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Here comes our review for the beloved hit Netflix fantasy k-drama Alchemy of Souls starring the incredible Lee Jaewook and Jung Somin with the help of an incredibly talented supporting cast. I am writing a review for the first season of Alchemy of Souls after finishing both seasons and all I can say is that I was smart for only watching it now – I knew so well that I’d love it so much and that I wouldn’t know what to do with my life after I’m done with it. Seriously though, this show had me hooked and wrapped around its little finger and although I’m sure everyone knows how popular it is or has already watched it as it was airing, I’m happy to finally be able to share my thoughts on this really well-done high fantasy. From the story, special effects, OST all the way to the insanely good cast and Lee Jaewook being the morally gray hero we all needed in our lives, Alchemy of Souls delivered on so many levels so let’s review. From MyDramaList: Set in a fictional country called Daeho that does not exist in history or on maps, it is about the love and growth of young mages as they overcome their twisted fates due to a forbidden magic spell known as the “alchemy of souls”, which allows souls to switch bodies. It follows the story of an elite assassin named Naksu, whose soul is accidentally trapped inside the weak body of Mu Deok—Jang Uk’s servant from a powerful and noble mage family in the country. The young master of the Jang Family, Jang Uk, holds a dark secret about his scandalous birth. He wants the formidable assassin to help change his destiny. 
First of all, Alchemy of Souls has such a good cast. Lee Jaewook as our lead hero Jung Uk and Jung Somin as the vicious but secretly soft hearted Mu Deok/Naksu were such a powerful duo and I loved their chemistry a lot. I like that, because the drama has 20 episodes, both of them managed to have such a vividly present character development on many different levels and it was so interesting seeing how their relationship changes over the course of time. They influenced each other so much and it was fantastic seeing what their characters were like by the end of the drama simply because of this fact. They are both incredibly talented and they managed to portray these characters perfectly. I enjoyed their acting so much. Another thing I’d like to highlight is something that I wasn’t even aware was bothering me until last year, and that is the fact that some actors simply don’t have voices that would make you believe them. It was also apparent when I was watching this because Lee Jaewook has such a clear and believable voice that makes you enjoy his characters even more. It especially shines during his emotional scenes because he makes you feel like you’re watching Mr. Darcy in a fantasy setting sometimes. The array of supporting characters were just as enjoyable! Even though we technically have two leads, there are so many characters in the drama that also have their own stories, their own struggles, friendships, character development and purpose. Hwang Minhyun’s Seo Yul, Yoo Insoo’s Dang Gu, Shin Seungo’s Prince Go Won, Arin’s Cho Yeon leading the younger cast was the best possible choice of the directors. I loved all of them and the way they brought these characters to life, especially the ever so talented and underrated Shin Seungho as the conflicted Crown Prince. I loved his character and I think he brought the constant push-and-pull between things he should be doing and things he feels are right so vividly. I appreciate that so many of them have this morally ambiguous side to them because that always makes so much more sense in life in general. I also loved Yoo Joonsang as Park Jin and the lovely Oh Nara as Kim Do Ju – those are my parents (real). 
The plot is definitely complex and it keeps getting more and more complicated and intertwined as the time passes but it’s done in a way that you can absolutely follow and understand. Because it’s also often mysterious, it brings a layer of enjoyment in the aspect that you keep guessing what will happen next, who is who, and what is actually connecting all of these characters and their destinies. I wasn’t too crazy about to slight love triangle but it was also done nicely, more leaning on the I will protect you with my life side than anything dramatic or jealous-like. The drama also has such a great amount of friendship and family themes being incorporated into the fantasy story and I really loved the way the main friendship trio always supported one another and Mu Deok as well. Prince Go Won was such a fun addition to this squad in whatever capacity he was being allowed to and they brought so much joy to my screen. Of course, the drama doesn’t lack the villains and Jo Jaeyoon did his job as Jin Mu here because dear God… if I took a shot every time he got my blood pressure rising, I would’ve been dead from alcohol poisoning halfway through the drama. I hope he got paid well because he was doing everything and more as this god forsaken character. Logically, the drama brings a lot of emotions, conflicted feelings, some miscommunication tropes along the way but in the end, I feel like it wraps things up well. Knowing there would a second season, I wasn’t disappointed by the ending at all and actually think it was an inevitable thing for the plot to progress and for things to take their final shape. It also works in the direction of Jang Uk’s character development and his overall story a lot – although it’s painful. Alchemy of Souls was entertaining, filled with great acting, chemistry and a story that was exciting to follow. The CGI was done so well as well and while the world-building is definitely missing, a lot of aspects of the story get explained the further you go into the drama which I appreciated. There were some minor flaws that didn’t work for me, but all in all, those 20 episodes flew by and they’re a testimony of their own – when you have a good developed story and characters 20 episodes will never feel like dragging it out. Alchemy of Souls season 1 gets a 8.75/10 from me and I’d gladly watch it again! |