One of the most expensive budget cinemas in South Korea, Kim Yonghwa adapted filmic version from a popular webcomic of the same name; “Along With The Gods”. You would understand the hype when the film first released. The film is filled with astonishing visual CGI, featuring an enthralling folktale about life after death. The story begins when a firefighter Kim Jahong (played by Cha Taehyun) dies during his duty of saving people and is brought into the afterlife. In the afterlife, he met the three guardians, Haewonmak (played by Ju Jihoon), Gangrim (played by Ha Jungwoo) and Lee Deokcheon (played by Kim Hyanggi). Jahong was put through a series of trials in order to be reincarnated in the next life.
As the trials continue, he goes into other complications that put him in peril that he has to resolve before he can cross to the other side of the afterlife. Gangrim, who is the one leading Jahong’s trials, is shown to be strict, charismatic and cool-headed in the beginning of the story but as his past “human-life” story was revealed, he slowly learns to be more emotional and sympathetic. His rightman, Haewonmak is conveyed to be rather contrasting compared to him, where he is reckless and mischievous yet still taking his job seriously.
This film is absolutely a worthwhile viewing journey from what I personally think - the storyline, the plot twists and also the characterizations of each of the casts. The film itself is simply pleasing to look at, touring around the various places in the afterlife are presented creatively and even the swordplay in the battle scenes. Above all, the film leaves the audience with lasting impressions and predilection to be open-minded in its own fantastical storyline. 9/10 SCRAMBLE!
Cant wait for part 2!
Very clear and In-dept Review! Thank you!