Go Ahead (2020)

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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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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É BEM LEGALZINHO O DRAMA EM SI E FAZ VC REFLETIR COM DIVERSAS COISAS

Terminei de assistir a esse drama e decidi dar a ele uma nota 7. No início, estava tudo ótimo, me prendeu bastante, mas lá pela metade ele começou a perder o encanto. Quase larguei o drama no meio do caminho, mas tenho essa mania de não gostar de abandonar as coisas pela metade, prefiro sempre levar até o final, mesmo que seja um pouco difícil ou decepcionante. Enfim, foi uma experiência mista, com altos e baixos, mas acho que a nota 7 reflete bem como me senti em relação a ele. Talvez eu devesse ser mais flexível em relação a largar dramas que não me cativam tanto, afinal, o entretenimento deve ser algo prazeroso e não uma obrigação. Cada um tem suas preferências e é importante buscar aquilo que realmente nos faz bem.

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Wholesome Rolar Coaster Drama

Showed every emotions of regular life.
starting from families and their bond, bond between neighbour from family.
showed that not every child have beautiful childhood.
but also showed great siblings bond. Sometimes being a single parent is not a bad thing.
Showed how emotions started fade away when we don't stay in touch with our love ones and feel awkward when we face them after a huge distance. Technology can't always help us to feel the warmness of being together.
This drama also showed how to love. showed emotions of one sided love to tringle love.
about parenting.
about family issues,
about depressions,
also showed every one's individualities.
JUST WATCH IT.
NOT GONNA REGREAT.
VERY WORTH WATCHING.

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A Must Watch At Least Once In a Lifetime

I joined MDL just so I can give rating to this drama. Very endearing, heartwarming, and touching. The best drama I've ever watched so far, realistic dialogues and scenarios, beautifully written in-depth characters, satisfying closures, amazing casting, beautiful OSTs, and full of morals and good principles; really gave me a lesson about family and filial piety, though also gives importance of found-family based on care and affection. A must watch drama in a lifetime. Of course there are things not liking to my taste but they're all about preferences :) I give this drama a 10 because 9 doesn't do the drama justice! Go watch it, it's worth the episodes!

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אחת הדרמות הטובות שנכתבו והוצגו

סיימתי את- ״בשם המשפחה ״..
וואווו וואווו מה אומר …
יש כל כך הרבה.
משחק גאוני של כולם ללא יוצא מן הכלל ראשיים משניים , סיפור מדהים של החיים שכנראה הוא תוצאה של תרבות אחרת , של נטישה ושל אימוץ, של קושי נפשי שלא טופל, של הורה שלא בטוח שהבין את תפקידו בחיים ולפעמים מתחלף עם הבן ולא ברור מי הבן מי ההורה, של אהבה נקייה ללא גבולות, של רומנטיקה מיוחדת שהולכת ומתעצמת, של חיפוש העצמי בחיים, של הורים - אמהות בעקר, שלא תמכו אלא הפריעו ומה התוצאה, ושל ההפתעה הלא מפתיעה בסוף.
הכל יחד, עירוב של תחושות, מסע בעולמות של רגשות ,
תמיכה וערבות הדדית וטונות של אהבה טהורה ומפליאה.
סדרה נפלאה שקצת מצליחה להשכיח את מה שקורה מחוץ לחלון החדר המואר שלי….ם. ???

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BEST DRAMA OF 2020

This is my favorite drama out of hundreds I’ve watched. It was so wholesome. All the relationships were so beautifully written including romantic relationships, friendships, relationships between parents and children and relationship between siblings. It ran strong with the theme that “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” where two of our main characters CHOSE their family rather than be with the family they were born to.

Let’s start with our leads.

Jiangjiang is our female lead and she is adorable. She’s funny, caring, cheerful and independent. Without her and her accepting and generous nature, this story could not start. Sure, she was portrayed as dumb in high school but that’s not her whole personality. She’s not the “A Playful Kiss - Oh Ha Ni” dumb where I hated myself a little bit more every new episode, so please don’t hold yourself back because of it. JiangJiang is one of the best female leads I’ve seen with great character development. She grows, she learns and she matures at the end of the drama but she still keeps everything good about her with her.

Song Wei Long as Ling Xiao made me SWOON. I’ve watched him in Find Yourself before and as attractive as he was, the plot line was pure shit so there was not much appeal. But in Go Ahead, he was amazing. Ling Xiao gets “adopted” as a brother by Li JiangJiang at the start of the show when they were kids. His background is really sad and the friendship between the two blossoms methodically and wonderfully. This friendship lasts till the end of high school and throughout high school we can see how much they love each other. HE EVEN BECOMES A DENTIST FOR HER. UGHH THERE’S SO MUCH TO WRITEEEE. Just please watch it :’)

He Ziqui played by Steve Chang made me cry. He was such a well written character. The only thing he wanted was a family and to make people around him happy. There’s so much he sacrificed and there was so much good in him. He was, to me undoubtedly, the most pitiful character, especially as a child. As he grows up, we see him become more confident and mature and overall more well rounded. I literally cried when he was washing other people’s clothes late at night to be filial. There was a lot of depth to his character and EVERYONE HERE SHOULD APPRECIATE HIM.

Overall, the OST was great, the themes were great, the actors and the characters were great, and the plot line was great. Just watch it. Trust me. You’ll love it.

PS: the OST was amazing. You Are My Everything is now my bop.

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Wow.. what a fantastic TV series... absolutely great

Beautiful music and acting and storylines make this one of the year's best watch for me. I watched it after watching A River Runs Through It (another 10/10 series) and this one is also unforgettable. In fact, I think in some ways, I like this one even more but they are both equally great.

Love the main leads but to be honest, almost every character in this series is unforgettable. Love the family love and the way they support each other. Also the story of the boys being raised by this cafe owner... wow.. there is just so much love in the family.

The best thing is authentic story and dialogues. No stupid fluffy cartoony silly dialogues. Everyone speaks authentically.

Also no silly annoying cartoonish characters with dumb dialogues.

Overall, it's one of the best series I have seen from China. Top notch all the way.

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My ratings mean what they mean

☆☆☆☆☆ Literally the BEST DRAMA EVER- I don't think it can get any better than this (at least for now). I cried so much because of happiness. This drama wasn't steered towards youth love or whatever, it was covering the base of friendship, family, and personal values. I loved the whole idea of the theme so much, it's crazy.

☆☆☆☆☆ The three main "children" characters came from families with very heartbreaking backstories. It really made me think that everyone has a small piece missing from them, in one way or another. Jian Jian, Zi Qiu, and Ling Xiao are just such lovable characters, they have their strengths and their shortcomings. Over time, the characters start developing and understanding what real love is, whether it is from intimate relationships or family relationships, or friendships. Most of all, the characters have to learn to forgive and forget. That's a hard lesson everyone had to go through, which was a very painful, but meaningful process for them to endure, which is also what made this drama so worthy.
Another thing is that there aren't any MAJOR love triangles, like romance isn't the focal point of this drama, which made it more enjoyable. It isn't the typical "female/male second lead gets jealous of the female/male lead and tries to sabotage the leads' relationship". No one was purposefully trying to kill or injure someone, or anything extreme, which is great.

☆☆☆☆☆ It's really hard to say where this drama could improve since it's literally so amazing. But I guess one thing is that some other characters' stories aren't finished. Like, what happened to Tang Can and Zhuang Bei? Did Tang Can ever successfully pursue her dream career? What happens to the three girls' friendship when Ming Yue goes to Beijing? Does Zi Qiu ever fully forgive his mother and father? How does Ling Xiao think about his mother? The story has a happy ending, so it seems that overall the story is complete, but there are some little things that leave the story incomplete. Maybe that's just me wanting a part two ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

☆☆☆☆☆ Anyways, amazing drama, definitely my favorite by far. Story = 10, acting/cast = 10, music = 10, rewatch value = 10, overall = 10... I really meant what I meant. I would give this drama a 100 if I could. I would for sure recommend this to ANYONE who hasn't watched this yet- you'd be missing out if you didn't watch it :)

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