Whether you’re a fan of Yang Zi, Li Xian or the sweet love story of Stewed Squid with Honey by Mo Bao Fei Bao, the wait has finally ended as its drama adaptation entitled Go Go Squid! 亲爱的热爱的 premiered this Jul 9.
From the moment the cast was announced, one can argue that Yang Zi’s bubbly image is perfect for the part and that Li Xian’s cool aura makes him the uncontested God Gun. True enough, Li Xian trended shortly after the series premiered but seemingly for the wrong reasons. While people have praised Yang Zi for her portrayal of Tong Nian, it was a different story for Li Xian who played Han Shangyan.
Netizens have criticized Li Xian’s acting, which is odd considering the praise he won for Tientsin Mystic, but many had a bone to pick with how he delivered his lines. Some found it awkward and claimed that Li Xian was monotonously reciting his lines without any energy or motivation behind it. Some even wondered why a voice actor wasn’t hired to do the dubbing.
Despite the criticism, there are those that defended Li Xian by saying that he is the perfect Han Shangyan, staunch and handsome. His low, baritone voice is fitting for his character who is older and more mature than the heroine, turning him into the exemplary cold, domineering boss with a foul temper. For others, his furrowed brows and constant brooding is simply depicting the character in the novel.
With anything you put out there, there’s always gonna be those who love it or hate it. Episode 1 saw the heroine meeting Gun for the first time at the internet cafe. Yang Zi plays off the deer in headlights persona adorably. Even with her, there are some complaints that she’s playing the same role again and employing the same method of acting so it really seems like it’s gonna be impossible to please everybody.
The drama currently has Douban ratings of 6.7/10. For a fluff drama, it seems to deliver on that end, and I’d bet there’s bound to be more sweeter, cuter interactions between the two. With such mixed reviews, how did you guys find Go Go Squid?
Anonymous
I think both were apt for the part and its so much fun to watch them!!!
eneas
Yess!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤
j.lee
It's fun to watch so far. I think the netizens are judging too quick. From what I gather from the teasers and closing, his character changes with Nian Nian becoming a part of his life.
eneas
yes he was perfect in this character and she also loved this serious drama I hope it has season two I never cried so much happiness in my life as I cried with this serious drama the characters are perfect! they change every time they get together this is very beautiful please !!! may come more and more season! after all it is wrong to leave judging right away that neither did and on top of that I am from Brazil! and recommended and everyone who saw it raved !!! So far in Brazil he is doing well and look he launched this year in!
jiminie
From what I watched so far, I think that Li Xian kind of portrays his character in a monotonous way, but what I understand, his character is supposed to give off that type of feel. But from the trailers I've seen, Li Xian's character goes through changes and he becomes a warmer guy.
Unknown
Thanks awesome assessment
Anonymous
He is abit unnatural with acting cool. Most of the time he just looks fierce and grumpy. YZ is okay, but her character seems dumb despite being a 19 year-old genius.
Also, the people in Team Solo are bad at acting. First two episodes were so cringy because of the flashbacks.
Usi
Since no one is truly good in acting I think the directing is the problem here. For me it is okay and I enjoy watching it. Hopefully the director got into his/her Drama gig more over the time since most of the actors can do better a lot.
Anonymous
I'm loving the drama right now, I'm melting every time they interact with one another. So cute!!!!
Anonymous
For me both actor did a great job. If you are complaining about the actor coldness and grumpy that is the character of the main male lead even you read the novel later his character will be warm. So far I love the drama, the chemistry of the main lead is amazing.
Anonymous
He looks way to young for her. Actress with young face, she's already one of the top who looks ilke a little gal. And he's still too young looking for her. Deng Lun looks like a little boy but still a bit more mature to match up with Yang zi. I thought he was Leo Wu Lei, who is also way too young looking.
Anonymous
Li Xian is nailing the character for Gun. That's how he is portrayal in the book. How else should he shows how he treat TN (Patience) compared to others.
hohliu
Enjoying the drama….Just not so keen in Hu Yi-tian. Otherwise, the drama is very fun to watch.
neen
Well, I absolutely love Li Xian as Gun. He's mysterious yet very down to earth. Li Xian acts with his eyes more then anything as Gun and he's killing it! Seriously, I can't get enough of him as Gun. Every scene he is in I am just mesmerized by how good looking he is then his voice adds another thing to his character. He has a lower voice and when he whispers…yeah. I'm watching this just because of Li Xian.
anon
There is nothing wrong with Li Xian's Chinese. He has a hypo-nasal voice which is probably why he sounds a bit "weird." I think this special trait of Li Xian is particularly why I find all the characters he play to be especially funny. Here, he plays a really serious Gun, but half the time, I am just laughing at Li Xian's silliness.
Unknown
Yang Zi cute acting, but Li Xian's portrayal of his character, which is supposed to be cold and grumpy on the outside and warm inside, is awkward and wooden. Would have enjoyed the series more if the male lead is better acted
Anonymous
Yang Zi trys too hard to imitate Zhao liying, she looks to old for the role and can't act cute.
anon
Excuse me, this article has nothing to do with Zhao Li Ying. Go away.
Anonymous
I think he is doing a great job as gun. I think the one that is off is Yang Zi. After watching a few episodes, it is Yang Zi, she does not give the vibe of a young genius, just a normal cute girl. I think Yang Zi was trying to act young, but she comes off as an older adult women trying to act like a high school kid. The book gives a totally different feel for the main lead female. Gun is exactly how I pictured in the drama.
Unknown
this Drama reminds me of Boss and me
Anonymous
It's why people are saying she's copying zhao liying. Not only similar story, but the cute acting is totally same ole same ole.
Anonymous
She's nothing like Zhao Liying though. I really found ZLY cute and endearing while watching boss & me and journey of flower. But with Yang Zi it just comes off as fake and pretentious.
Rita
The cast is perfect for the show and i'm loving this show so far. O??????
Anonymous
Yang zi is receiving great reviews for her part and currently she is trending on weibo for her acting. Well I guess more than copying she did her work correclty as per the novel.
Anonymous
13.a Cause Zhao Liying has the perfect face to play cute. Her eyes are extremely huge, all actresses have huge eyes but still not as big as hers. Besides her mouth is extremely tiny and the face is wide like a bun.
But anyway she used to only look like Yang Zi too. Her face used to be so flat in the old drama Mudan Pavillion, don't understand how the power of weight loss (already so skinny to death in that drama) an unflatten and unwiden the face but whatever.
https://baike.baidu.com/pic/%E9%95%96%E8%A1%8C%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B%E4%B9%8B%E7%89%A1%E4%B8%B9%E9%98%81/9539775/9775389/c9fcc3cec3fdfc038721630bd63f8794a4c22623?fr=lemma&ct=cover#aid=9775389&pic=c9fcc3cec3fdfc038721630bd63f8794a4c22623
iamb
I loved him, I thought he was portraying his character by his stiff, cold deportment, not bad acting. However, she seemed too old to be acting so bubbly and silly.. She's not a fav of mine truthfully( I have only seen her in Ashes of Love, and the two male actors out acted her far and away imo) , and I have never seen him before. But I have just seen one episode and I am always surprised when people judge characters when we know there is supposed to be character development.
Unknown
Li Xian, es un gran actor, el personaje que hace va a evolucionar a medida que interactúa con el personaje femenino. Me gusta el drama.
Popsickle
I don't think china should be criticizing a character that is already written as a major aloof and introverted guy.lixian is doing a phenomenal job as an actor, there're far more actors more famous then him who are shit at acting and get away with it because of the flower boy look. China needs to stop nitpicking. I think Lixian is a way better actor then most combined. Peace out.
Chu
Periodt!
Anonymous
I couldn't get into the drama at all because of the acting and possibly directing. I never read the novel but have some idea how the OTP characters are supposed to be portrayed due to the premise. I feel the main leads still needs to work out the nuances of their characters. The directing and pacing/editing of the drama also seems off. Maybe this will get better in later episodes.
Anonymous
Maybe I have watched too many "sweet" dramas recently. This one is not as enjoyable :/
Anonymous
hahaha weibo trending on her acting?? everyone know it is bought with money!! The drama or possibly the leads mgmt comp has been buying weibo top search every days now, sometimes 5 of them on the same day.
It is funny the reply above mentioned ZLY used to look like the now YZ implying surgery…but today's yz is already after countless surgeries and lifts too. Nose, chin, forehead, whitening shots, etc.
Anonymous
i can't with his voice. And the sppech tone too, it is the one thing that made me give up on this drama after only 2 episodes. My chinese is serviceable so i dont require subtitle but depends on actors speech and delivery to bring in the character.
I am bit familiar with how natural chinese conversation should sounds like and they were definitely not the way he delivered them. It is flat, slow like he is reading it while speaking it and not too audible at times. Hu yi tian is surprisingly a better actor here.
Unknown
I am always surprised that the Chinese audience seems to have problems with the actors I think are doing a better than average job. Leo Wu in Battle in the Heavens was way better than a lot of leads and he was so harassed he won't do season 2, and now Li Xian?? I was just thinking to myself he was one of the first Chinese actors to do the cold guy right, really putting expressions in his eyes and having mannerisms (he bites his nails) that give more insight into his character, and find out he's being bashed too?
I have to wonder if the Chinese audience is re acting to voices, and maybe Li Xian's voice acting is bad, because I read subtitles so wouldn't be able to judge.
Anonymous
Surgery?? Its her own choice. As an actress everyone hopes her to be beautiful. You Can't look down on that. she has proved her acting in ashes of love. And at last she has no need to buy hot search as the drama itself is having top ratings!!!
Anonymous
ifans really know nothing about hot searches. that's the sad truth.
Anonymous
@11.a: I feel the same. There's just something awkward about Li Xian but I can't really put it into words.
Hu Yitian surprisingly pulls off the cool character much better. I thought he was a bad actor by how people kept on criticizing him.
Anonymous
And people dont know about the power of fans….True but sad!!!!!
Anonymous
LMAO at the people arguing and comparing YZ and ZLY. The fact that antis are so much more caught up on other celebrities interests/problems than their faves makes me laugh. YZ and ZLY are pretty and talented in their own ways. Stop comparing and putting others down. One's acting is subjective. Beauty? It's all in the eyes of the beholder. Just because you don't enjoy something or someone does not give you permission to go and judge them. This is why we can never have anything nice. Please get a life because you people that only know how to judge look and sound pathetic right now.
Anonymous
Buying hot search is normal though. Even Zhao Liying buys them. She made a five min appearance in airport and it went to #1. Normal for YZ and the drama team to buy hot search when their drama is airing. Its a form of promotion.
Anonymous
Lmao power of fans? Naive shit.
Also why does people need to mention ZLY anywhere? Is she the only actress who can take on cute roles.
Anonymous
I agree! Hands down this is the best comment in the comment section!
Anonymous
13.h OMG so true, I was just following ZLY news other day. The airport stuff is this – On hot summer day ZLY puts on huge jackets, still slim. You don't even see her in any the pictures LOL. Because all the people blocked her. I get the feeling she controls these news because if she wants to show she is slim why put on heavy clothes that cannot prove it. I don't think I trust her that much when I used to think she is honest and just want to be who she wants to be.
Not a fan of YZ but I believe her more. I don't think she buys hot searches. One thing is she gets yell at all the time. Even in Ashes of Love people always complian she is annoying. When ZLY was in The Journey of Flower I think HQG was much more annoying but there wasn't any complaining and the views broke record too. When it comes to YZ none of the extraordinary things like that ever happen before. I think its very normal thing she gained more fans this year after Ashes of Love. But I didnt see any news about YZ weibo followers increasing so I'm guessing the increase isn't too unrealistic and intresting enough to be put on the news. She's not my type and best actress but I feel bad how people always call her ugly, now they say she buy hot serches but if she does that then why so many people call her bad things everyday.
Anonymous
What does buying hot searches have to do with people not hating you? In fact hot searches only lead to MORE people hating you because of the increased attention, and the fact non-fans think its a form of mediaplay.
And you can't really compare Journey of Flower and Ashes of Love. JOF was much more popular than Ashes of Love, and thus the attention ZLY got would have been higher. In fact the criticism ZlY got back then was much more severe than what YZ did if you bothered to check.
Also, no celebrity is 100% honest infront of the media. You are kind of naive when you said you trusted ZLY back then.
Indai's Doodles
True. I have read the book and now watching the drama eagerly. I think they both did a great job. Yang Zi looks young and she did pull off the young 19 yr character of Tong Nian (minus the sexy outfits stated in the book) And Li Xian is the perfect actor as I imagine Gun would be. People need to stop criticizing these actors and just simply enjoy the show. If you don't like it, then nobody is asking you to watch it.
Anonymous
I'm chinese and I can say that there is nothing wrong with his speech and that he does a good job of pulling off the cold and aloof personality of the male lead.(tsundere imo) This can be due to his upbringing as a child and shows that he is unable to express himself and show his kindness directly. Furthermore, from the opening song, we can see that as he associates with the expressive female lead, he gradually warms up and is more expressive as well. Hence perhaps the way he speaks is his acting of the male character.
Anonymous
Up to one's preference I guess. I'm Chinese too and I found his speech style weird initially.
mary christodoulou
Li Xian is an amazing actor..his acting skills are sso good..his role in this new cute story is perfect.
Scorpio M.
This is the first time I've seen Li Xian and I think his acting is perfectly fine. He's definitely handsome and gives off an air of maturity esp. with his deep voice but he has good comedic timing and you can tell his character is very warm and caring.
The issue I have is how young they style Tong Nian. I know she's supposed to be younger but who dresses like that at 19 years old? Especially a 19 year old who is supposed to attract an older man? I mean she dresses like little girl, acts like a little girl and her room is surrounded by toys. That is what bothers me most about the female lead. Not to mention her stalker habits in the beginning.
I'm enjoying the series so far though so it's not bothering me that much, I look forward to the new episodes. I could not watch Meteor Garden for similar issues with the female lead.
Scorpio M.
I agree, Li Xian is a very good young actor. He is more subtle in his acting and is playing the cold character with depth. I've seen so many bad C-actors play similar roles so ridiculously bad, Li Xian is NOT bad at all.
Anonymous
Both LX&YZ nailed the characters so well. Perfect scenes with great abilities of acting, especially LX.
Anonymous
Li xian is doing so well with his acting skills. The rude and matured character really suits him. Love him big.
Really enjoying watching it. So excited to see the rest episodes.
Anonymous
Im loving the way they portray their characters..their chemmistry is sizzling.YZ is so adorable and LX is damn cool.
Unknown
I second that. Totally addicted and I love the novel too.
Unknown
support!
Unknown
I think Li Xian is perfect as God Gun. Li Xian fighting!
Unknown
*Clap* *Thumbs up*
Kris Young
From all the episodes already shown, Li Xian is the perfect choice for the role. His charisma and the way he connects so well with Yang Zi give this series that fun and good vibes we feel. They have that excellent chemistry! There are other actors or actresses who are equally good, but Li Xian and Yang Zi owned this one, this is theirs and we get to enjoy it so much!
Unknown
Hi i'm here to ask for help…does anyone know where can I find clothes like TN, HSY and K&K team wearing…I fall in love with their outfit so much…maybe a name of brand or type of clothes. Thank You
Carla.Marie
At first I didn't like the acting as much but it's getting better every episode. You really begin to love the characters. Little Squid and Little han have perfect chemistry.
Anonymous
I hope they try to portray the characters in a more natural way so that you wont cringe at every part of it.
Anonymous
I really love the drama and enjoy every episode of it. Eventhough, at first I was surprised as well to hear Li Xian's voice but somehow gradually i found it quite sexy and soothing. Like some gentleness behind the cold exterior ^_^ And I really appreciate that this drama don't do any voice over. LOOVEEEEEE………..
Unknown
The best c drama for me.. Li Xian fitted well to the role.. Love his acting.. Love them together.. Well done
Unknown
I thought it was good. Couldn't wait to get home to watch new episodes. I really hope for 2nd season soon to see how all ends.
Kris Young
Whatever a few people say, majority of viewers see Li Xian as one of the best Chinese actors there is. His passionate acting with a touch of aloofness and sweetness make the series a joy to watch!
Sharon
I love it! I was hooked from the first episode. It was hilarious and the actors are just so sweet and cute. I even recommend this series to my friends.
Anonymous
i dont find yang zi a good actress considering the no of yrs she has spent in this industry and the no of projects she has done …her acting makes me feel like i m watching some 2-3 yrs old kid show …. there r many new comers who a far better than her in terms of acting ….
Anonymous
Both Li Xian(aka Han Shang Yan) and Yang Zi(aka Tong Nian) did a good job in their acting!!!! At first im after this drama because of Yang Zi after watching her ashes of love . In additional their love in the drama is super duper sweet. Even though their love in between is sort of cruel. However I like how Han Shang Yan realise that how Tong Nian has the courage to love him and want to be with him but he rejected her feeling because of the objection from her mother. This drama also shows strong and true friendship in between Han Shang Yan and his team mates and how the younger generation pursuing their dream in IT industry.
Chu
I love his portrayal of Gun.
He was smexy