Alquimia de Almas Parte 2: Luz y Sombra (2022)

Truly disappointed with what they did to ML and FL

The way the relationship between ML and FL was made surprised me completely in the negative. At least they could have kissed for the first time after their identity was revealed. It would have been much more beautiful. It looks like ML is dating another woman when his heart obviously belongs to someone. Thinking that ML may have just been a man who said he would love only one person, but ended up falling in love with another. Sad, but these things happen. -he didn't know it was Naksu until he saw the eyes mark-.
There were so many ways to do that..... There are other problems here that I noticed, but ok.
In my opinion, I wanted ML had stayed true to his love for mudeok until the end. Than to see him basically move on............... :(
This show surprise me of how we can have such different perspectives.

Leer más

Disappointed with everything

I loved the first season and couldn't get myself to like the second. And I will explain the main reason.

In my personal opinion, I think that Jang Uk didn't need to fall in love with someone again, because he already "loved" Mudeok at least until the beginning of the second season. In ep 1 Uk was near the stone tower "pining" for her to come back. And she came back but without memories. One of the big problems is they dragged on amnesia for a long time..
The sisters could have made the connection between soul mates in a completely different and more convincing way for everyone. And than to see Uk simply move on from Mudeok......

Moved on from Mudeok in ep 4 and falling in love with "another woman" (because he didn't know it was her until ep 9), that was the true and great love Jang Uk had for Mudeok???

I read reviews around here and realized why this happened. Anyway....

Leer más

Truly disappointing

I gave a 7 to another drama which was also very hyped (you are my glory), but not even that one disappointed me as much. I expected so much and all I got was:
---- A shallow, silly plot. Plus plot holes galore.
---- Cartoonish villain, and other stupid characters (even leaders like the king, crown prince, queen).
---- No characters' development.
My rating is for the acting of ML and both FLs, the Art Direction, and OST. At least the silver lining with overhyped dramas when my rating differs from the majority, is that it’s easier for me to spot users whose rating also disagree with the majority, so I can add them to my list of members with similar tastes to mine.

Leer más

IF YOU'RE NOT WATCHING THIS? WHY????

Seriously,
Been a fan of Korean dramas since 2008 and I am such a trash for Fantasy genres and this just SLAYS everything.

ALCHEMY OF SOULS, thank you for gracing my year, 2022 and a week in 2023 with such an amazing story, amazing cast, and tear-jerking osts. This has been one of the best series for me and will continue to be. ❤️

I will forever be grateful to have known this series and become a fully-pledge GO YOUNJUNG & JUNG SO MIN fan.

ALCHEMY OF SOULS,
UNTIL THE END...

🌸💍


(Rating this not just for PART 2 but also PART 1.. You have to watch from season 1 to season 2)

Leer más

Not so entertaining to watch, except the last two episodes

Go Youn-jung's "replacement" as the main female lead was actually done very well. Initially, I was ready to be disappointed with this shift, but her mannerisms and innocent-looking amnesiac aura made me realize that she was fit for the role. Even I was able to recognize her as Naksu immediately. She was able to retain the charm of Jung So-min while portraying the character of Mu-deok/Naksu (of course, as the role of Naksu was written for Youn-jung). But then again, I was frustrated that she was again relegated to be fragile and more of an eye-candy when in fact, Naksu was a vicious, merciless, yet skillful person in the first place. The amnesia shouldn't have been an excuse. Besides that, She (the actress) definitely was the surprise for this season.

Other than that, I was generally disappointed with how this season turned out. Yes, it was able to answer the fundamental questions from the first season which is the reason why my score for the story is not that low. But, it was full of plot conveniences that initially confused me (Seo Yul's blood parasite problem being solved right away), followed by prolonged dragging of cliches (amnesia, passive aggresive romance, and noble sacrifice being the top culprits) that could've been compressed by at least 2 episodes, and ended with noticeable plot holes that buffered my brain (Park Jin being able to close the door of Jinyowon despite him not being part of the Jin family, among others). The story shifted for the majority of this season, and it only decided to return to the main story during the last 2 episodes.

I was also upset for that it only had few, but still memorable action scenes in this season, partly because of the prolonged building up of tension rather than the action itself. Although, it was vindicated by the last 2 episodes, as the action scenes were breath taking, still I wanted more. The CGI were also top-notch, but it felt that it was only reserved for said last 2 episodes, and budget was only an afterthought for the rest of the season. The wardrobe here were not as sophisticated as the 1st season, but the accessories and the props (relics) were definitely an upgrade.

Speaking of the prolonged tension build up, it was baffling in that everything could've been solved right away, and even the "ultimate" battle was just finished easily. Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook) was not even sweating during that "battle". Again, deux ex machina overload all over, which definitely killed the ending's potential to be a future classic. It was as if there was more talk than action. Personally, it might be due to the overexposure of the romance plot and its cliches which felt like filler rather than building blocks of the main story. Still, the last 2 episodes are the saving grace for this series all things considered.

Another gripe is Jin Mu (Jo Jae-yoon). How is he still not captured or even dead already? I wasn't really convinced with the reason behind that, and he just was a plot armor. Not a memorable villain as a character, but great delivery of lines and emotions as an actor.

There were still positive comments here, most notably the improved acting of the Hwang Min-hyeok as Seo Yul. He was now able to expand his acting range here compared to the one-dimensional emotionless acting on the first season. Still, there is room for improvement. Also, it was hilarious to think that the Crown Prince Go Won (Shin Seung-ho) had an unexpected character development. Not only that it was lowkey funny, but it was refreshing for me thinking about it due to its being unforeseen.

All in all, still a disappoinment with how this season turned out. Despite my lackluster reception for the first season, I was still optimistic here because of that cliffhanger. However after watching this, I was able to conclude that this season felt that it had a separate story from its predecessor, and as a series, it looked like it has two stories in one.

My review title for the first season was that it was entertaining to watch...at 2x speed. Here, it would be: not so entertaining to watch, except the last two episodes.

Leer más

Great if you are a fan of the lead couple. So so if not.

1/ WHAT I LIKED:

- Naksu / Cho Yeong / Jin Bu Yeon : We left Naksu as a petrified soul shifter at the end of part 1. We find her here as Bu Yeon with a new face and new powers. She will slowly regain her memories as Naksu forcing a struggle of souls which will determine the fate of our heroine. I thought the transitions were well made despite some conflicting theories. I enjoyed the character’s journey in this part 2. I did not want her to go back to her sword days. I was content of her evolution.
- Jang Uk: Dark Uk is pretty badass as a bounty hunter of soul shifters. Scheming Uk was quite ok when he counter schemed the bad guys' plans. His role became a bit messy in the middle part but he makes de last and decisive moves.
- Uk Yeong : I found Uk's relationship with Yeong sizzling at first, then rather fun and cute because of many magic moments they threw in the drama just for the sake of the two characters. I enjoyed these moments. The relationship has some back and forth a little bit annoying especially from Uk’s side, but then Naksu starts to find her memories back. It was a little underwhelming how they finally recognized each other but I liked that they did not make a huge thing of it. Instead, they made choices to address the challenges and issues they were in and accepted their fated encounter. I liked that quiet responsible approach.
- Jin Bu Yeon / Ji Seol Ran: The truth about the character explained and resolved the situation.
- Closure: The drama gave a proper ending to most of the characters.

2/ WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:

- The plot was thin and I felt it lacked consistency and smart writing. Jin Mu looked a weak villain and his demise was not even impressing. Rather funny. There are some twists about the royals and the mages and one character which were decent but a little too "easy" to be called "twists".
- Master Lee : Man became annoying suckling theories out of his thumb.
- Love triangle. Funny in part 1. Annoying in part 2. CP used to hit on Mudeok but it looked acceptable as a race for an unmarried woman. Here he hits on her new version knowing she is “married”. The confusing status of Bu Yeon and the sense of no propriety of the CP just for the sake of love triangle was upsetting for me. Yul 's trajectory was terrible. He made rash, out of character decisions that made him unlikeable at some point.
- Dang Gu was useless other than giving hints until the final fight.
- I wished they toned down Park Jin's funny new hobby but ok it has some good purpose at times.

3/ CHARACTERS - ACTORS:

- Need to praise the acting of Go Yoon Jung. I was skeptical. She bluffed me. I loved her in this drama. Great job composing a complex character who inherited different names and pasts.
- Lee Jae Wook was good. He created a very cold, powerful Uk with a sensitive touch in this part 2.
- Shin Seung Ho made the CP quite fun and likeable despite his flaws.
- Good acting from the rest of the main cast except for Yoo In Soo that I found a bit extreme in his expressions.

4/ OST: Very good. Loved it.

5/ REWATCHABLE VALUE: Yes for the cute leads and their fun emotional scenes and the action scenes.

6/ OVERALL: A proper part 2 for the ones who love Uk and Yeon and want to know their fate from being born to being master pupil then dead and revived to recognizing each other again… There are some draggy parts, some contradicting and confusing revelations and a lacking plot but overall, the story of these two is nice and entertaining. I enjoyed watching this drama week in week out and comment it with the fellow Alchemists. 8/10.

Leer más

The drama in general is good but main leads totally carried this part 2

Alchemy of Souls is definitely one of the best dramas this year but I have to point out that this part 2 couldn't live the expectations to me. It's not bad but the main leads totally carried with their good acting and chemistry. Of course, the cinematography continued to be amazing and the effects as well. We can't say bad things about the acting too, at least for me it was good. The chemistry between all actors (especially the main leads) continued to be good too. So what exactly didn't go that well?

Ok, first, main leads were the big event to me and they completely stole the show. I was afraid of Jaewook not having a good chemistry with the new actress but gosh he had. Second, I felt like most of the negative points is in the way that the writers decided to develop the story. I felt that 10 episodes were too short for the things the writer wanted to do and everything felt a little too fast. The writer wanted to build up again the relationship between the characters and Naksu (now being in her own body) and I understand that but I felt that doing that all over again made the drama repetitive and also made me feel like everything between main leads were happening way too fast. On the one hand I liked it because I'm not a big fan of slowburns, and thanks to that I felt that this season had more romantic moments between the main leads. But on the other hand, thinking about the story itself, I felt that it was a little rushed. Also I felt that the secondary characters lost a bit of charisma they had in the first season and a lot of scenes felt draggy. And the biggest disappointment to me: not being able to see that badass Naksu from season 1. I understand that things are different now and she was practically a "villain" in the first episodes because she was being controlled. But I felt that we all liked Naksu because besides liking her personality as Mudeok, she was a badass before. I think I can say for everybody that we were all expecting to see the badass Naksu again and unfortunately we didn't. And what disappointed me the most is that I felt that this part 2 were totally focused on Jang Uk being the badass character (don't get me wrong I loved it, especially because we can see his grow), and seemed that Naksu were summed up only as Jang Uk's love interest.

So yeah to me it seems that the Hong sisters did not know how to develop the 2nd part as well as the first one, which caused a feeling of disappointment in many people, including me. Luckily, the cast, the plot in general and other things still made the drama overall memorable for me, despite the flaws in this part 2.

Leer más

A disappointing sequel of Great Story

Season 1
Story was great, The author builded very appealing, likable , interesting , and engaging story,
The story had ' soul '
The world was explorable.
Characters were alive, there interactions look rights from their perspective. They had their belief, even antagonist had their own rationale and personalities.
MC chemistry was great , it felt personal

SEASON 2
I just want to say " you tried your best " on the grave 🪦 of second season , The crew collectively murdered the story.( I like to press murder charges against production crew for successfully murdering a beautiful story, if that is possible)


* I May be little biased towards season 2 because they replaced the female lead

Leer más

Short Answer to "Should you watch it?"

I see why people are saying season 1 was better and all but season 1 was the prequel for a reason, and season 2 the is part for which they wanted to create for a happy ending which made sense instead or rushing it in the first season. I would say this season was quite fitting as a sequel to the masterpiece which was the first season. Definitely a good watch!

I think this was nice form the writers as I would rather they have this season then not and leave the watchers in the dark or even worse make a rushed version in the first season.

As far as my opinion matters I would say its a good watch if you wanna see the great ending the writers concocted. This season was not made to be watched on its own but to be a sequel to the previous one and in that aspect it hit the mark.

Slight heads up! The re-watch rating is not accurate as I personally don't re-watch any shows again so its just done for the sake of the rating so I've given it a fair rating.

Leer más

Great Start, Missed Opportunity: Naksu's Revenge Arc Left Unexplored

After eagerly anticipating Season 2 following the gripping Season 1, a cloud of controversy loomed over the news that Jung Somin, who portrayed Naksu/Mudeok, wouldn't return as the main female lead. I'll admit, like many others, I was devastated. Change is hard, especially when we've grown accustomed to a character over 20 episodes. It's easy to forget the original Naksu played by Go Yoon Jung. Nonetheless, I gave it a chance, especially with that tantalizing cliffhanger from the last episode of Season 1 leaving us all curious about the next.

However, Season 2's pace felt sluggish compared to its predecessor. While the story was present, the plot felt disjointed, and it wasn't solely due to the cast changes. I can argue that it largely boiled down to the writing. Go Yoon Jung's portrayal of the original Naksu in Season 1 was good. We yearned to see that same badass assassin in Season 2, but alas, the writers failed to deliver. The Naksu we once knew seemed like a different person after losing her memories, and even upon their return, she never fully reclaimed her former self. This, I believe, was solely due to the chosen plot path.

The writer missed a crucial opportunity by not delving into Naksu's past, especially considering she's the main character from the beginning. We, as viewers, were eagerly awaiting her revenge, longing to witness the truth behind the massacre of her family and Jinmu's manipulation. However, it felt rushed and underexplored. The real Naksu, upon regaining her memories, would have reacted explosively, yet the plot's direction seemed hasty and inadequate for someone who has been manipulated all her life. Where is the justice for Naksu? It feels like we've been cheated. Season 1 focused more on JangUk, and I wish they had dedicated more time to exploring Naksu's origins.

Nevertheless, the series still shines in its effects and the performances of its cast, particularly Go Yoon Jung, who portrayed three characters despite being less experienced and popular. However, there's a lingering disappointment in some areas. We wished the writers had brought back the assassin we loved from Season 1, especially since Yoon Jung is the original Naksu.

While still good overall, Season 2 of the series falls short in some aspects, leaving us with a bittersweet feeling of both satisfaction and disappointment.

Leer más

Unpopular Opinion: Better than Part One.

I know this is an incredibly unpopular opinion, but I preferred this season to the last. LET ME EXPLAIN!

One thing I will say is that I loved Jung So Min's portrayal of Naksu/Mudeok in Season 1, but I also really enjoyed the Season 2 portrayal, which reminded me of a Rapunzel-esque character who is locked away with no memories and thus kept childlike/innocent. I think the new female lead portrayed that pretty well. So this was not a major point of contention for me.

Regarding the other actors, I think Arin improved a lot, especially in portraying Jin Cho Yeon's forced maturing and JinYoWon's closing to outsiders. Jang Uk's portrayal was also really great, describing how Naksu's death impacted him and guided his character growth.

Personally, I prefer shorter drama, and the 20 episodes to me felt like it dragged on for a bit, so I for sure preferred the 10 episodes instead.

However, I will also argue that I am mildly put off and confused by the explanation of Jin BuYeon and Naksu's identity. Like from my understanding:
Bodies - Mudeok, Jin BuYeon
Souls - Mudeok, Naksu, Jin BuYeon

I am confused about whether Jin Buyeon's body was already inhabited by Naksu from the beginning or whether Naksu is JinBuyeon.

Leer más

A mess

I loved Season 1 - the story, characters, setting, music. I believe it all slowly became the mess that was season 2 because of the change in actress. I'm not a fan of Jung So Min (I found her irritating in Playful kiss) but she did wonderful as Mu Deok. Now she's one of my all time favorite female characters in dramaland. I don't know what exactly happened BTS that led to her not being in season 2 but as a foreboding the last 5 episodes of season 1 had a different feel to them. The first episodes were just amazing. I couldn't stop watching and rooting for Naksu and then Jang Uk. Lee Jae Wook is great - cool and adorable. Gave me feels similar to Gong Yoo in Coffee Prince. A male lead who's vulnerable with emotive eyes.
As I said, despite not knowing what happened and why JSM was replaced, I think we fans deserved a better story that was on par with season 1. Not something that leaves a distaste as an aftermath. This season was a classic example of "love the characters, hate the story". So much potential wasted. It would have been better if they hadn't made a season 2 just because. My fave quote from the drama "It is better to die than to do nothing" doesn't work here. By the end of last episode I felt "It is better to leave it alone if you can't do it justice". They should have atleast tried to bring JSM back or used a better actress than GYJ. Don't know if it was the way she was written or her acting is just only okay.

Overall, I'm so sad and disappointed that I want to rewatch season 1 and see Daeho at its gloriest.

Leer más