After dying unexpectedly, firefighter Ja-hong is taken in the afterlife by three guardians, where only after passing seven trials and proving he lived a noble life will he be able to reincarnate. Based on the wildly popular web-comic, Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds is a star-studded, action-packed fantasy epic about life, death, rebirth. and the unseen forces that guide us through all.
When a person reaches the Afterlife, they are judged 7 times over the course of 49 days. Tried by deceit, indolence, injustice, betrayal, violence, murder and filial impiety, only the souls who pass all trials are reincarnated. – Buddhist Scripture
I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into when I watched this film. I just knew it had to be a good one based from the star-studded cast.
The movie is about Ja-hong, who died while he was on duty trying to save a child from a burning building.
Later on, he was met by three guardians of death or the grim reapers:Deok-choon (Kim Hyang-gi,A Werewolf Boy), Hewonmak (Ju Ji-hoon,Princess Hours), and Gang-rim (Ha Jung-woo,The Handmaiden) who will accompany him through the seven gates of hell to receive his final judgment. He is believed to be a paragon (someone who died an honourable death) and somehow the three had high hopes for him because his survival would benefit their afterlife if he succeeds.
There are seven trials he has to go through: Betrayal, Violence, Filial Impiety, Murder, Indolence, Deceit, and Injustice. The order of the trials is determined by King Yeomra, who judges sins from lightest to heaviest. These are the seven hells:
- The Volcano of the Damned in the Hell of Murder to try him for murder or causing someone’s death indirectly.
- The Hell of Indolence to try him for how he lived his life
- The Hell of Deceit
- The glacial canyon for the Hell of Injustice
- The heavenly passage of the Hell of Betrayal
- The Hell of Violence. The depth of the entrance depends on the defendant’s crime.
- Eternal Dessert for the Hell of Filial Impiety
The three guardians are his appointed defendant and had to make an appeal in front of the gods of all the hells and the prosecutors in order for him to pass. I kind of looked forward to these scenes because I enjoyed how the defense put up their arguments to defend Ja-hong.
Why was this film a hit for me?
- No romantic element. Thank God! Seldom do I see a Korean movie or any Asian movie for that matter without romance involve in it. Hooray for that!
- The actors’ profound portrayal of their characters. Absolutely beautiful and heartfelt performance.
- The plot itself. It was unique and kinda reminds me of Dante’s Divine Comedy. It was terrifying, to say the least. It makes me look back to how I have lived my life on Earth for the past years and think as to how the trial would go if it were me in Ja-Hong’s shoes.
- The theme focused more on family and life in particular which I loved. The last time I cried (as in ugly cried) was when I watched Miracle in Cell No. 7. This movie also did that to me.
- The graphics were visually stunning.
Lessons you could get from watching this film:
- That life is short and we should live each day as if it is our last.
- That we should value our family. They’re our blood and they’re important. No matter how hard life may become, we should stick with them. No problem is as difficult if we have our family around.
- Mothers know their children the most. You may not share your secrets or what you feel towards her, but she knows. It’s her instinct. And nothing is as painful as a mother who knows that she’s causing her children’s woes.
- That if there’s a chance to redeem yourself, do it. Own your sins. Repent and learn from it.
- That even though you’re the worst child in the world, your mother would still accept and embrace you.
- That in all the choices and actions we make in life, there’s a possibility of it affecting someone directly or indirectly.
- That LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Love your life. Live. Help other people. Live a meaningful life.
This review doesn’t even give justice to the beauty of this film. It’s a must watch you guys. Better check this out before the sequel comes out.
As a seasoned film enthusiast with a deep understanding of cinematic nuances, I can confidently attest to the wealth of themes and concepts explored in "Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds." The film, adapted from a popular web-comic, delves into the intricate realms of life, death, rebirth, and the metaphysical forces that shape our existence.
The narrative unfolds around firefighter Ja-hong, whose unexpected death initiates a captivating journey through the afterlife. The film skillfully weaves elements from Buddhist scripture, introducing a system of judgment comprising seven trials conducted over 49 days. These trials, ranging from deceit and indolence to betrayal and murder, are a central theme in the storyline.
Drawing from Buddhist philosophy, only those souls that successfully navigate all seven trials are deemed worthy of reincarnation. The film pays homage to the profound beliefs encapsulated in Buddhist scripture, creating a visually stunning portrayal of the afterlife and its trials.
The three guardians of death, played by Kim Hyang-gi, Ju Ji-hoon, and Ha Jung-woo, serve as key characters responsible for guiding Ja-hong through the seven gates of hell. The order of trials is determined by King Yeomra, adding an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.
The film's structure, with each trial unfolding in a different hell, mirrors the intensity of Dante's Divine Comedy, adding a layer of terror and reflection to the viewer's experience. The visuals, described as visually stunning, contribute to the overall immersive quality of the film.
One notable aspect that distinguishes the film is its avoidance of romantic elements, a rarity in Korean and Asian cinema. This deliberate choice allows the narrative to focus more on profound themes, particularly those related to family and the essence of life.
The actors' performances are lauded for their profound portrayal of characters, injecting authenticity and heartfelt emotion into the narrative. The defense scenes, where the guardians make appeals in front of the gods and prosecutors, add a compelling layer to the storytelling.
The film's thematic richness extends beyond the fantastical elements, touching on profound life lessons. The importance of family, the brevity of life, the power of redemption, and the interconnectedness of our choices are all encapsulated in the film's narrative.
In essence, "Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds" transcends conventional cinematic boundaries, offering a unique and thought-provoking exploration of life's complexities. Its success is attributed to a combination of a star-studded cast, a captivating plot, and the skillful integration of philosophical and moral themes. It is not merely a movie; it's a cinematic experience that prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. This film stands as a must-watch, a cinematic gem that resonates deeply with its audience.
