ALCHEMY OF SOULS 2 WORTH EVERY MILISECOND!!

First I'll express my disappointed after the announcement of Jung So Min ousting the FL role and being replaced by Go Yoon Jung. But all the perception changes after getting to episode 2 of season 2 (the highest so far). She's an excellent actor and deserves the role and I can already expect a lot from her. Season 1 was a hit of its own and probably the best Korean traditional drama I've watched followed by the likes of Ju Mong.

Into it, the story to begin with, is an excellent continuation and everything is explained since the end of season 1. It's three years into the future. I can't wait to see how everything unfolds between Jang UK(who still uses Naksu's sword) and Bu Yeon/Naksu.

The Casting is as perfect as season 1 and am more interested in Songrim's new leader Dang Gu to see how he leads and another change is the ever serious Park Jin in his new life after stepping down.( a joker but a serious one when seriuoness is needed). The acting is top notch thanks to dedicated actors and directors. The stunts are done so well, emotions expressed in way there could be no better way. You can't get a flaw in the acting. And I swear Jang UK is a different pleasure this season. A taste like no other. You love every scene he is in and you can't wait for when he next appears. But Yeon or Naksu's story is a wonder you need to see.

For the music from the OST, SFX and background music in AOS have never disappointed. The emotions and tense in scenes are well expressed. Top Notch.

Rewatch Value. I've been rewatching season 1 since it's last episode was released and I don't get tired of it. Into the second episode of season 2 and dearest you'll keep going back to start from episode 1 everytime you have a pinch of free time.

Overally I reated season 1 as a 9.5/10 and 10/10 for season 2 so far. It is well deserved though. If you want to watch something worth your time this is the right show to watch starting from season 1. I really can't wait a week for episode 3, WHAT A SHOW!!!

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10/10

Let's for once not argue points, nor explain anything and give this show a 10/10. I had it on hold for so long but when I decided to watch, I wasn't disappointed.

I got to be reminded of the Nirvana in Fire vibe as much as possible. Romance and playful FLs aside... minimized to the least, let's breathe to that. Mature characters and omg I love the actors and the story.

Though I think the SFX department would have done better for the fight scenes like in Alchemy of Souls or Island 2022. But to the OST and music department I loved the main theme song and the episode ending song. WOW!!

Last disappointment is the random cutting of an episodes last second. Who did that editing and who reviewed their work?? When you cut an episode you get an intense scene that will create the required suspense and will to walk into the next episode.

Generally a good piece of story, costume, character and fantasy no one would want to miss out. Go ahead!!

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BEST HAVE A TRY!!

After Alchemy of Souls Season one and two, I was so much in denial that no supernatural fantasy dramas were as interesting (Due to the high quality standards set by AOS). But look what I found!!

Island season one is worth more hype than it's getting and am wondering why the many negative reviews. The Casting is so perfect and handsome as well as beautiful. Van is so handsome and the priest Chan hyeok. They deserve their roles. Let's not talk about Won Min Ho. Such a perfect fine lady for her role, its destiny. She's magical, so beautiful. no more words. Last thing for the cast is how perfect they portray their emotions. Won Min Ho will really make you cry or laugh for that matter.

I've just finished season one and I quite like the story as well. Though am not for the part that Min Ho hasn't managed to awaken through to the last episode. I think that would have been a better way of closing the season as she awakens. But I quite like the ending suspense and the fact that I didn't expect it that way makes the writers less predictable.

Another thing I need to praise is the production. I hope it's not my obsession with dragon studios after they featured in AOS. But it's worth the praise for real. The cinematography, the CGI, the SFX and the music both OST and ending theme songs are meant for just such a drama. The intensity created by the sounds awaken the nerves.

For the rewatch Value, aaah it's there, yes, but not that much. I enjoyed watching first time but I struggle to repeat. I don't find the passion to rewatch nor find some missing clues that I may have overlooked(well that probably because there aren't any hidden clues) that makes the story boring to some extent. I like when a drama makes me think about what I may have missed in the plot, or just make me think outside the box.

That said I'll keep my review as short as that and encourage any reader to watch. it's worth the time. So go for it.

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WHAT CAN I EVEN SAY. ABSOLUTE BUSTER!!

I'll begin with the story and tbh I feared it'll be disappointing when the ML, Jinghe Murong, stood in the bath tub. I knew he'll finally stand but I didn't expect it to be on the first episode. I started growing into the story and finally it was the most perfect thing to do after viewing the latter episodes. I'm very eager to see the next episode after every episode. I want to see how this revenge plot goes and how the leads unravel their path to love and romance if they get there and also their adventures and how they solve the critical moments and obstacles that will surely come. Smart story though not the smartest I've seen in C-dramas like Who rules the world, Sword Snow Stride, Joy of Life, just to mention 3. But still deserves a 9.5 rating as at episode 14. I pity the 2nd ML and FL though.

On acting/casting, do I even need to say anything. The characters are irreplaceable from the actors. It's call owning your character. Definitely a 10/10. The second ML and FL are just disadvantaged by the storyline of their characters.
Music is a 10/10. Carries all the emotion. The OST and the soundtracks are definitely awesome. You'll cry if you listen closely in the sad scenes and you'll be aroused in the happy moments.
Rewatch value is 10/10. You'll watch 1000x and not get bored. The story seems new every time.
Overall 9.5/10.

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SIMP OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO...

As much as I liked the drama and the actors, I couldn't help but get nagged by the role of Tushan Jing. Man was simping all the way throughout the drama. I had to fast forward most of his scenes to avoid the lagging storyline that went around him.

Would still recommend anyone to watch but expect some disappointment from Tushan Jing if your taste for drama is as good as mine.

Xiao Yao was excellent, the costumes were excellent, the casting was excellent, the OST was even better. Tushan Jing was the simp of the year winner, and he was foolish as well, who couldn't notice Yiying was hiding something all along.

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YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED SOMETHING AS WORTHY AS THIS BEFORE.

Well as the headline says, you probably haven't watched a drama so worthy of your time, energy and resources as this one. I had rated a 9.5/10 before I watched season 2 because I feared the Hong sisters would disappoint me in the next season. But today, after watching the finale of season 2 yesterday 08 Jan 2023, I came to correct my rating and award it a 10/10.

I'll start with the story, and there's no story so perfect and unique as the one in the Alchemy of Souls. What a transition, and a quick one, from Jang UK a powerless reject that could not practice magic to a man that was fastest to reach Tansu and later the highest level of Hwansu. And the parallel transition of a high reputation Naksu to a feeble Mu Deok and the love story between the master and student. I won't spoil a lot you need to watch if you haven't. And the suspense at the end of each episode is worth a mention. You'll die to see what happens next. Very unpredictable making it a top notch.

Acting/casting. Whoever chose the cast should probably cast all dramas we would like to watch. So perfect that actors actually become the characters to an extent you won't imagine anyone better for the role. Such casting I've only seen in western series like The Game of Thrones, The House of the Dragon, and in Asian dramas like Who Rules the World, Zhao Yao the Legends 2019, Ju Mong, and some more of others. Lee Jae Wook as the male lead Jang UK is the most beautiful thing you're going to see onscreen, very tender no matter the situation. And Jung So Min as Mudeok is the prettiest woman you'll ever see staring at you. OMG I love the way she stares. Makes me wanna be Jang UK. Some moments of the show will haunt you forever like Uk's surprise, Mudeok's stare, Jin Mu's smile, Maidservant Kim's voice and tenderness, Jin But Yeon's smile and stare as well, Park Jin's seriousness, the fight scenes, the dialogues.

Up next is Music. You'll fall in love with the OST and the SFX. And guess who sings the ending theme song? The answer is Lia and I swear that song was for the show and vice versa. You'll love, cry, blush, your heart will race at the scenes the song is used. For the OST it's the best that could be made for the drama. Pure instrumental, no vocals. The SFX at the battle scenes and intense scenes will make anyone go crazy clutching tightly on whatever is near and at the edge of your seat. The same applies for calm and tender scene, the SFX will make you wish for a few additional seconds. Such perfect musical scores I've only seen in a few dramas like Royal Nirvana, Nirvana in Fire, and the western Game of Thrones music by Ramin Djawadi and other composers like Hans Zimmer.

Rewatch Value. Now this is something am not supposed to explain. As I've done with the above aspects, it's clear that this is a show you will want to rewatch infinite times. You'll never get of redoing this show and it gets addictive even though you know what's coming. Like right before I started this review I was on episode 4 of season one. This I think is the 9th time am redoing season 1. I don't want to believe am leaving this cast and story and world.

To wind up. A question of if you've ever wanted to write something onscreen or if a show has ever made you wish you could. AOS has made wish I could write a story onscreen. I am gonna miss this show and I don't wanna get sentimental. So I'll stop here wishing you all the best moments and I envy those that haven't watched it yet because you still have an unfolded world right in your grasp. For those that we've finished let's hope to see our cast once again in a traditional drama. See you soon and remember to get a Jin Mu smile for yourself.

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ZHANG RUOYUN!!!!!!

Before I say anything I would love to know if Zhang Ruoyun is actually a genius in real life. This is the third drama am watching him (After 1. Joy of Life 2. Sparrow) and he's still not disappointing. And why is he always a genius when I meet him. It's too early to review after just 4 episodes but 4/14 is a percentage and with such a drama every moment is worth it.

1. STORY
I wont say much because I don't want to spoil for the ones that haven't started. So I'll generalize and say it's a wonderful story in a wonderful world about a mathematical genius in those historic times. And so far so good on that part, no disappointment in the scripts. I wonder how rich he would have been if it was actually someone living among us in our current world with these betting stuff and lotteries. It's a story worth your time, so if you haven't, then better go ahead.

2. CAST
This part they really got me. Ruoyun(ML also in Joy of Life and Sparrow), sentiments aside, was the only best person to take on this role. He does it so well and as I said, he actually looks like the genius he plays. I wouldn't imagine anyone else in this role but maybe Yang Yang (ML in Who Rules the World) would have given it a meaning but in this case he can't beat Ruoyun.
Next perfect placing was the second ML(Also second ML in Lost in the Kunlun Mountains). I watched him last just recently and he's a top notch actor. He's always beside top talents 1. Xu Kai in 2022's Lost in the Kunlun Mountains 2. Zhang Ruoyun in 2016's Joy of Life. and now once again with Ruoyun for the second time am watching them together. He should quit acting acting and become a head of police or a huge business person (Lol, just joking, he has that face).
Over to Wu Gang who also am watching second time together with Ruoyun after Joy of Life. This 'old' man is a talent and he does so great as a villain. I wonder what he would look like if we met on the road. Scary? He reminds of Jin Mu in 2022's KDrama Alchemy of souls.
**This casting was so good and having such three high profile actors would be beneficial to any set-piece.**

MUSIC
The OST is great, not too much noise with vocals and personally I like it that way. The OST carries you into the episode and prepares your brain on what you're about to watch and the world you're about to enter. I liked the same from Princess Silver, Sparrow, Royal Nirvana, Nirvana in Fire, Game of Thrones, Westworld, HOTD and a few more(On the Hollywood side, not Asian), Martial Universe, Legend of the Phoenix, …
Not too much of SFX and it's great where used.

REWATCH VALUE
So far so good, the 4 episodes are rewatchable but early to determine if the rest will be up to standard which I hope they will be.

OVERALL
A must watch if you love historical dramas. Good acting and production. Good story. Let's meet when it ends. Happy watching till then.

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