Hm, I am not sure if the the options should be saved, at least by default. I would not expect an app to keep my save sorting options persistent, or that I even really wanted that.
What about this: We add a save icon at the right end of the search option inputs. You can press it to save this individual option. This way it would be optional to remember options and you can control what you save pretty well.

By the way, I do not really like how the options look in general

this does not look really nice. I was thinking about replacing the dropdown with a modal or something in that direction. suggestions are welcome

i see, in that case you're right it might be wise to add a 'save' button.

regarding the UI i didn't make any changes, and it looks the same as it did before the change to me, so that's odd. are you referring to the width of the sorting order option? i did not design any of the modal so i tried to keep it the same

edit: oh do you mean that the options modal should be changed in general? we could make a new issue for that

Yeah I know you did not make any UI changes, I just wanted to say that I am open to completely redesigning this, so how or where to save does not necessarily have to be bound to it.

I have created dummy search options modal see here: #455

I think I like this better than before 🤔

looks really good! only thing is having a whole line for the sorting order, which feels like a lot when you use an icon as the options. you could change it so instead of icons the options are 'ascending' and 'descending'

reminder to self: add button 'Set as Default' to advanced search modal and set cookies on click there instead of in MoviesController.php, ActorsController.php, DirectorsController.php

FYI I will update the person search pages too with the new modal UI

that's perfect i was just about to comment that to apply the latest changes (save sorting button) to people as well i need a modal for actors/directors too. thanks