Alchemy of Souls (2022)

A New Classic!

Alchemy of Souls is pure entertainment from start to finish! Sure, you'll see intense reactions of people complaining about plot holes, pacing and directing choices, etc. But name one beloved classic that doesn't have those (both plot issues and harsh critics). I'll wait. Edward Abbey was right: great art is never perfect; perfect art is never great.

We need to keep in mind this is an avant-garde project. It is a multi-genre High fantasy show. Which sounds expensive, and it is. The production is mesmerizing. It drives me crazy to think about all the hard work put into this show. The show serves romance, action, comedy, and mystery with impeccable visuals complemented with a gorgeous OST.

Story-wise, it is essentially a classic fairy tale with some twists. A very familiar tale about love, friendship, and the perils of human greed. A character-driven story penned by the controversial Hong sisters. The writers spend a lot of time showing the characters' motivations, bonding moments, and cute quirks. You can always count on them to create the most memorable and charismatic characters, and Alchemy of Souls has plenty of them. The storyline is not that complex, so the writers opt for omitting things to keep us guessing what happens next. And when they unfold the events, they do it in a concise way, which might not be palatable to particular audiences. They also provide tons of comic relief. Even in the darkest episodes, you'll surely laugh. Especially when it comes to romance, the sisters are too unserious. The Love web (geometrical shapes were insufficient) is there, but there's no obnoxious rivalry.

The unusual nature of this project can make people feel weirded out. Alchemy of Souls is not just quirky; it introduces new/paradoxical experiences to the audience. You might think it's a Sageuk, but you'll see modern-looking styles and pop-culture references. The plot might seem cliché, but you can't predict it. You think you have reached the end but face a new beginning instead. Not everyone is comfortable around such new concepts, so I understand the rage.

Last but not least, this show beautifully displays some relevant messages. I'll focus on one message because this review is already too long. Throughout the series, you'll see the writers emphasizing that everyone can turn into a "monster"; either by choice (bad decisions) or by force (conceptions imposed by others). Then you see the male lead saying we can protect said monsters, keep them in check to achieve peace. It is a powerful statement, especially when getting rid of freaks and problematic people is the norm. Are we achieving peace by doing so? That's some food for thought.

Those are the reasons I think Alchemy of Souls should be considered a new classic. It excels at moving people with beauty and disturbing the conformed minds. It offers wholesome entertainment and also instigates passionate discussions. It is a light-hearted show, but it has its dark moments. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow comes out in December 2022!

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