When magic and technology combine, they can create something more powerful and amazing than a genie of the lamp, which can turn anyone’s ordinary life into a fantastical adventure. In “Filter,”; Su Cheng Cheng (Landy Li), a hard-working but plain-looking woman, gets an opportunity to overturn her life with the help of a mysterious gadget that makes her shift her appearance at will. While using this marvelous filter, she can become a beautiful woman, find a new job, and even make her first love, Tang Qi (Tan Jian Ci), fall in love with her. Aside from the fantasy, the romance, and the comedy, this story has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a new C-drama to binge-watch. Here are some of the best reasons not to miss this show!
warning: spoilers below!
1. The interesting concept of a face filter
Nowadays, high tech is so advanced and it is so integrated into our daily lives through apps, social media, and more that it is difficult to imagine life without it. But sometimes what we see through a screen isn’t exactly what we see in reality. However, in this story, our female lead explores the concept of technology being able to change her perspective and even her whole appearance when she receives a bracelet from a mysterious woman. This bracelet comes with a special filter that doesn’t remain solely on the phone but that trespasses into real life.
In this show, technology is not only superior, but it seems to have no limit other than one’s imagination. Su Cheng Cheng uses her creativity and special filter to her advantage, turning into different people, animals, or even objects as she sees fit. As she discovers every single feature from the filter, she learns how to adapt and resolve every situation. She has to navigate a web of lies and misunderstandings that are not easy to deal with, all while trying to hide her secret from her family and especially from Tang Qi. Admittedly, there are some moments where it gets too absurd or unrealistic, but those scenes are too funny to even mind.
2. The healing journey of self-love
Despite the show featuring a magic bracelet that can literally turn Su Cheng Cheng into anything and everything, deep down, at the root of it all, there’s a strong message about self-love. Even after she transforms into Su Miao (Luo Qiu Yun), a gorgeous woman who steals everyone’s heart at first sight, Cheng Cheng quickly becomes weary of that persona and distances herself from her; after all, she is more used to being invisible than being in the spotlight.
After getting rid of Su Miao, in order to help her sister, Cheng Cheng impersonates Fang Jin (Pu Tao), a brilliant scientist who faces the hardships of a nasty divorce, but she doesn’t try to copy her shy and reserved demeanor. Instead, she brings out her strong and fierce personality, inspiring the real Fang Jin to find her own voice and courage. In the end, Cheng Cheng discovers that no matter how powerful the filter can be, it will never be stronger than loving herself for who she is.
3. The friendships between the leads
One of the biggest reasons to watch this show is the perfect friendship between Su Cheng Cheng and Lin Yuan (Huang Si Rui). No matter how bizarre, frightening, or crazy Su Cheng Cheng’s circumstances are, Lin Yuan is always there, ready to be her partner in crime and support her throughout it all. Even if neither of them is interested in romance, they both know what true love means since they have each other. And later on, they add her older sister, Su Qing Li (Jia Ze), to their convo, who also learns to appreciate and care for Cheng Cheng in a new way.
Female friendships in this C-drama are endearing and precious, but the camaraderie between Tang Qi and Gu Yu (Gao Han Yu), his best friend and business partner, is also very noteworthy. Despite having very different personalities and mindsets, they are able to communicate, open up about their struggles, and give their full trust to one another. They are together through the ups and downs, whether it is at work or in their personal lives, which turn them into a very special group of friends.
4. The slow-burn romance
Generally, this type of C-drama offers a clear love line for the main leads, however, things are a little different in this one. Tang Qi, who is highly intelligent but has always had sensitive eyesight due to a chronic condition, struggles to see not only the world around him but also to view beyond his own prejudices. But when he and Cheng Cheng meet again after many years, now as co-workers in a beauty company, his heart discovers what his eyes can’t. Every time he encounters Cheng Cheng, no matter what appearance the filter gives her, he inevitably ends up falling in love with her unique personality.
However, it takes time for him to clear all the misunderstandings he’s had about her since they were teenagers, and it is only when he does so that he can give his heart fully and unconditionally. In Cheng Cheng’s case, it is also difficult for her to come to terms with the fact that her long-time crush constantly falls in love with the women the filter shows him—but not herself. It is only until both of them truly open their minds and hearts that they find their way to each other and their happy ending, giving us a classic slow-burn romance with a lot of new twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the last minute.
5. A great comedic timing
It isn’t that common that all characters in a show can pull off such good comical moments, but it is definitely Tang Qi who makes you laugh out loud most of the time. The best part of this is that he doesn’t even try to be funny at all. But his awkward antics, combined with his straightforward and simple personality, end up creating many hilarious situations. Especially in situations involving Su Miao, he lets his heart take the lead, becoming a knight in shining armor, or at least he tries to be one.
Later on, when he starts to open up a little more to Cheng Cheng, there are also many funny times when he gets embarrassed or teased. Nonetheless, rather than harboring ill feelings or blaming her for this, he also laughs at himself. While he might be serious and distant at work, when it comes to his personal life, he is a mischievous boy who enjoys spending time with his friends and falls in love easily. So, if you were looking for a show to enjoy an easy laugh mixed with lots of great original elements, it’s time for you to tune in to this C-drama!
Start watching “Filter”; here:
Those in Southeast Asia can watch here!
Hey Soompiers! Have you watched this C-drama? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, and BOL4.
Currently watching: “Crushology 101”;
Plans to watch: “Eat Run Love“
