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This review may contain spoilers
Love, Laughter, and a War on Insecurities: The Magic of Filter
Some dramas entertain, some move you, and then there’s "Filter"—a drama that sneaks up on you, flips your perspective, and leaves you staring at your reflection with new eyes. This is not just a story; it’s an exploration of perception, an introspection on how deeply subjective beauty truly is. With its sharp wit, refreshing humor, and deeply human characters, "Filter" takes viewers on a ride that’s as funny as it is poignant.
The Core Theme: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
"Filter" stands out because it dares to challenge the rigid, almost suffocating standards of beauty and self-worth. It’s a drama about how we filter the world through our own insecurities and preconceived notions—and how sometimes, those filters need to be shattered.
Chengcheng (played by Landry Li) is our heroine, and let’s get one thing straight—she’s NOT the poster child for a dramatic "ugly-duckling-to-swan" transformation. She’s strong, athletic, and downright adorable, yet she’s spent her life feeling like an outlier in a world that worships delicate features and airbrushed beauty. She’s not conventionally flawed, but she’s been made to feel like she is, and that’s where the magic of her character lies. She moves awkwardly in social settings, second-guesses herself, and yet when push comes to shove (literally), she’s a powerhouse of confidence and skill. Watching her journey through multiple personas feels deeply personal, like flipping through an old diary filled with self-doubts that, in hindsight, were never really true.
On the other side of the spectrum is Tang Qi (played by the ever-mesmerizing Tan Jianci). Now, this man is the epitome of "effortlessly cool"—stylish, intelligent, ambitious, and socially awkward in a way that makes him unintentionally hilarious. His comment about Chengcheng making herself look "messy" wasn’t some dagger meant to wound—it was a clean-cut guy just noticing that his comfort-zone-violating counterpart exists in a different aesthetic realm. Their initial friction is a battle of perceptions, but what makes it satisfying is how organically they begin to see through each other’s filters and dismantle them, piece by piece.
The Writing: Sharp, Witty, and Unexpectedly Funny
Many rom-coms try (and fail) to balance humor and depth, often resorting to either cringe-worthy slapstick or tired tropes. "Filter" does neither. The comedic timing is impeccable—whether it’s an offhand remark, a perfectly placed reaction shot, or an unexpected punchline that lands so well you find yourself actually laughing (not just politely exhaling through your nose).
Some of the scenes, like the alpaca bent on makeup destruction, are so out of the blue and unexpected that you can’t help but burst out laughing, like a rogue wave of hilarity crashing into an otherwise normal moment. It’s the kind of humor that feels effortless, never forced—one minute you’re following a serious narrative, and the next, a perfectly timed quip or absurd situation sneaks up on you, catching you delightfully off guard.
And then there’s Tang Qi’s dance scene—pure, comedic gold. A moment that shouldn’t work but somehow does, much like the entire essence of "Filter." It’s these small but sparkling moments that make the drama stand out.
The Chemistry: Leads & Second Couple Steal the Show
The romantic tension between Chengcheng and Tang Qi is very cute—organic, filled with tiny moments of realization rather than grand, dramatic gestures. Their awkwardness makes them real, and their growth makes their eventual connection all the more rewarding. But let’s not ignore the second couple—Yuan and Gu Yu. If the main leads’ relationship is a slow burn, Yuan and Gu Yu’s is an electric spark. Their dynamic is pure entertainment, a mix of fate and delightful contrast, with Gu Yu’s sizzling style and Yuan’s charming unpredictability making them impossible not to root for.
The Emotional Toll: Misconceptions, Hurt, and Growth
One aspect of Filter that may turn some viewers off is the emotional damage caused by both leads due to their misconceptions about each other. While never truly malicious, Chengcheng and Tang Qi unintentionally hurt each other through misjudgments, assumptions, and the ways they process their own insecurities. There are moments where their interactions toe the line of emotional gaslighting—with Chengcheng literally offing her various fake personas and deeply wounding Tang Qi just because she couldn't grasp the simple fact that Tang Qi is in love with her personality no matter what she looked like. In a way, it reflects how flawed, imperfect, and deeply human they are.
This is part of what makes the drama so compelling. It doesn’t sugarcoat the reality that people, no matter how well-intentioned, can be blind to how their words and actions affect others. Chengcheng and Tang Qi are not perfect individuals, nor do they magically transform into flawless beings by the end. They remain imperfect, but together, they fit in a way that is magical. Their love story isn’t about perfection—it’s about acceptance, growth, and learning to see each other without the distortions of insecurity and fear.
The OST & Cinematography: Aesthetic, Emotional, and Atmospheric
A well-placed soundtrack can elevate a scene from good to unforgettable, and "Filter" nails this aspect. The OST doesn’t just exist in the background—it enhances every moment, adding emotional depth or whimsical charm exactly when needed. Visually, the drama maintains a balance between aesthetic and authenticity, never feeling overproduced or detached from reality... as real as a magical bracelet can get.
Final Verdict: A Rare Gem Worth Watching
"Filter" isn’t just about romance; it’s about self-perception, societal expectations, and learning to see without the constraints of outdated filters. It’s an insightful, refreshing take on beauty—one that reminds us that the right eyes will always see past the imperfections we think we have. It delivers humor without forcing it, emotions without melodrama, and a story that lingers long after the last scene fades.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you come for the laughs, the romance, or the sheer brilliance of its theme, "Filter" is a drama that deserves to be seen—without any filters.
The Core Theme: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
"Filter" stands out because it dares to challenge the rigid, almost suffocating standards of beauty and self-worth. It’s a drama about how we filter the world through our own insecurities and preconceived notions—and how sometimes, those filters need to be shattered.
Chengcheng (played by Landry Li) is our heroine, and let’s get one thing straight—she’s NOT the poster child for a dramatic "ugly-duckling-to-swan" transformation. She’s strong, athletic, and downright adorable, yet she’s spent her life feeling like an outlier in a world that worships delicate features and airbrushed beauty. She’s not conventionally flawed, but she’s been made to feel like she is, and that’s where the magic of her character lies. She moves awkwardly in social settings, second-guesses herself, and yet when push comes to shove (literally), she’s a powerhouse of confidence and skill. Watching her journey through multiple personas feels deeply personal, like flipping through an old diary filled with self-doubts that, in hindsight, were never really true.
On the other side of the spectrum is Tang Qi (played by the ever-mesmerizing Tan Jianci). Now, this man is the epitome of "effortlessly cool"—stylish, intelligent, ambitious, and socially awkward in a way that makes him unintentionally hilarious. His comment about Chengcheng making herself look "messy" wasn’t some dagger meant to wound—it was a clean-cut guy just noticing that his comfort-zone-violating counterpart exists in a different aesthetic realm. Their initial friction is a battle of perceptions, but what makes it satisfying is how organically they begin to see through each other’s filters and dismantle them, piece by piece.
The Writing: Sharp, Witty, and Unexpectedly Funny
Many rom-coms try (and fail) to balance humor and depth, often resorting to either cringe-worthy slapstick or tired tropes. "Filter" does neither. The comedic timing is impeccable—whether it’s an offhand remark, a perfectly placed reaction shot, or an unexpected punchline that lands so well you find yourself actually laughing (not just politely exhaling through your nose).
Some of the scenes, like the alpaca bent on makeup destruction, are so out of the blue and unexpected that you can’t help but burst out laughing, like a rogue wave of hilarity crashing into an otherwise normal moment. It’s the kind of humor that feels effortless, never forced—one minute you’re following a serious narrative, and the next, a perfectly timed quip or absurd situation sneaks up on you, catching you delightfully off guard.
And then there’s Tang Qi’s dance scene—pure, comedic gold. A moment that shouldn’t work but somehow does, much like the entire essence of "Filter." It’s these small but sparkling moments that make the drama stand out.
The Chemistry: Leads & Second Couple Steal the Show
The romantic tension between Chengcheng and Tang Qi is very cute—organic, filled with tiny moments of realization rather than grand, dramatic gestures. Their awkwardness makes them real, and their growth makes their eventual connection all the more rewarding. But let’s not ignore the second couple—Yuan and Gu Yu. If the main leads’ relationship is a slow burn, Yuan and Gu Yu’s is an electric spark. Their dynamic is pure entertainment, a mix of fate and delightful contrast, with Gu Yu’s sizzling style and Yuan’s charming unpredictability making them impossible not to root for.
The Emotional Toll: Misconceptions, Hurt, and Growth
One aspect of Filter that may turn some viewers off is the emotional damage caused by both leads due to their misconceptions about each other. While never truly malicious, Chengcheng and Tang Qi unintentionally hurt each other through misjudgments, assumptions, and the ways they process their own insecurities. There are moments where their interactions toe the line of emotional gaslighting—with Chengcheng literally offing her various fake personas and deeply wounding Tang Qi just because she couldn't grasp the simple fact that Tang Qi is in love with her personality no matter what she looked like. In a way, it reflects how flawed, imperfect, and deeply human they are.
This is part of what makes the drama so compelling. It doesn’t sugarcoat the reality that people, no matter how well-intentioned, can be blind to how their words and actions affect others. Chengcheng and Tang Qi are not perfect individuals, nor do they magically transform into flawless beings by the end. They remain imperfect, but together, they fit in a way that is magical. Their love story isn’t about perfection—it’s about acceptance, growth, and learning to see each other without the distortions of insecurity and fear.
The OST & Cinematography: Aesthetic, Emotional, and Atmospheric
A well-placed soundtrack can elevate a scene from good to unforgettable, and "Filter" nails this aspect. The OST doesn’t just exist in the background—it enhances every moment, adding emotional depth or whimsical charm exactly when needed. Visually, the drama maintains a balance between aesthetic and authenticity, never feeling overproduced or detached from reality... as real as a magical bracelet can get.
Final Verdict: A Rare Gem Worth Watching
"Filter" isn’t just about romance; it’s about self-perception, societal expectations, and learning to see without the constraints of outdated filters. It’s an insightful, refreshing take on beauty—one that reminds us that the right eyes will always see past the imperfections we think we have. It delivers humor without forcing it, emotions without melodrama, and a story that lingers long after the last scene fades.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you come for the laughs, the romance, or the sheer brilliance of its theme, "Filter" is a drama that deserves to be seen—without any filters.
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