An exploration of what it means to be family
One of the best character-driven stories I've had the pleasure to watch, and a fantastic longform essay about family and love in Chinese culture. Legit recognized my relatives and parents in the characters and I really felt like I was seeing my own growing up experiences mirrored here.I absolutely love how focused on character development this story was. It was very rewarding witnessing their growth, and I loved having hunches about a character's behavior and having it turn out to be true.
Originally, I felt that the female characters were quite poorly written because almost all the moms are major assholes, but that was a bit premature. I'm still in disagreement with the scriptwriters about Mingyue's mom and Chen Ting. I think they hadn't done enough to make up for the selfishness and hurt that they'd caused. But then again, their kids are fine with it. So maybe I'm judging too harshly because of my own parental baggage? Anyway. A bit draggy at the end and lots of unbelievable plot twists but overall I really loved this 😭😭😭
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well-written
The rating is based on my personal enjoyment, not on the intrinsic value of the drama. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so please be kind. If you disagree (and you probably will), please just move on.Are you one of the C-drama fans that has actually not watched this show, and you are wondering if you should watch it? You definitely should. It is a standout in the C-drama genre. I watched it a couple of years ago and rated it lower. Who knows, if I watch it a couple of years from now, I may enjoy it even more! There is no question that it is, overall, very well-written. The cast was excellent. I especially loved the father/father figure. There was laughter, there were tears. The music helped draw out the emotions of certain scenes.
This drama is, for the most part, about what makes a family. It explores blood relationships, found relationships, and the strength of true friendship. It addresses actions and their consequences. It also speaks to the results of those consequences on others. We don't live in a vacuum, and what we do affects others, whether we like to think so or not. Then, there is the issue of anger/trauma and forgiveness.
The only reasons I couldn't rate it any higher for myself:
1) Too many episodes and some storylines that could have been cut - for example, the woman that kept trying to set the dad up with someone. Also, the constant back and forth of the two girls and their mothers' disapproval of their career choices.
2) Too much changing of who likes who, especially among the friends.
3) Romance fell flat. It wasn't supposed to be the focus, I know, but they never seemed to be more than friends. Even at the end, she still called him Brother. There was an episode or two that tried to develop this, but once they were together, they didn't act any differently than before.
4) I realize that this is a cultural thing, but letting your parents walk all over you for your entire life leaves a sour taste in my mouth. There's a difference between respecting your elders and being a doormat.
5) The parents' actions traumatized their kids enough that they were having nightmares, insomnia, etc., but, with a word, all was forgiven.
6) Regarding above-mentioned trauma - resolved too easily. Counseling wouldn't have gone amiss.
7) Both brothers thinking they like her, but one gets over it in a couple of days. Personally, with their closeness while growing up, I couldn't understand either of them liking her in a romantic way.
8) The ending was flat for me. Especially after sitting through 40 episodes.
Bottom line? I am definitely in the minority here, and I will still recommend this drama to others.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best dramas ever!!!
It's the first time I felt like writing a review, seriously this drama is one of the best I've ever watched, so heartwarming, simple and intricate at the same time. Characters were amazingly conceived, they are dynamic and grow throughout the story. The actors were great to depict all changes from childhood to adulthood. Dramatic moments made me cry, they felt so real, like I was watching that scene in real life. Great concepts and developing. Everything about this drama is just perfect, feel like I'll rewatch it soon.Was this review helpful to you?
Nice family drama, has everything in it..
After a long time a beautiful drama, which has everything in it.. all genre..Very interesting, nice family, love, friendship, brotherhood, not much tragedy story, daily life, career, everything depicted in a fascinating manner..
Enjoyed a lot..
PS: This is my first time writing a review in MDL.. this drama is so good that it triggered me to write something nice.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the most relatable, heart-warming, and touching shows ever!!!
This was the first Chinese modern-day drama that I've ever watched because I typically only watch historical dramas. I gave it a try because I'm a big fan of Song Weilong and it exceeded my expectations in every single way. Overall, the plot is beautifully written and executed perfectly by all of the characters. I love all of the main leads and enjoyed watching them mature and evolve into decent adults. The problems/issues in the show are also very relatable. Lastly, the show has a perfect blend of everything. While there are many comedic and silly scenes, there are just as many serious and heart-breaking scenes. This is a MUST watch!Was this review helpful to you?
tbh one of the best modern dramas out there
I've been watching this drama ever since the first episode premiered and every day I've been waiting for every episode as I was stuck into this drama I always wanted to know what would happen next. Now I've watched this drama twice and yes it's sooooo gooddd!! Compared to other modern Chinese dramas out there, this has to be the best since I believe that everyone can relate to at least one character in the drama as it talks about realistic and relatable issues. This drama had moments which made me cry or laugh as this drama is kind of a melodrama, comedy and romance all in one.Story - 10:
In my honest opinion, I wish there were more episodes since there are still missing details that could've been added to the ending of the drama, BUT STILL, I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCHHH!!! The story had a lot of meanings behind every few scenes which is why I think this drama can be watched by all ages, unlike other dramas which are only suited to teenagers. What I love the most about this drama is that it is more realistic compared to other dramas. In this drama, everyone has problems as this drama talks about the parent's issues, the children's issues and the friend's issues as well, it's not like other dramas where the male lead is perfect where he is rich and encounters no problems throughout his life, in this drama, both male main leads, Ling Xiao and He Ziqiu have flaws and problems during their lives. The family in this drama is not the most fortunate in the world which can be relatable to many other people. This drama shows that people can look like they are perfect but in reality, they might not be the most perfect person.
Acting/Cast - 9:
I feel like this drama couldn't have a better cast cause the cast in this drama was perfect. All acting was natural and well done.
Song Weilong suited Ling Xiao's personality, Song Weilong said in an interview that he could relate to the story of the drama which helped Ling Xiao to be acted out well by Song Weilong. Song Weilong was probably 20 while in this drama but he seems to be mature in real life too so I could see why he could act as Ling Xiao. But his acting could've been better as there were some scenes where he looked a bit forced.
Zhang Xincheng acted well as He Ziqiu, whenever he cried, I couldn't help but cry along with him. His role in the drama suited him as well as He Ziqiu was meant to be an outgoing person not letting troubles get in his way and Zhang Xincheng pulled the character altogether.
I was surprised at how well Tan Songyun acted out Li Jian Jian, she's 30 years old and had to act like a 16-year-old for part of the drama which was well acted out. I also heard that Tan Songyun also could relate to the story of this drama as she had similar problems as Li Jian Jian.
Not only did the main actors acted their characters well but even the parents and friends acted their part of the drama well which is rarely seen in many dramas. Also, even though the other characters were supporting roles of the drama, they still had moments throughout the drama where they show their problems in their life. We could see what was happening in Li Hai Chao (Li Jian Jian's father), Ming Yue and Tang Can's life.
Music - 10:
I saved all the osts onto my spotify playlist cause the songs are so goodddd. Most of the songs are quite lo-fi which is technically great when you want to calm yourself down or when you want to cry haha. Tan Songyun sings a song that's in the ost called Like a Breeze, but how in the world can she be so talented tho. Her voice is really beautiful just like her acting skills.
Rewatch Value - 10:
Well, I've watched it twice so I mean watch it as much as you want cause it's up to your choice. But I like to rewatch my favourite dramas a second time cause like why not?
Overall I rate it a 10 of course since its such an amazing drama. I RECOMMEND IT TO LITERALLY EVERYONE!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This On-going Drama is Great and very realistic!
I started this drama a few days ago and the story is very captivating. Jianjian, Ling Xiao and He Ziqiu has a very nice story of their youth.I cried and laugh on this drama. I cried so much on the story of Ziqiu when he got adopted of the father of Jianjian and he was working so hard to the family because he owe his life to jianjian's family. Jianjian is kinda selfish when her two brothers left because the her two brothers doesn't have choice but to study abroad. Their relationship grows apart because they are gone for several years but Ling Xiao and He Zique to fix their relationship.I can't wait for the upcoming episodes. I love the drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Getting worse and worse
Drama started o.k., but becoming weaker and weaker. I do not know what happen in Chinese dramas, but the feeling is that you can leave work so easily to attend stupid affairs. It looks like a lack of professionality (As in "我的前半生", a lot of modern guys supposed to be rich thanks to a job they don't even spend a minute at). Actors... the two fathers are the only ones that do a great job. Even the children actors are better than when they've grown up. Music is good but too repetitive. Stupid drama. I think the high rating is because of the young actors' fans. Handsome, but terrible interpretation.Was this review helpful to you?
Not a cliche drama (this drama really have many conflict and tragic story), but gives us a warm vibe
I really love this drama! I'm a newbie in Chinese drama but for all of the drama I've ever watched, I think this is one of the best plots. I can feel a warmness in a family but they give us so much conflict and a lot of moral stories you can get from this drama. I think most of the Chinese dramas that I've watched were really light conflict, but this is perfect. The OST is really good too. I really love their acting. How lucky they have 2 dads like Ling and Li. I love because this story not too focused on romance but how every character has their problem and how to overcome it, and lead them to adulthood, how life isn't easy when you became an adult and somehow one day we must face it. I love to see they grew from childhood, teenager, and become a mature person. Must check it out if you have time to watch!Was this review helpful to you?
Go Ahead... and Lose Me
I really liked Go Ahead at the start. The found-family dynamic was super warm and believable, and the relationship between Li Jian Jian and Ling Xiao was one of the highlights early on. They felt close in a way that was comforting but also layered—you could tell there was more going on beneath the surface.When the show started shifting toward romance, I know a lot of people felt like it came out of nowhere because of the sibling-like dynamic. But honestly, I didn’t think it was that sudden. It was pretty clear that Ling Xiao liked Li Jian Jian from early on—there’s even a scene where they talk about a childhood betrothal, which hints at deeper feelings. And while Li Jian Jian didn’t show her feelings as openly, I don’t think she saw him purely as a brother either. Her feelings felt more under the surface, like she hadn’t fully realized them yet. That’s probably why she seemed so awkward around him once the dynamic started to shift—it wasn’t that she didn’t like him, just that she wasn’t ready to confront it.
That said, the pacing started to drag for me after a while, and I ended up dropping it at episode 15—not because it got bad, but because it lost some of the momentum that made the beginning so engaging.
I did watch the Korean remake, Family by Choice, all the way through, and based on what I saw from both versions, they each have their own flaws. In Family by Choice, the pacing was way too fast when the two guys came back from abroad—it felt like things jumped ahead without enough emotional buildup. In Go Ahead, the comeback was a little rushed too, but then the story slowed down a lot, and it lost some of its energy.
Both dramas have their strong points, especially when it comes to the emotional moments and family bonds, but I think they both struggled a bit once the focus shifted toward romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
Interesting storyline
The storyline was very interesting regarding the subject "Abandonment". How the screenwriters portrayed abandonment can also be real for some children that are going through the same horrific truths. I'm glad the screenwriters told this story and how it all came about and how it ends. Except for me, it didn't end. I wanted to see more and felt cheated. You will see why at the end. The other topic was "Forgiveness". We all need to learn how to forgive because if you don't, you only hurt yourself in the long run.Tan Song Yun who played the character Li Jian Jian: Excellent
Song Wei Long who played the character Ling Xiao: Outstanding... cute too.
Zhang Xin Cheng who played the character He Zi Qiu: Excellent
Tu Song Yan who played the character Li Hai Chao father of Li Jian Jian: Outstanding
Zhang Xi Lin who played the character Ling He Ping father of Ling Xiao: Excellent
Was this review helpful to you?
Absolutely the best Family Melodrama Romance series I've watched!
Absolutely the best Family Melodrama Romance series I've watched! Really enjoyed and loved every moment even though I cried numerous times, as there were laughs and happy moments too.Many different life experiences seen through multiple families which just shows us that we, the viewer are not the only ones going through hardships, life, family 'drama', love experiences, friendship, work life, etcetera etcetera. So many things were covered in this series which also showed how wounds can heal or how life can become better if we work towards it or try to make things work and not just ignore the problems that do exist.
The story was really compelling and the writer clearly put in a lot of effort to bring everything together. Can't fault anything and also won't change anything as everything was necessary in each arc, which is interlinked in some way. The writer really did well with character building and all the intricate relationships which made everything so believable and let us, the viewer, be drawn in and routing for the character and be sad, happy, frustrated, depressed with them . I will definitely look for other series's with same writer, director and or scriptwriter.
The actors really did very well portraying their respective characters. I honestly enjoyed each and everyone's acting as they brought the characters to life. And that is exactly what actors should do as it really gets the viewer drawn into 'their' lives. I will miss all the actors but not all the characters!
Production and Visual FX were also great and all the more brought everything to life and brought everything together in the best possible way.
Ost was very good, not that good that I want to download each and every song but were played at the right time. Sound effects were not overly used and were appropriate at the right time.
Rewatch value is very high, will definitely Rewatch in future.
Was this review helpful to you?
