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

Amazing fantasy drama after a while

I find the whole series fascinating. But i was still hoping that few more episodes should be added to season 2. Because of less episodes is S2 there are lots of fillers remain. But i Still can't complain, it is a satisfying show.
The lead chemistry is amazing, at first i think jung so min is irreplaceable as FL but Go yoon jung did a nice work in S2 as FL. Definitely give a new arc to naksu character in the limited number of episodes.
Rest of the characters also performed well . Especially the antagonist jin mu really made us hate him to the end.
Totally recommended from me just go for it.

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Did I enjoy it more or am I frustated more?

So we finally had the last chapter and gosh it was a journey. Tbh I neither liked it very much nor hated it. I had no expectation to begin with and just wanted to watch it for entertainment so it didn't hit me as much.

It was evident that the script was solid, unfortunately the way it was executed on screen was illogical and rushed. I believe on paper the story would have been more enjoyed and since the drama had to be fitted in a certain amount of time it became a parody of random scenes. The editing in the second half was very bad. I wanted to root for the USP of the show. The fantasy elements of soul shifting, different energy levels, Jang Uk arc as the protector of the stone, Naksu as an assassin, tragic love story b/w soul shifter and killer of soul shifters was supposed to be the USP in my opinion.
Had they stick to their strengths, the show could have been very different. But no they had to use cheap methods to gain attention.

The storyline became JUST SO DUMB. I ff a lot of Jin Mu's scenes, he was so bad that I skipped most of his dialogues and saved my time and energy.
Also I feel few scenes were "referenced" from other famous movies/drama which didn't fit to this story and failed to be executed properly. Some of which which I noticed-
1. Jang Uk wraiths shown in his room> quite similar to Harry Potter dementors.
2. In EP 1 or 2, there was an underwater soul shifter> I was half expecting it to be similar as Black Panther's Talocan but they dropped it pretty fast without much explanation. I was up for an army of underwater soul shifters hehe.
3. When Jang Uk locked Jin Mu in the secret room> similar to the power of mirror dimension of Dr Strange.
4. Jang Uk super sonic speed when he entered Jinwoyon in Ep 1> similar to Quicksilver in Avengers Age of Ultron.
5. Army of the dead aka soul shifters> Obviously GOT. Infact the intro song was very similar to the one of GOT.

I enjoyed Crown Prince scenes- The "Why did Jang Uk cared for my turtle" was silly yet funny. Sadly he was cut off from the VFX budget and didn't get any fight scenes. Further the transition from serious to funny scenes was well done.
I liked the OST "Scars leave beautiful trace" .

The most frustrating arc was Bu Yeon/Naksu/Mudoek/ Jeol Seo Ran/ Chu Yeon ufffff. The great assassin and priestess was merely said on paper. Infact the entire story was told on paper with nothing actually done. I can list all of them but its pointless and quite obvious for those who have already seen.

The acting was mostly good except for the villain. The main casts were an eye candy, just one complaint- why did they shot romantic scenes with so much anger. Dude that was the most serious wedding I have ever seen! Also CP confessing that he liked Naksu and was angry at Uk for having what he wanted was so understated. Uk reaction to finding out Naksu was all the more understated.

In conclusion, did I regret watching it? No because it had potential. Will I recommend or add it as my best watch? Definitely No for obvious reasons everyone felt.

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A worthy sequel!

Wow, how can I express my words in this, I cant fathom how wonderful this show was!

Surprisingly I love the the new actress of the FL. She is a brilliant actor that is for sure. Well, all cast did great too!

The magic is still in there. Nostalgic and memorable. Good denouement of the plot. Impressive storytelling. No questions left unanswered and that ending is a strawberry on the top of the cake! Yes, I like the ending. The girls that get it, get it.

And I for sure can not compare the two seasons because each of them have its owns weaknesses and strength. There are things that I love in season one that don't have in season 2 and things that I like in season two that don't have in season one.

Might rewatch this from the beginning. the 30 episodes is not a hindrance to start this series, yes 100% recommendable.

Oh love the music too but S1 music >>> S2 music. <3

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As much as I want to see bad ass Naksu, I’m satisfied with the ending because when I think about it again, Cho Yeong was forced to be assassin by Jin Mu for her revenge. She already got her revenge, so she doesn’t need to be Naksu anymore. JBY’s body wasn’t train for a fight and relatively smaller, so for Yeong to be able to be like Naksu would take her lots of trainings. She didn’t want it because that kind life is not important anymore which is why she said to Uk that she has priestess power, she doesn’t need to get that power to climb the tree when she has Uk by her side.

I know some people find it kinda disappointing that she lives as JBY, but I guess it’s needed to keep peace among everyone and she still has the divine power of seeing energy and Jin’s blood. As long as Uk knows who she is, I think it’s fine that she doesn’t have to claim back her name.

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Too much drama for a simple solution

Ok, so I after finished S1 I came here and the ratings and reviews scared me lool
How it was possible? S1 has 9.1 and this season review where so negative I was confused but now after finishing the all thing I see where people are coming from.

The biggest problem here was the lost memories plot. It took 8 episodes out of 10 and the revelation was dry asf. UK didn't seemed the surprise or happy at all. They dragged the drama so much. 5 episodes would be enough.

The filler with So-I was unnecessary, Yul almost dying because he was too guilty to ask for help didn't maked sense, plus he was planning to kill Naksu, the same friend he was guilty of leaving behind, I just can't understand really.

Every episode a new theory would pop up about Bu Yeon's soul, one episode it was gone and nnext episode it was still alive it was annoying and confusing.
The comic aspect was also gone ?1 or 2 jokes sometimes, but It was forced sometimes.
Bu Yeon's mom was a B, but they made her somehow a better person at the end LOOL

I really think they should wasted more time in showing Naksu's new personality to the public, she kinda lost her badass and rude attitude that we loved, the mannerism was there but still...

I'm not even mad at the change of personality I'm mad that they wasted her character, in my opinion she is living as BY and not as Cho yeong. It would be nice seeing her still as a skilled warrior with BY's supernatural powers, a mix of both. It would be better in my opinion. Her character in this season was just a love interesting of Uk, that was sad for me.

At the end she didn't fight along side with UK and that was disappointing to watch. Just another weak female lead at the end.

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Perfect Masterpiece

Finishing Season one is like there is no way the season 2 going to surpass it. But it is intense, it will give chill to every scenes. It is perfectly made and suits the casts as well. The finale is superb, your eyes will be filled with contentment. A lot of emotions overflown in this series that is why I liked it. This is included in my most favorite series of all time. I will miss this whole thing. Thrilling kaayou bayot.. gikapoy english oi.. kinahanglan jud daw pab handred ka works, wa kuyapi! pero was char achup kaayo guys. Lami kaau ug mga eksina, nag hilak jud kos last episode.. erset oi.. abi ko namatay tong tulo may gani buhi... nakahilak jud ko paghibaw nakog busi ang mga ongo.. unya naay kamabal ang mag tiaayon.. mapasalamaton kaau ko dai.. basta oi.. tan awa ninyo, ayaw pansina ni ako review. abot na ba nig 500 words? try daw nako.

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Not a single second I felt bored

Jan. 8, 2023

Alchemy of Souls 2 is one of the best decisions I have ever made to watch. It is the superior, S fking tier Kdrama. This series really raised the standard right away for the year of 2023. We really are setting the bar up high.

Major shoutout to the Hong Sisters for writing this epic masterpiece. They really ate up their works back to back to back.

Although this season was only 10 episodes long. I felt that they were able to conclude everything in such an amazing way. The pacing is just right and I never felt boredom or a waste of time. Alchemy of Souls hold such a special place in my heart that I will definitely be watching it over and over, again and again.

Jang-Uk, you are the best husband I could ever ask for. Like I am so tired of Jang-Uk slander for this season cause this man's delivered and slaughtered everyone (like literally) for his beautiful wife. As for Buyeon/Naksu, I do wish, she had more scenes showing her divine powers and her strength. But you know what, it is okay. The wedding was a little sad cause it was only with the celibacy guy (I forgot his name)... but they the ending was so satisfying.

My emotions was so high, I was ready to cry and I cried. I cried so damn motherfucking hard. I really thought... I really thought... so the relief that I had after finishing the series definitely compensated for my palpitating heart.

ALCHEMY OF SOULS, YOU WILL BE MISSED I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM SAYING GOODBYE. IT'S BEEN A JOURNEY FROM MUDEOK TO BUYEON/NAKSU & JANG-UK. MY LOVES I WILL MISS YALL SO MUCH. UNTIL I REWATCH THIS AGAIN...

So what are yalls waiting for. GO WATCH ALCHEMY OF SOULS BOTH SEASONS NOW 😤

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A true masterpiece

It's the first time I'm actually writing a review. I have watched over 150 kdramas so far, but I think it will remain as one of my most memorable watches of all time.
It is true Jung So Min's replacement in s2 came as a disappointment at first but after starting it I realised it was actually worth it. It does not exactly mean that I am against her appearance in s1. GYJ was absolutly mesmerising. I really fell hard for her.
The drama actually lacks nothing. The writing, cast, acting, the character development of each one of the leads were beyond perfect.
I am not the type who rewatches dramas. But I have to say, this drama is an exception. Even thouth it has not been long since the series ended and I clearly remember most of the scenes, I am contemplating whether to watch it again or not.
In all, whoever is hesistating whether to give this drama a chance or not, I would say definitely DON'T. Just watch it. I am sure you won't regret it.

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run in the opposite direction, it's not worth it

Truly disappointed in the Hong sisters. While variety in a show is good, the new script has drained the show of its creative value. Though there wasn't a "good ending" in season 1, every episode, every subplot, every character brought something to the show. With shallow characters who lack even a morsel of purpose, season 2 reads as a completely different show altogether, and it is hard to believe that this is the same show as before. Bleaching Naksu's brows? The only job this new season has managed to accomplish is place Naksu into a subservient and docile role, detracting from her character as an empowered and unbeliavably traumatized woman. These "parallels" read as a futile attempt from the writers to mimic the hearty and full cinematic experience as portrayed in season 1. I had high hopes for the writers to do something good with the amnesia trope, and yet they have WILLINGLY chosen the worst path. The slow pace can be tolerated, but the backbone of this season is just too shit to recover in the last 4 episodes. Sometimes shows don't deserve a season 2, and the Hong sisters have proven this right.

The FL is not to be blamed, though, it's hard to act when given such a terrible script. At this point, the season is simply fanservice, played out fanservice.

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