Alchemy of Souls (2022)

2nd lead syndrome peaked here

There aren’t many admirable historical fantasy k-dramas but alchemy of souls definitely stands out.. The story is interesting and full of surprises. Even thou it’s not a comedy drama but it was hilarious at times.
But I am writing this review to pour my heart out and rant even thou i haven’t started season 2 yet.
First of all, Jang Uk our ML is given everything on
a sliver platter, whether it was power or women. He just keeps getting lucky. The writers spoon fed his character too much. If it weren’t for mudok, he wouldn’t have gotten anywhere on his own. Simply put i wasn’t a fan of the ML. I liked the FL more, her acting was superb and she made us fall in love with mudok. She ate and left no crumbs.

My next rant is regarding the pitiful love triangle, we know 2nd lead never gets the girl/guy regardless of how much they try. Seo yul was no exception, his fate was to get heartbroken .. My heart ached for him and i am soo mad at the writers for doing so. They could’ve brought a proper love interest for yul but no…he was hung up on naksu and his feelings were to remain one sided.!!!! The scene where mudok and yul are on the bridge looking at each other and he put her hand on his heart, it gave me chills. It was soo intense and the music in the background is soo heartwarming that was when I started shipping them together.

It’s soo hard for me to enjoy the show seeing yul get hurt like that. I wanted him to end up with the FL soo badly that it made me lose focus on whatever was going on in the show. I am sure I am not the only one who felt this way.the 2nd lead syndrome hit soo hard here.

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CI SONO SPOILER DEL FINALE IN QUESTA RECENSIONE

Bene, lo ridico per sicurezza: CI SONO SPOILER DEL FINALE, ora chiunque legga che non mi venga a dire storie perché vi ho avvisati in tre punti differenti. Bene, cominciamo con la recensione. Ci tengo a sottolineare che io questa serie la ho vista ben due volte (almeno la prima stagione) ed è proprio bella, proprio perché se la prima volta la guardi perché l’attore che fa Uk e gli altri sono molto fighi, per la storia e tutto, la seconda riesci a cogliere un sacco di particolari in più che prima per ovvie ragioni non erano stati colti (da qui il 10 al rewatch value, proprio perché io ho proprio avuto piacere di rivederla). Poi la musica, adoro, ho tipo “Scars Leave Beautiful Trace” (che è la canzone principale della colonna sonora in repeat da quando lo ho rivista la seconda volta e in generale tutte le musiche sono apprezzate (fa molto ridere un scena dove non dovrebbe esserci la musica romantica, c’è comunque, sì non faccio spoiler di questa scena, ma lo faccio senza pietà del finale). Gli attori, che dire li ho apprezzati tutti, anche quelli più secondari e qui, ecco che si presenta anche il 10 agli attori. Bene, passiamo al 9,5 della trama: allora, quando ho raccontato alla mia amica come mai il finale non mi era piaciuto ho sottolineato molte volte che non le avrei fatto spoiler. Visto che qui lo ho detto tre, a breve quattro volte CHE FARò SPOILER sul finale, se leggete questa recensione per essere introdotti al mondo e per capire se potrebbe piacervi o meno finite qui di leggere, poi più aventi metterò un separè quando finisce la parte spoiler, se invece volte leggere per confrontarvi, beh da qui comincia lo spoiler. Allora, prima di partire con il mega spoiler voglio sottolineare alcune cose: nei libri/serie/film per me esistono tre tipi di finale: il finale aperto, il finale triste e il finale felice, tutto il resto è solo una combinazione dei tre, e questo è anche l’ordine in cui li preferisco, amo i finali aperti, dove la fantasia può giocare sulle sorti e sulle avventure dei protagonisti dopo la serie, mi piacciono molto i finali tristi, perché ritengo che portino un po’ di realtà anche in storie come per esempio fantasy, dove si prefesce il fantasy al reality, e mi vanno bene i finali felici (certo, non sono troppo fan della famiglia da Mulino Bianco del finale, ma sono fatti miei) quindi mi sarebbe andato anche bene un finale aperto, dove si vede Uk risorgere e lei, forse senza una seconda stagione che desse il finale felice per tutti i personaggi (un po’ alla Korean Odessy). Oppure e quella sarebbe stata la mia apoteosi, un bel finale triste, con quel pezzo di ***** del Jin uomo ucciso da Naksu e poi lei che muore con Uk che resta morto (senza che la ice stone facesse il suo mestiere) e quelle bellissime scene dove tutti sono tristi e piangono avessero un senso, perché lettermante il tutto si risolve nel giro di qualche minuto, non hai nemmeno il tempo di elaborare il lutto che già Uk è tornato in vita, per questo questa parte finale mi pare un po’ senza patos. (ma chi cavolo si fiderebbe di quello psicopatico di Jin? solo perché ha detto: no è stata Naksu? automaticamente ci crediamo tutti? ecco quello mi è sembrato un espediente un po’ weak per mantenere in vita un cattivo). Ecco, questo è il mio problema e anche la ragione per cui la prima volta che ho visto la serie è stato a gennaio/febbraio, ma la sto recensendo ora e vedrò la seconda stagione solo ora: perché per me il finale era perfetto così. Non mi servivano resurrezione e/o cose trascendenti, mi sarebbe andata bene una fine triste e/o aperto.
——————————————————————————————————QUESTO è IL SEPARè DEL FINE SPOILER
Per il resto merita parecchio, anzi. Una delle cose che mi è piaciuta di più è il WB e gli effetti speciali che hanno fatto (che invece mi avevano delusa in KO, altra serie super consigliata, con finale aperto, ho già detto che c’è il finale aperto lì? Beh, se non lo ho detto c’è un finale aperto) e poi i personaggi, tutti ben rappresentati e caratterizzati, con caratteristiche che esulano dal semplice buono e cattivo, per la morale di questa prima stagione, cioè che nessuno quando succede una casino di proporzioni epiche come è successo lì dai maghi per l’achemia delle anime è veramente innocente: lo psicopatico ha fatto una cosa, la corona un’altra, anche le profetesse c’entravano e per non parlare dei maghi. gli unici innocenti erano i figli, solo che su di loro sono cadute in maniera violenta le colpe dei padri,

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Nice ride of romance action and fantasy.

It's nice to see a fantasy twist in a K-Drama like Alchemy of Souls. Power is the focus of the series, as it is of most Kdramas during that time period. There are different kindoms that seem to want to get along for the greater good. However, greed, control, and power play a role in complicating things.

In addition to the four seasons, the characters have various talents, strengths, and weaknesses. The show's attention is mostly focused on Jang Uk (Lee Jae Wook) and Mu Deok (Jung so Min). The assassin Naksu initially appeared to be the center of attention, but that was not the case.

The series didn't pan out quite as I had hoped, even though I enjoyed it. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the synopsis. I was hoping that Naksu aka-Mu Deok would remain steady on her mission as the basa$$ assassin she showed very briefly in episode 1. After switching souls into Mu Doek, she conveniently loses her power.
Over the next dozen or so episodes, she was primarily focused on being a maid. As well as training Jang Uk. So, I'm thinking that they don't want to show Naksu in all her glory just yet, since that would overshadow Jang Uk's arc.

While they fall in love, let Jang Uk gradually rise to power. Naksu would then be able to regain her power and assist Jang Uk in defeating Jin Mu and his minions! It's a cool and understandable method. NOT! Her power is regained alright... This isn't a deal breaker, since I knew there would be a season 2. Yeah, I guess (uh-huh).

The production of Alchemy was nevertheless very good. A fantasy filled with action, love, funny moments and fantasy. Acting and chemistry between the leads were good, but not the best I have seen. Park Jin and his Headmaid servant Kim exhibited cuteness. The series development was so deep, at one point I even though if the FL did die during the demonstration, would it really effect the main story much? We seemed pretty much way past major effectiveness and the events of Mu Deok. (priestess or not). That's the scripts fault not actors.
The visuals in Alchemy of Souls are stunning. The production design is stunning, with detailed and immersive sets. The special effects are pretty effective, enhancing the magical elements of the story. It all made the fighting nice.

But Overall, The Alchemy of Souls series is a well-developed enjoyable series with intriguing characters and a captivating plot. Although I would have given it another .5 in the ratings, I was disappointed with how they left me hanging with Naksu. And the ending mmmm...

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One of the most interesting fantasy kdrama there is

The immense popularity of alchemy of souls forced me to give it a try. i have to say this drama is mind blowing!! Absolute brilliant writing and visuals !! Truly a treat for fantasy drama lovers. Alchemy of souls successfully fills the void of a historical fantasy kdrama about mages and a magical world.

There are some characters that i loved and got attached to; my most favourite was naksu in mudok’s body, she had lost all her powers but she used her mind with such cleverness, her strong wit is the sole reason of UK’s success. I am sorry but she ate the ML’s spotlight .The chemistry she had with three guys at the same time was amazing, she bewitched me as well .This is what a well written character makes you feel !!??‍♀️ ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️
My other favourites were seo yul and the crown prince. There was something magical about Yul and naksu’s connection that made me want to root for him.. and I absolutely loved the bond between crown prince and mudok. The writer paired mudok with Uk, then they could’ve paired Yul with bu-yeon in naksu’s body. Then the show would’ve been perfect. It made me sad to see Yul heartbroken. Good boys always get heartbroken in kdramas!!! I am observing this pattern from many kdramas .. Anyhow Master Lee was also a surprisingly good character.
I wasn’t very impressed with the ML at first thou as he keep slacking off and didn’t do much of the hard work, moduk had to force him and push him to the edge (in his own words), it was frustrating to watch him being a brat. He truly got into his role after 11 episodes, when half season had already passed. He got a lot better towards the end but still not one of my favourite characters.

I do admit that first 10 episodes were slow paced and there were filler episodes that led the story nowhere.I enjoyed the last 10 episodes more.

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An epic tale of magic and mystery from South Korea

Have you ever had the feeling that something was going to be great just after watching the first couple of minutes of the very first episode of a drama. Well this one was such a drama for me. A new Classic and a Masterpiece.

Before coming to the main point, let me first thank the staff for their hard-work in bringing this mesmerizing historical-fantasy-art to us.

The story with its magical-fantasy-historical setting was a breath of fresh air from the multitude of kdramas coming out every year. Never did the story disappoint us by making us comfortable. Just when we think that there won't be any major twists, the writers comes up with lots of them, which worked really well.
The story does not dwell on a particular theme for long. Action, comedy, sadness, happiness, politics... everything had a good arrangement in the entire plot.
The actors have done a great job especially the main cast.

The scenery and art were on a different level. The OSTs were spot on. The action was exhilarating, not to mention the magical sword fights.

The journey of the assassin Naksu and her pupil Jang Uk was a complete entertainment package for me.
Enjoyed it the fullest.

Can't wait for season 2.

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A Promising Future for Korean Fantasy

Curious how the Korean drama industry does when it has its own version of historical inspired fantasy? Then Alchemy of Souls is your fit.

The plot, acting, animation,set and costumes are all impressive and it's an enjoyable watch.

I'm an avid reader of Korean fantasy manhwas, and a murim world like Daeho is not unique when it comes to storylines like Alchemy of Souls.

I am however quite impressed with how they brought it to life via the live action lens. The creative freedom in hairstyles and set, and the fights and animations did not disappoint.

I am biased to this part of the story than part 2, but don't let that stop you from continuing on to finish the storyline!

All in all, given AoS' success, I look forward to the future murim inspired or webtoon adapted stories that will spring up in the coming years

I love me some world building ?

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A MUST WATCH DRAMA OF THE YEAR BEFORE YOU DIE!!!!

So basically I am not a fan of historical or costume dramas. I prefer modern dramas over periodic ones but guys trust me this one is way beyond my imagination and expectations. Its not good its mind blowing good. This drama caught my attention from the very 1st episode and that was something rare for someone like me (as I mentioned above).
I started this drama because of the posters and trailers that were released for season 2. Definitely to watch season 2 I had to watch season 1 so I immediately started watching it to catchup with S2...... Not with too much of expectations I started watching episode 1 and then boommm..... I really didn't expected to complete this within 5 days (fast as in for me hehe). Every episode was worth watching. I just could not stop myself from switching to next episode.
What makes it special for me is that you can find all sorts of genre into one like it has romance, mystery, action,.... and so on.... I specially loved the way how brilliantly director made every sword fights soo interesting that I couldn't stop myself to replay them. I loved the way how they made the leads fall deeply in love slowly and gradually through all there bickering moments. How they successfully add humour to a serious scene..... Everything about this drama is worth appreciating.
I am really satisfied that I started this drama after its completed because it would be hard for me to keep myself away from thinking about every upcoming episode.
A complete worth my watch!!
Thank You!!

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