Alchemy of Souls (2022)

Suffering from withdrawal after binge watching both seasons

STORY 9.5/10
Alchemy of Souls takes place in the fictional world of Daeho and it blends fantasy, action, drama, political intrigue, comedy, and romance, achieving an amazing balance. The central plot focuses on the male lead's journey in the mage world and as well as how the female lead and male lead become entangled in the political intrigue of Daeho. The male lead's underdog narrative was so compelling to watch and I was rooting for him and the female lead's success the entire way. There were other interesting subplots that intertwined with the central plot well. I loved that romance wasn't the focus, but I also thought it was the weakest aspect of this season. With all the other things going on in the story, the romance felt relatively underdeveloped and I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between the leads.

Pacing was slow at some parts of the story with heavy dialogue, melodrama, and not much story progression. I remedied that by watching at increased speed. Some details felt unexplained or missed. I believe the 20 episode count could've been reduced for better pacing and tighter storytelling.

ACTING/CAST 9/10
While I enjoyed the male and female leads' fun and chaotic dynamic as servant/master and master/pupil, I had a hard time seeing them as potential lovers in this season. I enjoyed Jung So Min playing Mu-deok, but because of how she portrayed her character with her snark and constant annoyance at the male lead as well as her character's attempts to distance herself from him emotionally, it hindered any perceived romantic connection between them. I just didn't feel any romantic chemistry between the lead actors.

I was impressed with the male lead actor, Lee Jae Wook, in this series. Among his cast of young peers, he stood out with his versatile acting, deftly switching between humor and seriousness. He held his ground next to his more veteran peers, including his lead actress, Jung So Min. Lee Jae Wook's performance elevated the series and converted me into his fan.

The leads have a great supporting cast. I especially loved the relationships the male lead had with his father figure, Park Jin, and mother figure, Maidservant Kim. Master Lee Cheol, the deceptively young but sage mage, unexpectedly became my favorite side character.

MUSIC 10/10
The soundtrack complements the series well, offering appropriate and enjoyable music.

REWATCH VALUE 8.5/10
Given the 20 episode count and some pacing and storytelling issues, the rewatch value is slightly lower for me. However, with engaging plots, an entertaining cast, and great production, it could still be a fun rewatch.

OVERALL 9.5/10
This series had great production quality with a stellar cast amid gorgeous sets and landscapes. While it succumbed to some typical tropes and pacing issues, they remain tolerable due to compelling storylines and an entertaining ensemble cast. I binge watched both seasons consecutively and will dearly miss the world of Daeho and this cast.

Read More

Good, but Slow

This drama was a beast of one that, again, did the old "Bait and Switch". First off it tops at 30 episodes which, for me, was the longest drama I've watched so far. But I've not yet watched many. I haven't even reached my first thousand hours, but I'm starting to understand the formula used when constructing these stories.

I enjoyed it, but the switch for me was the same thing they did with Descendents of the Sun. The first episode opens up with this amazing fight sequence that has you hooked from the start. It sets a tone promising that the whole series is going to be full of these moments. But it was just a bait to get you to watch the show. The rest of the episodes, while still great to watch, don't fulfil that epic fantasy promise that the first 10 minutes of episode one gives you.

Lots of talking and cute moments and romance stuff, but not all the action/fantasy stuff I went into this hoping to see. I like the soul shifting parts, and the world building. I enjoyed how the villain goes down like a boss. No regrets. Just lots of evil laughter.

I would, however, recommend this to those who like romance in a fantasy setting. Me, I was looking for action in a fantasy setting, with a dash of romance. In this I got more than a dash. They dumped the whole bottle of romance sauce all over this show. I don't regret the experience, and so far haven't come across a show I didn't like. So lessons learned.

Until next time.

Read More

What can i say...

My ratings are already screaming my love for this show. First of all I'm not a fan of historical or fantasy dramas or i thought i wasn't, BUT THIS, this is something else. MU DEOKI, MU DEOKA or the actress in general so much in love with her. Her acting skills are just *chef kiss*. And please let me talk about my JANG UK baby he was funny af and we love him that way exactly.
The plot was amazing every character were very well written and all the episodes where full of entertenment with a hint of comedy and romance for the whole series which is absolutely great and... MY NAKSU BABY just killed it even tho she was a guest role. All the action scenes were so well directed the filming process was fantastic and even it was pretty long of a series (because 20 EP are quite too much and i generally watch 16 ep max so...) it was soo worth watching.

I reccomend this drama to people who love an entertaining and long show with lots of amazing main leads.

Read More

One of the best kdramas I've watched

I've been watching kdramas for almost 6 years now and by far this wins on everything for me. This whole drama is just perfect. The music caught me the most though.

Read More

Si te gustan los kdramas debes de ver este

Comencé este kdrama el año pasado y lo dejé porque no era el momento adecuado (la primera media hora me pareció aburrida). Volví a retomarlo con el inicio del año y dije que me daría dos episodios y si no me gustaba lo dejaba. Al final salgo fascinada con la historia y con un Crush con el ML que se ha visto acrecentado por su actuación en Death's Game.

La historia cuesta arrancar y meterte en el mundo t comprender toda la realidad paralela que han creado. Sin embargo, una vez que te vas poco a poco introduciendo, te vas enganchando a la historia.
Considero que no es la mejor actuación de la FL , me gustó más en The Smile has Left your Eyes que este kdrama. ML a veces eclipsa a la FL. No he visto mucha química pese a supuestamente estar ambos enamorados. No se si es porque entre ambos actores sería incómodo.... Eso sí, no me ha importado nada para el desarrollo de la historia y que considero que la historia de amor en esta primera parte es irrelevante (tengo más esperanzas con la actriz de la segunda parte...).
La segunda parte se viene fuerte...

Read More

It covered all the bases

I almost gave up after the first ep because of the frustrating VFX, but was so glad I didn't because this drama had some of my favorite things in it: Character Development, all enjoyable character relationships, and a good balance of humor, romance, and action! Covers all the bases!! I found myself laughing out several times every episode while also sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation in the same episode. I felt like they broke several rules to the typical character tropes making it fresh and unique! :) Hats off to these actors for making me fall in love with their characters enough to keep watching even when they changed MuDeok's actress!!

Read More

wonderful mix of hilarity, tragedy, action, romance, and friendship

WOW I just finished and I already don't know what to say. What can you say about a show as amazing as this one?

I love wuxia/xianxia and was excited to see that there was a kdrama with a similar genre/world and this did NOT disappoint. The action scenes are easily some of the best I have ever seen, with the training montages adding some extra badassery and certain other fights adding some humor in.

I really don't recall any major issues, other than the fact that I hate Jin Mu and having to see his face so much was not that fun lmao. Everything else was endlessly entertaining, all of the characters having depth and intriguing story lines (even the ones I didn't like). There were so many interesting connections between the characters and plot lines, even late into the show I was finding myself surprised by how intricately tied together everything was.

I really loved most of this cast. I want to say my favorite characters were the mains, but I don't think I can really pick--with other characters like Seo Yul, Park Danggu, Jin Choyeon, Park Jin, and Maidservant Kim just to name a few around, it's impossible to choose. The acting of everyone in this series was so strong, whether it was humorous or serious, I never felt pulled out of the story.

And now I'm desperate to watch season 2 lol

Read More

Fantasy, Supernatural and Romance

This really interesting drama mixes fantasy, love stories, and mystery in a great way. The story is very rich and keeps you interested from the beginning to the end.

The actors do an amazing job. They work well together and make the characters feel real and interesting. The story has a lot of surprises and the fantasy world it creates is beautiful. It talks about feelings and emotions deeply and touchingly. This drama is one of the best in its style and leaves a big impression on you. Alchemy of Souls is a show that people who like Korean dramas and magical stories should watch.

Read More

Floating water looks pretty!

With season 2 out, ig its time for me to write a review on why is think this drama is good and a depth review of unasked-for opinions and hidden desires I wished would have worked out in the drama.

My reason to watch:
Cause season 2 is out and I hate two titles with the same name in my watchlist.
Pretty valid reason IMO.

Reasons i stayed:
1. CGI
One of the best CGI for a kdrama. Except for the first fighting scene, others were delivered quite handsomely. I am a sucker for pretty things and the main reason I didn't watch it while it was being hyped up was this. I am grateful I didn't also. Marvel and Avatar set the bar high so there was no way I would have stayed if the CGI didn't live up to my expectations. Ngl, its not that bad if you consider all the factors of the budget and manpower. Even if it's not the best, it's good for what it's worth. The powerful spells they did also look solid and not paper stuck.

2. ML and FL and characters....
Ngl, the FL was one I couldn't wrap my head around. She was complex, both literally speaking and emotionally speaking. But I liked her. She was flexible in her surroundings. As the drama went on, I accepted her. But the ML...
Man, he was one of the few men, I would lay done to die for. My man was sunshine. He went through the most shit. Everyone keeps saying Naksu had a tough childhood but from the way I see it, my man suffered more. I know that one cannot compare suffering but can't you see?
A child born from potential rape to a dead mother and a grief-filled father for his magic, the only thing he cared about, to be sealed away. The only person who ever did something for him and who he was willing to give up magic for, to stab him with betrayal for a reason he doesn't know and for the same person to be in front of him, yet he doesn't know. It breaks my heart.

Another fun thing about this drama is the characters. Unlike other dramas where you can't decide whether you hate a character or like a character, this drama deprives you of that mental tension and gives you a scale where 0 and 10 are the only option where 0 is "i hope you disappear" and 10 is "I hope I cant meet you irl so I can come to your fan sign meeting". However, there are still dumb people like the Crown Prince. You will understand why I said his name when you see the drama.

3. Romance
An aspect of respect for the Hong sisters, I am truly mind-blown. The subtle romance that was so open yet so perfectly hidden between the trust and the hugs of happiness was something I cannot understand how it works. I loved the fact that they respected the fact that Naksu is an assassin and doesn't know much about romance yet understood it slowly without showing that she was clueless. Also, the fact that the trope of 'cute ML breaks cold assassin FL's wall and falls in love' wasn't given here. Both of them improved gradually through endless trust and intense tension.
My only regret: more kisses.
Dw, season 2 provides.

4. Seo Yul
The dude is my type. Not entirely but aw, look at him. He looked like an autumn sleep from which I hope I never wake up.

5. To see Jin Mu's ass kicked
Though this one is an unfilled desire, I saw the entire drama for Jin Mu's dead body to be floating down the river. I don't regret saying that. I wonder why he lived so long though. It kinda makes me believe that "Cruel ppl live longer." Eww...

6. Adult Romance
No snu-snu but literally adult romance. Park Jin and Kim Do Ju have my heart as the best couple. Like i would die for Jang Uk and Naksu but these ppl. They my bros, my hoes, and the thing getting me through the lows (i.e. seeing Jin Mu's face)

Some piss-offs:
1. No kick-ass scenes of Naksu
The oh-so-famed assassin Naksu was a damsel in distress till 4 mins before the ending and in the last 4 mins, she kicked ass and cutthroats but of the wrong ppl and in the wrong way. I really hoped for a fighting scene and I thought I got one in EP 18 but no, instead Uk lost his. Pissed me off but I thought 'sacrifice for a better ending'.

2. Someone to slap Mama Jin's face
She is someone I don't care about and will never will but gwad, she is annoying. Entire drama, she was going on and on about her dead daughter and forgetting she had another daughter. The part where she acted like she was the boss wasnt the problem but the times she disregarded people for her first-born, even her second-born was ignored, pissed me off. I, who is the eldest in my fam, felt it was too much.

3. Uk's Dad
Useless mf who just wasted time. He was worthless and took time on-screen which could have been useful for the actual plot. During the entire drama, he was dead. And comes backs to die. LOL.
Who gives their body to anyone, bruh? I wouldnt give my body to anyone, Not even the king.

My opinions:
The drama on the whole was a masterpiece with plot twists in every ending. I don't know how ppl watched 20 eps while airing. I would have lost my mind. Season 2 itself was so hard to watch by waiting. I wanted to kill myself and reincarnate later to see if it had finished. But still, the effort proved that wait.
Though the drama was fire, there were some things that seemed unnecessary like the existence of Uk's father. Should have been dead. It's not like he had anything to do.

Actors:
A controversial topic i approach. The topic: GYJ or JSM for FL.
My answer: Both.
I loved it. I loved how JSM played her as Mu-doek and when it was time for her face to go, GYJ played her. JSM acted in so many dramas before so it was evident in her acting itself that she was a better actress but GYJ did so well as a first-time main actress. JSM showed many emotions even with a cold face of an assassin which GYJ wouldn't have been able to do it if she acted as Mu-doek but at the same time, JSM couldn't have pulled Bu-yoen when we all remember her as Mu-doek. Both of them have their pros and cons both of them did so good.
The male character, i think, were just born looking so handsome. Like how bro. I fell pretty hard for ML. lol
All of the characters had equal importance, except ML's dad, and fit the drama perfectly.
Hands down for this drama for best acting.


Hence in conclusion,
The show was good and music was top-notch. I would def recommend and i hope everyone watched it.

Read More

Slow burn of everything

It took me a while to really understand the world-building of it all, but once you do it's so rich I wish I could live in this world and just explore it on my own. The characters are by far the best part of the entire drama. The chemistry between the leads is great and the development of their relationship is gradual and believable.

I enjoyed the balance between funny moments and darker plotlines, but the pacing did feel really slow. I don't have a problem with the romantic pacing — after all, slow burn romance is my favorite — but plot-wise I noticed that it took multiple episodes to just get to the next thing. My interest in the secondary and tertiary characters went up and down but for the most part I enjoyed the romantic subplots and how it intertwined with the main story.

I do, however, think that we didn't have to see so much of the villains and their schemes. It started to get a little repetitive and not only was there really no need to follow every tidbit of it, but I also felt like I craved the feeling of suddenly seeing that our protagonists had been outwitted by worthy villains, and it was impossible to get that if we already saw it coming.

Nevertheless, this was a great watch; if I ever rewatch any part of it it'll 100% be Janguk/Mudeok scenes.

Read More

OUTSTANDING DRAMA

This drama is incredible! For a 20-episode-drama the pace is not slow and not fast, just the right pace. I find the story where they can place their soul into another body refreshing and new. Such an intriguing story, no wonder this was a hit drama. All story of each characters and family will make you curious and anticipate for the next episodes. Love it!

The friendships, relationship of the main leads, families, and the different mages are thrilling. All of the actors/actresses are good but I like Jung So Min's acting the best! Though I find the chemistry of Jang Uk and Mudeok a tiny bit lacking. But still they are lovely! I already grew fond of So Min as Naksu so I don't know if I'll like the next season considering it's not her anymore.

Anyway, I'll rate this a 10/10.

Read More