This review may contain spoilers
The Fantasy World That You Will Never Forget
The story of Alchemy of Souls is built on a strong foundation of imaginary world. It took times to understand the magic world of Daeho, but once you understand how everything works, you're gonna immerse in the story. If you like reading fantasy novel and watching fantasy tv show (both western or asian), Alchemy of Souls is a must watch. The story & characters are so well written, and you're gonna miss them so much once the story ends. People complains about the length of the story, but if you already in love with the world and the characters, you will hope that AoS will be made in 5 seasons at least. There are so many potential side stories, so many potential plot development. I like it how the writer's style of storytelling is so detailed.There are lots of rookie actors in AoS, but their acting are really good. Even supporting characters are giving their best. Some part of the acting might annoys you, but overall, more than 90% of times, every characters gives a believable acting.
AoS Music is really good because each OST really tells the story of main characters' point of view. You can only listen to the lyric and you already know what happen in the scene. The list of singers are also fantastic. There's no bad OST in this drama, the album is no-skip album.
Overall, I can say that this is one of my favorite K-Dramas of all time. As a kid who grew up watching Wuxia and reading Harry Potter books, Alchemy of Souls brings plenty of nostalgic elements to me.
Sorcery stone mystery + Martial Arts action + Magic World + Wuxia Styling + Korean Romcom= Perfect
Thank you Hong Sisters for another masterpiece! Glad to know that I only have to wait until December for part 2. Gonna rewatching the series for 141627635th times.
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Of course this drama is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE. But not really the best.
Maybe because this drama is just lots of fun (and tears) and I shouldn't care too much about some plot holes and missing answers.
Before the last episode, we had lots of scenes involving wars inside company, chae yeon engangement with ki joon, the mom being so evil, and the grandma desperately sobbing for his son, and all of those constant flashback. But in the end, these screentimes didn't even seem too important. I just realized they were just dragging times, and taking away the slot for other more important scene.
We should've had chance to see some interesting scene, like how Oh parents will react when they know Perry's real identity. How mom, and grandma will do with Do hyun-Ri Jin relationship. How will Jun Pyo live after 21 years of coma. And of course, some longer scene for personalities. Like perry park running away from SEUNGJIN office, went fishing with papa Oh, riding a REAL boat.
But overall, the story is great, nicely wriitten, and makes us wanting more and more and more. I hate it when it ends.
About the acting...
Well I watched previous Ji Sung's works (save the last dance, PTB, my ps partner, secret), I knew he always did great potraying characters. This time he surpassed my expectation. Bows down.
Other character also did a good job. HJE is really good with her expression. LOL. What I complained the most is not her screaming, but her choice of clothings. It bothers me a lot to see her wearing oversized top and trousers all the time. I wish Shin Segi was not only complaining about her make up. -_-
AND THEIR CHEMISTRY, unfortunately is not as strong as what happen in drama Secret.The kiss was too plain compared to THAT CAR KISS AND THAT TABLE KISS, Secret fans must know what I mean. Maybe I am a sucker of melodrama, but I love them better in Secret. Sorry. :(
I love drama that could make me laugh and cry with the characters, this drama is definitely giving me great laughing times, and wonderful crying times.
This is the only drama that made a scene where a girl giving kiss to someone other than his boyfriend, so beautiful.
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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
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This review may contain spoilers
Hong Sisters' greatest ambition that turns into their greatest masterpiece.
Alchemy of Souls is Hong Sisters greatest ambition that turns into their greatest masterpiece. Not only their ambition to create a completely new fantasy world, but also their ambition to finnaly create a happy and satisfying ending, as well as their ambition to finally create a proper romance that everyone roots for.When part 1 focuses on the world building and character development, part 2 focuses on the relationship & redemption. It may lack of plot excitement from part 1, but the way part 2 put all answers and resolutions for all AoS characters is so damn good and satisfying.
I must say that the love story created for part 2 is really one of the best in the whole KDrama history. This is what I call perfect redemption of Hong Sisters romance writing skill. I find their romance writing is somehow lacking in their previous works, I don't find such strong chemistry and relationship development in HDL or Korean Odyssey (both romance seems quite forced). But AoS is clearly the whole different level, and Hong Sis ambition to create the most beautiful love story finally comes true.
Just like Master Lee said, I've seen plenty of drama couple, but Jang Uk and Cho Yeong are the dearest. You can't find love so deep, so meaningful and so desperate in any other drama.
I bet that's also in Hong Sisters mind, Ukyeong is their dearest couple that's why they give them happy ending. 😁😁
Thank you Lee Jae Wook and Go Youn Jung for potraying Uk and Yeong so perfectly. You guys really deserves all appreciation.
Other characters too, finally they find their true meaning of life. One of my favorite character development is Seo Yul, the one who finally dare to move beyond his boundary, taking a role to bring better change to the world just like what his predecessor did in the past. Something that Jang Uk might never did, because his life is basically all about Cho Yeong 😂. Also for Go Won, I can't say anything else, he deserves what he gets and for his kind heart, I trust Daeho will be peaceful for a long long time. I couldn't be more happy for Jinni and Yeonni. Even I put lots of respect for Jin Hogyeong. Can't forget about how sad and beautiful So'i stroy too. I can't forget about how cool Park Danggu, Choyeon, and also Sangho, even Juwol. All I can say is that I root for almost all characters in AoS. That's how amazing it is. The last time I feel like that is only in Scarlet Heart.
The acting is superb and top notch (all characters acting skill is improved a lot in part 2 compared to part 1), the music and OSTs are so amazing. I will miss all AoS background music, especially the intro and jinyowon theme, and also Jang Uk theme.
The happy ending also makes the rewatch value increases.
In conclusion, AoS part 2 is in the same tier as part 1 even tho they have different charms. Both are among best fantasy KDrama of all time. Currently it is my #1 fantasy Kdrama. I definitely recommend it for anyone who loves fantasy because this drama really set the standard so high.
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