This drama touched my heart deeply. I felt emotions I have never felt before and fell in love with this wonderful family. Being both a child and parent and having a family that is not all blood related but just as much as a family as any other, I perhaps found this story even more meaningful. The acting was outstanding and the 5 main characters were so wonderful! The standout of course was Li Jianjian (Songyun Tan) who had something so endearing about her. She was cute, tender-hearted, feisty and so naturally loving and optimistic which was what her brothers both so needed, and her smile just made me smile. The three of them made me so jealous. What a unique and deep relationship they had that only they could really understand. Both brothers were also wonderful and the Li dad, well he just melted my heart. If we could all be such a wonderful parents and human beings! This child actors were brilliant too and so many of their moments broke my heart. Yes the ending could have been better and there is definitely potential for a second season but the first half of the drama deserved 10 starts on it's own! So many moments I will never forget and will enjoy again when I watch it again.
23 Reviews
Amazing!!
harshananadapatti4 February 2021
The best Chinese drama I have watched till date!!...You feel like living in this family and experiencing every moment of it and their acting is so good and real, I strongly recommend this drama and i assure you that it will not disappoint you at all.
Worthful
zoeparker-3142418 September 2020
Im here to say that this drama teaches a lot of advises to parents,children,friend,soulmates...and more about FAMILY.mainly I HV no words for Steven Zhang he was amazing.he does his at in a perfect way.his cries r real...must watch one
You'll never regret watching this drama.
notreallylewis29 October 2020
Amazing series in 2020
farhaahmed-823966 March 2021
One of my favorites shows!!
mustermannmaxine18 September 2020
I love it so much!!
One of my favorites shows. The actor and actresses were brilliant!! I felt like l was part of the family. How they spoke a about everything and that they didn't had any big secrets or resolved it quickly! The best part for me was when the dad prepared the meal and one of them knocked on the ceiling with a stick to call the others. How they happily sat around the table and shared the food!! That was lovely the the whole message to be good to your family and friends, to listen to the other and to mature was amazing! This series made me absolutely happy! I have a lot to learn from it! And I will definitely watch it again!!
An absolute delight to watch.
srijasingh-417466 August 2021
It tells a unique story through characters we often see around us. Jianjian's father is human warmth personified, made stronger by his mate, ling Xiao's dad... and the trio themselves, well their relationship is simple and rooted in love but also complex as the shades of love evolve over the years.
At it's core, it's about family, both broken and whole, and the kids who have their roots within these familial structures... Broken families break their children, only Xiao and Zi qui were lucky enough to find jianjian who was willing to pick up the pieces and put them together.
Beautiful drama, definitely worth the hours.
At it's core, it's about family, both broken and whole, and the kids who have their roots within these familial structures... Broken families break their children, only Xiao and Zi qui were lucky enough to find jianjian who was willing to pick up the pieces and put them together.
Beautiful drama, definitely worth the hours.
A Chinese Modern Family
AppleEye2U5 March 2021
I've binge watched Go Ahead in two days recovering from an operation in bed and yes, it really healed me. I laughed, I cried, the day-to-day meals in this series made my mouth water, regaining my appetite for food and living.
Summary
Go Ahead tells the story of a recent widower who's running a local noodle bar. His life is focused on cooking and making his little daughter happy, in spite of the attempts of older ladies in the neighborhood to find him a new wife. One candidate, a beautiful single mother with a son, seems to his liking. Alas, she is forced to leave by urgent family matters, taking his money and leaving her little son in his care. At the same time the neighborhood is disturbed by the arrival of new inhabitants, a police officer with his wife and son. The woman turns out to be a drunk who's terrorizing her family out of grief from a freaking accident that caused the death of their former baby girl. The drunken quarrels are so fierce the son prefers to spend his evenings reading comic books at the stair well . The widower and his daughter take pity on him, inviting him to stay with them whenever he likes, and before they know it, the silent, moody boy stays permanently at their home. Finally the woman leaves, the police officer follows the habit of his son including eating the home made meals from the widower and within a year both male neighbors have formed a functional, modern household. Their son and daughter are living in harmony, together with the fresh adopted son from the widower. Papa Li and Papa Ling form a real power couple. They encourage the children to move forward as good as it gets. At work, at school, with their friends, at university. Question is: will they go ahead in spite of their mental scars and the trouble on their doorstep caused by far away family members who come to claim their support mainly based on Chinese family traditions.
The Pros
Both the child and adult actors are so good, their emotions so real, it made my heart swell and melt. I love the interaction between the papas so much, I even thought this based on a censored original work about two homosexuals forming a family life. Themes like group pressure, status in life, keeping up appearances, marriage, divorce, midlife crisis, they are all there. The cast is superb, not only the leading actors gave me the feels. I also could relate to the other characters.
The Cons
The first ten episodes put me on a roller coaster of emotions, the mental issues of the children were that gripping. The following episodes however inflated a bit with minor issues about school and friends. And is it just me, or were most female characters portrayed in an inferior way to the male characters? I found them all insecure, ignorant, silly, troublesome, or downright evil. The leading couple, the widower's daughter and the police officer's son, seem too good to be true by contrast. It wouldn't have hurt to see more realistic growing pains between them. Also the many eating scenes with sweet cakes, water melons and other food, made me wish for product placements that make me feel less hungry.
Verdict
Nevertheless I was hooked for 40 episodes, I loved the ending that left me smiling for hours. Go Ahead is a warm and sweet opinion on humans and theirs struggles in life. Go See It!
Summary
Go Ahead tells the story of a recent widower who's running a local noodle bar. His life is focused on cooking and making his little daughter happy, in spite of the attempts of older ladies in the neighborhood to find him a new wife. One candidate, a beautiful single mother with a son, seems to his liking. Alas, she is forced to leave by urgent family matters, taking his money and leaving her little son in his care. At the same time the neighborhood is disturbed by the arrival of new inhabitants, a police officer with his wife and son. The woman turns out to be a drunk who's terrorizing her family out of grief from a freaking accident that caused the death of their former baby girl. The drunken quarrels are so fierce the son prefers to spend his evenings reading comic books at the stair well . The widower and his daughter take pity on him, inviting him to stay with them whenever he likes, and before they know it, the silent, moody boy stays permanently at their home. Finally the woman leaves, the police officer follows the habit of his son including eating the home made meals from the widower and within a year both male neighbors have formed a functional, modern household. Their son and daughter are living in harmony, together with the fresh adopted son from the widower. Papa Li and Papa Ling form a real power couple. They encourage the children to move forward as good as it gets. At work, at school, with their friends, at university. Question is: will they go ahead in spite of their mental scars and the trouble on their doorstep caused by far away family members who come to claim their support mainly based on Chinese family traditions.
The Pros
Both the child and adult actors are so good, their emotions so real, it made my heart swell and melt. I love the interaction between the papas so much, I even thought this based on a censored original work about two homosexuals forming a family life. Themes like group pressure, status in life, keeping up appearances, marriage, divorce, midlife crisis, they are all there. The cast is superb, not only the leading actors gave me the feels. I also could relate to the other characters.
The Cons
The first ten episodes put me on a roller coaster of emotions, the mental issues of the children were that gripping. The following episodes however inflated a bit with minor issues about school and friends. And is it just me, or were most female characters portrayed in an inferior way to the male characters? I found them all insecure, ignorant, silly, troublesome, or downright evil. The leading couple, the widower's daughter and the police officer's son, seem too good to be true by contrast. It wouldn't have hurt to see more realistic growing pains between them. Also the many eating scenes with sweet cakes, water melons and other food, made me wish for product placements that make me feel less hungry.
Verdict
Nevertheless I was hooked for 40 episodes, I loved the ending that left me smiling for hours. Go Ahead is a warm and sweet opinion on humans and theirs struggles in life. Go See It!
Exceptional Acting and Compelling Story: 'Go Ahead' is a Must-Watch Drama of 2020
avithraa16 April 2023
The drama touches upon various themes such as family, love, friendship, and personal growth.
The first half of the drama is mostly focused on their teenage years and showcases their individual struggles and growth. The second half focuses on their adult lives and how they navigate their careers, relationships, and families.
The acting in "Go Ahead" is exceptional, and the chemistry between the lead actors is palpable.
Overall, is a heartwarming and touching drama that explores the meaning of family, the power of love, and the importance of personal growth. The drama is well-paced, the acting is top-notch, and the storyline is engaging. I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys a good family drama with a touch of romance and comedy.
The first half of the drama is mostly focused on their teenage years and showcases their individual struggles and growth. The second half focuses on their adult lives and how they navigate their careers, relationships, and families.
The acting in "Go Ahead" is exceptional, and the chemistry between the lead actors is palpable.
Overall, is a heartwarming and touching drama that explores the meaning of family, the power of love, and the importance of personal growth. The drama is well-paced, the acting is top-notch, and the storyline is engaging. I would highly recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys a good family drama with a touch of romance and comedy.
Unconditional love from a father
Applecrumbless26 August 2021
This drama is all about family, love and friendship. A very typical drama that will melt your heart into pieces. The conflicts are actually quite simple, because it only involves between the families but it is seriously so tearjerker to me. I easily cry everytime they play the soundtrack and scenes about the parents are on screen LOL. At first, I don't really like the main female cast, because she seems too spoiled and everything must be about her while her two brothers have their own baggage. My favorite scenes are about the delicious food which look sooo on point, and of course I also admire the relationship between their dads and children, a father's unconditional love to his children. For additional point, I really love the soundtrack, I keep repeating it in my playlist.
Realistic, Emotional and lots of lots of humour. 10 on 10
priyagoswami-9447215 April 2022
This show is so good i mean you cant take your hands off from watching it continuosly even when your eyes are tired.
Emotions - What to say ? Each actor not only just potray their respective role but also live it.
You Laugh with them, you Cry with them and it is NOT A SAD SHOW.
This show is a Vibe which sets it aport from the typical C Dramas.
MUST WATCH !
WONT REGRET.
Emotions - What to say ? Each actor not only just potray their respective role but also live it.
You Laugh with them, you Cry with them and it is NOT A SAD SHOW.
This show is a Vibe which sets it aport from the typical C Dramas.
MUST WATCH !
WONT REGRET.
How can you marry your sister? Awful!
goddessmedusa18 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First half was very nice. I cried, I laughed, I prayed... But it's beyond possible to marry your sister. Brothers could be your best friend but not your husband. They spent their all childhood as a siblings. Now suddenly you can't just Marry your sister. This certain plot ruins the show.
This is a Masterpiece.Trust me.The bestest C-drama
sarminmitu-519068 July 2022
I have seen this drama 3-4 times..still watching some of my favourite scenes from this drama..This drama has everything i mean everything.. Good story,plot,the bestest actor/actress,nice direction, wonderful and soothing ost,best friendship,sismance,Cute Romance,Comedy, siblings Relationship ,best family, Father love..just everything.. Its totally different from any other typical C-drama..That's why it's one of the best chinese drama for me.
Life journey challenges
chaoyoong31 August 2022
Stumbled onto this series a few days ago.
The story of how 3 dysfunctional families with a widower dad, PTSD mom whose daughter died from choking on walnut and blamed her son, a disappearing mom who tricked a compassionate man Li to take care of her son and then returning to reclaim his love.
This storyline was intricate weaving all the human emotions and struggles and timeline of how the kids grew up together into adulthood and finally discussing marriage between the "tomgirl" and her adopted big brother.
There were lots of taboo topics that were exposed and very intelligently hidden. PTSD and suicide were glaringly exposed and although the mom finally accepted and Let Go of her anger sadness blame on her then 3 yr old son looking after his sister who died from choking - finally she accepted that Letting Go will allow one to move on -which she did. Redeeming grace.
Then about two single father supporting the three "siblings" who loosely became ONE Family and rightfully so in growing from children to teens and graduating high school to discovering their careers. The struggles in finding themselves and the inner strength in handling their own issues.
Big brother has insomnia due to the trauma when his sister died under his care but he was only 3 yrs old..the nightmare continued to haunt him and he became withdrawn and worst was his mom forcing and cornering him to take care of her when she was recovering from her paralysis. Although we hated that character but the actress played that role perfectly. In the end Big Brother professed his love from 7th grade and finally resolved to follow through.
Little sister was a tomboy with two brothers teaching her the male perspectives and albeit she was the artist she also had to decide between which brother to choose. Both brothers had their merits and weaknesses but love cannot be forced and the final decision will always leave one out.
Second brother was determined to transition from sports to being a pastry chef and reconnecting with long lost mom who in the last episode married his adopted father who took care of him from 8 yr old.
Father Li who operated a noodle store had the little girl but unbeknownst to him the addition of 8 yr old He Ziqiu was heaped onto him and luckily he had the compassion to take in abandoned child. But towards the end He Ziqui became his son when Li married his mom.
Life is a cycle of amazing ups & downs, turns, struggles challenges joy pain suffering all mixed into a hodgepodge and anyone emerges from this will be compassionate, wise, patient, understanding, appreciative and most importantly discovering what humanity is all about.
Life journey is a self journey and along the way one has to come to the realization where the soul meets the brain and physical body...this is why Body Mind and Soul are the 3 pivotal perspectives in making ONE whole.
Thank you to the Director and Producer who gave us an excellent humanity struggles where at the end -ALL IS WELL.
Key is ACCEPTANCE of what is, LETTING GO of what was, MOVING ON to what will become...
be IN the Light, be OF the light and BE THE LIGHT.
The story of how 3 dysfunctional families with a widower dad, PTSD mom whose daughter died from choking on walnut and blamed her son, a disappearing mom who tricked a compassionate man Li to take care of her son and then returning to reclaim his love.
This storyline was intricate weaving all the human emotions and struggles and timeline of how the kids grew up together into adulthood and finally discussing marriage between the "tomgirl" and her adopted big brother.
There were lots of taboo topics that were exposed and very intelligently hidden. PTSD and suicide were glaringly exposed and although the mom finally accepted and Let Go of her anger sadness blame on her then 3 yr old son looking after his sister who died from choking - finally she accepted that Letting Go will allow one to move on -which she did. Redeeming grace.
Then about two single father supporting the three "siblings" who loosely became ONE Family and rightfully so in growing from children to teens and graduating high school to discovering their careers. The struggles in finding themselves and the inner strength in handling their own issues.
Big brother has insomnia due to the trauma when his sister died under his care but he was only 3 yrs old..the nightmare continued to haunt him and he became withdrawn and worst was his mom forcing and cornering him to take care of her when she was recovering from her paralysis. Although we hated that character but the actress played that role perfectly. In the end Big Brother professed his love from 7th grade and finally resolved to follow through.
Little sister was a tomboy with two brothers teaching her the male perspectives and albeit she was the artist she also had to decide between which brother to choose. Both brothers had their merits and weaknesses but love cannot be forced and the final decision will always leave one out.
Second brother was determined to transition from sports to being a pastry chef and reconnecting with long lost mom who in the last episode married his adopted father who took care of him from 8 yr old.
Father Li who operated a noodle store had the little girl but unbeknownst to him the addition of 8 yr old He Ziqiu was heaped onto him and luckily he had the compassion to take in abandoned child. But towards the end He Ziqui became his son when Li married his mom.
Life is a cycle of amazing ups & downs, turns, struggles challenges joy pain suffering all mixed into a hodgepodge and anyone emerges from this will be compassionate, wise, patient, understanding, appreciative and most importantly discovering what humanity is all about.
Life journey is a self journey and along the way one has to come to the realization where the soul meets the brain and physical body...this is why Body Mind and Soul are the 3 pivotal perspectives in making ONE whole.
Thank you to the Director and Producer who gave us an excellent humanity struggles where at the end -ALL IS WELL.
Key is ACCEPTANCE of what is, LETTING GO of what was, MOVING ON to what will become...
be IN the Light, be OF the light and BE THE LIGHT.
Fantastic well rounded drama
hanalisss6 April 2021
This story is so compelling and attractive. I love how they build the characters and they show you parts of their lives in three timelines, crucial for their evolution.
A new formed family due to adverse circumstances and how new and chosen bonds are more important than blood.
The emotions and feelings this show has are just outstanding.
Family, friendship, loyalty, love and regret, you will feel it all.
The only thing I would point out is that I felt like the climax and resolution of the story came too soon ( around the middle of the show) and then the ending was a bit too uneventful and too easy to complete, but maybe it's because I am used to more passionate and dramatic series, otherwise was perfect and 100% recommended.
A new formed family due to adverse circumstances and how new and chosen bonds are more important than blood.
The emotions and feelings this show has are just outstanding.
Family, friendship, loyalty, love and regret, you will feel it all.
The only thing I would point out is that I felt like the climax and resolution of the story came too soon ( around the middle of the show) and then the ending was a bit too uneventful and too easy to complete, but maybe it's because I am used to more passionate and dramatic series, otherwise was perfect and 100% recommended.
Best
shreyashandilya-9621631 August 2021
Hats off to all the artists who make it worth seeing. Every character has a significance, there's nothing like protagonist or antagonist every character has a story an emotion or may be a factor of relatability, and that's commendable as artists. Great concept. Probably one of the best drama's out there. Lots of love from India🇮🇳
My Opinion about the Story Plot of Go Ahead
rowenadolino5 September 2020
The story is not focused on the 3 main leads which disappoints me. It seems like this story is having more than 3 leads because there are episodes that are focused on the friends' lives whcih I find uninteresting. I have to skip these episodes so I could go back to the story of the 3 main leads. I would rather watch shorter epidsodes that are focused on the lead starts than having to watch many episodes with stories that are not relevant to the story.
Just Beautiful
umarbashir2135 December 2022
Wow. I was not expecting it to be this good. I'm glad i didn't miss it, otherwise it would have been unfortunate.
The story progression, the family dynamic and the tearjerkers were simply just beautiful.
I highly recommend watching this series. You will not regret it. It doesn't have those annoying female protagonists with annoying voices ( yes I'm talking about LBFAD and MG) or the usual lovey dovey relationship between the main leads. It portrays raw emotions and they are delicious. It left me wanting for more episodes although the ending doesn't require it.
Don't miss out on this amazing series!
The story progression, the family dynamic and the tearjerkers were simply just beautiful.
I highly recommend watching this series. You will not regret it. It doesn't have those annoying female protagonists with annoying voices ( yes I'm talking about LBFAD and MG) or the usual lovey dovey relationship between the main leads. It portrays raw emotions and they are delicious. It left me wanting for more episodes although the ending doesn't require it.
Don't miss out on this amazing series!
Oh so special!
kathrynraerobinson16 January 2024
This Chinese drama will forever have a special place in my heart. The characters, their experiences, their bond and lessons shared are absolutely beautiful. Well done to the team that created such a wonderful series!
If you are looking for a drama totally focused on romance/dating relationships you are barking up the wrong tree. Yes they feature in it, but they are not the star. The real heart of this show is family - the family we create along the way. The familial ties that are made through hardships, the friendships built over time and the ties that are mended and reconnected. So many heartfelt moments, with plenty of light and laughter in the mix, makes this a unique viewing experience. You will find yourself taking wisdom from it and finding some of your own reflective experiences too.
If you are looking for a drama totally focused on romance/dating relationships you are barking up the wrong tree. Yes they feature in it, but they are not the star. The real heart of this show is family - the family we create along the way. The familial ties that are made through hardships, the friendships built over time and the ties that are mended and reconnected. So many heartfelt moments, with plenty of light and laughter in the mix, makes this a unique viewing experience. You will find yourself taking wisdom from it and finding some of your own reflective experiences too.
Heart warming family drama with bonus super sweet romance
leahcubed10 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2020 Chinese drama with 40, ~45 minute episodes.
First I provide a unique synopsis and then review.
Synopsis Li Jianjian (Tan Songyun) lost her mother who died in child birth but has a dad, Li Haichow, (Tu Songyan) who loves people. He is the dad everyone wants and winds up taking in He Ziqiu (Zhang Xincheng) after making a comment to his single mom that if she doesn't want her son he would take him. A police officer and his wife move in upstairs and their fights become the talk of the building as the thin walls allow everyone to overhear their conflicts. Ling Xiao (Song Weilong) spends a lot of his time quietly reading on the communal stairs to get out of the apartment when his parents are fighting. The Li's are determined to invite the young boy into their warm apartment to share meals rather than sadly sitting on the stairs. It is not long before Xiao's mother leaves the family and now it is just the boy and his dad. The two single fathers become close relying on each other to raise the three kids. This series follows this heartwarming family through many stages of life.
Review The child actress who plays young Li Jianjian is cute like Shirley Temple. She is kind, courageous and a little mischievous and both boys wind up drawn to her energy. I love the two dads and especially Haichow who uses his culinary skills to feed those that need not only the meal but the human caring. The way it portrays the concept of family as not just those with blood ties, but those that take care of and love each other in a formed family unit is very touching.
I highly recommend this for a sweet, friends to lovers coming of age romance. It is a great family drama. There are many comedic moments that flow very naturally. I enjoyed it start to finish. It ended happily with all major plot points resolved.
Spoilers*
I read elsewhere and I have to agree her proudly declaring she is menustrating to the table of her all male family is funny. It does not even cross her mind that it might make them uncomfortable. But they do their best to help the only female in their midst mature even doing things like gifting her a bra in secret.
Some reviewers felt weird with both of her brothers liking her romantically. Her "oldest brother", Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long) was not a blood relative and did not even live in the same apartment. So them harboring romantic feelings was not weird to me at all. The younger brother, He Zi Qiu (Zhang Xin Chang) was thinking along those lines but it was more from his deep desire to be a part of the family officially than real romantic feelings for his "sister". They were not blood related either but they were close to being step siblings and, in the end, they were officially step siblings. But other than a brief encounter when he had some romantic feels for her when they were decorating pastry (he was sort of back hugging her to guide her hands) he was more like "ooh sister cooties" when she jokingly suggested they kiss. I think he was briefly confused about the nature of his feelings for her and they sorted out as more brotherly.
The filial above all else was a problem for me with this one as they even largely encouraged forgiving and looking the other way on behaviors that were physically and emotionally abusive. Chen Ting (Yang Tong Shu), Ling Xiao's mom, was awful, she was abusive to her husband, Ling He Ping (Zhang Xi Lin) and her son when tgey were married then abandoned her young son to let her now ex, He Ping and super dad, Li Hao Chao (Tu Song Yan) raise him. She returns later, remarried, with a step sister in tow and expects the son she abandoned to just pick up where she left off. And it was not just that expected it the adultsdid a bit by not putting an immediate full stop to it. I looked up the child abuse laws in China because I was curious about the adults lack of intervention. It doesn't appear like there's a lot they really could've done if they had chose to press the issue at least not legally. But I would have been a harpy so that it was in inconvenient enough that she just left him alone. In the end they try to make it out Chen ting finally saw the light but I still thought she was horrible as she was emotionally blackmailing them with suicide even then. Shenwas not even close to repairing any if the emotional damage she caused and would likely continue to cause. In my opinion someone that behaved like that has borderline personality disorder. She exhibited all the major traits which include: Unstable relationships, sense of self, and emotions, impulsivity, recurrent suicidal behavior and self-harm, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, inappropriate anger, feeling detached from reality. The disorder cannot be cured but can improve with therapy. She was not seeking help with her persiponality issues so she would continue to do things both emotionally and physically harmful.
Then there was Little Big Brother's biological dad, Zhao Hua Guang (Liu Jin Long) and he was also awful and abusive. He, admittedly did not take care of his son when he was young, because he was too poor to afford taking care of a child so he let him be raised by others. Then he makes money and thinks he cannot have children with his new wife so he comes back and expects Zi Qui to just to turn his back on the people that care for him, and raised him all those years. Then rather than asking nicely and being so pleasant, his son would want to come with him he blackmailed him and threatened to harm the only family the son knew and loved if he did not do as he wished.
Then there was her friend and roommate Luo Hong (Mei Ling Zhen) whi had a crush in Big Brother, Ling Xiao, and was angry when she mistakingly thought he had romantic feelings for her but only saw her as a good friend. She was willing to give up her years long friendship with Jianjian out of a situation of her own making. Then she takes her mom's side when her parents are going to divorce criticizing her father for not being there and her mom doing it all when she was a housewife and he was working to support the family. It was the same with Zi Qiu's police officer father and his mom, also a housewife who could not cope with her young children so much she locks them up so she Can go play cards then blames her son (like an abuser) amd her husband for her daughter's tragic death. I found Luo Hing an unlikable character.
#Zhang Xinchang #TanSongyun #GoAhead #TuSongyan #SongWeiLong.
First I provide a unique synopsis and then review.
Synopsis Li Jianjian (Tan Songyun) lost her mother who died in child birth but has a dad, Li Haichow, (Tu Songyan) who loves people. He is the dad everyone wants and winds up taking in He Ziqiu (Zhang Xincheng) after making a comment to his single mom that if she doesn't want her son he would take him. A police officer and his wife move in upstairs and their fights become the talk of the building as the thin walls allow everyone to overhear their conflicts. Ling Xiao (Song Weilong) spends a lot of his time quietly reading on the communal stairs to get out of the apartment when his parents are fighting. The Li's are determined to invite the young boy into their warm apartment to share meals rather than sadly sitting on the stairs. It is not long before Xiao's mother leaves the family and now it is just the boy and his dad. The two single fathers become close relying on each other to raise the three kids. This series follows this heartwarming family through many stages of life.
Review The child actress who plays young Li Jianjian is cute like Shirley Temple. She is kind, courageous and a little mischievous and both boys wind up drawn to her energy. I love the two dads and especially Haichow who uses his culinary skills to feed those that need not only the meal but the human caring. The way it portrays the concept of family as not just those with blood ties, but those that take care of and love each other in a formed family unit is very touching.
I highly recommend this for a sweet, friends to lovers coming of age romance. It is a great family drama. There are many comedic moments that flow very naturally. I enjoyed it start to finish. It ended happily with all major plot points resolved.
Spoilers*
I read elsewhere and I have to agree her proudly declaring she is menustrating to the table of her all male family is funny. It does not even cross her mind that it might make them uncomfortable. But they do their best to help the only female in their midst mature even doing things like gifting her a bra in secret.
Some reviewers felt weird with both of her brothers liking her romantically. Her "oldest brother", Ling Xiao (Song Wei Long) was not a blood relative and did not even live in the same apartment. So them harboring romantic feelings was not weird to me at all. The younger brother, He Zi Qiu (Zhang Xin Chang) was thinking along those lines but it was more from his deep desire to be a part of the family officially than real romantic feelings for his "sister". They were not blood related either but they were close to being step siblings and, in the end, they were officially step siblings. But other than a brief encounter when he had some romantic feels for her when they were decorating pastry (he was sort of back hugging her to guide her hands) he was more like "ooh sister cooties" when she jokingly suggested they kiss. I think he was briefly confused about the nature of his feelings for her and they sorted out as more brotherly.
The filial above all else was a problem for me with this one as they even largely encouraged forgiving and looking the other way on behaviors that were physically and emotionally abusive. Chen Ting (Yang Tong Shu), Ling Xiao's mom, was awful, she was abusive to her husband, Ling He Ping (Zhang Xi Lin) and her son when tgey were married then abandoned her young son to let her now ex, He Ping and super dad, Li Hao Chao (Tu Song Yan) raise him. She returns later, remarried, with a step sister in tow and expects the son she abandoned to just pick up where she left off. And it was not just that expected it the adultsdid a bit by not putting an immediate full stop to it. I looked up the child abuse laws in China because I was curious about the adults lack of intervention. It doesn't appear like there's a lot they really could've done if they had chose to press the issue at least not legally. But I would have been a harpy so that it was in inconvenient enough that she just left him alone. In the end they try to make it out Chen ting finally saw the light but I still thought she was horrible as she was emotionally blackmailing them with suicide even then. Shenwas not even close to repairing any if the emotional damage she caused and would likely continue to cause. In my opinion someone that behaved like that has borderline personality disorder. She exhibited all the major traits which include: Unstable relationships, sense of self, and emotions, impulsivity, recurrent suicidal behavior and self-harm, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, inappropriate anger, feeling detached from reality. The disorder cannot be cured but can improve with therapy. She was not seeking help with her persiponality issues so she would continue to do things both emotionally and physically harmful.
Then there was Little Big Brother's biological dad, Zhao Hua Guang (Liu Jin Long) and he was also awful and abusive. He, admittedly did not take care of his son when he was young, because he was too poor to afford taking care of a child so he let him be raised by others. Then he makes money and thinks he cannot have children with his new wife so he comes back and expects Zi Qui to just to turn his back on the people that care for him, and raised him all those years. Then rather than asking nicely and being so pleasant, his son would want to come with him he blackmailed him and threatened to harm the only family the son knew and loved if he did not do as he wished.
Then there was her friend and roommate Luo Hong (Mei Ling Zhen) whi had a crush in Big Brother, Ling Xiao, and was angry when she mistakingly thought he had romantic feelings for her but only saw her as a good friend. She was willing to give up her years long friendship with Jianjian out of a situation of her own making. Then she takes her mom's side when her parents are going to divorce criticizing her father for not being there and her mom doing it all when she was a housewife and he was working to support the family. It was the same with Zi Qiu's police officer father and his mom, also a housewife who could not cope with her young children so much she locks them up so she Can go play cards then blames her son (like an abuser) amd her husband for her daughter's tragic death. I found Luo Hing an unlikable character.
#Zhang Xinchang #TanSongyun #GoAhead #TuSongyan #SongWeiLong.
Water as thick as blood
magnoliacream8 September 2022
A heartwarming drama about three youngsters who lost their moms for different reasons and formed a close-knit family with their dads.
Tan Songyun sparkles as Li Jianjian who lost her mom to ailment but, with her sunny disposition, becomes the mixed family's source of optimism. Song Weilong oozes magnetic charm as broody and secretive but loving Ling Xiao whose mom divorced his dad and remarried. Zhang Xincheng oozes boyish charm as He Ziqiu whose mom left him at Li Jianjian's house.
The three youngsters manage to grow up well under the loving care of Jianjian's dad Li Haichao (Tu Songyan) and Ling Xiao's dad, Ling Heping (Zhang Xilin).
The romance between two of the young ones is enchanting.
Tan Songyun sparkles as Li Jianjian who lost her mom to ailment but, with her sunny disposition, becomes the mixed family's source of optimism. Song Weilong oozes magnetic charm as broody and secretive but loving Ling Xiao whose mom divorced his dad and remarried. Zhang Xincheng oozes boyish charm as He Ziqiu whose mom left him at Li Jianjian's house.
The three youngsters manage to grow up well under the loving care of Jianjian's dad Li Haichao (Tu Songyan) and Ling Xiao's dad, Ling Heping (Zhang Xilin).
The romance between two of the young ones is enchanting.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
