greengrass

i scarcely ever come to the comment sections of dramas on MDL anymore, but i wanted to give a cursory glance of this one to see if alchemy of souls was worth watching and happened across your comments! i just wanted to say i am so appreciative of the critical and analytic perspective of your comments. i’ve noticed these spaces are hardly receptive to criticisms and i’ve found the kdrama subreddit to be much more conducive to long form analyses and would suggest giving that space a try, to see if its to your liking! you would be bringing a refreshing outlook to the subreddit!

i’ve seen that trope/plot device used as a cop-out by writers in place of meaningful, thought-provoking writing (most notably in the penthouse) so i understand people’s reservations. but if there’s anything this drama has taught us (thus far) is that it subverts the conventions of these tropes, as well as our expectations—i’m hoping, in this case, it’ll be a refreshing take on this trope/plot device.

the narrower aspect ratio also struck me from the get go; a literal glimpse into the past!

Ahhhh, probably my least favourite episode to date (of this drama). It seemed to function almost entirely on secondhand embarrassment (which felt out of place & of which I am not a big fan of!). As always the ending was riveting and I did enjoy some moments throughout!

lmao! I was so enamoured with Kim Dong Wook’s acting that I’m also watching The Guest even though I dislike horror (I’m enjoying it immensely also).

I loved the “I am in trouble” line too! Especially given the fact that like, we know virtually nothing about his past. I’m a lil smitten with this drama ngl...

comparing it to a car accident, how he says everything in layman’s terms...just another aspect of his character that I quietly appreciate.

the scene of her coming face to face with the doppelgänger followed by the scene where the boy says “it wasn’t me who patted you on the head” *chef’s kiss*

I promise I am much more critical of the dramas I watch...but this is just hitting all the right notes. Admittedly, it does drag a lil but that just felt negligible in the face of the wonderful cinematography, the delightful banter, when she thanked him my immediate, first thought was “she’s built different” (I jest but that gesture of gratitude is hardly ever seen in dramas). Their nascent relationship is being done so perfectly & realistically. I love Young Do’s character already; not enough (good) things can be said about the poignancy of his lines.

netflix won...the way i’ve been thinking about this drama this whole week...

oh my goodness! what a stellar and gripping beginning! the ending of the second episode was immaculate & perfectly done. these first two episodes threw away any expectations we had and revealed to us that this story has a hidden depth. I especially love how these episodes incorporate well-worn tropes but use them to foster a perturbing atmosphere lmao. my expectations are very high admittedly, i really hope i’m not let down.

personally i think we’re long overdue for something that doesn’t fit neatly into genres :~)

hmmm, i would say that they way everything is discordant and the way it lacks cohesion, or as you say is “jarring” is what makes this drama feel, if not unique, but different from the run-of-the-mill dramas we’re used to. i concede that this genre shifting might prove to be a problem later (in a narrative sense).

it’s been a long time since i’ve been intrigued by a new drama. there’s so much to parse through in this first episode. little details like her room appearing almost sterile and not homey piqued my interest. i wonder why everyone dislikes the “love triangle” tag, to me it adds an extra layer of depth (if they execute it well). i’m certainly enjoying the juxtaposition of how this has the hallmarks of silly rom-coms but there’s an underlying disquietude lmao

Just finished season 2 and was shocked to find out about the character of "alex lee". We should not be condoning this sort of woeful and perhaps, even purposeful ignorance. The confluence of anything "edgy" and "different" and even "criminal" with Blackness is literally so harmful. What makes alex lee's character especially horrifying is the fact that it is a caricature of Black people, what does alex lee's character accomplish if not perpetuating the already rampant anti-Black racism that permeates these spaces?? Should Black viewers such as myself simply turn a blind eye to this?

I'm honestly aghast. The laughable tattoos, the dreads, this whole thing feels glib and underhanded and quite frankly I am disgusted this was ever approved but of course, no one cares enough about the culture and the people they appropriate for their paltry means.

i agree with you completely! i was just hesitant to label as such because it seemed like a flaw of writing and spoke to larger cultural issues of what is deemed romantic...like physically fighting over a girl is not sexy ! and yet it was framed like that by the writer.

i think saying some of NDS traits are "toxic" is a bit of stretch, i just think it's a result of poor writing because his characterization at the beginning was this sensitive, earnest and thoughtful person, new to the world and to love! which was sweet!!! (I say this as a HJP stan!) but then it took a turn for the worse even though "pure love" should not inspire feelings of competition or viewing your potential partner as something to be "had"

But this is a Kdrama and a suspension of belief is almost always needed to enjoy it to some degree. I just hope in future the writers use their critical thinking skills and recognize that that old tropes and that sort of possessive, all encompassing and stifling brand of love is something that isn't acceptable anymore lol

HJP giving her tissues and she doesn't even acknowledge he's there to comfort her my word....at least she says thank you at the end but then grabs NDS's jacket...like come on!!!

the way this drama would have been my all time favourite! it was so good, the writing at the beginning...everything about it....now im cringing through it...like bro imagine you rush to someone out of care and concern and their lamenting about some other man seeing you in a stressful situation (where no one would be poised)....

I'm trying to understand why people would like this storyline and i literally cannot fathom enjoying such middle grade writing for what is supposed an adult story lmao ! Do people act like this screech

Also the product placement Lancôme ads were driving me insane like okay I’m watching this for enjoyment not to be sold something >:( really cheapened this whole drama for me as well!