This review may contain spoilers
A Lighthearted Fantasy That Captures Its Own Magic
"Comparison is the thief of Joy"My rating is based on how much I personally enjoyed the show and the tone it was going for, a romantic comedy fantasy. While I do consider aspects like acting and cinematography, I'm simply rating the show by how well it captures the vibe it aims to deliver.
Plot (9.5/10):
Alchemy of Souls is a good romance K-drama that plays with the “underdog student meets master assassin” trope. At the time of its release, this was, as far as I know, a new or rare concept in K-drama storytelling.
It follows tropes and plotlines more commonly seen in novels, manga, manhwa, and similar media, but rarely in K-dramas.
Acting & Characters (9.5/10):
The acting leans more toward a lighthearted, rom-com vibe most of the time, so my rating is based on how well the cast delivered that tone. However, when the plot calls for a more serious moment, the actors handle it really well. Both the main characters and the supporting cast are fun to watch and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with on screen.
Production, VFX, and others (9.5/10):
The story takes place in a fictional land with inspiration from historical Korea. It’s not the first K-drama to use that kind of setting, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest to look at. The scenery, set designs, costumes, and overall vibe are big factors that make the show so enjoyable. The visual effects blend well with the story and setting.
The OST is pretty cool too. The song “Scars Leave Beautiful Trace” by 카더가든 (Car, the garden) is definitely a song that deserves a spot on my playlist and is a must-listen. It was also used in a really funny way in episode 12, which makes that scene a must-see.
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