Alchemy of Souls

I watch parts 1 and 2 back to back. Like many, I was disappointed by the last two episodes of part one. That was simply because I wanted a happy story resolution. The writers could easily have done that but logically expanded the story to its next logical step. If I had to wait a season between parts, I would have been devastated. Fortunately I didn't have to do that, going straight to the second part. I was tremendously rewarded.

In total, there's 30 episodes, each running up to an hour and a half. That is a massive amount of story!!!

I'll keep it short. This series, even when viewed as a dub, is one of the best, if not the best (depending on the day) televised programs that I have ever been privileged to watch. The writing was incredibly well done. The world building was intricately developed. The acting was top notch. The production and music was excellent.

I can't recommend this more highly. Absolutely superb.

A magnificent fusion of adventure, fantasy, comedy and romance. Koreans, at their current rate, will dominate the world of entertainment in a very short time. Just stay away from the increasingly weakened and irritating contemporary Hollywood formula. If Netflix has any sense, it will only finance the projects, leaving the Koreans to do, with complete independence, the works that are increasingly delighting audiences around the world. In South Korea, artistic talents erupt in profusion, names like Park Eun-bin, Park Min-Young, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Gin are becoming easier to memorize in the western world every day. The screenwriters and directors demonstrate extreme competence in works that capture you from the very first chapters. Alchemy of Souls is no different, the beautiful and talented protagonist couple, Jung So-Min (Mu-Deok) and Lee Jae-Wook (Jang UK) get involved and involve the viewer in a story, which always leaves you wanting the next episode and who knows, a new season. Remembering that new seasons are very rare in the Korean industry.

Oh this series, I am in love with this. After long long time a Kdrama to get me hooked.

The best thing of this show is How interesting the character of Lee Jae - Wook's is. I mean you expect typical historical/ Joeson character but no, he is completely different with great comic timing and seriousness when its needed.

His flirting scenes with Mu Deok is so subtle.

One more thing to add here, apart from the good CGI and different story, is that unlike every other historical show there is no rush to make lead couple fall in love immediately. Its new take on historical show. They hate, they curse, they fight, there are moments between them. I like it.

Last but not the least, the female lead - Jung So Min's character is very strongly built and it is not getting faded in the course of romance. Loving it.

A little spoiler which is not spoiler at all - It is very funny to watch that everytime she wants to help him she puts both of them in danger.

Once in a while you come across a hidden jewel which outshines everything around. This is one of those gems which is par excellence. A must see, it has twists and turns, plots and sub plots, just when you think you've figured out the plot it goes into a totally unexpected dimension.

Don't understand a word of the language but the subtitles are very well done.

Moreover its got superb acting by all the main characters.

For me it's been the fantasy series of the year so far.

Squid Game, Tomorrow, Kingdom, Uncanny Counter, Sweet Home, All Of Us Are Dead, Hellbound, Arthdal Chronicles, Hotel del Luna, Yumi's Cells..

And the list goes on...

I am an avid kdrama fan and I love to watch the evolution Korean tv shows is having. They keep pushing their limits and they are giving us truly amazing jewels with the fictional dramas.

Im very used to historical dramas ( Sageuk) and I thought Alchemy of souls would be similar but with a touch of magic added to the mix ( something like Lovers of the Red Sky) but how wrong I was!

This is a completely new magical universe creating new order of things and a world of fantasy ( although somehow women still were the prostitutes/gisaengs here, and all the students and soldiers were male but I won't complain a lot)

I deeply enjoyed how well written the characters are, the layers and depth of each is just outstanding, needing to mention specially the crown prince (Shin Seung-ho ) whose constant internal struggle is just amazing to watch, he seemed the typical villain who is only mean and stubborn and is but was such a big surprise to getting to know him and seeing how he is so much more! I can't wait what comes next in the 2nd season.

Why you should watch it? This has no clichés and no predictable events, a very original script ( even the love confessions aren't typical here!), fantastic photography, special effects, costumes, fight choreography... and it has a lot of funny moments! This drama has so many genres you won't be able to get bored!

The music is good mixing some korean typical songs with some familiar elements that will remind you to Harry Potter and even Game of Thrones.

Chemistry of the main characters is great ( all the couples in general) And there's is only one dead fish kiss! Only one!! ( kdrama enthusiasts will understand what i mean)

Go and watch it if you haven't and start the countdown for December and the 2nd season!!