The DAD Takeover

Recently, a Korean adaptation of this came out but I decided to follow all the comments to watch the Chinese version first. I have no regrets and would highly recommend that too. So much happened in only 7 episodes of Go Ahead that I can't imagine the Korean one being only 16 eps.

1. Family Dynamics
Story centers around 3 siblings who all suffer from a dysfunctional family in slightly different circumstances. They make their own family all thanks to the JJ's Dad and LX's Dad. Each sibling has their own issues and has missing piece of their family. I do wish they would've gone more into JJ's character. She was obviously the glue that held the whole family together, but I wish she wasn't just made the savior/happy pill because she most likely had her own feelings. I understand her role though.
If you have experienced the absence of a parent/ a toxic family, this show will tug at your heart strings. Incoming Daddy and Mommy Issues! The writer must resent their mother, because all the mothers in the show were not portrayed positively haha. The show has many family themes, but one of the recurring images is them sharing a meal together (so common in Asian families).

2. Romance
If you came in looking for romance, you might be weirded out or dissatisfied. I usually love watching romance, but this show offered much more than that. The first 15 episodes were so gripping and the sibling bond really made you feel for them. I could have gone without the romance and it may have been a little weird, but the romance was very well hinted since the beginning of the show. It was always clear that the Ling Xiao liked the JJ romantically, and the reasons for the romance had underlying meaning as well. LX was obviously a bit trauma bonded to JJ though, so it was clear he needs help with his mental health.

3. The Acting
It's so funny how the oldest brother is really the youngest cast member in real life. Yet the casting really worked out. Zi Qiu , the younger big brother's acting was great. He really nailed the feelings of loss, abandonment, and emptiness. I especially loved the bond between him and his dad. LX's mom was also really good at making viewers hate her; honestly her crazy eyes made me soooo anxious lol. I loved loved the kids, it was so adorable to watch the childhood moments. Very heartwarming!

Rewatch Value: 8/10
Such a meaningful, realistic story and very well done. I love dramas that make me feel something and aren't just empty tropes with attractive leads. A refreshing display of a father's affection; many stories and shows are very focused on mother's love.

Perfect fall/winter time show that makes you feel warm inside. Smile, tears, and laughter were all there!

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"I don't want to tippy toe and look at the view that someone else shows me."

I honestly put aside this show for awhile because I tend to find noona romances not well done, cringe, and plot-lacking. As I started watching The Rational Life, I was genuinely interested in the FL's story and character. Normally, work politics and the work plot are served to the side of romance and not much of it intrigues me. A lot of the work drama is often petty and the female lead ends up annoying me.

There were a lot of eye-opening and moving moments in the show--as a woman. The FL holds strong ideals and is fiercely independent; she can't fathom being in a relationship or get married only to help lower a man's cost of living. She has a lot of really great logical reflections, many which I relate to. Is the FL being too rational when she wants to stand on her own? I LOVED that The Rational Life brings about the issues that the modern woman faces: Sexism, ageism, gender roles and expectations. Your value is not attributed to your hard work and dreams, but instead what you bring into society as a mother and wife. In return, you are seen as not a fit candidate to climb higher.

The Romance: very slow burn and very cute! I like that Dylan didn't try to overact cool or try to appear to be something the character is not. The ML is young, but responsible and reliable. He respects and admires her as a person first. Funny because that's a bare minimum the other men in this show cannot do. I didn't find the romance or his acting cringe, but rather endearing. The pace is realistic, while still entertaining to watch. I thought the age gap was done well, and the chemistry was there in the subtle glances and smiles.

The Love Triangle: I was surprised by the SML, I thought he was gonna give old, creepy, power tripping boss vibes when pursuing her. As we see in the show, a lot of the other men could not handle rejection. The SML was classy and reasonable, maybe he utilized his position in some minor parts, but that was unavoidable since he was her superior. He respected her value, and probably thought they could be a power couple together. He thought "better quality, more expensive, higher views" would be anyone's choice if given the option.

The FL's best friend is the other view of the traditional housewife. She is regretful when she looks at the FL, who is still in a "promising" career. Not fully knowing that the FL has her own set of struggles in the workplace. The sacrifices she made to be a housewife are resulted in gaps in her career -- making return to work life not easy. I think her story is something many housewives can relate to. Society praises motherhood and homemaking, until they don't. Because your workplace is in the home, it's not a job right? I found it very sad that she felt her husband had "changed." In reality, he most likely held these expectations, but hoped she would come around eventually -- and by then she would have no choice because she HAS to rely on him. A side plot that actually adds value to the show's message!

Overall, a well done representation of modern society in the lens of a woman. Although themes were not that new or creative, the message was still refreshing. Highly recommend if you want a drama that gets you to reflect, but still be cute and entertaining!

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OST and Characters Steal Your Heart

Honestly there hasn’t been a drama this intense and gripping for me in a while! I thought the casting was great. One of my favorite scenes was the academic competition where JiangLi performs her musical piece. I just remember first watching it and being like WOW. Dramatic but amazing LOL. CGI could have been better, but the meaning and impact of the scene left an impression on my heart. Show has you feeling so many emotions and I legit binge watched in two days. We Jin Yan's presentation of betrayal is SO convincing and heartbreaking. Paired with an amazing OST, I still listen to it sometimes.

I love the chemistry between JiangLi and the Duke; very little skinship and more focused on subtle glances and tacit understanding. Their fates/goals/intelligence really showed in their teamwork. I love how it displayed that he knew her secret all along, and it cracks me up how they communicate in puzzles, talking about pawns haha. Given the age gap, I think they still did a great job of portraying romance through trust and acts of service. I'm personally a fan of slowburn.

Wang Xing Yue is so good at portraying subtle emotions in his eyes. Every episode keeps you entertained and with historical dramas, I find myself dropping it rather quickly if it doesn't make me feel anything. The connection between the real and fake Jiang Li was very meaningful. FL takes over her identity, but does great things in her name — restoring her honor. FL needed the Jiang status to be able to seek justice for both of them. Gotta love a smart and resourceful FL.

The plot was more centered on seeking justice for the innocent vs her just trying to make her ex-husband miserable. FL’s brain was literally on a different level even after getting hit by the shovel LOL. She knows when to use words and when to command with her emotions. Plot was believable, and FL was steps ahead since the beginning since she knew her identity would be checked. Though at some point it was just flat out obvious she wasn't Jiang Li.

Rewatch value is high on this one. I am impressed with WXY as he is so young! I wrote this review as I watching it and I'm not surprised it had so much a high rating on MDL months later. One of my tops for 2024.

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Entertaining, Romantic, Youth!

When this show came out, I was SO invested and obsessed. The first half really pulls you in and makes you fall in love with Li. Xun and Zhu Yun. I could see why this show attracted a lot of young viewers. In the beginning, the love is playful, curious, and passionate. Young love that steals your heart. The second half is more angsty and slow-burn, given what Li Xun has been through. Li Xun is a genius but fell behind opportunities due to setbacks. Zhu Yun is hardworking and loyal, and now has the background to support Li Xun. I found her character to be likable, and only she could put up with Li Xun. They contrast each other yet are compatible.

The themes of friendship and betrayal were predictable, as in many life dramas. Looking back, I enjoyed L&P and was impressed with Chen Feiyu's acting. His character was cold and believable, and his secret glances/actions tugged at your heart. This drama plot didn't give me a feeling that it was groundbreaking or revolutionary, but somehow gave me what I've been missing in dramas these days.

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ASHILE SUN IS A GREEN FLAG

Watched this show two years ago, but I still heavily regard it as one of my favorites. I love watching historical dramas but usually have a hard time finishing them. I recall staying up so late and binging this all in 2 days.

Sure there are some parts that could've been better. I am drawn to stories with a strong, smart FL and Li Changge was frustrating at times because she made rash, impulsive decisions. As a viewer, you forgive and commend her for her bravery and loyalty. I take into account that she is supposed to be very young, and this all plays a role in her character development. Love when a FL can fight and hold her own.

Wu Lei's acting was really good despite how young he is; he is showing his experience and dedication to acting. TLB made me a fan, and since then have looked forward to his works. I was also disappointed in the romance scenes, but given how young Wu Lei probably was when they filmed, it kind of makes sense. However, I really really enjoyed Ashile Sun's character and his own way of protecting Changge. For me, the chemistry and love was there. I usually can't stand too many lovey dovey scenes, and rather enjoyed the glances and small details. Like most viewers did, Ashile's character was the most likeable and memorable.

Rewatch value: 7.5/10 I rewatched it back then when I was more invested in the storyline. I enjoyed the soundtrack and honestly didn't mind the illustrations.

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Love is Patient

Such an UNDERRATED piece. Usually this time period is not something that appeals to me, but I was pleasantly surprised. Due to the historical background, there are images of propaganda and military but in my opinion made sense and was realistic/normal to this time.
As I get older, I appreciate slice of life dramas a lot more. The Youth Memories can appeal to a more mature audience. There are complaints of this drama being mislabeled as "romance," but I think this type of portrayal is my cup of tea. If you like angst, slow-burn, or a deep love storyline, you will understand this. You have to be patient while watching this drama and it ends up being so worth it. After all, love is patient.

The Youth Memories has themes of friendship, sacrifice, love, and ego. The story has its way with tugging at your heartstrings because of its intricate depictions of human nature. Power, desire, greed, and ambition can change someone -- and most importantly, hurt the people around them.

The second FL HHL dominates the first half of the show, but in my opinion is necessary for the plot and character development. Trust me, I got tired of her too. But we are witnessing XCS's life/love trajectory. When the TXM (FL) finally comes into the story, you come to understand why she is THE one. HHL and XCS were never going to work out; he was initially attracted to her because of his desire to take care of her. XCS prides himself in being a hero, which comes at the expense of putting others before himself. XCS saw that HHL needed saving, and HHL was attracted to his charismatic ideals. However, HHL loved herself more than anyone else and this is where they clashed. It was clear once HHL got to the military, she never looked back. In the end, she knew she couldn't handle the lack of stability and doing things the hard way. You can't blame HHL too much as she's coming from a situation of desperation, and her scarcity mindset fuels her ambitions.

TXM on the other hand shared XCS ideals; they both value giving back and have a strong sense of self-worth. TXM's character was almost written too perfectly; even when presented with the opportunities to be petty or greedy, she always chooses to walk on the right path and believes in herself. She is wise beyond her years and truly grounds XCS. It is truly a representation of first love vs. true and unconditional love. My favorite scene was when TXM sends XCS back to Beijing after the war, and the look of pain and gratitude XCS gave was heartbreaking. I love how she said she was going to get food on the train so that he could cry privately. In the show, you can tell she observes and acts graciously to those around her. TXM still chose him even at his lowest and she was the only one who ever believed in him wholeheartedly. She is the definition of a CLASS ACT. Their love was built on a foundation of sincerity and trust, which is why they won. XCS goes through so much suffering, but his luck was having TXM's love. I found that Li Qin lacked a lot of emotion in her character, perhaps it's because TXM is just someone who shows more through actions.

Pros: Emotional scenes were amazing, the micro expressions and details of the characters, the writing and life lessons. The writing wrapped up each character's ending well, and I was very satisfied with the ending. I was so impressed with Xiao Zhan's acting.

Side note: Hei Zi was so annoying and he was given so many chances to redeem himself. I guess it goes to show, some people can't and won't ever change. I got tired of his screen time though, and could never support his abuse. There were some scenes that I felt were draggy but not enough for me to drop.

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