Alquimia das Almas (2022)

Por que eu demorei tanto para assistir essa obra de arte?!

Confesso que para uma telespectadora assídua, demorei bastante para assistir as duas temporadas de Alquimia das Almas. Mas como toda fã de dramas que se prese, um clássico não pode ficar de fora da lista.
Gostar, gostar mesmo de drama de fantasia, eu não gosto, mas por causa de Lee Jae-wook, aceitei o desafio. Não assisti no começo com muita expectativa, mas acabei me apaixonando muito pelo drama.
Só pela arte e efeitos já faz você se apaixonar e querer assistir cada segundo. E os 30 episódios das duas temporadas passam voando de tanto que a trama te prende.
Mas acredito que o grande segredo do sucesso de Alquimia das Almas é o roteiro, efeitos especiais, coreografias das lutas alinhados ao seu elenco tão devastador de bom. É de tirar o fôlego, a história é incrível! Eles fizeram um excelente trabalho na trama, escolha de estrelas, cinematografia por isso, fiquei me perguntando: Por que eu demorei tanto para assistir essa obra de arte?!
A História tem começo e um final impactante que te transporta para dentro da trama desde o primeiro minuto. Alquimia das Almas é realmente daqueles dramas de tirar o fôlego. Os efeitos visuais são de aplaudir de pé, nível de filme.
É tão hipnotizante que eu assisti a temporada 1 com 20 episódios e a temporada 2 com 10 episódios em um dia e meio (ou seja, não dormi!)

Lee Jae-wook fazendo Jang Uk seu papel é muito bom. Podemos facilmente empatizar com sua tristeza, felicidade e luta durante todo o drama. Seu desenvolvimento durante a passagem do tempo entre os primeiros até o último episódio é impressionante. Já havia visto outros dramas com Lee Jae-wook e já tinha notado sua competência como ator mas em Alquimia das Almas eu verdadeiramente me apaixonei por ele.

Em relação a segunda temporada muitos não gostaram em especial, devido a troca da atriz principal. Independente de rumores da troca ser devido a brigas com Diretor do drama, para o enredo da histpria de fato fazia sentido essa troca. Lembrando que Jang Uk se apaixounou pela alma da Naksu então fazia sentido a atriz que fez a Naksu na primira temporada fechar o ciclo do drama. Todos os fatores são explicados muito bem ao longo da segunda temporada (não quero sar spolier)

Eu, particularmente estou no time dos que amaram o desfecho romântico. Para quem curte um final feliz, a história de Jang Wook e Naksu não poderia acabar daquele jeito. E particularmente amei a química entre Lee Jae-wook e Go Yoon Jung,
Lee Jae-wook trabalho bem com Jung So-min. MAs com Go Youn-jung meus amigos, estava em outro nivel, As cenas românticas foram de tirar o fôlego meus amigos! Que casal!

A temporada 2 valeu a pena? Para os apaixonados pelo casal protagonista, com certeza sim. E eu já disse que sou do time apaixonados pelo casal então sim, eu amei a temporada 1 e também a amei a temporada 2. Mas para quem buscava uma narrativa mais densa, talvez a resposta seja diferente. E entendo, verdadeiramente.

Há, e vale destacar a OST. Que obra prima senhores! A trilha sonora é muito incrível.

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Good

The series is good, and the acting is also good (especially the chemistry between jsm and jw).

The story/plot itself is refreshing, however, the ending makes me lose interest in it, and for me, the 'comedy' part of the series doesn't suit it.

For me rewatching this series is probably 20% with the max of 50%.

Anyways excited for season 2 (especially for gyj)

------

The ending made me lose interest in continuing it however I found out that naksu original body will be back (meaning more gyj) also the next season plot summary seems promising and I can't wait to see how they will pull the ''Amnesia" part on naksu

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Too many cliffhangers to end Season 1

Unfortunately, I didn’t read reviews of this drama and just tried it out based on the overall rating I saw. Otherwise, I would not have started it as it did not have a fair amount of closure and wrap up. Go ahead and have a second season or more, but each season must be able to stand on their own. Too many questions left unanswered in the last episode made for a disappointing end. So if you’re like me, don’t start this drama until season 2 has aired and ended without a teaser for a season 3.

That being said, I did find this to be a uniquely entertaining drama and was mainly let down by the way it ended or rather… didn’t end.

The imagination behind the story was fantastic and the story telling was fast paced although a bit too repetitive in parts. Cinematography was great and I enjoyed the CGI used to display their powers. While this was a fantasy setting and all manner of hairstyles should be accepted, I still could not get used to the modern day looking hairstyles for the ML and his two friends.

I also did not appreciate how some parts were not fully explored and conveniently wrapped up very quickly - one of the most annoying one was when the ML’s “father” turns up only to have it all settled in a matter of minutes. I was expecting more explanation on his motives behind his actions and how he was tempted to dabble in sorcery.

If you can overlook this and are not bothered by an ending riddled with cliffhangers then you will be one of the many fans of this drama unlike myself.

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Idk what anyone says, I'll never stop loving this drama with my whole heart.

I keep my reviews short so although I could talk about this series for hourls irl, I'll keep it short here.

First i'd like to play a bit of an advocate. I see many comments complaining about how Naksu, who was introduced as a badass assasin overtime became nothing more than male lead's love interest. While I do see where is this opinion coming from. I don't think that Naksu became totally soft and unimportant as Mudok. She always was an important character, literally 90% of is about her trying to make a mage out of Jang Uk, toying with the Crown Prince and meddling in everyone's buissnesses. She might come off as weak and just all-talk but the reason for it is not her falling in love. After changing bodies she is not THE Naksu anymore. Not only she loses her magical powers, her new body is super weak psyhically so no matter how much she would train she could never be her dream self anymore. Even if Buyeon gave up and let Naksu use her (Buyeon's) powers, it would be a mix of two people in one body- not the real Naksu herself. It is really not surprising that all she could do through the series is to "fight" with her words and share the knowledge she obtained in her glory days.

Sorry for geting worked up, I have no critical thinking when it comes to this drama haha

Anyway, I liked all the characters, some melted my heart, some made me giggle, some got on my nerves, everyone played their role just right. I personally was the most annoyed by how Crown Prince was so easly influenced and couldn't think by himself in the most cruicial moments and by Heo YunOk as a whole.

I see people complaining about filler episodes too but honestly the show is so fun that until someone pointed it out I did not even noticed. Pacing was fine for me.


[a bit of a season 2 spoiler]

As a happy-ending lover I was left with my mouth open after the last episode. At first I was very dissapointed that Jeong SoMin won't be taking a part in the season 2 but I like how the film crew wriggled out of the problem. Too bad that Naksu didn't get what she orginally wanted but at least she found another happy ending for herself. I'm glad to see most of the characters finding love and peace (poor Seo Yul, I'll remember you forever)

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Obrigada Jung Somin

Eu não imaginava que iria amar tanto esse drama. Comecei esperando nada, pois um dorama histórico e de magia não me parecia bem meu gosto. Mas me surpreendi. Ansiei por cada episódio que ia lançando. A história simplesmente cativante e envolvente. Criei expectativas e elas foram ultrapassadas!

Todos os personagens me cativaram, tanto os principais quanto os secundários.
A atuação da Jung Soo Min e Lee Jae Wook me deixou estupefata.
Fiquei arrepiada com as cenas de luta, achei tudo tão mágico! O CGI muito bem feito.

Amei a personagem mudeok/naksu como ela sempre conseguia o que ela queria, não se tornou uma personagem fraca em nenhum momento, apenas teve pequenas mudanças e escolhas ao passar do episódios que a fez ser ainda melhor. O Jang Uk nem tenho o que dizer, simplesmente dono do meu coração, a criatura mais incrível, doce, inteligente e poderoso. Ah que casal perfeito!

Ansiosa pra segunda temporada!

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Enchanting fantasy crafted with precision

With its fast-paced plotting, engaging characters and resplendent wardrobe, Alchemy of Souls was a compelling escapist fantasy that helped us fly through the sweltering summer.

Plot wise, the show revolves around the lives of people residing in a place not known to regular humans, Daeho. There, mages, sorcerers, assassins, maids and all manner of other imaginable people ply their trade, helping the numerous areas of this restricted world function. Continuing, the whole series looks fantastic visually. Bringing life to this fictitious world, director Park Joon-hwa emphasises the expansive area he has to play with, immersing the viewer in every scene. Complete with some rather solid CGI, visual effects and use of pathetic fallacy, the show has some undeniably sleek appeal.


Overall, the first season of Netflix’s Alchemy of Souls was an enticing, consistently solid introduction to (and journey through) the complex world of Daeho. It might not have been perfect, nothing ever is, but there’s plenty here for anyone to sink their teeth into, as well as enough substance for those looking for something comprehensive to enjoy, with season 2 down the line.

My Rating : 8.5/10

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Interesting Premise With Problematic Execution

I feel so conflicted about this show. While it featured an amazing cast and an interesting premise, it was riddled with plot holes and shallow world building. I adored the main cast. Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, and Shin Seung-ho provided some of the best performances as Jang Uk, Mu Deok-i, and Go Won. I loved all of their interaction as well as their general character arcs. Much of this first season is a blend of comedy and tragedy, which they effortlessly managed with skill and talent. The other actors were fine in their roles - not particularly memorable, but fine as an ensemble cast.

While I overall enjoyed the performances, the general mystery and worldbuilding left a lot to be desired. Despite it having an expansive and complex world of magic, I felt I barely understood any of it after twenty episodes. Considering this magic system is important to character development, it should have been easier to understand and articulate to the audience. Additionally, the murky worldbuilding put up road block between organic character development. It felt like the characters stagnated or had to wait to move in a certain direction in order for the plot to catch up. To give credit where credit is due, the special effects and overall cinematography were beautifully executed and well shot. This show obviously had money and backing behind the production.

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Basically perfect

This is my first high fantasy Kdrama and I demand to know why there aren't more in this genre. Everything about this was perfect: the production values, script/story/dialogue, acting of the whole cast and chemistry between the leads, direction-- everything. I loved the deep world building and it truly felt like a deep, immersive experience.
The FMC was such a complicated character, which is rare to find in any TV show (anywhere in the world). Likewise, the MMC was complicated and imperfect, but that just made him feel more realistic and relatable. Loved them both as characters and will really miss them.
This is my first Drama with the ML and I sought out more of his work after watching this one, which is why I can say definitively that this is by far his best work. He was funny, vulnerable, stubborn, irritating, and wonderful.
I've seen the FL in other shows and she's legit fantastic in everything. Even if I didn't like a drama she starred in, she was still amazing and made it somewhat worth watching. I will watch everything she's in.
The chemistry between these two was insane.
WATCH IT!! Or save it for when you need a "sure thing."

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A Mesmerizing K-Drama Journey into the Heart and Beyond

Prepare to be whisked away into a realm of captivating mystique and emotional resonance with "Alchemy of Souls" Season 1, the latest gem in the world of K-drama. This masterpiece weaves together fantasy, romance, and intricate storytelling to deliver an enthralling experience that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final credits roll.

From the very first episode, I was transported into a world where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, much like the transformative process of alchemy itself. The narrative unfolds like a spellbinding incantation, taking us on a journey with characters whose destinies are interwoven with the threads of fate and magic.

Meet Jiwoo, a brilliant alchemist whose enigmatic aura draws us into the heart of the story. As we follow Jiwoo's trials and triumphs, we become emotionally invested in his individual struggle, much like the intricate stages of alchemical transmutation. His growth is beautifully portrayed, akin to watching the elements of his personality blend and evolve.

The chemistry between Jiwoo and Eunha, the ethereal enchantress, is palpable, akin to the fusion of elements that form the core of alchemical transformations. Their tender moments together are like the gentle alchemical reactions, while their intense scenes resonate like fiery reactions in the crucible of emotions.

"Alchemy of Souls" Season 1 is a treasure trove of heart-stopping moments, both romantic and dramatic. The fantasy world-building is a feast for the eyes, akin to witnessing the intricate instruments of alchemical laboratories come to life. Each setting feels meticulously crafted, transporting viewers to enchanting realms that mirror the protagonists' inner landscapes.

What truly sets "Alchemy of Souls" apart is its exploration of profound themes like destiny, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of souls. As Jiwoo and Eunha navigate these themes, the layers of storytelling are as intricate as the steps of an alchemical recipe, revealing hidden depths and hidden connections that resonate on both a personal and universal level.

As the season reaches its climax, mysteries unravel with the precision of an alchemical reaction reaching its zenith. Questions are answered, revelations surface, and characters are brought to crossroads that keep us eagerly awaiting the next season's alchemical concoction.

In conclusion, "Alchemy of Souls" Season 1 is an enchanting tapestry of emotions, fantasy, and spiritual exploration that is quintessentially K-drama at its finest. If you're seeking a series that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with heartfelt human stories, look no further. This K-drama leaves an imprint on the soul, much like the art of alchemy itself. 🌌🔮🎬

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Worthy of all the praises, but still missing some elements to make this perfect.

Subjective/Gut Rating; 8.75

I will add to the many praises that everyone has for “Alchemy of Souls”. It is indeed a great fantasy, action, romance drama. As a veteran C-drama watcher, the story isn’t hard for me to follow but I could see how some can be confused. This drama has all the elements to be a highly rated production. I have an enjoyable time watching this.

What I Like:
1. Top notch production - sets, costumes, CGI. I actually want to see more CGI.
2. Love the OST. Took me by surprise in the beginning with the English lyrics, but the melodies give me all the feels.
3. Veterans Yoo Joon Sang (Leader Park Jin) and Oh Na Ran (Maidservant Kim). These two are hilarious and I love their dynamics.
4. I was worried about the comedy in the beginning because I don’t want a rom-com. But I find that there are enough comedic moments sprinkled throughout the drama, but not enough to make this into a comedy.
5. Bromance - The four actors have very distinct personalities but when they have scenes together, they are funny and have great chemistry.
6. Lee Jae Wook - He is not my kind of handsome, but I enjoy his acting very much. He is still so young and definitely has a great future ahead. I can’t believe I’ve seen all his dramas except “Move to Heaven”.
7. Glad the romance storylines are done well and maturely, and not annoying with evil men/women.
8. Good pacing.


What I want more or with mixed feelings:
1. I want more fight scenes, not enough for an action drama. The few scenes they have are good but not long enough.
2. I wish they could showcase more of FL's badassness. There weren't enough flashback scenes when she's Naksu, and when she's MuDeok, she's a sidekick. I wanted them to show more of her wit, even if she's weak physically.
3. Missing the chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and Jung So Min. Jung So Min looks like an older sister to me. Maybe because I am aware of their real life age gap.
4. Jung So Min’s acting is a hit-or-miss. I know she’s a cold-hearted assassin and could be emotionless. But I see bored eyes instead of assassin eyes. Of course, this is very personal and I know many love her.
5. Hwang Min Hyun’s acting could have been better - borderline bland and decent. . He’s handsome though. Each time I look at him, I think he’s Cha Eun Woo and it takes my brain a few seconds to adjust. I think Cha Eun Woo has prettier eyes though


Completed: 1/26/2023

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