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Did You Know Weirdo 101 Has One Hell of a Gravitational Pull!!
Before you dive in, if you are looking for a super plot heavy series with constant twists, this isn't that but what you are going to encounter is Cheewa who is so openly fascinated by Niran and has absolutely no shame about making his interest known in the most nerdy adorable way possible, while Niran is this emotionally guarded boy who doesn't even seem to understand what is happening to him, slowly finding his safe space in Cheewa. And honestly, watching these two gradually become important to each other is so worth it. Their relationship is the story, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Also, I wouldn't say this series was perfect or that everything was executed flawlessly, but I absolutely loved the way it made me feel.Cheewa is probably one of the most delightfully straightforward flirts I've ever seen. This boy doesn't need some elaborate romantic setup. Give him Niran, an astronomy fact, and approximately three seconds, and somehow he'll turn it into flirting. From the very beginning, everything about the way he approaches Niran feels so Cheewa. He is curious, nerdy, openly fascinated by Niran, and completely unafraid to let Niran know it. He literally uses the whole universe to flirt with his P'Niran and trust me if you know the depth and the metaphorical meanings behind it, you'll be stunned. And he doesn't just say it for the sake of saying, he means it. There's always something more behind those astronomy facts, and somehow he manages to make the entire universe sound like a love confession. Oh, to be loved by Cheewa!!
And then there's Niran, who is basically the complete opposite. He's guarded, reserved, carrying so much inside himself, and initially he genuinely doesn't seem to understand what Cheewa is doing. He's just standing there cluelessly listening to this astronomy obsessed boy talk about the universe but trust me Cheewa was flirting with Niran and Niran was just not nerdy enough to understand it. And then Cheewa really said, "Can I hit on you?" Oh my godd!! I love how there is no unnecessary game playing with Cheewa. He likes Niran, so he lets Niran know he likes him. It's so simple, so earnest, and somehow incredibly charming. And once Niran finally realizes what's happening, watching him slowly become aware of Cheewa's feelings while simultaneously refusing to acknowledge his own is absolutely fascinating. He KNOWS. He absolutely KNOWS. And yet this man will still stand there acting like he's completely unaffected. P'Niran, you are such a poser.
But underneath all that, I think what makes Niran such a compelling character is how much emotional weight he carries. He is such a relatable character. His insecurities, his fears, his exhaustion, the way he's constantly burdened by expectations... everything about him feels painfully real. There's so much more emotional weight attached to it, and you can feel how something that once brought meaning to his life has gradually become something he feels trapped by. Beneath the romance and all the adorable moments, it's also about losing sight of yourself under the weight of expectations, trying to make peace with things that have shaped you, dealing with your own emotional struggles, and finding a way to take ownership of your life again.
What I love is that Cheewa doesn't force Niran to suddenly become open or happy or figure everything out. He simply keeps showing up. He gives Niran a space where he doesn't have to constantly be a certain version of himself. And slowly, almost without realizing it, Niran starts becoming comfortable around him. That's what makes their relationship so lovely to watch. It's not just about Cheewa flirting with his P'Niran. It's about Niran slowly realizing that being around Cheewa feels safe. That someone can be interested in him without demanding anything from him. That maybe he can let someone into the parts of himself he's spent so long keeping guarded.
And then we have THE ASTRONOMY 😭
I genuinely love how the series uses astronomy as more than just Cheewa's quirky personality trait. The metaphors actually become part of the way these two understand each other. Things like gravity, stars, planets, comets and orbits aren't just random facts thrown into the dialogue... they become a language Cheewa uses to express feelings that might otherwise be difficult to say directly. And THAT is why his flirting gets me so badly. Because Cheewa can stand there talking about something scientific and somehow make it sound like a love confession without ever losing that adorably nerdy quality that makes him him. It's clever, it's romantic, and most importantly, it feels completely natural to his character.
The writing really knows how to balance the sweetness with the emotional side of the story too. There are moments that are genuinely funny and ridiculously cute, and then suddenly you'll get a glimpse into Niran's inner world and realize there's so much more going on underneath all that romance. It gives their relationship a surprising amount of emotional depth without taking away from the softness that makes the series so enjoyable.
And SeaKeen really brought these characters to life. Their chemistry is so natural that half the time I'm just sitting there watching them interact and thinking, LOOK AT MY BABIES. 😭 The dialogue is especially one of my favorite things about the series. These two can have the simplest conversation and somehow make it feel meaningful, funny, or ridiculously romantic. THE DIALOGUES ARE EVERYTHING. They give me a whole damn zoo.
And I absolutely love their friend circles too. Niran's bond with Hem, Thara, and Thipok is everything. There's such a natural warmth and familiarity between them. And then Cheewa with his two nerdy friends, Jomyut and Newton... PLEASE. The astronomy club really gathered an entire collection of adorable nerds. CheewaNiran are already enough to make me lose my mind, and then their friends come in and add another 10 levels of chaos. I love these people so much.
And obviously, I cannot finish this without talking about the OSTs. SeaKeen's vocals never disappoint. Gravity has been playing on loop in my playlist with all of their other previous osts that I am still not over with and also now Beside you. Oh my godd their vocals!! I am so damn in love with this series.
Highly Recommended!! Also the uncut is available on youtube. So please watch it there. Go let Cheewa teach you astronomy and fall in love with Niran along the way.
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Xu Kai’s Best work yet - gripping and intense the kind that makes history
Despite the veteran powerhouse actors crowing this delightful offering, it’s Xu Kai that stands out in this brilliant production. The story is gripping the treatment is perfect and the casting is a dream. It’s hard. It’s gritty and it’s painful. He is not the heartthrob hero this time. He is so wrong and yet so right. You empathise with him despite everything he is doing because his eyes tell a story of love, suffering and desperation. It’s perfect. His villainousness is perfectly balanced with his fragility and determination. It’s a treat to watch this wonderful work where the actor known for his smooth looks and model appearance has willingly forgone the polish of glamour for a hard hitting role. It could have gone either way. But this is one villain we will all love because somehow his story means more than morality itself. His father’s stark high moral character in the drama is a perfect foil for his flawed broken person. His weakness and actions seem superfluous despite how wrong they are. Because the audience is still cheering him on. For once, waiting for the good guys to fail. What a treat! And definitely not to be missed. I’m hooked and I know I’ll watch it again. Every episode was a gift. You start with trepidation- anxious whether the 2 leads will miraculously come out the other end as winners. But this is so real that all that hope is dashed in the wake of facts and real life. It feels wrong to support the ambiguity of Xu Kai's Chen Hui. But you support him anyways. He is chilling and thorough. But still so vulnerable and human. Can’t say enough about how well the layers and complexity of the character has been portrayed. I also can’t understand the low ratings. Are some viewers retarded?Was this review helpful to you?
Thank You does not have the glitz of the popular kdramas but it is a wonderfully well scripted, and well acted production. This is also one of my few favourite kdramas where the female leads are the stars of the show. I fell in love with eight year old Bom and her mother Young Shin. I watched in awe at the incredible acting skills of both.
Yes, it is a tear jerker but it is exceptionally well done, not overly melodramatic and it has its share of tragedies versus realistic outcomes; a perfect balance between sadness and happiness.
It has many of the staples of a kdrama; triangle love story, birth secrets, and serious illnesses but all woven beautifully together. It is a drama about family, love, conviction, and perseverance. It is a gem and is well deserving of my 10 rating.
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2) Storyline/Plot: The continuation of the story and like the 1st season they followed the manga; this season had many important events along with many side stories; cute, romatic, sad, happy,heartwarming moments: it was all there.
3) Acting/Cast: In the first season's review I gave it an 8 but this season I gave it a 9 simply because this season's cast risen and there were cool actors especially those nurse team so cute^^ I totally loved all of them.
4) Music : Just like 1st season's music; it was nice.
5) Rewatch value : it totally deserve to be rewatched over and over again.
6) The ending : I felt sadness when it ended not because it was a sad ending but because I bid farewell to "Itazura na kiss"'s story; there was a total blank after it ended.
7-Overall : Well, I believe this is the best adaptation of Itazura na kiss comparing to other incarnations, "Playfull kiss" was nice but it was short and didn't continue until the end.
Between 1st and 2nd season there have been 50 episodes but I still want more. Apparently, The 3rd season's rumor isn't coming to life but i will never forget this drama : for real it's one of the greatest ever!
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Brotherhood, Self-sacrifice, Touching, Funny, Great Acting
This is an uplifting youth drama. It is humorous and heartwarming with amazing story telling and fantastic acting. There is no romance, which I’m very pleased because I’m tired of the tropey romance that has been churned out repeatedly. This story is about brotherhood and friendship, set in the year of 2005 when flip phones were in use, in a third tiered city north of Beijing close to the border of Korea where the Korean language is widely spoken.Ye Xiaowen (Chen Youwei) is a 17 year old orphan living in the orphanage when Gao Yang’s (Xin Yunllai) father, Gao Bin (Lu Fangsheng), a divorcee, finds him and takes him home to live with them, without telling Gao Yang Ye Xiaowen's background. Gao Yang is also 17 years old and both kids sit together in class and sleep in the same bedroom. At the beginning, Gao Yang cannot understand why his father has taken home a boy whom he has never known, to live them and he’s pretty unhappy about it. In every way, he tries to make life difficult for Ye Xiaowen. Ye Xiaowen is an introvert who doesn’t show his feelings easily and endures all the abuses Gao Yang throws at him. Through misunderstanding and rumors, both Ye Xiaowen and Gao Yang had thought Ye Xiaowen a bastard child of Gao Bin, and this has created hilarious events until Gao Bin proves that he’s not the father. Gao Yang later finds out that Ye Xiaowen is an orphan and since then, he vows to take care and protect Ye Xiaowen with everything he can.
Gao Bin is a PE teacher but he’s not very well disciplined and Gao Yang has no confidence in everything his father does. Ye Xiaowen is a competent long-distance runner and Gao Bin becomes his coach and he aims to help Ye Xiaowen compete and win scholarships to get into his dreamed university. However, due to Gao Bin’s lack of discipline, his son becomes Ye Xiaowen’s second coach and both go through ups and downs together, never abandoning each other. Their relationship grows over the days and brotherly love for each other is solid and genuine. They encourage each other and want the best for each other.
This drama gives the viewers very strong character development, from an undisciplined teacher to a responsible one whom everyone loves and respects, from a lazy and rebellious boy to a hardworking compassionate young adult, from an introvert to a bright, hopeful, striving youth. All the other side characters also undergo strong character development and achieve their dreams.
My Verdict
This is a great story of compassion, selflessness, courage, and brotherhood. It is touching and yet very funny. All the characters are relatable as they are just like your everyday neighbors with similar flaws. There is a lot of genuine care and love with community spirit; everyone watches out for each other. The acting is very natural and believable, the directing and the editing are close to perfection. All the scenes are delightful, and the sad scenes can draw tears because we, as viewers, can relate. Every character has a story to tell and a dream to fulfill. The selection of actors is appropriate and the chemistry between the main leads is wonderful.
There is nothing BL about this drama. To me, the relationship is not even bromance, just simple brotherhood and trust, like a family.
This is a fun drama for the whole family. Don’t miss it!
Strongly recommended!
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1Blooming like Blueming
The Eighth Sense was a masterful lesson in care and vulnerability that pulled no punches and went all out, not just in terms of outstanding cinematography and immersive storytelling but also diving into the mindset created by depression, trauma, and anxiety as well as the behaviors that result from tackling them alone and with support.The character of Jae Won embodied depression and trauma recovery so well:
Looking out at the world and your own choices from a fishbowl view. What you want to say and do and what you don't become blurred like water. And even being able to see it clearly doesn't mean you can reach out; grasp it. You're sitting outside yourself, numb to the world and unable to express what you truly want to because everything is just so heavy, and how could you drag someone else into that and weigh them down with you?
And then there's someone like Ji Hyun, not a savior or an angel but a person unexpectedly possessing gorgeous boldness and frankness, who understands and even when he doesn't is there to push when the net is wound too tight and listen when it's suffocating but Jae Won needs to undo it alone.
The Eighth Sense is more than a romance. More than a Queer drama. It's cinema at its finest.
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I suggest all prospective audience to ignore negative reviews before watching it. Only audience with “taste”, “feeling” and “empathy” appreciate the story, beautiful soundtracks, excellent acting, superb chemistry, great casting and character development.
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STORY (No spoilers)
Actually, I read the manga (also helpfully entitled "Seven Days") on which this short 2 episode series is based on, long before I realised that they actually made a live-action version of it. Having enjoyed the short but sweet manga itself and having never seen a proper live-action Boy's Love series prior this one, I was curious enough to check it out.
I will get into the acting for this series in another section but story-wise, both episodes were amazingly faithful and accurate to the manga itself. Here is a short list of just how accurate it was:-
a) The manga itself consists of 2 volumes. The 1st volume being the Monday to Thursday sections, and the second volume having the remaining Friday to Sunday sections. The way the series is split is exactly the same way.
b) Dialogues from the characters are almost word-for-word from the manga.
c) Scenes and events that happen also mirror very closely to those in the manga.
d) What impressed me the most was that even the styling - from the hair, to the way they wear their school uniforms, to even their school bags and the way they carry them, mirrors that in the manga.
It was really as though the manga itself came to life - there were hardly any deviations of it in the live-action series. So, for those who read the manga and enjoyed the story, you would be surprisingly satisfied with this production.
Story-wise, the synopsis is a pretty good summary so I am not sure if I have anything further to add. It really is a simple premise of what started out as a high-school tease between 2 boys to date for a week (seven days), ended up creating feelings which neither were prepared for, and their various insecurities and misunderstandings arising from that. Like the sound of it? Then do watch. If not, then feel free to give this a pass.
Another thing to note is that the pacing of this live-action short series is rather deliberately slow. I believe that the production team and the director had in mind a pace that was meant to deliberately focus and pause onto the main characters, either to emphasise a scene or an emotion, because this is done consistently throughout the show. It's almost manga-like: you know, that scene where the 2 main leads stare at each other and the wind and leaves just keep blowing by... yeah, that kind of manga-like feel. If you're not prepared for it, it may sometimes appear as if the scene is being paused, but it's actually a deliberate drawing out of the scene. Some people might find this draggy or boring or weird, but I personally see it as an artistic approach and directorial style, and quite enjoy the slow, deliberate pacing of the show. Most Japanese series tend to be rather snappy and excitable so a mellow, calm-almost-to-stillness show is rather interesting and refreshing as a change.
ACTING/ CHARACTERS
I've mentioned how the whole setting, down to the styling and the outfits, were practically a mirror to that of the manga. Now how about the actual portrayal of the characters?
JAMES TAKESHI YAMADA as Shino Yuzuru - the senior whose cool looks apparently seem at odds with his playful and unpredictable personality. Looks-wise, I think James does have that cool look befitting the character but I had hoped that he could have acted a bit more "fly-away" or ditzy just to emphasise the dichotomy between his looks and his personality which many people around Shino keep banging on about. It would have made some of the comments from supporting characters a bit more believable and understandable. As it stood, I felt that we had to just accept what we are being told i.e. that Shino's personality is very different from the way he looks. More tell, rather than show, in this aspect, for me. Having said that, I thought the rest of how James portrayed Shino was well done. The curiosity, the internal dialogues, the progression of feelings and its by-products of uncertainty and jealousy - I thought these were all expressed pretty well by James in his role.
PS: I also liked the way he holds his bow and arrow, and his shooting stance. It did look very cool and natural.
TOMOKI HIROSE as Touji Seryou - the good-looking junior whose inner desire to find The One has led to an appearance of being indiscriminate when it comes to dating and partners. Looks-wise, I personally found Tomoki to look too old for the junior he should be portraying - and not a little older, but quite a lot older, which was was initially rather jarring when I first started watching. Looks aside, Tomoki did not do too bad a job in bringing out the emotions and the feelings of Touji onto the screen. His acting did not come across as natural or as at ease as James playing Shino, but neither was it so bad that it was too awkward to watch, so I would consider his portrayal to be serviceable for the role.
PS: Tomoki's shooting stance looked awkward, stiff and unnatural to me, compared to James and the supporting cast. Pity because he was supposed to be rather effortlessly good at archery and it does not really come across in this live-action adaptation. But this is a minor quibble.
MUSIC
Befitting the deliberately slow pace of this show, the background music is instrumental, mellow and rather poignant in tone. I thought it matched the mood and the pacing of the series well and personally found it to be a good enhancement to the scenes in bringing out the moment or the mood. Nice.
RE-WATCH VALUE
Seeing as it is a very short show of only 2 episodes or parts, this is easily re-watchable. Overall, it is quite a well done series, barring my minor quibbles outlined above. I can see myself viewing it again.
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I must say right now that my overall rating is completely biased. I am a huge fan of Hana Yori Dango because it was one of the first Asian dramas I watched in high school and the OST pulls at my heartstrings even today. So as you can imagine, Hana Nochi Hare brought back many feels, which was of course its ultimate goal and I must admit it makes up for its plot flaws, at least IMO.
The plot is nothing special or groundbreaking. Kaguragi Haruto is the new Doumyouji while Edogawa Oto is the new Makino. There are a few changes e.g. the new Makino has not always been poor, her family bankrupted while the new Doumyouji is basically the same (with the same flaws and quirks as the original one). You could even say that the plot of Hana Nochi Hare is the recycled version of Hana Yori Dango - and you would be right. This whole drama is meant to be a fan service to HYD fans because it does not offer anything special, different or new. The OST is not on par with HYD OST and neither the actors are as charismatic as the HYD ones but that is the point - there is only one HYD and nothing will ever manage to top it.
The proof that this drama is a deliberate fan service is that they re-shot the classic scenes e.g. Doumyouji waiting for Makino in the rain. And I still loved it. Hana Nochi Hare didn't even try to recreate the magic of HYD (they know it is impossible), it is just meant to pull at your heartstrings for a little while and maybe even pay a tribute to the original series, actors and fans. If you are a fan and look at it from this perspective, then you will probably find it at least a bit enjoyable.
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The best version of BOF ever, F4THAILAND highly recomended
When you are remaking a classic, the drama that had been watched by the whole world, remains the “first drama” of thousand of drama lovers (mine too). So it had to put its best work to at least maintain its reputation as a classic remake.●PLOT VIEW
With all due respect, I had seen most Thai dramas with abusive, arrogant ML relationships go wrong with forced kisses and all, and BOF had this plot too, but F4 THAILAND did everything right with this classic. While the Chinese version put extra creativity to have more number of episodes, the S.K. version showed extra richness and some cringy moments.
The brand new Thai version compacted it to 16 episodes, making each episode into titular storytelling. It added all the highlights of the novel like kick, bullying, necklace, engagement, amnesia, etc and weaved a modern saga full of technology, love, and friendship. Every single moment is so practical and likable. Yeah, it gave a pure friendship between Gorya and Ren + a secret story of IRIS(MJ who is always left alone for no good reason).
The nuances in Thyme’s character just show that he has truly changed and is not like his past self. On top of that, instead of just forgetting about his past self, he faces it and clears the bad relationship with anyone he has treated harshly. ALL the characters are also so well shaped and portrayed. This is the ONLY version where the two main leads are perfect for each other. I can feel their strong bond and it’s not just because of their appearance but also their identical personalities (strong, unrelenting, and compassionate) I feel like that is just sooooo powerful.
Lastly, it's titled F4 for a reason, because they had shown THYME, REN, MJ, and KAVIN's friendship more prominent. They take each other back in good and bad. Bullying and asking forgiveness, teaching lessons and learning lessons. we can feel their extraordinary bond in each episode.
●ACTING
whoever did the casting deserves a raise, I had lots to say about every character because everyone deserves applause, starting with my favorite.
BRIGHT as Thyme, had a bulky build but a childish heart. Very perfect for the character, thank god he didn’t have any particular hairstyle but had the distinct trait of speaking incorrect words. His innocence is overflowed in each episode until we see how his mother had ruined him. BRIGHT had done a commendable job being arrogant, cute, shy, kind, snobby, and supercilious.
TU TANTAWAN as Gorya impacted everyone in a good way. She was like the unidentified leader of F4. TU is supernatural playing Gorya so effortlessly. She isn't shown as weak but as a strong yet compassionate person. She is gonna be my favorite FL of all the previous versions.
DEW as Ren, the person who can be the SML syndrome. But the pure friendship just saved it. He acted mostly with his eyes and smile. I paused at times to appreciate his smile.
WIN as Kavin, sincerely he didn’t seem like a playboy. But Kavin's character says he is, I think that needed some extra charm because he always kept a cold face.
NANI as MJ, this fourth member had no story but the Thai version secretly created a secret story for him. MJ's long hair, riding a bike wearing leather jackets show his badass mafia character.
PRIM as Kaning was so beautiful, I like her simple laced hairstyle throughout. She is a strong and helpful friend who knows what she wants.
Lita, Mira, Hana, Tia, and Roselyn showed a line of strong powerful women. And none of them could be hated for their characters but applauded for their realistic performance.
Also, Talay, phupha, and uncle Ga were amazing.
●MUSIC
The music is enchanting. I felt like I am at a musical concert. The opening track “Who am I” sung by F4 is worth millions of likes. Am truly happy that most of the songs have been sung by the actors themselves.
●REWATCH
Of course yes, I think this is gonna be a favorite of all. And if any new versions appear it will have a tough fight with F4.
●APPRECIATION
The use of technology and social media gives a modernized and realistic approach. Also, the Thai cultural aspect is improvised by showing the importance of flower garlands.
It omitted all the cringy content that many viewers didn’t like in the previous BOF version.
It pays tribute to previous versions in many scenes by mentioning the characters names in the background (like if you watch carefully in episode 15 the market name is Gu Jyun Pyon).
●QUOTES
Each episode title invisibly tells the episode story but they have a deeper meaning if given a thought.
●RECOMMENDATION
If you have BOF before, you should give F4 THAILAND a chance to show its charm.
If you haven't watched any BOF or any Thai drama before then, take F4 Thailand as a highly recommended one to open doors to the Thai drama world.
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A Lighthearted Yet Thought-Provoking Rom-Com
After the emotional rollercoaster of The White Olive Tree, I was desperate for something lighthearted to lift my spirits. Enter Filter, a delightful drama that had me laughing from the first episode to the last. While the story is undeniably hilarious and easy to watch, it also carries a profound and relatable message: don’t judge a book by its cover. This theme resonates deeply, making Filter more than just a comedy—it’s a heartfelt exploration of prejudice, self-worth, and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.The Story: A Magical Twist on Love and Misunderstanding
The plot centers on Tang Qi, a nerdy, color-sensitive entrepreneur who co-runs a beauty company with his two friends. His life takes a turn when he encounters Su Cheng Cheng, a former high school junior, at a party. After a mishap leaves her makeup smeared, Tang Qi snaps a photo and callously remarks, “So ugly.” Unbeknownst to him, this moment sets off a chain of events that will challenge his biases and reshape his understanding of love.
Su Cheng Cheng, still harboring a crush on Tang Qi from their school days, is gifted a magical bracelet that allows her to transform into different characters. Using this power, she begins working at Tang Qi’s company, where her professionalism and contributions earn everyone’s admiration—except Tang Qi’s. His preconceived notions about her cloud his judgment, creating a rift between them.
As Su Cheng Cheng transforms into various personas, Tang Qi repeatedly falls for these characters, only to be heartbroken when they “die” or disappear in increasingly absurd ways (lightning strikes, anyone?). These over-the-top “deaths” are played for laughs, but they also highlight Tang Qi’s growing emotional turmoil. Eventually, he begins to suspect something is amiss, leading to the revelation of Su Cheng Cheng’s secret. The resolution is both satisfying and heartwarming, as Tang Qi realizes that the person he’s been searching for has been right in front of him all along.
The story’s moral—treasure the one around you—is simple yet powerful. It reminds viewers to look beyond appearances and examine their own biases, lest they miss out on something truly special.
The Characters and Acting: Perfectly Cast, Flawlessly Executed
֎ Tang Qi (played by Tan Jian Ci):
Some viewers criticized Tan Jian Ci for looking too mature for the role, but I found him to be the perfect embodiment of Tang Qi. With his nerdy, slightly awkward demeanor, Tan Jian Ci effortlessly captures Tang Qi’s blend of intelligence and social cluelessness. Tang Qi is a man of few words, often blunt to the point of being misunderstood, yet he possesses an inner strength and persistence that make him endearing. Tan Jian Ci’s portrayal is nuanced, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. His chemistry with Li Landy is palpable, making their eventual reconciliation all the more satisfying.
I’d like to take a moment to clarify what Tang Qi actually meant when he blurted out the words, “So ugly.” At first glance, his comment seems harsh and superficial, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Tang Qi wasn’t criticizing Su Cheng Cheng’s appearance or calling her inherently ugly. Instead, his reaction stemmed from his extreme sensitivity to colors and aesthetics. As someone deeply attuned to visual harmony, he was appalled by the cheap, smeared makeup that clashed with Su Cheng Cheng’s natural features. In his mind, the makeup was “ugly” because it didn’t do her justice—it ruined her face.
However, Tang Qi’s social awkwardness and inability to articulate his thoughts led to a catastrophic misunderstanding. Su Cheng Cheng, already self-conscious about her appearance, took his words at face value, assuming he was mocking her. This moment created a long-lasting animosity between them, fueling her resentment and shaping their complicated dynamic. It isn’t until much later, when they finally reconcile, that Tang Qi clarifies his true meaning, revealing the depth of his character and the misunderstanding that had plagued their relationship.
At the same time, it’s important to note that Tang Qi’s initial coldness toward Su Cheng Cheng isn’t just about the makeup incident. His behavior is also rooted in his past experiences with her during their school days. Back then, Tang Qi misunderstood Su Cheng Cheng’s clumsy attempts to connect with him as acts of bullying. Her naivety and overenthusiasm came across as intimidating to him, and he formed a lasting impression of her as someone to be wary of. This misunderstanding further fueled his prejudice, making it difficult for him to see her for who she truly is—a kind, compassionate, and well-meaning person.
Unfortunately, some viewers drop the drama at this early moment (when he blurted out "So ugly"), misinterpreting Tang Qi as a shallow, face-obsessed jerk. This is a shame, as it overlooks the nuance of his character and the broader themes of the story. Tang Qi isn’t superficial—he’s socially inept and struggles to express himself, which makes his journey of growth and self-awareness all the more compelling. His initial comment is less about judgment and more about his unique perspective on beauty, which ultimately aligns with the drama’s central message: don’t judge a book by its cover.
So, to new viewers, I urge you not to let this moment deter you. Filter is a wonderful drama with layers of humor, heart, and meaning. Tang Qi’s seemingly callous remark is just the starting point of a story that challenges assumptions, explores prejudice, and celebrates the beauty of seeing people for who they truly are. Stick with it—you won’t regret it!
֎ Su Cheng Cheng (played by Li Landy):
Li Landy shines as Su Cheng Cheng, a strong, compassionate, and slightly naive woman who refuses to let societal standards define her worth. Despite being constantly compared to her taller, more conventionally beautiful sister, Su Cheng Cheng remains confident in her beliefs: true beauty lies in how a person treats others. Li Landy’s casting was criticized by some for not fitting the “model” archetype, but that’s precisely the point. Su Cheng Cheng is meant to be relatable—an ordinary girl with extraordinary heart. Li Landy’s performance is both charming and authentic, making Su Cheng Cheng a character viewers can’t help but root for.
The dynamic between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng is a highlight of the drama. Tang Qi’s initial prejudice and Su Cheng Cheng’s motherly, slightly overbearing care for him create a push-and-pull tension that’s both funny and touching. Their relationship evolves naturally, culminating in a heartfelt realization that love isn’t about appearances—it’s about connection.
Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, brought to life through the magical filter bracelet, are as diverse as they are entertaining. These include:
֎ Su Miao (played by Luo Qiu Yun), a tall, stunning beauty who resembles a famous model;
֎ Fang Jin (played by Pu Tao), a brilliant scientist with a sharp mind and impressive academic background;
֎ Quan Sheng Tang (played by Wang Hong Yi), a strikingly handsome young man; and
֎ A camel sheep—yes, you read that right—a talking, human-like animal that stands on two legs (because why not?).
Of all these characters, only Fang Jin is based on a real person. The others are entirely imaginary, conjured up by Su Cheng Cheng’s creativity (and perhaps a touch of desperation).
Su Miao is the first persona Tang Qi falls for, and it’s easy to see why. With her model-like beauty and elegance, she captivates him at first sight. This only reinforces Su Cheng Cheng’s belief that Tang Qi is shallow and only cares about appearances. However, when Su Miao “dies” (in one of Su Cheng Cheng’s hilariously over-the-top schemes), Tang Qi is utterly heartbroken. His genuine grief shows that his feelings run deeper than just physical attraction.
In an attempt to comfort him, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into the camel sheep, a bizarre yet oddly endearing creature. This allows her to stay close to Tang Qi and care for him without revealing her true identity. Tang Qi, despite being initially freaked out by the animal’s human-like demeanor, grows emotionally attached to it. His confusion and near-hallucinations over the situation provide some of the drama’s funniest moments.
Next, Su Cheng Cheng becomes Fang Jin, a super-intelligent scientist with a stellar academic record, despite Fang Jin is not a beauty. Tang Qi falls for her too, but here’s the twist: he only loves the version of Fang Jin that Su Cheng Cheng portrays, not the real Fang Jin. This proves that Tang Qi isn’t just drawn to brilliance or beauty—he’s drawn to the essence of Su Cheng Cheng herself. However, in Su Cheng Cheng’s mind, she assumes Tang Qi only likes “smart girls,” leading to even more misunderstandings and comedic chaos as she switches between Fang Jin’s various personalities.
Finally, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into Quan Sheng Tang, a ridiculously handsome young man whose name literally means “win all against Tang.” This persona is another one of Su Cheng Cheng’s schemes to distract Tang Qi from pursuing Fang Jin. While I secretly hoped this would lead to a hilariously awkward gay romance, the drama doesn’t quite go there—though the absurdity of the situation still delivers plenty of laughs.
Through these personas, Filter explores themes of identity, perception, and love in a way that’s both humorous and heartfelt. Each transformation not only adds to the comedy but also deepens Tang Qi’s emotional journey, showing that his feelings transcend appearances and personas. It’s a wild, whimsical ride that keeps viewers guessing—and laughing—until the very end.
֎ Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters add depth and humor to the story. Su Cheng Cheng’s best friend, Lin Yuan (Huang Si Rui), provides comic relief and unwavering support, while Tang Qi’s business partners and Su Cheng Cheng’s family further enrich the narrative. There are no major antagonists, just minor obstacles that are quickly resolved, keeping the tone light and focused on the central romance.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Escape with a Meaningful Message
Filter is my go-to comfort drama, a perfect blend of humor, romance, and life lessons. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud while also prompting introspection. The misunderstandings between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng are both frustrating and endearing, reminding us how easily prejudice can cloud our judgment. Tang Qi’s journey from bias to acceptance is a poignant reminder to see the people around us and appreciate them for who they truly are.
The drama also tackles themes of self-worth and societal beauty standards with a light touch, never becoming preachy. Su Cheng Cheng’s unwavering confidence in her own values is inspiring, and her relationship with Tang Qi is a testament to the idea that love transcends appearances.
In the end, Filter is more than just a rom-com—it’s a celebration of individuality, a critique of superficial judgments, and a reminder to cherish the people who truly matter. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a cry, or a bit of both, Filter delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a feel-good story with substance.
Rating: 10/10
Filter is a gem of a drama that balances humor and heart with a meaningful message. It’s the perfect antidote to a bad day and a reminder to look beyond the surface.
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On the other hand, for someone like me who is only mildly interested in vampires and the whole sarg-sleeping, cross-shunning, blood-sucking process, this drama was a lot more enjoyable than I had expected.
I liked the way the issue was approached, presenting the vampires as a decadent, declining, arrogant race who watches the humans with a mixture of desire and deep distaste, boarding on disgust.
It makes it all the more touching when the cards are turned on the table and the one who thought himself superior is treated with contempt for his being different, a "monster".
I confess at being invariably deeply affected by the issue "difference", and how people treat those who don't conform to the norm, either for their skin colour, their beliefs or lack thereof, their behaviour, their look. There are a couple of scenes in this dorama which are still vivid in my memory because they were intensely moving. They made me think once again of how cruel people can be when they ignore and how easy it is to be judged abnormal.
So, although the acting is far from stellar and the plot at times inconsistent, I do believe this show deserves more attention than what it got.
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Triple the fun in Love Class 2
Initially I was expecting this to be a continuation of LC 1 with the same cast - it didn't happen. The concept of a Love Class at University continues but this time there are 2 other couples.Three Couples
Friends to Lovers - the funny one
Teachers Assistant and Student - the frustrating / lack of communication one
Old Crush hurt / comfort - the darker one
All 3 stories are engaging and worth watching to see how they end. I switched favourites week to week
The kisses vary from hot and steamy to mannequin idol kisses so be warned !
This is definitely worthy of a binge watch. It is confusing in places and it would have benefitted from more interwoven interactions between the 3 couples throughout the series.
Didn't really notice the OST so can't comment. Casting and acting were generally good. I've rewatched bits already.
Can't wait for season 3
Enjoy!
CB x
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So Ji Sub and Son Ye Jin are excellent actors no matter what. Plus they are easy on the eyes and had good chemistry.
The music is pretty.
I would rewatch this.
I recommend this movie to people that are into love stories.
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