Alquimia das Almas (2022)

An alchemy of genres that went a bit wrong

Take a dose of a classic shonen anime trope and mix it with romcom. Then add some wuxia elements and for the cherry on top, give a historical kpop-like styling and wrap it with a high-quality production. What you’ll end up with, is Alchemy of Souls.

Alchemy of Souls (AoS) is a weird combination of many different tropes & genres which make it definitely stand out as a very unique drama. I believe that’s partly why it gained popularity and is loved by many; it has its own special charm.

AoS is easy to watch and overall, an enjoyable-entertaining ride. It may consist of 20 episodes, but it can be easily binged if you feel like it. Watching this drama while it was airing and discussing events and theories with other watchers made the experience a lot more fun. Thus, I highly recommend watching this drama with company.

~The Story~

Even though I quite enjoyed the drama, story wise I had many issues that disappointed me and I wanted to highlight. The story had a very promising beginning but unfortunately, as unique was the style of this drama, as shallow the story ended up to be.

~~The main concept: body sifting

NOTE: If you don’t mind spoilers, read the first review’s spoiler comment for more details about this matter.

As a concept is nothing new, yet if it’s done right, it can make the story extremely interesting. In AoS the rules/grounds of body sifting are very interesting yet the concept of it somehow lacked.

Firstly, biologically speaking it has plot-holes. Since it’s a purely fantasy drama, I didn’t get bothered by it, I just found it funny. With that move though, it was made clear that what really matters in this concept is the soul and not the body. But did any other actions show that the soul matters more than the body? Well, in general I didn’t feel like they did.

When you play with such themes you have to constantly remember where the soul is coming from and its original form, especially if that form comes back eventually. You have to make clear that a soul is “parasitizing” a body. This can be succeeded with several directing-writing ways. In AoS when at first this “parasitizing” was clear at first but started to get blurry from both the directing and writing side.

From the directing aspect, I wanted more audiovisual stimuli of the original soul’s form. From the writing, I wanted to see the persona I was promised this soul has and its gradual development-changing and confliction, which weren’t really shown. This leads me to my next issue.

~~ Development: Plot & Characters

Some would say that AoS is a slow-burn drama. I would say that to characterize a drama like this, the plot has to move, unlike AoS where honestly, the plot is moving slower than Flash the Sloth from Zootopia. Don’t get me wrong though, AoS is an eventful drama, just most of these events don’t escalate the storytelling, they are fillers.

These filler events were mainly comedic & romantic scenes. The writers made sure they gave the audience a decent amount of juicy funny and romantic scenes which provided exclusive entertainment and made the viewers get more attached with the characters. These scenes didn’t offer anything to the plot, so as the drama was running out of episodes I was wondering “I’m having a good time watching, but what about the story?”. From one point onwards, I couldn’t but constantly get the feeling that the writers wanted to win over viewers’ hearts and extend the series as much as possible rather than make a consistent story.

AoS is a fantasy story that has its mysteries. These mysteries made the story very intriguing to watch and many viewers started theorizing about what would happen next. Sadly, even the mysteries didn’t escalate as they should. For example, one of the main mysteries, which was also a very important part of the story, was noticed and solved pretty early in the story process. Yet, it was “explained” so late to the point that when the director finally presented it as a very intense revelation, it didn’t feel intense at all, because it wasn’t anything new.

About the characters, some of AoS them had likable personalities, others didn’t and very few of them had multidimensional personalities. Many characters were just used as mere plot-subjects, love interests or/and they were very important parts for the story but they were never fully explored. About character development, the two protagonists barely had any, and in fact, they were predictable. It’s really funny how static the characters were when the drama consists of 20 episodes with a duration more than an hour each.

The universe of AoS is very well created, I would gladly see another story from the same universe. But about the character relationships of this universe, everything was predefined, everything was forced. From the start it was made clear who are the bad ones, who are the good ones. Even their appearances and acting were decisive. There was no room for doubt, everything was black and white without them getting mixed and creating a gray area, even if the good guys sometimes did the same things as the bad ones.

~Conclusion~

AoS is a drama in which you’ll enjoy the journey (individual moments) but not the destination (the overall story process). The story started really well but lost its main focus as the episodes were passing. Despite that, AoS can turn out a very good drama depending on what you are looking for. If you want to have a good time, laugh and you don’t really care how the story will turn out, then watching AoS is a very good option. If you want a story with more depth, escalation and more complex writing, then AoS is not what you are looking for.

I would also advise you to not have high expectations while watching AoS, you will enjoy it more that way. I believe the main reason I ended up really disappointed at the drama was that due to the amazing first episodes, I set the bar too high and I expected a lot from its story. In the end, the drama didn’t satisfy my high expectations and I was let down. I want to believe that the second season of AoS, writing wise, ends up better than the first one so the final taste this drama leaves in my mind is a more positive one.

Leia Mais

LOVED EVERYTHING BUT THE ENDING

Ok this was literally my favorite kdrama. Like ever. While watching it I really loved the action, romance, comedy, and drama all in one show. I’m writing this review one day after watching the last episode (JUST SO I COULD CALM DOWN) and i am so annoyed. Don’t get me wrong I loved every episode till the last. But for anyone who has watched game of thrones, the ending gave me similar vibes to what they did to Daenerys at the end. And I know that’s this isn’t the end technically because there’s a part two coming out in December so maybe I’ll update this after watching that, but I literally felt like they hyped up both Mudeok and Buyeon and Naksu (all played by the same actress) SO MUCH. Like a Buyeon and Naksu especially were so powerful. And there are so many times when they power shows even though Mudeok can’t necessarily use them on command. But I just can’t believe you’re telling me that I watched 20 episodes of every character and their mom hyping up Buyeon/Naksu’s powers all for literally the sound of bells to be her ending. I feel like the actress Jung Somin’s character (who played Mudeok in part one but is replaced by Go Yoon-Jung in part two) couldve done so much more if the writers let her character have a better downfall. Like I get that it was necessary for her to get her body back or whatever but we watched literally 20 whole episodes with her (and loved all those episodes) but you’re telling me that I now have to watch her get replaced because of some freak sorcery that literally seemed so insignificant???? Like some of these spells and fights are made so big but literally the main character who’s gone through so much at this point basically goes bat shit crazy because of a simple powder. Ugh that just seems like a cop out if anything. I’m praying they have a better ending in part 2 because besides the ending, I loved every other aspect of the show.

Leia Mais

The most incredible show of 2022

As of 28th August 2022, I have never been this excited to watch a show and waited with bated breath for each episode. The hardest part was the 2 week gap when I started rewatching the episodes from the start in case I missed anything as well as got my friends to watch it just to be able to discuss it with them. That's how much I loved Alchemy Of Souls. I can tell you that it does not disappoint.

The original plot summary was confusing so I would describe it as follows. In a fictional country of Daeho, there are mages calpable of manipulating the environment around them. Jang Uk is one who has been forbidden by his father to learn spells. He has been seeking a master who is willing to teach him but none are willing to disobey his father's wishes. Naksu is a powerful female assassin. Due to a spell called the alchemy of souls she switches bodies in an attempt to escape harm. Fate brings Naksu and Jang Uk together. Will she take him on as her pupil?

The Alchemy Of Souls starts with a bang. The intro of Naksu and her skills is depicted in a breath taking manner. We are also introduced to the magic and power of the mages and their wondrous world.

The story also builds upon the cards Jang Uk has been dealt with and his character.

The bonding of Naksu as Mudeok (as she is known after switching bodies) and Jang Uk is the heart of this series. Their firey personalities bring moments of comedy and delight.

We are also introduced to a second lead, Seo Yul, another powerful mage and friend of Jang Uk. He gives such sweet vibes but he will not hesitate to kill an enemy with a swing of his swords.

The crown prince Go Won has one of the best character developments on this show. He is not what you may expect from a character in dramas usually which is why it makes it so wonderful seeing him.

Some of the other amazing characters are Master Lee who adds a new dimension to the story, Maidservant Kim who brings a loving touch to the story and the two along Park Jin bring a lot of the lighter and comedic moments to life.

The entire casting has been praise-worthy with each character bringing the mystery, intrigue and excitement to the show. You will feel all sorts of emotions that you did not expect as you embark on this journey.

The sword fighting with magic inbued into the swords brings something unique to this fantasy drama set in historical setting so do not be put off by this genre and allow it to blow you away!

Even though this is not the end and there is still a second season (or second part) to complete the story, the direction the show is headed can only get better. I will be watching will high expectations and I hope more will join. Start the series and most likely you will be aching for more before you know it.

Leia Mais

Best drama ever for Kids

This is the best drama ever made for 14 years old. They are having fun, i am glad to see that. Could have been cut short by atleast 4 episodes if there was not so much focus on the extras.

It goes in circles, way too much build up that too for nothing except showing how great Jang Uk is. I mean that dude would be destroying entire planets or something in the next season. There is just no limit to what he can do in amount of time no one has ever done before. He is the chosen one. Blah blah blah. Great character u got for being the chosen one.

Second leads had much more impact on me. They were kinda believable but again they were nothing compared to big shit Jang Uk.

Omg lets come to the fl. She is here for romance, comedy and....? She legit did nothing except being there for big shit Jang Uk like really wtf did she even do? I hope she gets something to do in S2. Too docile for what they promised.

Anyways, its not bad, i kinda liked it actually. But still nothing that would be remembered for years to come. I mean the kids will remember it. Good for them but for ppl who are into real content, there are better shows out there.

Leia Mais

Some good parts but ruined by too much fillers and bad ending

Fast forwarded 25% of show because so much fillers after the first half.

First half was really good. Lots of interesting characters and ML powering up.

But so much silliness and so much fillers in 2nd half. Honestly didn't feel that much chemistry between the leads.

Stupidness level is above average unfortunately. Quite a bit of stupidy in characters.

Sacrifice level is low thank goodness. Not many people sacrificing themselves.

Humor is cringy.

Not recommended if you have anxiety or needs emotional support because lots of cliff hangers at the end of each episode.

Plus the ending 2 episodes leave open even more cliff hangers. I dropped at episode 18 and after reading comments about final 2 episodes not resolving a single plot, decided not worth wasting anymore of life on it. I rather spend time reading comments to be honest because I know it would be more satisfying than watching an agonizing 2 episodes that brings zero closure and more anxiety of more waiting.

To me the best part was the mystery and revelation of who the FL is. But they just did not deliver. From comments on threads seems the Hong Sisters are known for great stories but never can end it right. Just like all the Novoland TV dramas. And Luoyang. That was also an huge disappointment like this show. Such tremendous start and ending ruined everything.

There are lot of fana of this show who get emotionally charged due to script playing on people's emotions and anxiety with cliff hangers. Many rave about cuteness of leads or kisses etc. I also like romance but scenes fell flat for me.

I think older audiences would be turned off by it and prefer something more solid and better plot and pacing.

Recommend Ever Night which is also magic users but so much better show. It's on YouTube. One of the best shows ever.

Leia Mais

My best watch kdrama ever.

#AlchemyOfSouls is an amazing drama. Has a very good storyline, perfect casting and very nice cinematography. It also give us a beautiful scenery of nature in Korea. Every episode is getting nicer and nicer, so thrilled and I'm always excited for the death terrifying episodes. #JungSoMin has nailed every acting she is in. Her chemistry with each of every F3 male leads always look great. She is indeed a chemistry queen. Her performance is superb. Hope the writers will give us viewers and fans a happy ending. This is a fantasy, romance, thriller, comedy, action drama therefore there must be a happy ending, I hope.

Leia Mais

Just wow!! One of a kind show! Great acting Great story!! Keeps you on the edge..

Completed watching Season 1. To be honest, I was anxious to watch ep 20. It was like waiting for a verdict. The expectation was huge and therefore I was afraid I would be left with disappointment. Thankfully none of these anxieties came true. I am feeling relieved, happy and satisfied with the ending. Couldn't be any perfect.

I posted this comment elsewhere too. I am recording this here again.

How was the season finale? A cliffhanger yes... but a good enough one. They gave us hope in the end (Jang Uk coming back alive and someone pulling Mudeok up as she drowns to the bottom). Finally got to see Jung So Min in action. Was waiting forever!!

This is just my theory for Season 2. They are projecting Crown Prince as being jealous and wavering but I believe he will be the one who will bring the truth about Jin Mu's schemes into the world. After all he is the only one aware of Jun Mu's hiding place and his schemes to destroy Uk! CP will also prove Naksu's innocence. Nobody else knows right? (About how she ran wild and was used by Jin Mu as a murder weapon). I also think that both Naksu and Mudeok (as priestess) will survive. That is because it is not yet come to light that Mudeok is none other than the eldest daughter of the Jin family. Also the youngest Jin daughter has a mission to find her and bring her back alive. Jang Uk will never let Mudeok (Naksu) die. And also we have Master Lee and the favor that Uk asked Master Lee by the lake if ever Naksu runs wild. Also, remember the poetry behind leaving the ice stone unharmed? Uk keeps on saying that the ice stone will be used to bring back the lover? Considering all this I believe at least 99.99% that Jung So Min will be back in season 2 even if Go Yoon Jung comes back as Naksu. Can't wait.

Jung Uk's body burning reminded me of Naksu's body which was burned. Hmmmm...

If Go Yoon Jung is back as Naksu and Jung So Min as Bu Yeon, then who will be the love interest of Jung Uk?

And imagine how powerful it will be if Naksu and Bu Yeon team up!! A powerful soul shifter and a powerful priestess!! Just wow!

Leia Mais

THE BEST FANTASY KDRAMA OUT THERE

Firstly, I’m not really good at writing reviews but this drama compelled me to write one. I don’t even know from where should I start praising this drama? The plot, the acting/cast, the production, the music, where? Everything was just so PERFECT that it really makes this drama flawless. Yeah, there might be a few cliffhangers towards the end but we’ll have to wait for part two for that.
To begin with, I really really loved Jung So-min and Lee Jae wook’s chemistry. Trust me they’re one of those few on-screen couples who rule the viewer’s hearts. Totally loved watching them together. I hope we’ll get to see Jung So min in the part two as well, but i’m very much rooting for Go Yoon jung too!
Loved the whole cast especially Minhyun as Seo Yul and Shin Seung ho as the Crown Prince. Arin too did pretty good as a rookie. Everyone else too were very flawless with their acting.
‘Scars leave beautiful trace’ has to be the best OST in 2022. Been listening to it on loop since it’s release!! All the other OSTs too blend perfectly with this drama.
As for the story, it is something different from what we usually watch. This is not your usual historical or fantasy kdrama. The fictional approach to it totally does it the justice it deserves. Yeah it did end with some twists and turns and cliffhangers but the way the story developed was AMAZING. Every episode had me hooked and I couldn’t control my excitement for the next episode.
Overall Alchemy of souls has to be the best drama in 2022. It is the compilation of an excellent storyline, an outstanding acting/cast, marvellous cinematography and the melodious OSTs. And if you’re a fan of fantasy, adventure, romance, comedy, sageuk dramas then what are you waiting for? This drama is for you.. THIS IS THE ONE, ALCHEMY OF SOULS!

Leia Mais

Starts with a bang, grinds to a whimper.

A series with so much promise that flaunts its brilliance throughout the first 8 episodes, before immediately falling flat in a so tangibly abrupt shift in pace, tone, focus and cohesion by the 9th episode and never truly recovering until the season finale, at which point the damage is done, and the great things about the show are not enough to fully sustain the level of intrigue it held from the starting gun.

A positive note is always good to start on. The cast and the acting, for the most part, ranges from satisfactorily well executed to brilliant and multifaceted. There's one major character (not the leads) who is either by design or by actor interpretation acted out so comically wooden it sticks out like a sore thumb because the rest of the cast is so much more vibrant in comparison. But the leads both do a fantastic job and the breadth of acting required is no light load either - the female lead in particular is challenged with the Herculean task of portrayed 3 different characters in one, many times one after another, many times in the same scene, and by the end I felt greatly moved; she did a fantastic and mostly believable job with all the characters, motions, and genres she's given. Oh, and the OST is great. No complaints from me, the main theme and all the schmaltzy lovey dovey songs are all captivating or exhilarating in equal measure. Aching I shall single out in particular; it will remain on my playlists for quite some time.

Unfortunately for me acting and a scorching soundtrack are very rarely the most critical factors in elevating a great show. Bad acting can kill a show's immersion but good acting can't salvage serious flaws in writing and direction. As the title of this review alludes to I was blown away by the execution on both fronts from the getgo, namely those 8 episodes that are so jarringly different in quality from the remaining 12 you can consider them separate seasons. Just as well too because there's a tight and plot driven narrative force to the first 8 episodes: from the jump there are deadly high stakes for both of our main characters, and for those 8 episodes our protagonists are sprinting toward the event horizon of these stakes and they build a deliciously simmering chemistry in the process of doing so. And then they reach this critical juncture of the story, leap the hurdle(s) in a moving and very complete sequence in essentially the season finale for that self contained first 8... and then the jet engines switch off.

From 9 onwards, the high stakes that are so pivotal to both help the narrative expedite onwards AND enable the outstanding, unique chemistry of the leads to shine just fades to nothingness. They're there, vaguely floating in the background but the show does a poor job thereonout of reminding the audience of their existence, most chiefly since the characters are barely aware of any stakes themselves. The tonal shift swaps to a romance lean heavy with an extra large helping of slice on life - which is not a problem in itself, had the show not packaged itself early on as something largely adjacent yet fundamentally different - a fantasy action epic with subtle romance. From thereonout the show bludgeons you with the romance like a hammer and if you've already bought deep enough into the love line of the leads, good, it's still more than an entertaining watch and plenty of fluff is presented on a silver platter to chew on. And chew on, and chew on some more because that's the half of the crux of the series for the next 12 episodes. The other crux is the interjection of some much less compelling side storylines (a notorious 'false identity' narrative perhaps the most reviled one - watch out for this one because it comes, it makes itself home and it doesn't budge until the season is done), the problems of which are exacerbated in no small part due to the visibly slowed pacing overall. Oh my god, the pacing, what happens? So it turns out this was never meant to be a 2 part, 30 episode stretch. From day 1 it was a 20 episode series - but corporate intrusion makes it mark and of course, such a fruitful series MUST have its pockets eked out of every last penny because no good thing can be left untouched. So 20 becomes 30, but 20 was never meant to BE 30 so it really ends up not being a 30 episode deal, but a 20 episode deal with some air blown into it to pad out the hours. But dripfeed the episodes with just enough romantic and comedy that from a light entertainment standpoint, it's still a fair watch, but underneath the surface the complexity of the storyline begins to buckle and wear out as needless lovelines and take center stage in their stead.

Character development is perhaps one of the biggest casualties of it all. Here's a fun challenge to undertake for anybody planning to finish this season - take note of every single major (read as: named) character in the series. Mark down every character that makes you stop to think, 'oh boy, what an intriguing idea and set up for a character. I can't wait for the show to start unwrapping this character and realising what they can do.' And then by the end of the finale, walk through your list and figure out for yourself how many characters actually had a chance over the course of 20 1.5 hour episodes to actually meet the promise they clearly have. Of the four major young protagonists only our lead has a chance to showcase any change at all (though thankfully his arc IS a phenomenal one - making it all the most bewildering that the other 3 could not be extended the same courtesy within this first season). Most underwhelming is a certain looming figure established so early on, telegraphed over and over to be a gamechanger of a figure who meets a drab end so puzzlingly anticlimactic that is sure to leave one scratching their head thinking: that's it? Huh. No emotional heft, no fully routed character arc, no lightning in a bottle revelation to up the narrative to that next level that feels just out of reach but never comes.

This is a case of producer interference turning a great thing into a under-realised one. What could have been a cogent condensed epic got milked into a still exciting and occasionally brilliant serial, so choked with so many bells and whistles in the name of financial greed that this gorgeously loaded premise somehow manages to overstay its welcome. Goddammit, corporate greed. There's a lofty, sweeping narrative contained in here and it's so overwhelmingly great when you get to see it.
But that just makes it all the more underwhelming when you don't.

7/10. Outstanding, inconsistent, sublime, disappointing, explosive, misfired. Let's pray Part 2 will be vastly more focused; there's plenty more underneath the surface to do some real justice with.

Leia Mais

One of my favorite Kdramas

My favourite genres for Kdrama are fantasy and rom-com and I absolutely love Lee Jae Wook. So when I found out that my favourite actor was starring in a show with my favourite genres, I knew that I had to watch it. I started Alchemy of Souls with high expectations from both LJW and the story. And I was NOT DISAPPOINTED! This show has been fantastic to watch.

The actors:

Lee Jae Wook: I had no doubt that LJW would excel as Jang Uk. I have been a fan of him since Extraordinary You and I loved him in Move to Heaven as well. I knew that he would be able to do Jang Uk and Alchemy of Souls justice. LJW does an amazing job at showing all shades of Jang Uk. Whether it's a charming Young Master, a willing pupil or a passionate lover - he was able to do justice to Jang Uk's character. He is expressive and knows how to set the tone and atmosphere of the scene. His chemistry with the other leads and support characters was a treat to watch. #UkkieDoekie and #GoJung are my OTP.

Jung So Min: I hadn't watched JSM's other shows so this was my first time watching her. And my god! She surprised me with her convincing acting - she was able to perfectly embody Mu Deok, Bu Yeon, and of course Naksu! Each character has it's own presence and I was never confused as to which character she was playing at a given moment or scene. After watching her in Alchemy of Souls, I am a true JSM fan! She, just like LJW, was able to form an amazing chemistry with the other characters - Jang Uk, Seo Yul, and Go Won being the mains ones. All with different stories and bonds.

Go Youn Jung: She was absolutely a delight to watch as Naksu at the beginning of Alchemy of Souls. I'm excited to see her reprise her role in part 2 of Alchemy of Souls aka Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow.

The story:

The story in my opinion is nearly perfect. I'd say it's impossible for a show to have a perfect story/script. Personally, the minor 1 or 2 imperfections in Alchemy of Souls are dismissable. The timing in Alchemy of Souls is impeccable, whether it's the comedy, romance, or intense fight scenes. They all come together perfectly.

I love how the story evolves for the leads from being strangers to Young Master and servant to Master and Pupil and finally lovers. The light and shadow brought together by faith, the character growth of the two is unmissable.

Jang Uk goes from being an childish unwilling, careless, and unbothered Young Master to a mature strong willed, benevolent, and passionate Pupil and lover to Mu Deok/Naksu. He isn't greedy for power and he isn't spiteful towards the world even after being subject to horrible rumour all his life. Instead, he is emotional, forgiving, and likes to believe in the good of people. He, throughout the whole show, the only person that believes in Naksu. The person that was misjudged all his life dares not to judge others. The Jang Uk that said that if he dies, so does Naksu in the beginning is willing to die for Naksu in the end. Literally.

Naksu on the other hand, may have started out as a merciless assassin, but as the story progresses we find out that it's far from the truth. She has been manipulated and lied to all of her life. Seeing her go from someone who is willing to kill anyone (even herself) so that she can regain her powers to someone that puts Jang Uk above anyone and anything else - even her powers - says a lot. The Naksu that threatened to kill Jang Uk at every turn in the beginning was willing to do anything to be by his side and save his life by the end. If you haven't figured it out yet, she's a do or die type of a person. Literally.

Special shout out to Seo Yul and Go Won (or CP/Crown Prince) for being well written characters that are smart, clever, and being able to question and figure out what's going on around them and when they're being manipulated.

The pace is perfect considering the tragic back stories of our leads. There is A LOT of foreshadowing and hidden meanings (both during what is shown and said by characters). If you're attentive, you'll be able to catch many of them.

Watching Alchemy of Souls while it was airing was a special experience of it's own. Everyday, people would come up with theories based on the episodes and it's previews. It was a pleasure reading fellow Alchemists theories and sharing some of my own.

I would personally have loved it if they ended the story in Season 1 itself with Jang Uk and Mu Deok getting together. Season 2 felt unnecessary to me, especially since i felt like it dragged a lot and the only thing that carried S2 was the chemistry between LJW and GYJ.

Other things that make Alchemy of Souls my favourite drama of all time is the directing, the visuals and CGI, and of course the OST. The fight scenes and the visuals are some of the best I've seen in Kdrama. Naksu's fight with Park Jin right at the beginning was what, in my opinion, drew is some of the viewers. It was quite epic to watch Go Youn Jung as Naksu the wicked merciless assassin. Scars Leave a Beautiful Trace, Aching, and With You are my favourite OST from not only Alchemy of Souls but from KDramas overall. All of the OSTs hold special meanings to the characters and the story and if you listen carefully, they reveal a lot about the story (and part 1's ending).

Leia Mais

Headliner of 2022

Alchemy of Souls was one of those show that I at first was hesitant to watch. At first it looked confusing and something that I wouldn’t be too invested in, that it would just use its budget to entertain and not put much more effort into itself. But I was wrong and I’m so glad I was.

I’ve been looking for a new show to watch and just feel that I’d never be able to find anything like it. Alchemy of Souls is that show and it couldn’t have came at a more perfect time.

The story is easy to follow and I pick up on all the names of the characters because they are all interesting. So far I’m really liking the dynamics and relationships between the characters. There’s not a single one that I find written poorly and they all have a lot of potential.

As for the main characters it’s amazing how they are the best part of the show for me (as a lot of the times I watch more for a side character or the antagonist ) Jang Uk is so likable and a bit naive at times, but he is determined for very compelling reasons. He’s realistic and not over the top with his decisions, I find them charming because of his motivations and overall he’s my favorite characters. As for Lee Jae Wook who plays him, I’ve never a have saw a drama with him but now I really like the actor and an definetely going to keep up to date with his projects. None of the rolls seem out of place and the designs for the characters are stunning.

Mu Deok and Jang Uk are so good together in terms of the master-servant relationship and the the student-pupil. Mu Deok could’ve been one sided and flat, just wanting her powers alone. Instead she grows to care about others and realizes her actions have concequences. She’s not all evil but she’s not all good, I love anti-hero’s and to see a strong female lead come out of that trope is amazing.

I’m looking forward to each weekend for new episodes and for each one I just wish they only lasted longer. This drama isn’t perfect as none are, but it’s so good. It’s really really good. The idea of getting powerful and strong and being an underdog is always so entertaining. I can see how amazing this drama could be in the end and am positive about where it will go.

The slow burn is really amazing. To the last episode from the start it just gets better and better. And the finale episode was SO good. It was traumatizing and heartbreaking and tragic, I’m so excited for the second part !

Leia Mais

I'm unsatisfied with the ending

Too many loopholes. Too many fillers. Although I was entertained, I won't recommend this series to anyone as this will annoy them because of the plot twist - typical Hong sisters.

The only thing that I do appreciate a lot in this series is Jung So Min. She nailed her roles 20/10. I will be watching her other shows as I am intrigued by her acting.

As for season 2, Nah. I don't want to get annoyed again. There are too many other great dramas to watch.

The male lead, sorry to say this, has a lot to learn when it comes to acting. He's still young, though, and can still polish his craft.

Leia Mais