Alchemy of Souls: Part 2 (2022)

Muito bom, mas o roteiro decepciona um pouco...

Eu não fiz uma resenha da parte 1 de Alchemy, mas vou fazer da parte 2 para deixar registrado.

Primeiro, queria dizer eu estava bem empolgada para essa temporada. Em momento algum a mudança de atriz me desanimou - pelo contrário, achei interessante e fiquei curiosa pra saber o que ia dar.

Eu gostei da temporada, assim como gostei do drama no geral. Porém, queria entender porque os K-dramas gostam de enrolar tanto!

Isso é algo que também reparei na primeira temporada, mas nessa foi mais. Muitos vezes só acontecia algo muito chocante e que interferiria diretamente na história no final do episódio. Aí você espera que a história ande no próximo...e nada. E aí você espera pelo próximo...e fica nesse ciclo.

Não que eu não tenha gostado dos episódios - gostei da maioria deles - mas sentia falta de mais ação às vezes, por se tratar de um drama de fantasia. Acho que isso foi o que mais me irritou durante todo o drama. No final, até estava sem paciência e queria que acabasse, não aguentava mais o Jin Mu infernizando tudo e todos. E também, não considero Jin Mu um bom vilão, se pensar em relação à construção de personagem. Ele só é insuportável. O que não necessariamente é ruim também, mas histórias que têm vilões bem construídos costumam chamar mais minha atenção.

Sobre a Naksu: sei que muita gente ficou revoltada porque a Naksu não voltou a lutar. Em parte, entendo isso, era interessante ver uma personagem assim. Porém, entendo que a Cho Yeong nunca quis ser uma assassina. A personagem que conhecemos no primeiro episódio da primeira temporada era uma sobrevivente, que sofreu demais nas mãos de Jin Mu. Depois, Naksu viveu muitas coisas, e é óbvio que ela não seria a mesma pessoa. Eu gostei disso, apesar de ter me irritado com a Cho Yeong correndo atrás do Uk durante o drama.

Senti falta de alguns arcos serem mais aproveitados nessa temporada. Como a Srta. Jin e Dang Gu, ou até mais destaque para Seo Yul. Quanta à médica, neta do Mestre Heo, achei um mega desperdício. A personagem virou uma chata que só estava lá pra perturbar. Pode não ter sido 100% desperdício pois em certo momento a trama encaminha por causa dela, mas enfim... fiquei indignada.

Eu gostei do episódio final, porque depois de tanto sofrimento, só queria um final feliz.

Entendo que até o momento parece que só estou falando mal do drama, mas eu gostei bastante de assistir. O elenco é incrível. O CGI é muito bom. As atuações são maravilhosas. O drama é muito bem produzido. Os figurinos e cenários são impecáveis. A história é boa e interessante. No meu caso, só o desenvolvimento da mesma que não me agradou tanto em alguns aspectos.

No fim, acho que o que mais marcou foram os personagens, em especial Jang Uk e Cho Yeong.

Jang Uk é um personagem que passou por muitas coisas. Ver sua evolução desde a primeira temporada foi muito bom. Gosto muito dele e Lee Jae Wook fez um ótimo trabalho retratando o mesmo.

Cho Yeong para mim é o grande destaque de Alchemy of Souls. Uma personagem complexa e cativante. Fiquei muito contente dela ter tido o seu final feliz e poder viver como ela mesma, pela primeira vez (mesmo que as pessoas não saibam seu verdadeiro nome). Jung So Min e Go Youn Jung fizeram um incrível trabalho ao interpretar essa personagem.

Queria destacar a música "Scars leave beautiful trace" , que tem uma das letras mais lindas que já vi, que combina perfeitamente com o drama. Uma música épica.

Enfim, é isso. Eu gostei muito de ter assistido Alchemy of Souls, mesmo com essas ressalvas.

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Absolutely Incredible, what a freaking ride

Hands down one of the best dramas I have ever watched. I do truly understand why there is so much hate for season 2, and it took a lot of reflection for me to not only come to terms with the way the Hong Sisters decided to execute this season, but also to learn to appreciate the beauty of the choices they made in Jang Uk’s and Naksu’s love story. No joke, 10 minutes into the last episode, I was sprawled on the floor crying my little heart out because this show has tugged on my heartstrings so so much. One of the most beautiful conclusions in Dramaland and the best conclusion I could’ve hoped for with their story. Sure, it had flaws, but I’m willing to overlook them and instead focus on all of the things that were executed so beautifully, especially the “1 year later” epilogue. My little hopeless romantic heart was so happy with those last 10 minutes of the show haha. I genuinely cannot recommend this whole series enough, and all I want to say is for everyone to go into this season especially with an open mind despite the negative opinions.

PS: I challenge you to find a more rewatchable drama than this one

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A great second season with a different Fil.

When I started this show, I had no idea that Go Youn Jung was going to be the new lead, And I'm glad they did it. I was hoping they'd do it as well since this really hasn't been done before.

What can I say? As good as the first season which is rare and they pulled of having a new female lead very well.

Go Youn Jung was just incredible, Both her and Jung So min did so well with the same character and I don't know who I like more.

I do think this story was a little weaker than the first season but other than that, An Incredible end to a great show.

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Destiny at its finest

I was a little scared coming to this season and have so many doubts about if they will be able to make something good knowing the FL was going to change. My biggest question was that i didn't know how the writting could go in a way that makes sense and also get a happy ending.

Omg they didn't dissapoint. In the first two episodes what happened to Mudeok/Naksu gets explained and all makes sense (Of course in a world of magic).

Go Youn Jung is amazing in her role, she even gets the same manners and gestures that Somin put on Naksu in season 1, the looks and the fun actitude wich gets clearer when he meets the eunuch/Go Won lol. They banter is as great as in the first season.

My boy Jang Uk being the most powerful mage of all them... oh my! Lee Jae Wook performance was good in season 1 but here is even better. There is so many good moments: Seeing him in the first episode with naksu sword (I almost cry when i saw it) that flashback when Park Jin is telling he shouldn't had been born, how he cries, how he doesn't even care because the person he swear to protect is no longer with him and the most important one when Park Jin goes to Cheonbugwan and said to Uk that Songrim support him and his decision about Jin Mu. How significant is this moment and how much i love it. After all this time, after all he had to endure and sacrifice, his, basically, surrogate father say everything he wanted to hear.

Important to mention all of Jang Uk fantastic entrances specially when the Cheonbugwan mages are going to kill Seo. Badass is not enough for him.

But lets get on our OTP: from the beguining they notice something, specially Jang Uk was so lost because everything was telling him she was his love but it wasn't really her. When both gets to know the truth how they are willing to sacrifice her and their love for the greater good. Heartbreaking.

The fight of Jang Uk with the bird of fire give us the best parallel with Naksu fight in the first season. The start and the end, as it was both their destiny.

To end this review, the happy ending is everything good in this world :).

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WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

I DID'T EXPECT THIS! I started season 2 with a broken heart from season one, and honestly, I thought it was gonna be a sad ending. BUT IT WASN'T! I am so happyyy! So, let's start. This drama wasn't just a drama, it was my comfort, my sadness and my happiness. Jang uk is the literally definition of true love and it just set my standarts so high. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt when he expressed the love and when I would seenthem happy together. As I said, I was mentally prepared for a sad ending, so I was a little taken back by the happy one, but it was so worth it. The actors looked so good and not to start with the acting and the CGI! (or how it's the name) . The whole serie was a big plot twist. I honestly hated the crown prince bcs I thought it was on Jin Mu's side, but I'm grateful I was wrong. What more can I say then just GO WATCH IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Flawed/rushed but still beautiful and unforgettable

Story:
Apart from the flaws mentioned below, the story was pretty good, if you understood it and kept an open-mind that this was a story about Fate, Divinity and Fantasy. Still alot better than many other good dramas in the past few years.

Some flaws/dislikes:
-Flashbacks should have used more Jung So Min scenes, especially the more memorable (critical) scenes. (e.g. the wedding scene should have included flashbacks of when Jang Uk & Naksu first met in the inn , and also when Naksu decided to finally give up regaining her power and sheath her sword)

-Agree with most that the last episode seems very rushed and anticlimatic. Too many things happening in one episode.

-Story seems to have changed last minute and was still ongoing changes while filming was ongoing. Probably due to production team realizing they needed to extend more episodes and Jung So Min unable to extend her contract. One big issue I noticed was Jin Seol-ran/Bu Yeon's soul remaining in the body. Jin Seol-ran's soul remaining in the Ice Stone was only introduced in LnS, plus the fact that Master Lee early on in LnS specifically said that reviving Bu Yeon's body requires Naksu's soul and Bu Yeon's soul will have to be ejected and lost forever, yet this all changed quickly in the middle episodes. Seems it was added in for the tearjerker and to emphasize the "Light and Shadow" theme. (also felt Master Lee's speech wasn't as "impactful"). Another was Seo Yul exclaiming about Naksu's soul during the 7 star thing. (Shouldn't Naksu have already left Bu Yeon's body?)

-Amnesia arc was definitely too long and draggy. But with the Jin Seol-ran soul reason, it became a necessity.


Acting/Cast:
Only change in cast from AoS was Go Young Jung. Felt she did well and was very expressive for a rookie actress. The change from bubbly to the more serious "old Naksu" as she remembers who she was, was good and noticeable.
-0.5 as she was not able to re-produce Jung So Min's deathstare/glare even after regaining her memories.
Lee Jae Wook also did extremely well portraying the change in Jang Uk. Not sure why some people felot it was "flat".


Music:
I have always believed that OSTs are incredibly important for a drama. The quality itself and the time placement.
Having excellent OSTs make a drama so much more unforgettable and immersive.
Continuing from Alchemy of Souls, Light and Shadow did not fail to give such an experience.
Especially to 2 new main tracks: Lia's Blue Flower and Ailee's I'm Sorry
Admittedly, I start watching AoS after watching an MV of Lia's Blue Flower.
Comparatively, my top drama for music is still Hotel Del Luna's, with AoS/AoS:LnS a close second.

(Anyone who sees this and knows what track was played after Jang Uk destroys the tracking thread and he visits Bu Yeon, please do let me know. Did not find it anywhere, so it seems to have been forgotten and they did not release it)

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An Enchanting Dance of Destiny

"Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" continues to cast its spell with an exquisite blend of mysticism, romance, and profound revelations. This season takes the captivating narrative to dazzling new heights, delving into the depths of light and shadow that lie within the human soul.

Expanding the Enchanting Universe:
In this season, the intricate world-building takes center stage, introducing us to uncharted realms that shimmer with awe-inspiring magic. The visual craftsmanship seamlessly blends with the narrative, creating a tapestry of enchanting locales that evoke wonder at every turn.

Characters Evolving in Complexity:
The characters we've come to love evolve even further, facing their darkest fears and embracing their hidden strengths. Their journeys are a symphony of growth, making the viewers feel intimately connected to their struggles, joys, and triumphs. The chemistry between the leads sparks with intensified passion, tugging at heartstrings and ensnaring emotions.

A Ballet of Light and Shadow:
The thematic exploration of light and shadow, both literally and metaphorically, adds profound depth to the narrative. As the characters navigate through the complexities of their own souls and the world around them, the allegory resonates on a deeply personal level, prompting viewers to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery.

Plot Twists That Keep You Guessing:
"Alchemy of Souls Season 2" expertly balances its intricate narrative with unexpected plot twists that keep viewers guessing. The element of surprise is woven seamlessly into the storyline, making each episode a tantalizing piece of a puzzle that invites speculation and anticipation.

Visual Splendor and Emotive Score:
The visual feast continues, with each frame a work of art that draws you into its magic. The scenic landscapes, intricate costumes, and mesmerizing effects create a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The hauntingly emotive score heightens the impact of every scene, amplifying the emotions and adding layers to the storytelling.

In conclusion, "Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" is a mesmerizing continuation of a series that has firmly cemented its place in the pantheon of fantasy dramas. Its impeccable blend of world-building, character development, thematic depth, and unforeseen twists creates a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the final episode. This season is a testament to the power of imagination and human connection, reminding us that the dance between light and shadow is what truly makes life extraordinary.

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O melhor é a cinematografia.

Estou nesse exato momento escrevendo escutando scars leave beautiful trace e querendo CHORAR.
Essa OST marcou MUITO e vou me arrepiar toda vez que escuta-la de novo e de novo.
Eu amei a segunda parte de verdade, mas acho que senti uma conexão maior com a somin como mudeok, acredito que por ter passado mais episódios com a atriz e ela interpretando a naksu por mais tempo me senti mais conectada mas a atriz que fez a naksu mesmo foi incrível, como ela interpretou a personagem e a personalidade, até a maneira de falar da mudeok como naksu me lembrava muito várias vezes. As duas fizeram um trabalho INCRÍVEL e devem muitos ser parabenizados pelo talento que foi mostrado no drama. O nosso querido Jang uk, ele conquistou meu coração e já quero assistir dramas com ele, fez um ótimo papel sendo amoroso na primeira parte e na segunda de luto e querendo matar todo mundo que particularmente eu amei. Inclusive eu ia falar da bu Yeon que teve uma vida triste mas era a seol ran o tempo todo e fiquei tão feliz que ela deixou a naksu no corpo da "bu Yeon" e com os poderes divinos, a naksu sofreu muito e mereceu seu final feliz. Fiquei tão feliz de vê-los juntos, apesar de amar a mudeok e saber que ela era a naksu eles mereciam TANTO esse final pra eles. E aos outros personagens, a Cho Yeon e o dang gu meus lindos DEMAIS e que mereciam muito ser felizes. Queria muito que tivesse passado pelo menos com quem o príncipe herdeiro iria ficar, amei muito o personagem dele, inclusive o bromance dele com o Jang uk, super divertido e me deu boas risadas. Uma coisa sobre o drama que preciso elogiar é justamente essa linha tênue entre a comédia e o drama, conseguiram trabalhar muito bem! O seo yul encontrou o lugar dele e espero que encontre um amor logo! O fim do park Jin e criada Kim LINDOS MEU CASAL depois de tudo que sofreram e ainda me fizeram sofrer ??
Não vou conseguir falar de todos os personagens mas eles conseguiram complementar o drama incrivelmente (Mestre Lee todos nós te amamos!!!!!), trabalharam tão duro, o pessoal da equipe por trás, diretores, roteiristas. Alchemy merece muito sucesso. Apesar de eu ter amado a história eu me apaixonei ainda mais pela cinematografia e fotografia do drama que são as coisas mais lindas, apesar de ser fantasia sempre é muito difícil executar pra que fique de uma maneira natural e a Coreia mostrou que conseguiu fazer muito bem isso (Goblin, hotel del Luna e island agora estão aí pra mostrar isso) e alchemy mostrou muita excelência, desde os adereços aos menores componentes. Senti falta de mais efeitos na segunda parte, ficou tudo muito pro final mas eu amei muito tudo, foi espetacular de assistir. E virou meu favorito por causa da história e da cinematografia. Muito feliz com o final principalmente (apesar de que quando o final é feliz sempre queremos mais).

Com grandes poderes, vêm grandes responsabilidades ganhou mais de um significado agora.

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I Enjoyed More Than S1

Hear me out: My issue with S1 was there was so much fluff. They went 20 episodes in what could have been 10, and they proved that with S2.

The story to me is essentially a remake of S1. Yes, it is technically a continuation, but the overall love story and outcome is the same, but without all of the time filling nonsense. I read some reviews where they complained about the two lead love story and how quickly he got over Mu Deok, but if you pay attention to the story, you'd see that it's a sense of familiarity vs "here's someone new. I like her". My biggest gripe of S2 is how rushed the last episode was. Here you have these one hour-one and a half hour long episodes, and they waited until the last one to try to close everything. It was silly and unnecessary and made me meh the ending instead of fully enjoying it.

The casting is GREAT! Yes, it is unfortunate the entire cast couldn't return, but Go Yoon Jung really stepped up to the plate and I felt her chemistry with Lee Jae Wook was so much more natural and convincing then his chemistry with Jung So Min in S1.

The OST was of course fitting for the drama, catchy, and memorable. It tugged at your heart strings at the end of each episodes and made you belt out the lyrics while you quickly skipped the countdown for the next episode.

I would give this drama a rewatch on a cleaning day or something like that. I can't say I'd consistently rewatch it outside or a wanting something on in the background scenario.

Overall, I enjoyed S2. There were some plot holes, and to me, it really seemed like a condensed remake of S1, but it made the execution better in my opinion. It's worth a watch if you enjoyed S1 but felt like something was missing.

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Eager start, underwhelming end

Watch with lower expectations for this second half. An enjoyable watch with great bromance, impressive animations and usual plot progression. It is not as filled with filler episodes as the first season.

Now the following is my rant (spoiler), and warning to those who expect more out of Naksu's character in this season

I came into this second part ready to be equally impressed as the story went forth. The characters, the world, the plot was all laid out and I was excited for what it would bring.

I was also eager to see how the original Naksu actress would showcase the character we so enjoyed watching played by Jung Somin

...and I was disappointed. I feel like while we got the satisfying story end, and decent plot progression, the sole reason many, like myself, started this drama, namely Naksu's complex and strong character, just disappeared.

After 7 painstaking episodes, and telling myself it's because she lacks those memories, I received a Knight in Shining Armor trope and disappointing transiting to Naksu's character. The ending chaos or Part 1 was the last I would ever see of Naksu's character in action.

I loved learning about her outside of that assassin persona, but I yearned for her strength and courage to come forth. Alas....I got the same trope the writers of this drama use again and again with their previous works. To explain it, all I got was a short explanation at the end...sigh

I give it an 8 for the bickering I definitely enjoyed and its build up from its predecessor. But as for impressive...I think only Part 1 managed to charm me and keep me going :/

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A bit downgrade from season 1, but still a good show.

The season two consists just 10 episodes, picking up what's left in season one. Three years had passed and our protagonist Jang-uk now became a soul-shifter hunter. He lived thanks to the ice stone inside his body. Ho-gyeong secretly retrieved Mu-deok's lifeless body, and with the help of Master Lee, they succeeded to resurrect her. However, she lost her memories. Jin-mu planned a new scheme to take control of the ice stone, now planning to use the fire bird relic stored in Jinyowon.
All the actors/tresses from previous season returned for the show, so their acting quality was as expected.
The soundtracks were good, though i personally prefer the first season's.
Perhaps only two things i will rant about, as the major downgrade from season one. First, the writing. For a ten episode show, i expected it to be faster pace & denser. But here, things only heated after episode five. The first half told us the problem of Jang-uk & Jin Bu-yeon aka Naksu aka Mu-deok (whatever name you like to call her) fake marital status. Occasionally, we saw silly comedic moments of Park Jin & Madam Kim. Well, not so much to tell from ep 1 to 5 which is sad. Also a questionable plot: Master Lee was able to resurrect Mu-deok/Bu-yeon/Naksu back without the ice stone. That didn't make sense. Even Jang-gang needed to use it & that's what make the ice stone so special.
Second, the fighting scenes. There's no single memorable fighting scenes in this one, unlike the first season. Possessed the ice stone inside his body, now Jang-uk was practically invincible, much like Superman. Waving his sword here & there, and the battle was over in seconds. Even the final battle against the fire bird wasn't exciting at all.
Perhaps, best moment was the 100% happy ending, which i feel isn't necessary. Come on, sometimes we need a bit of tragedies for the protagonist's side. Show the antagonists some love! But, yeah they decided to make everyone live, only the poor So-i had to die.. alone. LoL.
My rating for this one is 8,5 to 8,7. Season one deserves a 9.

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