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Alchemy of Greed
I have mixed emotions about its finale last night. I think the last two episodes that were aired this week were mostly fillers, only to get salvaged by the last few minutes of the finale.It is very evident that the production value is massive. I am greatly impressed with the CGI and special effects; and actors delivered very well.
What the show’s failure for me is that the writers have become greedy and introduced so many plots and subplots. They failed to maintain balance by at least giving closure to a few points. There were moments the writing’s juxtaposition is off-beat, and I am very sensitive to this when there’s body switching involved.
Jang Uk and Mu Deok’s love story, surprisingly did not make my heart flutter. Surprisingly, it was Park Jin and Maidservant Kim’s love story I find most entertaining and lovely.
I have a lot of questions left unanswered. This is why I felt betrayed and annoyed than happy and excited.
1. In the trailer preview for S2, the OG Naksu’s body is back. How is this possible when we all saw how they burned her dead body in EP2.
2. Where is Jin Bu Yeon/Mu Deok’s soul? Did a soul switch happen? If not, why did Mu Deok’s body get petrified if she was indeed a powerful priestess?
3. Who is Jin Bu Yeon’s real father? Is it really Choi U Tak or Jang Gang?
I also think the writers (Hong Sisters) were fans of Game of Thrones since I found a striking similarity with the Red Wedding and The Unburnt Queen.
I understand cliffhangers but this one’s became a bit greedy that it made me feel annoyed and unsatisfied. They could’ve pulled off an Atty Woo kind of closure to keep the viewers happy while waiting. I will still watch Season 2 as it airs in December and see if I get the closure I need.
I find the drama still enjoyable and decent to watch. Let’s see how it goes in total when the series ends.
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A Thrilling Fantasy Tale
Normally I'm not drawn to a fantasy genre, but this had such good reviews, and I'm a fan of actress Jung So Min so I thought I would give it a few episodes. I was caught up in the story from the first episode. The strength of this drama are the visuals, from costumes, to sets, to the actors, to the CGI magical effects, it has been done with great quality and attention to detail. I also enjoy period pieces that mix some modern-day touches in with the historical. The production transports you into the fictitious Daeho and makes you feel this is a real place. The ending surprised me, that is all I will say about it. However, it did end in a way to set up Season 2 and I'm thrilled there will be a second season. It is well worth the 20 episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
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Watched because Somin was in it
Somin is the reason I decided to finally watch this series and I enjoyed her role, which to me was that of the main/central character. I would imagine that when this series ended in 2022 that the last few scenes, especially the one where Mu Deok / Naksu is seemingly being lifted up from the depths of the lake, offered the hope of a continued role for Somin. How disappointing it must of been (and is to me now, having just finished Episode 20 a few minutes ago) to learn that Somin wasn't going to be a main character in Part 2. While Part 1 of the series was entertaining, I doubt I'll be watching Part 2.Was this review helpful to you?
FL was consistent throughout the series. She had a major character growth but her determination always ?. Even in her weakness she managed to display such strength. ML was fun to watched. He grew as a man, character and skilled person. I liked his character so much. He was such a kind person.
One thing that stood out to me was that 95% of the cast were good people with only 5% being being somewhat wicked.
No misunderstandings. No missing elements. I actually rewatched a few scene’s.
The negative: which may or may not be a negative. The ending was a cliffhanger. There was no closure. It was like a commercial break. Apparently there’s a season 2 coming, but after my “princess agent” let down, I’m anxious.
Aside from the cliffhanger ending I can’t find anything I didn’t enjoy about the series.
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What a show!!
Alchemy of souls was an amazing watch. I had been postponing watching this show for a long time. Now that I've binged watched the first season, I am regretting not watching it sooner.Story- Script of the show is very well rounded bringing some of the most amazing characters to life. The MLs story arc in parallel to FLs is very well juxtaposed. I thoroughly enjoyed their growth as main characters. This has good romance, heart fluttering moments, humor & emotional scenes. The story was fast paced, loved that things moved quickly even for a 20 episodes show, which made binging this even more enjoyable. The chemistry of the cast is top notch.
Cast- Couldn't have had more amazing cast than this. I've been a fan of LJW from Extraordinary you. He is such a talented actor who comes off so natural. His portrayal of Jung Uk is splendid. Jung So Min is also a favourite of mine, she was amazing here to watch. They have such a good chemistry , really liked their scenes together, even of just talking. I also liked the actor portraying Master Lee, such a fun guy. Other supporting cast also were phenomenal.
OST - the background music added the flavour which makes this show unique in fantasy- historical Kdrama space. OSTs were really good and matched the tone of the show.
Special effects- Production team really did the effects well, which made the scenes even more fantastic.
Ending scene of this season was so epic that knowing there is next season available to watch, I could sleep in peace. I plan to watch season 2 now, thought to write this review while season 1 is fresh in my mind.
Give this show a chance if you haven't yet, you'll not be disappointed. This deserves the classic tag already.
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Oh, how I wish they'd ended the drama with episode 19!
A complicated, convoluted, interesting, fast-paced story with lots of characters, CGI, stunts and color. It was beautifully filmed. I loved the color palettes used, the juxtaposition of the lights and darks to represent good and evil. The scenery was beautiful, the stunts and CGI were really good and I was all in until the end of episode 19. I will come clean and say that I’m not a historical drama lover and I don’t go out of my way to watch action/fantasy. Give me a good romance and we’ll call it a day. I loved how we got a bit of 21st century in the way they talked at times, as well as with the hair and makeup for the cast. THANK YOU for not putting all the men in the giant, ridiculous hats. The hairstyles were pretty much current, without all the extra, complicated ornamentation that they tend to use in historicals.THE CAST was really good overall, but the standouts for me were:
Lee Jae Wook as Uk. Played immature very well, and I really liked watching him grow into his powers. He’s gorgeous to watch and he’s subtle. I am fascinated by him for some reason, I've liked him in everything I've seen of his. PLEASE make him a ML in a true, honest-to-goodness 21st century romance!
Jung So Min as MuDeok. She did amazing things using only her eyes and facial expressions. I could totally buy into her role, and becoming more human as she went along. She was able to change from being the master to the servant in such a way that you weren’t pulled out of the drama. I have liked her in all the roles I've seen her in, she's very natural.
Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul. For the first few episodes, all I could think of was Che Eun Woo every time he was on screen. That eventually went away, and I loved his acting. This was another part that required subtlety, using eyes and micro expressions. My heart hurt for his character. Strangely, I cried for him.
Shin Seung Ho as Go Won. Initially, he was kind of a caricature, larger than life, obvious makeup, stiff hair that looked like a football helmet. I thought, “Oh, I’m going to hate him.” His character was wonderful, and I liked the bromance between him and Uk.
Jo Jae Yoon as Jin Mu. I think I’ve only ever seen him as a bad guy, but boy, does he do it well! With that silver hair and that ice stare of his, he was creepy.
Characters/writing: There was a lot to keep track of, but I didn’t really feel like anyone was a throwaway. The writing was necessarily confusing, with all that was going on and I felt like I needed a flow chart for the towns, the characters, and the convoluted love stories (past and present). I loved how the characters called each other by their first names.
Chemistry: I can see why romance is third on the list of tags. If asked, romance wouldn’t be the first word I would use to describe Alchemy of Souls. However, the romance was wonderful from the standpoint that the leads had absolutely no idea how to go about being in a relationship. Their foreplay was arguing, and they did it well. Kisses – just wow. I also really liked the chemistry between MuDeok and Seo Yul, and MuDeok and Go Won.
Music: Fabulous OST. From the haunting opening song, the powerful instrumentals that sound like they are making use of Taiko drums, to the vocal tracks, the music fit perfectly. BIG Naughty’s Love Letter, is beautiful and dreamy. Gummy whispers her way through Raindrops. Car, the Garden’s Scars Leave Beautiful Trace fit perfectly with the Joseon feel of the drama. Jeong Sewoon, Just Watching You – I think he could sing the dictionary and I would be enthralled.
Rewatch value: This is low for me, because romance wasn’t the driving force.
Ending: RANT and SPOILER!! From a romance standpoint, episode 19 was wonderful, because after all the darkness, bloodshed and evil, we got an episode full of sweetness and light. This drama could have ended on episode 19 and I would have been perfectly happy. But noooo, you had to go there, you couldn’t let people be happy! The ending was set up specifically for a second season, which really irritated me. I hate open endings, I hate cliffhangers, and I hate being forced to watch another season of a drama that pretty much tied things up. So, I’m thinking season two will create more of the same problems that our main characters have already gone through. Of course, I have to watch it just to see what happens, and I’ll try to reserve judgment.
Should you watch it or not? I’d say definitely, especially if you are into historical dramas, fantasy and action.
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Iconic, expressive, complex and full of well-written plot twists
If you're looking for a well-written story, with the perfect cast plus plot, then here we are! Alchemy of Souls is unexpected in a sense that it surprises you just around the corner when you don't expect it at all. And that's part of the magic. But, let's deepen the analysis based on some aspects:1. Story: quite simple at a first glance, however, as the plot thickens, there are many aspects of human behavior and profound desires being depicted and they're all relatable and even questionable. I mean, who doesn't want to live forever? That's the pretty basic premise of the series and it's been skillfully developed through 20 episodes. If you're looking for loopholes, let me tell you: there are next to none as everything in the plot is explained in details and hinted during the whole drama.
2. Characters (and cast): Do you crave for chemistry AND comedy? Well, come aboard, little one! The main characters are basically Naksu/Mu-Deok and Jang Wook, but there are many others as they are crucial for the story. Naksu/Mu-Deok goes far from what is expected of a woman in historical drama. She was an assassin and now possessed a body as Jang Wook's servant. I won't give any spoilers of the plot itself, but it's wonderful and refreshing to watch their interactions. They're fun, manipulative, and capable of anything as you'll see on screen. The other characters are also interesting and intriguing as there are lots of secrets and hidden things between the three great organizations and the royal palace. You are going to bite your nails and be on the verge of a collapse at the end of every episode after watching half of the drama. The acting skills of every actor in well constructed and alligns with their roles pretty well. The highlight is the shades of comedy and drama as the characters drive between them.
3. Soundtrack: just listen to the whole soundtrack on Youtube and blow your mind. Every chosen song fits perfectly the scenes, and the lyrics are fantastic!
4. What to expect on second season? The main plot of Alchemy of Souls is yet to be completely understood by both the characters and us. Are there things to be said and done in second season? Of course! And I'm down to binge-watch it as soon as possible.
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Lee Jae wook acting is top class. Also perfect body and voice for the role. So handsome above anything. As a drama student I wonder how he act so real like that. He is calm but you can feel fire. He is sad but you feel motivation in there. He is so playful and adorable like spoiled brat but you cannot hate but love him. And audience do. That's why he is so talented.
So min she is the other one in this drama. Eventhough she is older than main cast we didn't recognize it at all. She blended well. As her body and soul is different she has demonstrate that so well.
The chemistry of main couple is out class. I have to give that to Jae wook he is 24 and So min is 33 years old. But so matching chemistry both. I know Jae wook called as Noona killer. But even I wondered will this work out or not.
Then most important part ancient F4 Jang uk,seo yul,Dong gu and crown prince Go that's so funny and so delightful to see. Specifically uk and go couple those two are actually a couple ??.
And scenes and OST blend so well. I cried once hearing OST but that scene was not sad.
Overall for the first time in history I felt likI am watching a fairy tale . I didn't do anything but stare at the TV whole time .Just lived in drama.
Fun fact my whole family watched the series and this is their first Korea drama ever.
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Shonen and shojo beautifully mixed
It's great.. s1 was fantastic and S2 ends on a satisfying note.
I don't like how fl cheated on ml.(Not actually, it is my personal opinion). Spoiler. She kissed the 2nd ml. Even though their lips barely touched and 2nd ml was unconscious. I hate how the writers just made the whole saving 2nd ml, part with the purpose of have them kiss...
What's more laughable is that, it is celebrated how apparantly no one(man) gets closer to fl except ml.. but she kissed another guy, hugged the same guy multiple times...
Her interactions with the other MLS, did not change much from S2, it specially becomes worse with 2nd ml..
This is the only personal grudge I have against this show which I might re-watch anytime because it is very hard to come but a action fantasy love story which is good
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This review may contain spoilers
My darling let me tell you,
(me writing this review while listening to “Scars leave beautiful traces” – Car, the garden)Listen I loved it. No words, it was a lovely drama. If you came for the magical fantasy THIS is the drama for you, the SFX are gorgeous, the music is AMAZING, the cast is perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so if you are looking for a sign to watch this show. This is your sign.
It was a good show guys and if you actually made it to the review section, you don’t need to be reading anymore reviews, just go watch the show.
(THOSE WHO HAVEN’T WATCHED THE DRAMA DON’T READ AHEAD CUZ SPOILERS)
I’m sure you’re all very used to hearing praise of Alchemy of Souls, especially the first season, let’s now talk about the cons in this drama.
I just feel personally that if you are going to take the time an effort to make a drama (that too a fantasy-magic drama) 20 episodes long you should make sure the plot is well explained and spread out evenly and properly done.
AoS’s ONLY problem was that they dragged out a minor plot for TOO long and then started introducing major plot line only around the 15-16th episodes, thereby reducing the time to explain said plot lines. I was a little disappointed by how they dealt with the Jang Gang storyline because they had the potential to do so so so much better with it. They had sooo much time to introduce Jang Uk to his father but what? They give us one interaction where they talk about nothing except Jang Gang trash-talking himself for like 10 mins and then bro erupted into ashes in the next episode (he-who-must-not-be-named style), I really wish they had given Jang Uk more time with his father because they spent so much time EMPHASIZING that Jang Gang wasn’t Jang Uk’s father that they should have atleast allowed him to hear that FROM his father.
Another thing I didn’t like very much was that they waited too long to introduce So-I and the Jin Bu-yeon storyline, they kept holding it back until the last 5-6 episodes and therefore it was a little shabbily written, I mean I’m pretty sure we had all inferred long back that Mu-Deok was infact Jin Bu-yeon so the suspense was unnecessary, I wish they had spent a little more time explaining the mother-daughter relationship between Jin Ho-Gyeong (the leader of Jinyowon) and her second daughter Cho-Yeon, who I feel was a pushed aside not only by her mother but by the writers themselves. She would show up as a love-sick girl for Jang Uk in the first half and then just as a romantic relation for Dang-gu in the second half so if they had spent a little more time on her character development they probably wouldn’t have had to drag out the plot so much.
Call it second male lead syndrome, I LOVED Seo Yul, he was my favourite character throughout the drama and I waited for the scenes where he would show up on screen, his fight scenes were epic and he is so pretty pretty he looks like a doll, even his personality was so cute I just fell in love with him. I just wish, if they were going to make it so important that these four (Jang Uk, Park Dang-gu, Seo Yul, Jin Cho-yeon) were the children of the four most influential and powerful families in Daeho they had a responsibility to explain the families and their roles in the Great Chaos (the war from 200 years ago) and they should have explained the history of the families a little more.
If they had 20 episodes they should have made better use of it is what I felt. I think they always knew they were going to make a second season so they must have felt like there was no NEED to wrap the story up properly in the first season, hence the suspense of Jang Uk coming back from the dead yet no explanation of what the King's star is or what it enables Jang Uk to do, or what powers the King's star grants him
Two more thing before I wrap up the review:
1) This is just MY two cents on the show that I watched and really enjoyed I did not mean to offend anybody or anything by it
2) I have not watched S2 yet so I don’t know what has (or hasn’t) been explained in it
And that brings me to the end of my review. Hope you all could relate to my review ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧
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Masterpiece
Loved everything from the story to the acting to CGI.Jang Uk is witty, smart, genius, carefree, jolly minded, lazy, lout, fickle. He isn't a great mage & lacking in power for some reason. Throughout, we'll see his growth. I liked that they didn't show him as a powerful mage who is unbeatable, which is why we can see development.
Mu-Doek is a mysterious person. She is straightforward, isn't afraid of anyone, brave, an expert at lies. I liked how her voice changed into a somewhat mocking tone, but in front of Jang Uk it's different. She has another name, which is Filthy Mu Deok.
Jang Uk & Mu-Doek have a master & maid relationship and also a master & student relationship. In the end, lovers. They focus more on the master-maid & master-student relationship. But there is love between them & it's shown by their actions. They do end up together in the end, but.....
Park Dang Gu is fun-loving, kind, speaks without thinking. Seo Yul is a serious guy who always stands for the right.
Love how Jang UK keeps on teasing Mu-Doek by giving her lots of work.
Loved how unbothered Jang Uk was after breaking Jin family heirloom. Park Jin fell down on the floor while chasing him because of it.
Laughed when Jang Uk asked Maidservant Kim to carry Mu Deok on her back & Seo Yul to carry him, their shocked faces after hearing it.
Angry face of Park Jin when Master Heo tells him that he is a lonely person.
The way Park Jin & Maidservant Kim tease each other for having feelings for Jang UK parents. I love them together. They are my favorite couple.
Laughed at how Jang Uk made Park Dang Gu believe that Mu Deok likes Seo Yul.
Laughed my ass off when Jang Uk, Mu Deok, Park Dang Gu, Maidservant Kim offered that they'd drink the filthy water.
It may seem like Park Jin hates Jang Uk actually, he cares & loves him.
Love Park Jin & Maidservant Kim bickering. Loved the way they were stammering to say each other good-looking.
They way Jung Uk & Mu Deok firmly said they’re not married to Master Lee.
Jung Uk horrified face & reaction when he learns that he drank tea which could lower his libido.
Loved how easily & with a straight face Jang Uk said the Heo Yoon Ok that her looks didn’t impress him.
Laughed when Park Dang Gu asked Park Jin if he has any secret child or not & the embarrassed face of Park Jin.
When Jang Uk & Crown Price came to find their loved ones but ended up seeing each other, it was hilarious.
Park Jin acting like a kid to meet Maidservant Kim is so cute.
I laughed so much when Jang Uk & Mu Deok started acting to get punished. The confused faces of Park Jin, Jin Mu, Crown Price & Sang Ho.
Jang Uk scared face when his serect of having 7 exes was revealed in front of Mu Deok.
The face of Jang Uk when Mu Deok said, "she likes him a lot" & kissed him.
Loved everything. No Complain.
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Well damn
I had grat expectations for this one and it didn't disappoint. The story is pretty good and the premise definitely draws you in. I think the main couple has a very different dynamic than most of what you see in dramas, which feels very refreshing. I like how they made Naksu waver untill the very end to finally make her choice between love and power, it makes her choice feel earned. I was afraid they'd ruin her character by instantly making her switch sides and just become a nice girl, but fortunately this didn't happen. Her skill and power were still kinda underused, though.I also appreciate Jang Uk a lot. Behind his petty boy façade there was a very earnest and courageous character with whom was really easy to empathise. I enjoyed how the writers made him actually train and put in some hard work instead of him just miraculously getting his powers all the time.
There where other good characters, I have to say, though, I am a bit disappointed with the female mages. They were very few and the only interesting and I guess likable (?) one was Naksu. The healer was boring, the daughter of the Jin family was completely useless and the mother was an annoying dumb bitch. A character I am still very conflicted about is the prince. I don't really like what the writers did to him, I felt he was having a nice development untill the writers pushed him in the complete opposite direction and that just left me dumbfounded. I guess I'll have to wait untill the next season comes out to see how this will play out.
The costumes and styling of the cast were super nice, the acting on the most part was amazing (specially the leads), you could really tell the actors had great chemistry among them. I guess the pacing is ok, sometimes it seems a little draggy, but nothing that ruins the viewing experience. The plot is pretty good, but the worldbuilding could be more solid. Sometimes the show just takes some ground-breaking magic and magical info out of nowhere. Other things happen a lot out of convenience and at certain points the magical system and lore feel convoluted and confusing. But these flaws didn't bother me THAT much as the drama just has a way of keeping you hooked and I also think they balenced well the more serious and action packed moments, with some romance, some dorky and funny bits and sprinkles of drama.
I have to say, I truelly like the last episode, the writers made some bold choices and the ending was pretty epic, very well-suited for a season finale, it makes you want to see the next season immediately. So yeah, although it has some minor negative points, this drama was great and definitely worth the watch, anxiously awaiting the next season!
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