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the second season is more darker than the usual. lots of twists and turns to come
I have finished watching the second season, and it seems well done and ended a good but not that bad ending... i liked it, but not loving how the story continues because it seems to be less entertaining and the fact where the second season is far darker than the first season that is full of happiness (except the ending:’) ). It’s full of darkness, less chemistry, and less interactions with the characters. Seems the continuation of the story was focusing more of Jang-Uk’s life rising from his death, saved by the ice stone because he’s the King’s star. Liked the overall story of the second season, but I was hoping for more honestly…So far, both seasons were good for me, but this season was more of unexpected twist and turns. So now, I’ll be talking about the second season from its plot/story (well a little bit for flashbacks), ost and cinematography. And of course, the casts and characters who did so well with how they bring interests watching both seasons <33 Also, this was like the drama series Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, but its more of an historical action-fantasy kdrama that everyone must watch. A mixed genre of Action, Historical, Romance, and Fantasy.
STORY/PLOT
So, the story continues three years later after the incident in Daeho, Jang Uk, the son of the late king of the Royal Place, rises from the dead and saved from the Ice crystal stone as the King’s son. While fighting for the danger coming in the country, the mages continue to unfold the story anew of where it must belong. As Jang Uk became the hunter of the soul-shifters while a young woman, Jin Bu-yeon, the “called long lost daughter of Jin Ho-Gyeong and the older sister of Jin Cho-Yeon (her born name was Jin Cho-yeong), was a prisoner from Jinyowon. As she seeks to get help reclaiming her past and her life as she was in anemia after her own mother decided to bring back to life, to regain her magical powers from her past life. With that, as Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon met, Jang Uk slowly heals from the pain he had suffered after his only master, Mu-deok died. Slowly both discover and regain their memories and flashbacks, and Jin Bu-yeon body, finding her ways to regain her powers and energy as she regains memories from a past life, from Naksu and Mu Deok. As both slowly falls for each other, fighting from the missing pieces that left them in pain and suffering. Will they give themselves the answer they wish to desire and the comeback they deserve?
I honestly really love how it ended season 2, but the story seems to focus more of Jang Uk’s healing process of how he rises from the dead and carrying the ice stone inside of him as Master Lee concluded the last season as Jang Uk’s “not yet the end of his life”. I really love the first season, but the second season seems more darker than the first season that is full of surprises and fluttering moments, but this season gives me a scary-thrilling ride and an edge of the seat feels. But while watching, the feeling I have is always present: I miss Mu Deok so much :’)
Overall, for this area, the plot was not really promising. But the ending satisfies me as it belongs where it must be.
OST AND CINEMATOGRAPHY
Well to make this second part short, the ost still brings atmosphere with every scenario represents. I also love how Lia from ITZY shines while singing the ost and its her first time as well! Not really a fan, but I appreciate her as part of the second season’s ost, she has a great voice!! The cinematography is something that I do appreciate the producers as well! Its blending every scene, every part. Most especially the fighting scenes are too realistic :’)
CAST & CHARACTERS
Well, here we are at the last segment of my note. I REALLY LOOOOVE THE CAST SO MUCH! They bring us the joy, happiness, sadness, pain, fluttering feelings, and even they made me laugh of how they were so cute tbh :’)) Some of them that I have know from few kdrama roles improved a lot!! The 3 lead couples were also cute as well :’)) Jang Uk and Naksu/Cho Yeong, Lord Park Jin and Maidservant Kim Do Ju, and last but never forget, Park Dang Gu and Jin Cho Yeon <3 They really do appreciate more recognition!
Lee Jae-Wook as Jang Uk. Ever since the beginning of the season, he’s role never disappoints <33 I love his role both seasons. The fact where he proves us that he has so much potential to enter different roles other than his main roles this time :’)) Well appreciated kdrama actor and plus he might be soon the next hallyu star in the future because of how great he is <33 Giving him more love and support ever since I saw him from one of the first kdrama appearance as Baek-Kyung, Extraordinary You <33
Go Youn Jung as Jin Bu-yeon/ Jin Cho Yeong or known as Naksu in Bu-yeon’s body. Well, I saw her from Law School as the supporting role and the first time I saw her in her main role from this season! She improved well a lot; I do appreciate her discovering a role that fits her as well! She was pretty as well. Her character was okay, not really my favorite but I do love how Bu-yeon slowly acts like Mu Deok and gives me war flashbacks huhuhu :’)) But still, looking forward to her next projects appearing herself from future kdramas <333 Well appreciated and deserve recognition, giving her utmost love and support as well <333
Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul, he’s role from the second season never disappoints <33 I love the fact wherever since I saw him from a kdrama series as Go Eun-Taek in Live On. He also improved a lot. His acting skills are also being recognized as well. Seo Yul was one of the few characters that I loved, he was the softie one who gives his all to fight for everything, especially for Jang Uk. Overall, looking forward to Min Hyun’s future roles <33
Shin Seung Ho as The Crowned Prince Go Won. One of my favorite characters who never disappoints as well ever since the first season <33 Huhu I love that the fact he never betrays Jang Uk and stayed by his side whenever someone tempts him to betray Jang Uk. I also love Seung Ho’s role from here. From being the student role, villain role, and now, a prince role :’)) I loooove him ever since the first time watching him from his role as Nam Shi-woo from A-teen and 9-teen <33 He really improved a lot. Looking forward to his future roles and giving him the love and support he deserve <333
Lastly Yoo Joon Sang as Park Jin and Oh Na Ra as Maidservant Kim Do Ju. Huhu one of the couples that I love from the drama <333 I love both of them, the first time I saw Oh Nara was a coach role from Racket Boys and it proved that she is a great actress <333 Looking forward to Yoo Joon Sang and Oh Na Ra’s future roles as well 😊
And to the supporting cast, Yoo In Soo as Park Dang Gu and Arin from Oh My Girl as Jin Cho Yeon, they also did so well. Even if they had less screentime duration of being together comparing the last season, they were also one of the cutest couple existed in both seasons :’) Seeing Yoo In Soo from all of us are dead (haha) and arin from the world of my 17 web series, hoping that they could shine more from their acting roles. Hoping they could enter roles that are new to them, and they deserve a leading role as well. rooting for the both <3
I'll thanked Master Lee, portrayed as Lim Chul-soo, never forgetti ur also one of my favorite character in both seasons. WIthout him, Jang Uk and the other characters might not exists and as you're the savior. He's also one of the best supporting actor from a kdrama Vincenzo :P
Overall, a good series. Might not be everyone’s favorite, but I do love the story of how it began. Great for binge-watch and time kill, very recommended for beginners. But I would say that its not wuite good for rewatching since it might bring back the feels that gives me pain and it takes time to have patience while watching hehe :’) But really love the series overall.
Looking forward to the cast’s future roles!! Well deserve recognition <3
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Absolutely Incredible, what a freaking ride
Hands down one of the best dramas I have ever watched. I do truly understand why there is so much hate for season 2, and it took a lot of reflection for me to not only come to terms with the way the Hong Sisters decided to execute this season, but also to learn to appreciate the beauty of the choices they made in Jang Uk’s and Naksu’s love story. No joke, 10 minutes into the last episode, I was sprawled on the floor crying my little heart out because this show has tugged on my heartstrings so so much. One of the most beautiful conclusions in Dramaland and the best conclusion I could’ve hoped for with their story. Sure, it had flaws, but I’m willing to overlook them and instead focus on all of the things that were executed so beautifully, especially the “1 year later” epilogue. My little hopeless romantic heart was so happy with those last 10 minutes of the show haha. I genuinely cannot recommend this whole series enough, and all I want to say is for everyone to go into this season especially with an open mind despite the negative opinions.PS: I challenge you to find a more rewatchable drama than this one
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A great second season with a different Fil.
When I started this show, I had no idea that Go Youn Jung was going to be the new lead, And I'm glad they did it. I was hoping they'd do it as well since this really hasn't been done before.What can I say? As good as the first season which is rare and they pulled of having a new female lead very well.
Go Youn Jung was just incredible, Both her and Jung So min did so well with the same character and I don't know who I like more.
I do think this story was a little weaker than the first season but other than that, An Incredible end to a great show.
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Destiny at its finest
I was a little scared coming to this season and have so many doubts about if they will be able to make something good knowing the FL was going to change. My biggest question was that i didn't know how the writting could go in a way that makes sense and also get a happy ending.Omg they didn't dissapoint. In the first two episodes what happened to Mudeok/Naksu gets explained and all makes sense (Of course in a world of magic).
Go Youn Jung is amazing in her role, she even gets the same manners and gestures that Somin put on Naksu in season 1, the looks and the fun actitude wich gets clearer when he meets the eunuch/Go Won lol. They banter is as great as in the first season.
My boy Jang Uk being the most powerful mage of all them... oh my! Lee Jae Wook performance was good in season 1 but here is even better. There is so many good moments: Seeing him in the first episode with naksu sword (I almost cry when i saw it) that flashback when Park Jin is telling he shouldn't had been born, how he cries, how he doesn't even care because the person he swear to protect is no longer with him and the most important one when Park Jin goes to Cheonbugwan and said to Uk that Songrim support him and his decision about Jin Mu. How significant is this moment and how much i love it. After all this time, after all he had to endure and sacrifice, his, basically, surrogate father say everything he wanted to hear.
Important to mention all of Jang Uk fantastic entrances specially when the Cheonbugwan mages are going to kill Seo. Badass is not enough for him.
But lets get on our OTP: from the beguining they notice something, specially Jang Uk was so lost because everything was telling him she was his love but it wasn't really her. When both gets to know the truth how they are willing to sacrifice her and their love for the greater good. Heartbreaking.
The fight of Jang Uk with the bird of fire give us the best parallel with Naksu fight in the first season. The start and the end, as it was both their destiny.
To end this review, the happy ending is everything good in this world :).
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This review may contain spoilers
If you haven't watched this WHAT ARE YOU DOING????
The hong sisters truly have incredible talent from an start from season 1 to an even better season 2. Please do not come at me for loving both Jung So Min and Go Youn Jung I love both my girls a lot. Like people need to stop comparing 2 queens like they're both equally as good in my opinion. But OMGG the way Lee Jae Wookie's character had so much difference than it did in season 1 like I absolutely loved season 2. I would say I prefer season 2 over season 1 sightly. But season 1 is great too. But it was amazing to see the whole cast again. Speaking of the cast like they're all casted to perfectly for their role. Everyone did an amazing job in playing their character. Like I actually got attached to this kdrama I had to take a break for a while after watching this because I was just in so much denial that it actually finished. Like funny thing I was rewatching it and im on the last episode today of season 2 I'm gonna finish tonight and cry. I am sorry if I've said this too much BUT I LOVE THIS KDRAMA SO MUCHHHHH. I'm looking for someone to be my red jade person because majority of my friends don't watch kdramas so they wouldn't understand the point of the bird egg jades. And the people that have watched it im not as close with. The blue and red jades that Jang Uk and Mu Deok had they're on amazon I wanna buy them so badddd. And have someone be my other red jade person. Anyways this turned into a rant instead of a review also if you're looking for the ost's or background music of Alchemy Of Souls than it's on YouTube and they have every single music track and ost that was part of the kdrama. Anyways please go watch it if you haven't already pleaseeeee.Was this review helpful to you?
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WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
I DID'T EXPECT THIS! I started season 2 with a broken heart from season one, and honestly, I thought it was gonna be a sad ending. BUT IT WASN'T! I am so happyyy! So, let's start. This drama wasn't just a drama, it was my comfort, my sadness and my happiness. Jang uk is the literally definition of true love and it just set my standarts so high. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt when he expressed the love and when I would seenthem happy together. As I said, I was mentally prepared for a sad ending, so I was a little taken back by the happy one, but it was so worth it. The actors looked so good and not to start with the acting and the CGI! (or how it's the name) . The whole serie was a big plot twist. I honestly hated the crown prince bcs I thought it was on Jin Mu's side, but I'm grateful I was wrong. What more can I say then just GO WATCH IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
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Flawed/rushed but still beautiful and unforgettable
Story:Apart from the flaws mentioned below, the story was pretty good, if you understood it and kept an open-mind that this was a story about Fate, Divinity and Fantasy. Still alot better than many other good dramas in the past few years.
Some flaws/dislikes:
-Flashbacks should have used more Jung So Min scenes, especially the more memorable (critical) scenes. (e.g. the wedding scene should have included flashbacks of when Jang Uk & Naksu first met in the inn , and also when Naksu decided to finally give up regaining her power and sheath her sword)
-Agree with most that the last episode seems very rushed and anticlimatic. Too many things happening in one episode.
-Story seems to have changed last minute and was still ongoing changes while filming was ongoing. Probably due to production team realizing they needed to extend more episodes and Jung So Min unable to extend her contract. One big issue I noticed was Jin Seol-ran/Bu Yeon's soul remaining in the body. Jin Seol-ran's soul remaining in the Ice Stone was only introduced in LnS, plus the fact that Master Lee early on in LnS specifically said that reviving Bu Yeon's body requires Naksu's soul and Bu Yeon's soul will have to be ejected and lost forever, yet this all changed quickly in the middle episodes. Seems it was added in for the tearjerker and to emphasize the "Light and Shadow" theme. (also felt Master Lee's speech wasn't as "impactful"). Another was Seo Yul exclaiming about Naksu's soul during the 7 star thing. (Shouldn't Naksu have already left Bu Yeon's body?)
-Amnesia arc was definitely too long and draggy. But with the Jin Seol-ran soul reason, it became a necessity.
Acting/Cast:
Only change in cast from AoS was Go Young Jung. Felt she did well and was very expressive for a rookie actress. The change from bubbly to the more serious "old Naksu" as she remembers who she was, was good and noticeable.
-0.5 as she was not able to re-produce Jung So Min's deathstare/glare even after regaining her memories.
Lee Jae Wook also did extremely well portraying the change in Jang Uk. Not sure why some people felot it was "flat".
Music:
I have always believed that OSTs are incredibly important for a drama. The quality itself and the time placement.
Having excellent OSTs make a drama so much more unforgettable and immersive.
Continuing from Alchemy of Souls, Light and Shadow did not fail to give such an experience.
Especially to 2 new main tracks: Lia's Blue Flower and Ailee's I'm Sorry
Admittedly, I start watching AoS after watching an MV of Lia's Blue Flower.
Comparatively, my top drama for music is still Hotel Del Luna's, with AoS/AoS:LnS a close second.
(Anyone who sees this and knows what track was played after Jang Uk destroys the tracking thread and he visits Bu Yeon, please do let me know. Did not find it anywhere, so it seems to have been forgotten and they did not release it)
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An Enchanting Dance of Destiny
"Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" continues to cast its spell with an exquisite blend of mysticism, romance, and profound revelations. This season takes the captivating narrative to dazzling new heights, delving into the depths of light and shadow that lie within the human soul.Expanding the Enchanting Universe:
In this season, the intricate world-building takes center stage, introducing us to uncharted realms that shimmer with awe-inspiring magic. The visual craftsmanship seamlessly blends with the narrative, creating a tapestry of enchanting locales that evoke wonder at every turn.
Characters Evolving in Complexity:
The characters we've come to love evolve even further, facing their darkest fears and embracing their hidden strengths. Their journeys are a symphony of growth, making the viewers feel intimately connected to their struggles, joys, and triumphs. The chemistry between the leads sparks with intensified passion, tugging at heartstrings and ensnaring emotions.
A Ballet of Light and Shadow:
The thematic exploration of light and shadow, both literally and metaphorically, adds profound depth to the narrative. As the characters navigate through the complexities of their own souls and the world around them, the allegory resonates on a deeply personal level, prompting viewers to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery.
Plot Twists That Keep You Guessing:
"Alchemy of Souls Season 2" expertly balances its intricate narrative with unexpected plot twists that keep viewers guessing. The element of surprise is woven seamlessly into the storyline, making each episode a tantalizing piece of a puzzle that invites speculation and anticipation.
Visual Splendor and Emotive Score:
The visual feast continues, with each frame a work of art that draws you into its magic. The scenic landscapes, intricate costumes, and mesmerizing effects create a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The hauntingly emotive score heightens the impact of every scene, amplifying the emotions and adding layers to the storytelling.
In conclusion, "Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" is a mesmerizing continuation of a series that has firmly cemented its place in the pantheon of fantasy dramas. Its impeccable blend of world-building, character development, thematic depth, and unforeseen twists creates a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the final episode. This season is a testament to the power of imagination and human connection, reminding us that the dance between light and shadow is what truly makes life extraordinary.
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I Enjoyed More Than S1
Hear me out: My issue with S1 was there was so much fluff. They went 20 episodes in what could have been 10, and they proved that with S2.The story to me is essentially a remake of S1. Yes, it is technically a continuation, but the overall love story and outcome is the same, but without all of the time filling nonsense. I read some reviews where they complained about the two lead love story and how quickly he got over Mu Deok, but if you pay attention to the story, you'd see that it's a sense of familiarity vs "here's someone new. I like her". My biggest gripe of S2 is how rushed the last episode was. Here you have these one hour-one and a half hour long episodes, and they waited until the last one to try to close everything. It was silly and unnecessary and made me meh the ending instead of fully enjoying it.
The casting is GREAT! Yes, it is unfortunate the entire cast couldn't return, but Go Yoon Jung really stepped up to the plate and I felt her chemistry with Lee Jae Wook was so much more natural and convincing then his chemistry with Jung So Min in S1.
The OST was of course fitting for the drama, catchy, and memorable. It tugged at your heart strings at the end of each episodes and made you belt out the lyrics while you quickly skipped the countdown for the next episode.
I would give this drama a rewatch on a cleaning day or something like that. I can't say I'd consistently rewatch it outside or a wanting something on in the background scenario.
Overall, I enjoyed S2. There were some plot holes, and to me, it really seemed like a condensed remake of S1, but it made the execution better in my opinion. It's worth a watch if you enjoyed S1 but felt like something was missing.
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Eager start, underwhelming end
Watch with lower expectations for this second half. An enjoyable watch with great bromance, impressive animations and usual plot progression. It is not as filled with filler episodes as the first season.Now the following is my rant (spoiler), and warning to those who expect more out of Naksu's character in this season
I came into this second part ready to be equally impressed as the story went forth. The characters, the world, the plot was all laid out and I was excited for what it would bring.
I was also eager to see how the original Naksu actress would showcase the character we so enjoyed watching played by Jung Somin
...and I was disappointed. I feel like while we got the satisfying story end, and decent plot progression, the sole reason many, like myself, started this drama, namely Naksu's complex and strong character, just disappeared.
After 7 painstaking episodes, and telling myself it's because she lacks those memories, I received a Knight in Shining Armor trope and disappointing transiting to Naksu's character. The ending chaos or Part 1 was the last I would ever see of Naksu's character in action.
I loved learning about her outside of that assassin persona, but I yearned for her strength and courage to come forth. Alas....I got the same trope the writers of this drama use again and again with their previous works. To explain it, all I got was a short explanation at the end...sigh
I give it an 8 for the bickering I definitely enjoyed and its build up from its predecessor. But as for impressive...I think only Part 1 managed to charm me and keep me going :/
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A bit downgrade from season 1, but still a good show.
The season two consists just 10 episodes, picking up what's left in season one. Three years had passed and our protagonist Jang-uk now became a soul-shifter hunter. He lived thanks to the ice stone inside his body. Ho-gyeong secretly retrieved Mu-deok's lifeless body, and with the help of Master Lee, they succeeded to resurrect her. However, she lost her memories. Jin-mu planned a new scheme to take control of the ice stone, now planning to use the fire bird relic stored in Jinyowon.All the actors/tresses from previous season returned for the show, so their acting quality was as expected.
The soundtracks were good, though i personally prefer the first season's.
Perhaps only two things i will rant about, as the major downgrade from season one. First, the writing. For a ten episode show, i expected it to be faster pace & denser. But here, things only heated after episode five. The first half told us the problem of Jang-uk & Jin Bu-yeon aka Naksu aka Mu-deok (whatever name you like to call her) fake marital status. Occasionally, we saw silly comedic moments of Park Jin & Madam Kim. Well, not so much to tell from ep 1 to 5 which is sad. Also a questionable plot: Master Lee was able to resurrect Mu-deok/Bu-yeon/Naksu back without the ice stone. That didn't make sense. Even Jang-gang needed to use it & that's what make the ice stone so special.
Second, the fighting scenes. There's no single memorable fighting scenes in this one, unlike the first season. Possessed the ice stone inside his body, now Jang-uk was practically invincible, much like Superman. Waving his sword here & there, and the battle was over in seconds. Even the final battle against the fire bird wasn't exciting at all.
Perhaps, best moment was the 100% happy ending, which i feel isn't necessary. Come on, sometimes we need a bit of tragedies for the protagonist's side. Show the antagonists some love! But, yeah they decided to make everyone live, only the poor So-i had to die.. alone. LoL.
My rating for this one is 8,5 to 8,7. Season one deserves a 9.
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Meh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Pretty mid given the first season was so impressive...BUT, I will say I did not mind the change of actress as much as I thought I would. There was definitely a solid reason for that, I just wasn't a fan of that bit of plot, also I didn't think the ML and FL vibed as well this season. However, the CGI and visual aspect was not mid at all-- very nice graphics!!The story: exhausting. I felt like the more layers that were added to the plot, the more I was wishing for the end (and it was only 10 episodes sooo). I was not as engaged in the plot as I was in the first season, I think largely because of Jin Mu...same dude, doing the same stuff, and every evil scheme he came up with was such a reach. Not his biggest fan, really hope he stays dead <3
My *biggest* gripe with the whole thing was that Naksu never got her time to shine!! Her first scene in season 1 was so cool, it captured me immediately and had me waiting for her return the entire season and this season...but it never happens :( I thought for sure we would see Naksu and Jang Uk vs fire bird! And the end of this season hinted at that she could potentially train again to use her powers but like....now we have to wait for a season 3?! Which is super unlikely, so that sucks. :'(
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