7
77
3
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
I came in with low expectations because I am not a fan of over-the-top comedy. I heard about some of the second-hand embarrassment and seen posts about them. However, I like Landy Li and also want to see Tan Jian Ci in a comedy, so I am giving this a try. Despite what I worried about did come true a little, I had a good time watching the drama, especially in the second half (minus a few episodes).
Comedy
I might drop this drama if I came in blind and knew nothing about it. The second-hand embarrassment comedy really isn’t my cup of tea. Luckily, it tones down after episode 6 or 7. There are actually many funny moments and dialogues that I enjoy and the drama does not need to resort to the overdramatic and crazy stuff. The cast has great comedic timing, the drama has a great message, and the plot despite it being a ‘fantasy’ is sincere. But this is all very subjective. I recognize there are others who enjoy this type of humor or are in need of it at the moment.
Pacing/Plot
As I mentioned, I actually liked the second half of the drama more. I think the arc with Su Miao lasts too long. I was getting impatient and wanted to know when the truth is going to come up and when the leads can start developing their relationship. Fang Jin and Quan Sheng Tang’s arc is a little shorter and I believe when the real Fang Jin showed up that I started to really enjoy the drama. It was during her arc when the message of loving and respecting oneself first truly shines. I also feel back for our poor ML. Not only was he lied to many times, he had 3 traumatic experiences because of the Filter. It was just too much for anyone to endure. I thought he should be angry for longer! I also wish the drama didn’t spend so much time on Gu Yu and Lin Yuan in the last 3 episodes.
Main Leads -Tang Qi (ML) and Su Cheng Cheng (FL) are both flawed by very likable characters.
Tang Qi (Tan Jian Ci) - It’s nice to see Tan Jian Ci play a nerdy scientist/researcher who has never been in love, yet questions his own character when he falls in love twice within a short period of time. Tang Qi has some ‘red flags’ as well. Maybe due to his profession, he is persistent and won’t give up until he gets his answers. His stalkerish and overbearing behavior towards Su Miao and Fang Jin could be alarming. They clearly wanted to avoid him, yet he won’t give up. But you can’t deny he is sweet, caring, considerate and thoughtful. When he’s with Su Cheng Cheng finally, he’s the perfect boyfriend. He is nerdy shy yet assertive, caring and thoughtful, and supportive in the most calming and mature way.
Su Cheng Cheng (Landy Li) - I applaud Landy for wearing minimal makeup for most of the drama with pimples here and there. But it’s quite a stretch to say Su Cheng Cheng and Landy Li are unattractive. She’s so pretty! Poor girl has gone through a lot her whole life despite trying to work hard and be the best that she could be. Who could have faulted her for falling into the slippery slope or opening the Pandora box of the Filter. Su Cheng Cheng is a female lead that I root for from beginning to the end. She’s hardworking, smart and observant, who when given the chance, excels in her work and doesn’t have to rely on any guy.
Romance
Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng really tested my patience. It took a very long time for the truth to be revealed and a chance for them to be together. I would have liked another episode or two of the courting, and then another episode of them being cute together. But once they are together, the drama rewards my patience with their sweet interactions. I love an adorkable nerdy ML, and Tan Jian Ci delivers big time. Whenever I see them together, I grinned like an idiot with a big smile on my face. It doesn’t hurt that their kisses are spaced out well (not feeling forced or like fan service) and they are not dead fish kisses.
Gu Yu and Lin Yuan are also very cute together. I enjoy the development of their romance from enemies to lovers. They have great chemistry and just take up enough screen time for me to care about their storyline without taking too much time away from the main leads. However, when the reason why Lin Yuan was hesitant to date Gu Yu was revealed, I have a feeling that reason is going to cause some trouble in the future. And I was right. They took up the last 3 episodes of the drama, and I wish that time was devoted to our leads instead. That little bit also doesn’t jive with the general theme of the drama, but it’s more about them. But they have great chemistry and it doesn’t hurt to see another green flag boyfriend on my screen.
Acting + Supporting Cast
The four main leads did not disappoint. I’ve seen them in many other dramas before and know that they can act. Tan Jian Ci was excellent playing this nerdy and adorkable male lead. It’s a big contrast when he’s the professional developing the next big item, and when he’s in love and acting all inexperienced. Landy Li’s role also demands her to have a range of emotions, and she delivers. The rest of the supporting cast did well with a mix of veterans (FL’s super supportive parents) and child actors (younger versions of the leads).
Production
I find it interesting that I don’t like the makeup in this drama, especially the men” Tan Jian Ci, Gao Han Yu and Wang Hong Yi. Compared to when I saw Gao Han Yu in “Dine with Love” he looks less handsome with a pale and gaunt look. Is it just me thinking that? Landy Li with her minimal makeup looks so much prettier than some with the white cakey foundation. On the other hand, “Filter” has an interesting and eclectic OST. I don’t think we can find another song in any other drama that’s about an alpaca. Too bad I can’t find the full OST on Spotify. It is always lovely to hear Tan Jian Ci sing in his drama.
Overall, I had a good time watching this drama. I would recommend this if you are looking for something lighthearted and funny, and don’t like some over-the-top comedy. Fans of Tan Jian Ci and Landy Li should check this out as well. “Filter” has a good message and it’s more than loving and respecting oneself. In the last episode, when the 'final touch' product was introduced, the leads spoke of a very important message to convey. I believe that’s the main moral of the story/drama. I don’t want to spoil it, but will put that in the comment section. Because this was a slow start for me, I can't give this a solid 8.5+. But it's on par to how I feel about "The First Frost" and "The Best Thing" - an 8.25
Completed: 4/6/2025 - Review #564
I came in with low expectations because I am not a fan of over-the-top comedy. I heard about some of the second-hand embarrassment and seen posts about them. However, I like Landy Li and also want to see Tan Jian Ci in a comedy, so I am giving this a try. Despite what I worried about did come true a little, I had a good time watching the drama, especially in the second half (minus a few episodes).
Comedy
I might drop this drama if I came in blind and knew nothing about it. The second-hand embarrassment comedy really isn’t my cup of tea. Luckily, it tones down after episode 6 or 7. There are actually many funny moments and dialogues that I enjoy and the drama does not need to resort to the overdramatic and crazy stuff. The cast has great comedic timing, the drama has a great message, and the plot despite it being a ‘fantasy’ is sincere. But this is all very subjective. I recognize there are others who enjoy this type of humor or are in need of it at the moment.
Pacing/Plot
As I mentioned, I actually liked the second half of the drama more. I think the arc with Su Miao lasts too long. I was getting impatient and wanted to know when the truth is going to come up and when the leads can start developing their relationship. Fang Jin and Quan Sheng Tang’s arc is a little shorter and I believe when the real Fang Jin showed up that I started to really enjoy the drama. It was during her arc when the message of loving and respecting oneself first truly shines. I also feel back for our poor ML. Not only was he lied to many times, he had 3 traumatic experiences because of the Filter. It was just too much for anyone to endure. I thought he should be angry for longer! I also wish the drama didn’t spend so much time on Gu Yu and Lin Yuan in the last 3 episodes.
Main Leads -Tang Qi (ML) and Su Cheng Cheng (FL) are both flawed by very likable characters.
Tang Qi (Tan Jian Ci) - It’s nice to see Tan Jian Ci play a nerdy scientist/researcher who has never been in love, yet questions his own character when he falls in love twice within a short period of time. Tang Qi has some ‘red flags’ as well. Maybe due to his profession, he is persistent and won’t give up until he gets his answers. His stalkerish and overbearing behavior towards Su Miao and Fang Jin could be alarming. They clearly wanted to avoid him, yet he won’t give up. But you can’t deny he is sweet, caring, considerate and thoughtful. When he’s with Su Cheng Cheng finally, he’s the perfect boyfriend. He is nerdy shy yet assertive, caring and thoughtful, and supportive in the most calming and mature way.
Su Cheng Cheng (Landy Li) - I applaud Landy for wearing minimal makeup for most of the drama with pimples here and there. But it’s quite a stretch to say Su Cheng Cheng and Landy Li are unattractive. She’s so pretty! Poor girl has gone through a lot her whole life despite trying to work hard and be the best that she could be. Who could have faulted her for falling into the slippery slope or opening the Pandora box of the Filter. Su Cheng Cheng is a female lead that I root for from beginning to the end. She’s hardworking, smart and observant, who when given the chance, excels in her work and doesn’t have to rely on any guy.
Romance
Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng really tested my patience. It took a very long time for the truth to be revealed and a chance for them to be together. I would have liked another episode or two of the courting, and then another episode of them being cute together. But once they are together, the drama rewards my patience with their sweet interactions. I love an adorkable nerdy ML, and Tan Jian Ci delivers big time. Whenever I see them together, I grinned like an idiot with a big smile on my face. It doesn’t hurt that their kisses are spaced out well (not feeling forced or like fan service) and they are not dead fish kisses.
Gu Yu and Lin Yuan are also very cute together. I enjoy the development of their romance from enemies to lovers. They have great chemistry and just take up enough screen time for me to care about their storyline without taking too much time away from the main leads. However, when the reason why Lin Yuan was hesitant to date Gu Yu was revealed, I have a feeling that reason is going to cause some trouble in the future. And I was right. They took up the last 3 episodes of the drama, and I wish that time was devoted to our leads instead. That little bit also doesn’t jive with the general theme of the drama, but it’s more about them. But they have great chemistry and it doesn’t hurt to see another green flag boyfriend on my screen.
Acting + Supporting Cast
The four main leads did not disappoint. I’ve seen them in many other dramas before and know that they can act. Tan Jian Ci was excellent playing this nerdy and adorkable male lead. It’s a big contrast when he’s the professional developing the next big item, and when he’s in love and acting all inexperienced. Landy Li’s role also demands her to have a range of emotions, and she delivers. The rest of the supporting cast did well with a mix of veterans (FL’s super supportive parents) and child actors (younger versions of the leads).
Production
I find it interesting that I don’t like the makeup in this drama, especially the men” Tan Jian Ci, Gao Han Yu and Wang Hong Yi. Compared to when I saw Gao Han Yu in “Dine with Love” he looks less handsome with a pale and gaunt look. Is it just me thinking that? Landy Li with her minimal makeup looks so much prettier than some with the white cakey foundation. On the other hand, “Filter” has an interesting and eclectic OST. I don’t think we can find another song in any other drama that’s about an alpaca. Too bad I can’t find the full OST on Spotify. It is always lovely to hear Tan Jian Ci sing in his drama.
Overall, I had a good time watching this drama. I would recommend this if you are looking for something lighthearted and funny, and don’t like some over-the-top comedy. Fans of Tan Jian Ci and Landy Li should check this out as well. “Filter” has a good message and it’s more than loving and respecting oneself. In the last episode, when the 'final touch' product was introduced, the leads spoke of a very important message to convey. I believe that’s the main moral of the story/drama. I don’t want to spoil it, but will put that in the comment section. Because this was a slow start for me, I can't give this a solid 8.5+. But it's on par to how I feel about "The First Frost" and "The Best Thing" - an 8.25
Completed: 4/6/2025 - Review #564
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