Directed by popular commercial director Kim Yong-hwa, who is responsible for box office hits like romantic comedy music 200 Pounds Beauty and sports film Take Off, Along with the Gods continues Kim’s magic at the box office. With its cast of sympathetic and charming characters, explosive set pieces, and a melodramatic and heartrending story with an overtly moralizing message of filial piety, the sequel is bound to be heavily anticipated.
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The death of firefighter Kim Ja-hong, played by Cha Tae-hyun, kickstarts this Buddhist-inspired web-comic-adapted fantasy tale of a three guardians’ attempt to lead Kim through the seven stages of hell so that Kim may be reincarnated. Because Kim was a paragon of virtue in life, he is eligible for reincarnation. To be reincarnated, he has to successfully acquit himself of seven trials in 49 days. Helping him are three guardians, who have their own agenda. Because if Kim successfully reincarnates, they will just be one more soul away from being reincarnated themselves.
The film takes us on a road trip through hell, which is made up of seven realms such as Volcano of the Damned and Murder Hell. Despite their unimaginative names, creatively designed and skilfully rendered computer generated imagery ensure that these vistas of hell are a panoramic treat for the eyes. The action sequences between the guardians and the creatives from Hell and beyond aren’t too shabbily choreographed either. They are enough of a distraction that we don’t mind if the 140-minute film sags at some joints, with the narrative sidetracking too much into a B-plot with one of the guardians.
Directed by popular commercial director Kim Yong-hwa, who is responsible for box office hits like romantic comedy music 200 Pounds Beauty and sports film Take Off, Along with the Gods continues Kim’s magic at the box office. With its cast of sympathetic and charming characters, explosive set pieces, and a melodramatic and heartrending story with an overtly moralizing message of filial piety, the sequel is bound to be heavily anticipated.
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