Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) User Reviews

A film to make you review your own life...

[paulclaassen · 7/10 · 4 June 2018]

Hmmm, this was interesting on an entertainment, psychological and spiritual level. This is one of those films you're either going to love or hate. I loved it, and the Koreans obviously did, as well, as this film is currently the second highest grossing Korean film in history. I found the story a bit lame comedy-ish at first, but as the film progressed, it became much deeper to the point where it became very emotional. This film will make you dig deep into your inner soul, analyzing your own life in the process. I loved the underlying themes and how the protagonist's life unfolded through back flashes. Blasphemy issues will no doubt be raised by some religious people, but I found it all very relevant.

The visual effects were interesting, as well. Some scenes were very obvious blue screen imagery, while other scenes were absolutely incredible. I really enjoyed the protagonist's brother's back story, who was buried alive (believed to be dead) and then becoming a vengeful spirit. He wrecks the most amazing mayhem during the fantastic climax scene and the visuals here are simply awesome! This is a film I'll watch again and again.

The Seven Trials

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 11 April 2018]

When the fireman Kim Ja-hong (Tae-hyun Cha) dies during a rescue operation in a fire in a building, his guardians Kangrim (Jung-woo Ha), Haewonmaek (Ji-hun Ju) and Dukchoon (Hyang-gi Kim) guide him to the afterlife. They explain that they will defend him in seven trials with seven gods in seven hells along forty-nine days to disclose how he spent his life. Ja-hong, who is considered a model citizen, will reincarnate if his guardians are well-succeeded in their defense. However, there are disturbances in the afterlife caused by a Revengeful Spirit and Kangrim goes to the World of the Living to investigate what is happening. Meanwhile the prosecutors find problems in the relationship of Ja-hong and his mother and brother and Haewonmaek and Dukchoon are surprised by the discoveries. Will Ja-hong´s soul be saved?

"Singwa hamgge", a.k.a. "Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds", is a delightful fantasy about reincarnation with funny and melodramatic moments. Jung-woo Ha steals the movie with a great performance but the cast also shines. The top-notch special effects is another attraction. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

A fireman has to undergo several trials in the afterlife before reincarnating, but a disturbance in the human world threatens to wreak havoc to his journey.

[pal05052003 · 8/10 · 16 January 2018]

This is an entertaining piece of modern-day fiction that features great CGI, comedy, and drama. The acting is decent. Tae-hyun Ja plays the protagonist and provides the core to the story. Jung-woo Ha as Captain Kangrim, leader of the guardians entrusted to protect and defend Tae-hyun's character is the real hero. He is charismatic, and his talent is not wasted in the movie. Ji-hun Ju's role as the sarcastic Haewonmek is not as effective. While his sarcasm is supposed to provide the humorous foil to Jung-woo Ha's straight character, it makes him come as cold and callous. Hyang-gi Kim is the most sympathetic of characters, and chews every scenery she is in. She portrays her character with the most depth, even if she is not given too much to do. What makes the story interesting is how the life of the protagonist is unfolded as he progresses through each trial, and every detail uncovered is unexpected. This is the strength of Korean storytelling. They come up with many unexpected twists. The fantasy creatures look decent, but it is no Lord of the Rings, and the characters portraying deities look farcical. But probably the movie does not intend to take itself so seriously but it interestingly discusses issues such as life choices, and handles the drama extremely well. There are spectacular fights, and chases reminiscent of The Matrix: with the coat and all but in the end, the movie will leave you satisfied and feel good. I wonder if they have a sequel in the plan.

A touching film

[Gordon-11 · 17 January 2018]

This film tells the story of a firefighter who dies while saving a girl in a fire in a skyscraper. He is led by three grim reapers who guide him through the seven trials in the Afterlife.

The story initially is predictable, as he breezes though the initial trials. Then the film gets increasingly engaging and captivating. The final trials are not predictable anymore, and there is much suspense. The visuals are great, and there is clearly a lot of thought going into the visuals. The ending is very touching, particularly when viewers understand the Oriental culture about filial duties. Lots of tissues were used in the cinema!

It was ok.

[lucas_mrz · 6/10 · 31 December 2022]

This movie portrays a series of trials that people must stand in the afterlife to be granted reincarnation, according to Buddhist beliefs. So far, so good. It's an interesting plot, more so if, like me, you don't know much about those beliefs.

What I liked, and I think it should be noted: Emotional scenes are on point. I almost cried several times. It's very touching, even if it is not noticeable at first glance.

What I didn't liked: Bad comedy. And it's not that I don't get the jokes because I'm westerner, they are just not funny. I don't know how to put it, they are jokes a child would make. Plus, they are extremely out of place ("Thor: Ragnarok", if you know what I mean).

I also need to point out that some court scenes are ridiculous.

All in all, it's "watchable". Entertaining, if you have nothing else to do/see. Definitely not more than a 6.

an amazing plot meets an amazing CGI, Bravo

[Aktham_Tashtush · 9/10 · 9 April 2018]

The cinematography is amaaazing, it is what made me watch the movie in the first place,, but then got to engage with the plot which was tight, organized and well distributed over the whole two hours of fantasy.

The story is just emotional in all levels , the guy has to pass through the 7 judgments to decide whether he's guilty of sins or not,, but over each one of these heartwarming memories they present they add a sprinkle of light comedy ,, this made the movie look even more appealing.

The cast were all perfect,, it's not the first movie i watch for Tae-hyun Cha ,, i saw him before in Hello Ghost and My Sassy Girl , and he was hilarious,, here they tuned down the comedy to make the character look more miserable and "dead" ;D and of course Jung-woo Ha was amazing too.

Final thought,, the movie is really good,, the screenplay is definitely a 10 and the story leads to a "confirmed" sequel probably coming by the end of this year.. so start watching.

worth to wotch once

[kusalmaduranga · 7/10 · 12 May 2018]

I think this whole 7 trial story based on Mahayana Buddisum . i havent much experience about that . but film say for every action we make in this life has consequence in afterlife . that is strong word .

worth to watch at least once in life

Sudden discovery

[SilverOrlov · 9/10 · 18 April 2019]

Throughout the film, it was just an interesting and pleasing picture, with an inherent style of Asian films. But the last part of the film, surprisingly, turned out to be very strong, and directly pulled the overall impression to a higher level. I highly recommend to watch this movie to everyone, including those who usually bypass Asian films.

A Hollywood blockbuster with Korean actors

[kluseba · 6/10 · 20 June 2018]

Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is a fantasy movie with so many special effects that it could be a Hollywood production. However, that isn't meant to be a compliment. Korean cinema has a quite emotional, intense and vivid vibe that makes it stand out but that vibe isn't present here at all. In addition to that, this film is the first part of a new franchise like many Western fantasy movies as well but I don't plan watching the sequel that is scheduled for this summer. To be fair, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is rather entertaining and some of the flashbacks create an emotional connection with the main characters but it's too little and too late.

The first and biggest issue I have with this film is the shallow story. A firefighter dies, arrives in the afterworld and is told that he is an honorable paragon that needs to pass seven trials in order to get reincarnated. One never truly gets told what a paragon is and what makes this particular firefighter so honorable. The trials are announced being in order of the sins of the deceased, starting with the least important and ending with the most important ones. However, several trials in the middle are skipped because this paragon is considered particularly honorable which contradicts what was told right from the start. A recurring element of suspense is that the firefighter's brother died soon after his own death and menaces the balance of the afterworld since he is a vengeful spirit. While it's understandable why the brother wants to take his revenge, it doesn't make any sense how this is related to his brother's trials and the entire afterworld altogether. The cherry atop the cake is that this vengeful spirit later on becomes a paragon himself. The most cringe-worthy moment however is the firefighter's final trial. It turns out he planned killing his own mother as well as his brother before committing suicide when he was a teenager because his family was so poor and his mother really sick. Everybody expects the firefighter to lose the final trial but his mother is visited by his brother's spirit and she takes the blame, calling herself a bad mother and forgiving her son for thinking about killing her. This moral isn't only controversial, it's quite nonsensical as well.

Another issue with this movie are the characters. The firefighter seems like a good guy in the beginning but the more we learn about him, the less likable he gets and it's quite tough to sympathize with him. The three assistants that help him with the trials are also lacking depth. They are only interested in helping the firefighter to get reincarnated themselves and hide the truth about his brother's fate from him for a while before one of them makes a stupid mistake. The different gods that are in charge of the different trials look quite interesting but they only appear for a few minutes and disappear soon after like cameo appearances.

The special effects are overused in this movie. The trials take place in different places like a big cave, a vast desert or a river next to a waterfall. The locations look gorgeous but the transitions between them seem to be random. They change so drastically and often that they can't develop any type of atmosphere. The potential of these locations is often wasted.

On the positive side, the movie has great pace and is entertaining and epic from start to finish. The exposition doesn't waste any time, the trials progress smoothly and the final thirty minutes are a true climax and quite intense. You won't see the two hours and twenty minutes go by. This is great popcorn cinema.

The flashbacks add some depth to the firefighter's background story and tell us a lot about his mother, his brother and himself. These are also the most emotional moments in the movie. Seeing his brother die under tragic circumstances is quite gloomy. Observing the heartbroken mother who has lost her two children in a few weeks and who tries to find out what happened to the firefighter's brother by any means necessary is truly gripping. The best scenes are actually related to the firefighter's brother who tries to appease his mother in her dreams, avenge the person who covered up his murder and save the life of his suicidal colleague.

One can't deny that a lot of budget went into this film that looks quite well. The special effects might be overused but most people will find them exciting. The camera work is focused and avoids the contemporary chic of shaky passages. Lighting techniques are used very efficiently. The soundtrack is quite immersive without being outstanding.

If you like fantasy or science-fiction blockbusters for the whole family, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds will give you everything you're craving for and can be watched between the latest The Maze Runner and Star Wars movies. If you were expecting a typically Korean movie with many emotional twists, you might find this flick somewhat bland. In my opinion, it's definitely entertaining enough to be watched once but overall rather forgettable popcorn cinema.

Awesome

[justinovoo · 10/10 · 22 January 2018]

The story is clear and emotional. The CGI is really exciting and Jung-woo Ha did a great performances.The ending makes me want to cry. Great movie.

Good stuff!

[TreeFiddy53 · 7/10 · 17 August 2023]

After dying unexpectedly, firefighter Ja-hong is taken in the afterlife by three guardians. There are seven trials he has to go through: Betrayal, Violence, Filial Impiety, Murder, Indolence, Deceit, and Injustice; and proving he lived a noble life will he be able to reincarnate.

When was the last time you watched a movie about Gods and afterlife? Been a while for me, therefore it was nice to watch something that wasn't a crime-drama, an action thriller for a change. This movie was also a visual treat, please watch it on a good screen, hell watch it on your phone if you have to so that you can enjoy the colors.

The movie, at the crux of it, is about how life is shorter than we think, about family, about choice and consequences, sins and redemption, pretty much about living a meaningful life. At least, the movie makes you take a step back and look at how you've lived your life so far, and that's not something we all consciously do regularly.

The movie does get melodramatic but if you're the kind of person who likes 'feel good movies' that make you cry, this would totally be one of those movies.

Better than Last Jedi...

[IMDBreview2017 · 9/10 · 29 December 2017]

The CGI can be really mind-blowing at times and some strong performances by the guardians, but what really holds it together is the family drama under the fantasy elements. Definitely worth watching.

A good drama/action movie (minor spoilers)

[keithomusic · 6/10 · 11 February 2023]

Overall this movie is pretty good, but it is a bit too long. The story of a firefighter who dies on the job and is brought to the afterlife. He is meant to go through 7 trials in 49 days, each trial presided over by a different god/goddess. We don't get 7 trials as our MC is given a pass in a few of them, because he is a 'paragon'. There is the side story about his brother, this is where most of the action is, but that becomes a bit convoluted and is what makes the movie too long. The ending itself is pretty much standard issue and all but one thing is resolved, though there is what might be a hint near the end. I found a couple of things distracting, first, the characters of the prosecutors were unnecessarily foolish, and the female guardian was rather short and her black wedge shoes were so large I kept focusing on them. But it is still a good movie.

I can understand where the appeal for this movie is coming from, but for me the plot is too dramatic and the acting painful to watch.

[fciocca · 4/10 · 25 July 2022]

This movie has really good premises, the plot seemed interesting and I liked the idea of Kim Ja-hong in the Afterlife, trying to find redemption for the wrongs that he did in his life. However I never felt that the protagonist was in danger, because he was always protected by his "lawyers" during the different trials and they always managed to win, even though it seemed impossible. Every mistake made by Kim while alive is exaggerated. The story of the firefighter is indeed dramatic, but it needed to be balanced better. Everything is over the top, the acting is at times incoherent and nonsensical. Ju Ji-Hoon, who was supposed to be the comedic relief, was just cringey and I could not stand him. The film was filled with useless and boring dialogues that either repeated information that the audience already apprehended or that led absolutely nowhere. Two hours and a half for a movie like this one is definitely too much. Screenwriters and the director needed to keep things simpler and cut some scenes.

I understand where the appeal for this movie is coming from, the photography is beautiful, visual effects look good and the general concept is interesting, unfortunately the execution, not so much. I had to watch this movie in three different instances because either I was getting bored or falling asleep.

Superb entertainment that will make you reflect upon your life

[ctowyi · 17 January 2018]

I like putting movies into Venn diagrams and I have special categories always swimming in my head like "movies with a great final shot" and "movies that showcase traits I would like in my future partner". Then there is that one category that doesn't have many movies - "movies that can make you reflect upon one's life". Along with The Gods: The Two Worlds slips in there ever so surreptitiously.

I didn't figure the Korean blockbuster to be a tearjerker, but it most certainly was. All through the screening, I could hear people around me sniffling and wiping their tears away unabashedly, me included. The movie doesn't even try to be subtle in this aspect and I must say every rivulet of my tears was earned.

Yet the story is also fashioned as a fast-paced pulsating adventure ride and it scores top marks in this aspect too. My eyes blinked in disbelief and my mind boggled in awe as the twists and turns become wilder and twistier, but never losing its grasp on the audience. This is high concept done well, every far-fetched notion perfectly digestible. There is superb verve in its storytelling. Nothing is truly what it seems.

Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is a film that is solidly cast. I don't get the Korean names very well, but I watch a lot of Korean cinema and TV dramas and instantly recognised all the familiar faces. Cha Tae Hyun is perfectly cast as the good-natured Paragon with a well of secrets that threaten to derail his chances at reincarnation at every trial. The casting of the 3 grim reapers is also spot-on with differing dynamics that lend propulsion to the story.

There is some amazing world building here, every level of hell is well-rendered and nothing for this reviewer feels repetitive. The CGI work here is top-notch, considering 90% of the movie is probably done to a green screen. IMHO CGI is just a means to an end and the end must always be to serve the story. The story is so strong here that the CGI disappears into the background.

Exposition is always a tricky business in storytelling and Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is practically all exposition. But the intrigue and suspense build-up through character motivations constantly draws one deeper into the proceedings. My senses hinged closely on the afterlife guardians' explanations at every turn as I got ready for the next trial. Even with the advance preparation the trial still puts me in a tailspin with some shocking revelations. Director Kim Yong Hwa even takes a 2-pronged narrative trek midway with both narrative trajectories dovetailing in the final act effectively.

The story resonates on God levels here. It is a rip-roaring adventure action film, but it also scores as an examination of the complexities of life lived in whatever station you are in. I shuddered in my seat as the end credits ran, wondering if I will see another movie that is as thrilling and heartfelt as this or can I even pass the seven trials right at that moment. Movies should do this - move you and make you want to become a better person. In a year you can count on the fingers of one hand, movies that can perform this feat successfully.

PS - a cameo during the ending threw me into a loop. I only found out later that this is the first of a 2-part epic, the concluding chapter will open in the summer of this year. Oh yeah! I am ready.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 16 February 2018]

The only problem with this movie is it's length. Two hours counting is way too much. Kind of got a bit tiring after a while. The special effects were a problem at the begining, but they got really better after a while. The performances were good as well and the story was touching and emotionaly, especially the brother's story. The guy was a bit too much of a mama's boy, but it wasn't that big of a deal breaker. The action scenes and the costumes, finally were good as well. Lastly, my fav actor, Kyungsoo did well and had good drama scenes. So, 7 out of 10.

Stoning

[sungminseancho · 9/10 · 28 December 2017]

The film focuses on the inner story and the scenery of the protagonist who is transformed through seven trials. When a moment supports the ordinary character, at a certain moment, audiences put themsleves on the life of each person. As a result, this vast fantasy that transcends the boundaries of life and death between the world and hell, takes a leap into the tectonics of human life and death, the meaning of life and death, and the value of a given life.

good!

[ming09 · 7/10 · 22 February 2018]

The cgi is great , the main actors are great (especially the ending part), the story line is great. the only problem is the length of the movie. there is no climax (for me) to thrill the viewers so i got bored watching this.. and i got really annoyed with the part were this one character want to say something and the guardian have to repeat what he say. i think this is great as a series,,

A must-watch movie

[hoangquandn · 10/10 · 9 March 2018]

I rarely cry while watching a movie but this one is really amazing. It made me cry two times or maybe more, in the middle and at the end of film, it also taught me a lot and I have to review my lifestyle after watching this film, about the truth, betrayal, deception. Such things I should be away in my life. Furthermore, the most important thing should be respect for our parents, who always love us and give us everything without taking back. Lots of tissues were used in the cinema (copy from the last reviews)

I wasnt expecting that much from this movie

[Shayankhan-7526 · 7/10 · 7 February 2021]

I watched this movie with very litttle expectations but I swear I ended it with crying.At some time it was one of my most favourite movies

Take it as it is, don't focus on length.

[nikhilraj1990 · 10/10 · 25 April 2018]

Screenplay is great, really, the way it unfolds. Performances are also good. Watch it, I bet it'll be worth your time.

Defending Your Life, Gangnam Style

[dokrauss · 7/10 · 2 March 2018]

I love South Korean crime movies because they are over-the-top nuts. So, apparently, are South Korean fantasy/scifi movies because, Holy Hannah, this one is nuts. A South Korean firefighter dies on duty and must undergo a series of trials before he is allowed to reincarnate. Man, Buddhism is tough. And complicated. I thought my (WARNING! Shameless self-promotion ahead!) Ship to Look For God trilogy set in Heaven was complicated but this one wins. It's a bit tough figuring out who's who and what's doing what to what but worth it. The CGI and swordplay alone make it worth it.

The worthest movie I ever seen

[win-30088 · 9/10 · 14 January 2018]

This film has great story line which is the emotional connection between main character and his family.In addition, It contains strong feeling to touch audience's heart from every character.I look forward to seeing the next episode on this summer.After movie,I suddenly realized that we should treasure relative and friendship,do something want to do before too late.

Emotional

[divg-57-800054 · 7/10 · 29 April 2018]

The story is good, emotional and touch lots of aspects of the life. It is not predictable at all. It has some cliches, but is still a good movie with some great scenes,nice visual effects and landscapes. Better than average.

A silly take for an important issue

[mxa-80145 · 1/10 · 23 January 2021]

This movie was a total waste of time. Reincarnation and Karmic cycles shouldn't be approached in this superficial way. I don't mind comedy even with such a topic but not in that cliché take.