatic scenes, it did not fail at all in making me cry. There were times when one episode made me laugh so hard my cheeks hurt and I had tears then the next episode would make me sob. I have to say that part of the middle episodes started to get a little draggy and stagnant, but the plot still was able to move along and picked up near the end. I gotta say I think the ending is perfect and really fits the overall theme of the drama.
Lastly, I wanted to strongly praise the sound effects. I rarely encounter dramas that purposely use comedic sound effects to make the audience laugh, but this drama did, and I greatly appreciated it. The comedic sound effects really added points to the scenes (that were already really funny), but they made the scenes knee-slappingly funny. At one point I was feeling the drama drag a bit, so I watched on 1.5x and oh boy the comedic scenes were 200% funnier.
I'm extremely glad I watched this drama, and I am happy I am venturing out into more genres outside of my typical xianxia/wuxia. Please don't hesitate to give this drama a try!
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Hidden Gem
This series was absolutely amazing. It’s one of the most heartfelt dramas I’ve watched surrounding family. There was an amazing family vibe. This was a perfect reflection of what the unconventional family looks like, not simply blood connection but love, loyalty, support, unity. From beginning to end, I loved it. The story was genuine and so realistic. Each cast member was flawless. Listening to the conversations felt warm and truly like family.There was chemistry overload among the entire cast. Perfection.
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Beautiful and touching drama - best of 2020 releases
I love this movie, finished all the episodes on a weekend. The production was excellent, not a dull moment. There are moments where you would cry, moments where you will laugh and moments where you will smile, not a dull moment. The acting from the main casts were all so brilliant. And the OST was a great match to the whole movie. I did not regret watching this at all, kudos to the director and producer for making such a delightful and enjoyable drama to watch.Not only I found the acting from the younger main casts were good, I enjoyed the acting of the other 2 older main casts. Their relationship in the story and the sacrifices both the fathers made for the children were so relatable. It also drove home the fact that no matter what the make up of a family is, unconditional genuine love for each other’s matters most. There are so many life lessons embedded in the drama, definitely worth the investment in your time watching it.
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Go Ahead is the type of series you can't forget
Caring neighbours and nosy neighbours, there is a difference. But one must carefully draw a line so as not to interfere too much in one’s private affairs. These were my first thoughts when I started watching Go Ahead, a 2020 Chinese television drama series that revolves around three non-blood-related kids who became each other’s family.I am not saying it was a bad start, okay? It was a very effective introduction that successfully grabbed my attention. Seeing too many telenovelas, K-dramas, J-dramas, and other series on various platforms Go Ahead is the only family drama I was willing to see through.
I give Go Ahead a perfect score because the effort of everyone who made this series radiates. I honestly did not expect the intense quality Go Ahead was going to give when I first saw clips online. The story, actors, music, basically the whole production is wonderful. Go Ahead is the type of series you will not easily forget.
https://clarisays.com/2021/04/26/reelview-thoughts-on-go-ahead-2020/
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Great family drama
This drama isn’t a genre that I generally go for, but I decided to try it out after getting fatigue from other cliched dramas.It turned out to be really refreshing and strangely gripping! I laughed and cried throughout the drama as the characters went through life and grew up. I was surprised that I could finish all 40 episodes (I generally drop long dramas halfway out of boredom from plots which are too similar). The characters are all well brought out, flawed but lovable (except for Ling Xing’s mom).
The acting and plot are amazing and heartwarming. A great drama to watch to appreciate your loved ones.
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? WOW ?
Quick trigger warning for physical abuse.This show is pretty special as far as coming of age shows go. I really enjoyed watching this and appreciate the storyline. The show made me feel for the three main characters and it made my heart go through loops and feel happy and sad!
I love coming of age/university/young adult life shows. The family dynamics were really a special part of the show. They story really shows what a “found family” is and that was really touching. There we’re definitely frustrating moments, and there are events that feature physical abuse from a parent. But it’s wasn’t too much and it fit for the story. I think that there were a lot of highs and lows, there were melancholy moments and a lot of happiness too.
I hope you give the show a chance because it was worth it!
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I regretted procrastinating and not watch this first
This drama no doubt will bring you through a series of emotional roller coaster! With excellent casts, great story-line there is really nothing much to not like in this drama.I honestly feel that the roles are specially tailored for the casts because I couldn’t imagine it with other actor/actresses.
The series really shows the growth of each and every character as you watch the episodes; with life lessons to learn as well.
Do prepare a box of tissue when you start to binge on this series and not flood your sheets with tears like I did!
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a well-constructed story about familial and romantic love
I usually have a hard time enjoying dramas about growing up or family because of the melancholy vibe that is always attached to the genre. I've become sick of the cliche sad background stories that are dragged on and cause characters to undergo forced growth.The idea that three kids end up growing up together because of perfectly aligned unfortunate events is a bit unrealistic and cliche, but the problems that caused their positions in life are as realistic as it can get, which is why I love the drama. Nothing too weird or crazy happens throughout the show. The passage of time is depicted perfectly. The characters pass normal stages of life together, and at times grow distant because of such phases in their lives. It is shown that some relationships, even the strongest ones, can struggle to stay afloat because of time apart. Each character undergoes their own complex struggle with family, and their growth as individuals is well-paced. Every action characters take and the emotions they feel are supported by the strong plot. Throughout the story, there is a perfect balance of comedy, seriousness, and romance.
Three different families, each not following the normal family structure and undergoing their own unique struggle, are united into one. They created a new normal for themselves. The show portrayed how sometimes the relationships people choose to create can be stronger than the ones made by blood.
The only problem I had with the show was that some things were dismissed way too quickly. I understand it needed to be done for a complete story and happy ending, but it undermined the legitimacy of the problems. This is especially true for Ling Xiao's mom. It didn't bother me too much, since it was the ending, but it would've been nice for the problem to be taken more seriously.
I think the reason this show was executed so well is because of the amazing and talented cast. Sometimes I can find acting in Chinese dramas cringe, especially in the case of sad or crying scenes, but this drama didn't have that problem. The emotions were conveyed so well and it made the show seem so realistic.
I saw some people weirded out by the development between Song Wei Long's character and Seven Tan's character. I'd like to point out that if you look back, even to the episodes when they were still children, the relationship between Seven Tan's character and Steven Zhang's character are truly platonic. The show indicates how they tease each other and play around with each other like siblings would, while Song Wei Long's character has a completely different vibe with Seven Tan's character. It's true that Song Wei Long shows care for Seven Tan, but the fact is that they are not related at all. He has his own living parents and Seven Tan's character has her own living dad. His care for her was based in romantic feeling from the start. It's normal for a boy and girl, from two different families, who end up growing up together and spending so much time together, to develop some type of feelings. Steven Zhang's character was different, since his mother was no longer part of his life. Seven Tan's father became his only parental figure, while Song Wei Long's character still had contact with his mother and father. I personally, don't find it gross, because their different relationships were set up since the beginning.
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