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

JANG UK love any woman who live with him for few days, PLAYBOY Story

Jang Uk live with Naksu and fall in love with her,
Naksu died
Jang Uk start living with Boyeon and also fall in love with her too
SO Jang Uk love any woman who live with him other then maid kim,
in end boyeon become Naksu and Jang uk still love naksu while he was in love with boyeon untill 8th episode
Naksu was fine with Jang Uk marrying boyeon kissing boyeon and what not
even jang uk moved on from Naksu in ep 4 and in 9th he is in love with with God knows whom
Do writer even understand love ? You love any person who live with you ?
Naksu sword, naksu was badass but for our poor male lead naksu has to become weak so that useless jang uk can be used
Jung so min acting level is way above this female lead of season 2, it was fun watching Jung So Min play Mu deok/Naksu
while this female lead was just a crying baby, most powerful pasta, most powerful assistent
Dear Hongs why even bother casting a female lead, oh yea for kissing that was only reason season 2 has a female lead for jang uk to spite......

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My kind of Drama

It's over; the final episode has aired and overall, it did not disappoint. I will so miss my weekly fix.
Equalling S1 and very similar in its slow build, with the action, intrigue and surprises, increasing with every episode.
The shift in Jang Uk's character and the effect on all the characters of S1's finale, was immediately felt from ep1.
There's more obvious romance in S2 as the eps role out, but it was never out of place or eye rolling. Quite the opposite.
I loved Go Yoon-jung's portrayal and the character of Naksu/Jin Bu-yeon. Still feisty, independent, capable and witty. Her interactions with Uk were as amusing, touching and frustrating, in turns, as S1. Subtle differences, as after all, the character has suffered and undergone a big change, but just as strong. Both actresses brought so much to their roles and credit has to go to everyone involved for making it pretty seamless.
There are twists, turns, revellations, just deserts and some shocks in S2.
There are some flash backs featuring Jung So-min's character, Mu Deok, in later eps and I'm really pleased these were included, as it stitched what was unfolding in the story together and was a reminder that the souls and their bodies had shifted to start with.
The ending was thrilling and all gets neatly tied up. It wasn't rushed, but did feel a bit like a conclusion, rather than extension of the story. Some characters and their stories did take a back seat in S2, which was a shame, however, it was still pleasing and unless S2 was to run for another 16+ episodes, the only way to complete the central theme.
With the closing 2 eps, there were a very few times the dialogue felt a little lazy and it only stood out for me because I never thought that in all the other 28 eps.
The special effects, soundtrack and sets were spot on all the way through and Car, The Garden's "Scars Leave Beautiful Trace" is now a favourite song.
An absolute favourite drama of mine now too, which in its entirety of 30 eps, is possibly top of my list. Ticked all my boxes!
All involved did a great job.

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UNIQUE STORY AND THE DRAMA IS A WORK OF SATISFACTION

The drama, the characters everything is so well written and directed. One of the best drama I have watched till date. You will fall in love with each character of the story. I swear I am going to recommend this drama to everyone. I wish there could be more extension to this drama, even though I am satisfied with everything the end the beginning all of it was worth it. The end was satisfying. This is my first time reviewing about a drama. I don't want to give any spoilers. To anybody who wishes to watch it watch it because it will make you feel anxious, happy, sad, excited, thrill, kick I MEAN TO SAY IT HAS ALL OF IT.

THE ACTORS DID A GREAT JOB AS WELL.
JANG UK HAS MY HEART?

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My favorite drama of 2022 and goes to my top 5 of all time

I didn't know much about the drama until like the week it was going to air (very weird since I usually follow up on the dramas to watch specially kdramas) ok so I saw Jung So Min which I love her acting so much and then Lee Jae Wook another rookie I like since Extraordinary You and it was his major main lead debut so I clicked, I loved the story (since always root for the underdog) Despite watching because of Jung So Min I got sidetracked by Naksu original actress Go Youn Jung but oh well I kept watching.

Part 1 was very entertaining keep me rooting for the couple as a team but it lack something and it was in my POV romantic chemistry always saw them as master and pupil they never gave each other the chance to go all for it, Naksu was kind of cold towards UK so bubbly character but when they announce Go Youn Jung was coming back I felt relief.

Not only they had the best chemistry for me, but the amplify the romantic part that lacked in part 1 IMO, so the entire drama made sense both characters matured one becoming more bubbly and spontaneous (Naksu) and Uk more of the leader and fighter we wanted to see in this kind of drama.

Over all, Jung So Min did a great job on part 1 and the reason I started watching it, then it turned to Uk journey and then when GYJ took over I didn't miss JSM a bit, because that's how good these two were, overall everyone acting specially the rookie actors did a great job and the senior actors so top notch that I got myself immerse in the Daho's world.

I highly recommend this drama to everyone looking for an entertaining and the love story of a lifetime....this puts the meaning of soulmates to the next level......

Excuse me if Im not going to the point or Im redundant with my wording but English is my second language and I barely barely write Reviews but I feel this drama deserved one of mine.....

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The Shadow made the Light disappear

LIKED:

The Naksu who fought Park Jin as the original Mage leader S1, in very beginning who we saw soul shift into Mu-deok, is same face as FL in S2.
The animal trainers did well: Loved the turtle moments, especially with Prince Go Won and the dog that could see soul shifters also was perfect.
FX good but not as awesome as in S1.
Costumes for the most part were good.
Acting by actors and actresses well done for most of them. Lee Jae Wook was great in both S1 & 2. Season 2 Jin mu mage (Jo Jae Yoon) wasn’t as compelling, but he always gives a good performance, especially when playing the bad/evil guy.
Music was for the most part appropriate, scene building and well executed.


DISLIKED:
A lot of the issues/dislikes from S1 were continued in S2, for example: Shaking camera moments and Fx green screen noticeable.
Using same actor (Im Chul Soo) to play different, non related characters; Mage Master Lee and one of the guys delivering alcohol, that Jang Uk saves by killing soul shifter [that went into son’s body].
Pacing issues, a lot of boring parts due to bogged down by too much politics and showcasing human greed

Directing: too much staring and inactive moments, extended scenes that didn't help in any way.

Writing:
Plot issues throughout, dragging on moments that were unnecessary, forcing chemistry that had nothing solid to back up the instant connection. Confusing choices for changing the character of FL that was so well developed in first season, to a character that was lacking in all aspects and then claiming she was this all along. The mess they created for the main storyline for the supporting characters of the Royalty, Unanimous Assembly and Jin mu w/ his mages, was very lame. The body swap and soul change explanation for Naksu/Bu-yeon was badly executed. Yes they used the same body for FL S2, as the opening scenes of Naksu in S1, but that didn’t help. Too many anti-climatic or low impact moments of important characters in S2, that were so evolved and developed in season 1. The character development and especially growth even for the FL, ML and other dominant characters was non-existent.

Wardrobe: the crowns of the King & Queen, all looked like those paper things you get from a fast food burger place. Also the jewelry mostly became heavy and clunky looking (like the hair pins). I understood why the colour palette changed to be more somber for literal execution of the SHADOW concept of S2, but the effort seemed lacking.


OVERALL: Most of the reviews cover all the crappy parts of the plot and their actor/actress character preferences. With a decent budget and good FX and getting a S2 to explain the concept of the plot, why did the Hong sisters give up on their plot and create a cliche and trope driven mass of garbage? Also I am sure they could’ve afforded the best camera production crew, so no excuse for zooming in way too close (I hate seeing up actor noses, cut off faces) and no film stabilizer! To give a proper review I did watch everything again, after watching it the first time. But I did use fast forward often in S2. As seems to be the trend lately with Korean Dramas, S1 is exceptional and S2 disappoints. I hope in 2023 that changes and we get consistency. I would recommend this show overall, and I will rewatch certain moments, but not the whole thing.

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I'm angry that they made a second season!

I loved AOS #1 up through episode 19. Then they had to go the historic tragedy cliffhanger route to justify another season. So, I'll admit my review is based upon my feelings. PLUS, I felt the script really diminished Uk's love to "love the one you're with" and that irritated me no end.

As with #1, AOS#2 was well-filmed, though granted, a lot darker than the first one. Great CGI, beautiful music.

STORY: Repetitive, with more of the same from #1. How the evil guy, that everyone KNEW was evil, continued to get away with his evilness was just frustrating. My biggest beef was the way the romance was written. Uk fell in love with Cho Yeong before knowing that she was Naksu. That might have been fine if we had some sense that he was struggling with his feelings, considering that he was supposedly so in love with Naksu. I didn't get that impression at all, though. Also, I didn't particularly care for the way that Cho Yeong/Naksu was written. Her personality was just so completely different than Naksu, I didn't get a feeling for Naksu's strength at all. She just seemed clingy to me, coming up with excuses to be with and touch Uk.

ACTING: So good.
Lee Jae Wook as Uk. I was believing his mourning until he met Cho Yeong and then that went out the window. I don't know if he lost weight since the first season or if it was makeup, but his jawline was so sharp it could have cut glass. It was a good look for him. I also liked him wearing black throughout the drama. It was like he had "graduated" from colors to being serious in black.
Go Youn Jung as Naksu/Cho Yeong. She did a good job with the writing that she was given. She is absolutely gorgeous. I've not seen her in anything else I don't think, I'm going to need to check her filmography and watch her in something else.
Hwang Min as Seol Yul. He, again, was my favorite character in this show. He figured out she was Naksu pretty early on, and you really got the sense that he could just FEEL that it was her. He did such a wonderful job with his longing for her.
Shin Seung Ho as Go Won. We got to see a little more understated comedy from him this time around.

CHEMISTRY: The kisses were so good, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. How is that possible?

I have to say, I'm not particularly caring for the current trend of making multiple seasons of a show, unless it's an exceptional show like Hospital Playlist. Otherwise, it feels like they are just milking the drama, causing a lot of draggy parts to extend the drama length.

Bottom line: If you like darkly filmed dramas with multiple good fight scenes, good CGI, and you really don't care about the romance anyway, give it a try.

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Alchemy of Souls Season 2 - A Balancing Act Between Expectations and Growth

Alchemy of Souls Season 2 brings fans on an emotional journey as the characters grapple with their past traumas and redefine their paths in life. While some fans express disappointment in the evolution of Natsu's character, others find solace in the progression that emphasizes healing and moving forward from a past dictated by circumstances.

One of the central aspects of Season 2 is the transformation of Natsu, a character beloved for her fierce, badass persona. The season delves into her traumatic history and how she was molded into the Natsu viewers have come to know. The decision to have her leave this trauma behind in search of new beginnings resonates with some fans, offering a perspective that appreciates character growth beyond the familiar tough exterior.

The ending is a notable highlight, portraying Natsu's desire to distance herself from her former power and not undergo further training to regain it. This choice symbolizes a departure from her past identity, a courageous step towards embracing a future free from the shackles of her traumatic past.

The narrative also successfully ties up loose ends for each character, providing a sense of closure while leaving room for interpretation. It's a refreshing departure from the trend of inconclusive, open-ended conclusions that often leave audiences feeling incomplete. The finale prompts contemplation and reflection, adding depth to the overall viewing experience.

Beyond Natsu's story arc, the show impresses with well-developed support characters, showcasing their depth and intricacies. The dynamic relationship between Jang Uk and the Prince is particularly compelling, capturing the delicate balance between rivalry and friendship, underscored by mutual admiration.

While Season 2 is praised for its exploration of characters and their growth, some fans express disappointment in the storyline, noting that it could have benefited from more intricate and exceptional writing. The narrative may have felt rushed and could have been improved with additional time and attention to detail.

In summary, Alchemy of Souls Season 2 challenges viewers' expectations and navigates character growth with a focus on healing and renewal. Natsu's transformation and the meaningful conclusions for the characters enrich the viewing experience, despite some reservations about the depth of the storyline. Overall, the season offers a thoughtful and impactful narrative that lingers in the minds of its audience.

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SUPERB

I highly recommend this historical drama to everyone. Actually, I'm not really into historical kdrama yet because of the undeniable chemistry of the main leads I forced myself to watch it. Never did I regret of this. The best decision I have ever made. I love all the actors—they portrayed their characters ecstatic. The acting skills are beyond what I forsee them to do. They never disappoint me when it comes to the plots, acting skills, and most of all the story and cinematography of this genre. Though, in as much as I badly want a 3rd season but I'm super satisfied of the finale. I have so mixed emotions finishing this drama.

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A huge let down

I was a big fan of season 1, I didn't mind the few draggy episodes towards the later half of it because the main story was intriguing and loved all characters to begin with. However this season is just draggy, plain and disappointing. I've been waiting for the grand reveal and the rebel female lead to show up and kick some ass since the second episode, but all I get is a puppy faced girl running around looking stupid and weak, the cliche clueless damsel in distress. Every other sub plots are also going on direction less with some fan service here and there. I'm just annoyed at this point.

The popularity of this drama amazes me, reminding me of how different our perceptions are.

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A must watch kdrama before you ?

the best kdrama!! chief kiss ? their acting was on top especially go young jung and lee jae wook. Perfect ending, perfect casting, perfect everything!! Every episode was not boring I got verryyy entertained and I literally force all of my friends to watch this masterpiece and I will not stop recording this to everyone I know. You have to watch this kdrama before you die, so you can peacefully and happily hehe love love. A big thank you to the Hong sisters for giving us the perfect ending I can't believe that its over? how can i move on??? from that perfect masterpiece

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"FOR THE BURNING CHEMISTRY!!"

This season again as well was worth my watch and didn't disappointed me soo much.
This season was more of the chemistry and focused more on the growing love between the leads more stronger than before. To be honest season 1 was really good in aspect of story but for chemistry season 2 defeated S1. Lee Jae Wook & Go Yoon Jung poured out their hearts into making such a beautiful and heart wrenching pairing, there chemistry bursts out from episode 1 itself you could feel it. I really loved the way they made them slowly fall for each other without realizing that they are falling twice but this time harder. Every single minute is worth watching.

Apart from the romance, I think this season lacked in the development of the main story that they continued from S1. Story development felt a little slow paced according to the number of episodes it had but still didn't failed to capture our mind and kept us curious till the end. I only have one complaint that is the last two episodes felt rushed that made me feel nothing while watching them and that's sad for me as I was really invested in this drama with my heart so its quite disappointing to feel this way while watching it end. Still I am happy for giving us a perfect and the satisfying ending we were expecting it to have. Thank you soo much!

At last A BIG THANX TO ALL THE CAST for giving us such magnificent performances I am in love with each one of them. Their efforts are amazing. Especially Lee Jae Wook, this man ate his character and left no crumbs, his transformation from S1 to S2 is worth appreciation. This man soo naturally developed his acting through his character or I would say along with his character, he really impressed me. From the light version of Jang Uk to the dark version this journey was soo startling, THANK YOU SOO MUCH AGAIN LEE JAE WOOK for accepting this role and bringing it to life, he is one of the reason why I started this drama.
Go Yoon Jung is no more less, she really did a great job in bringing Cho Yeong/Naksu to life. Thanx to her we got to see a different side of a badass assassin Naksu i.e., this soft bubbly and cheerful Yeong. I fell soo much for her character and enjoyed watching her play this role. I am looking forward to her future projects.

Also thanx to the director for presenting breathtaking cinematography and to the writers for not disappointing us again with a tragic ending(hehe), thanx to everyone for giving this drama soo much of efforts and energy and bringing it to life.
Thank you soo much!!!

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BEST NETFLIX KDRAMA EVER!!

I have to admit, when I watched season 1 back in June I was such a huge fan, and when it was announced that somin wasn’t going to be in season 2 I didn’t want to watch season 2 but then I got more into the OG naksu and I found that she was really talented and pretty so I decided to watch the show and let me tell you, that was one of the best decision of my life, this show had so many ups and downs, I cried so many times, I even threatened to sue the writers because of just how many scenes made me cry. I wasn’t even expecting a happy ending but the Hong sisters devoured with the second part, I loved Part 1 but Part 2 for me is the best. I really want a season 3 but I doubt we will get that. I also introduced this series to my friend who also loves kdramas and she watched all of season 1 and she watched season 2 when it was airing with me and she also told me that Part 2 was her favorite. Also I love our ? couple I wish to see them together in future projects ?

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