> Longing , Vengeance , Family and Redemption

This is a Family Data .. seriously it is first and foremost.

PLOT
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**Bulgasal: Immortal Souls** was an interesting viewing experience for me. After the initial strong start, the fantasy drama evolved into a slow-burn and sappy tale of supernatural beings engaged in push-pull romantic angst filled with melodrama within a surreal dream-like ambience. Yes, I found myself inexorably drawn to its immersively hypnotic storytelling against the backdrop of two settings - briefly in ancient Goryeo / Joseon but mostly in modern day Seoul - and the rhythmic drum beats of its enthralling sageuk-inspired score.

After starting this drama during the airing time, I realized that it was not a good decision because we will be at our wit's end waiting for the next episode ; despite feeling 30% of episode like fillers as the show progress.

While I enjoyed the action sequences in the historical setting, the fight scenes in the present felt somewhat lacking. There is too much posturing for my liking and even when the monsters, in their reincarnated forms as well as the immortal ones, finally get on with the action, the choreography isn’t anything to write home about..

Another problem lies in the romance part. There was absolutely no need of romance. Sometimes it works but sometimes not. If we understand the underlying logic in the romance part, it can sometimes be heart fluttering. But, this is not a drama for romance lovers. There are not kiss or intimate scenes. Just some piggy back rides and hugs ; which to be honest have just muddied the show in the middle. What was done well was bring in a sense of family ; despite the ill-fate relationship between each character

CAST
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I enjoyed the performance of the cast more so than the actual characterization, if truth be told. I think the charisma of the main lead carried the drama and, to some extent, enhanced the narrative. Lee Jin Wook as the titular Bulgasal fit the bill in all aspects. Grim, brooding yet not quite cold-hearted or cruel, as told in the folktales. Some might say his expressions are stoic and one-dimensional, but I think there is a profound grief that this man embodies through the nuanced display of his mannerisms and especially the tone of his voice. I think his character makes up for what it lacks in dynamism with emotional tenderness. **Interestingly, it had been reported that Won Bin was initially offered the lead role here as his comeback drama after more than 10 years out of the industry. ** Drama would have been more popular but with less VFX budget if he accepted ; however he eventually declined the offer, which then went to Lee Jin Wook instead.

The second performance that I enjoyed would be Lee Joon’s portrayal of the somewhat unbalanced but rather entertaining Ok Eul Tae. The most colourful character in the show and, unsurprisingly, the fan favourite of many viewers. It certainly helps when he possesses the most outrageous taste in fashion compared to every other character.

The other main cast comprises Kwon Na Ra and Gong Seung Yeon. I think in terms of appearance, Kwon Na Ra is perfect as the enigmatic female figure within the historical setting. Likewise Gong Seung Yeon’s depiction of Dan Sol in the first couple of episodes comes across as dramatically evocative. Once they reappear as their modern selves, however, the aura of mystery dissipates, revealing only the characterization of the typical girl-next-door. That said, I appreciated the efforts by both in conveying their interpretation of the respective dual roles. If anything, they are both equally adept at shedding much tears.

Another character that really evoked my emotions was Lee Hye Suk ; [spoiler] I cried a river whenever she invoked the orphan card and begged to stay with Hwal ; she is the glue to this family whether it was 1000yr or now .[/spoiler]. Do Yoon and Ho Yeol Ahjussi sometimes irked me but both bought lighter tone to otherwise dark show .

Music & Cinematography
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As far as the production quality is concerned, I have to mention 2 aspects - the visuals and original score. Despite being nearly a complete VFX rendering, the “outdoor scenic visuals” are to die for; It correctly captures the feelings of a scene.. The many gorgeous panoramic vistas are seamlessly integrated onto the “green screen” in one of the better quality effects editing I’ve seen in recent memory. Granted it’s not flawless by any means, but does come quite close and presents an absolute feast for the eyes. Also worthy of mention would be the makeup effects created for the monsters - for once they do not appear laughably fake or cringe-worthy.

The original score, personally for me, is truly outstanding. I love gugak music where we have here a fusion of traditional instruments and contemporary elements producing a rhythm so captivating that I find myself completely absorbed into the storytelling.Also the background music is really eerie which well fit the atmosphere of the drama and makes our hair stand on end.

Some other OSTs from this drama:
"Leave" ( 하루) by 4Men
"Tunnel (with Kardi)" (터널 ) by Kim Ye Ji
"Can't Forget You" (잊을 수 없다면) by Min Seo
"Beyond The Time" by Jannet Suhh
All the OSTs are nice. But, Leave and Beyond the Time are among my personal favorites.

OVerall
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Well, for all the positive aspects I would recommend the production but as mentioned earlier, the key to watching, let alone enjoying, this drama is a particular mindset for fantasy-themed melodrama. It has its moments but there is much room for improvement. In acknowledgment of the intrigue and relative entertainment value served, I’ll be generous with my rating.

The insane amount of plot conveniences ruined the drama and killed even the slightest potential it might had which made the writing seems abysmal. Not only it was stupid with every step along the way but it also removed the tension with any serious scene. Moreover, we were over fed the same repeated information like babies. Even if we were to disregard all of that, the pacing was terrible with a big empty gap of nothingness in the middle parts. None of the side cast were interesting enough to make the middle parts worthwhile. Aside from the first episode, there wasn't much appeal left.