Review (no major spoilers):
The hype is real and well-deserved! This epic adventure is must watch for fantasy fans. The movie explores what happens after the death of a hardworking fireman Kim Ja Hong (Cha Tae Hyun), as he meets three guardians/grim reapers that will guide him through seven trials in hell, as he seeks reincarnation.

What’s wondrous is the two worlds are both equally traversed in the movie, and there are fascinating scenes where we parallel have things happening in the living world that affect hell too. As we travel through mystical hell, the different gods (the cameos are awesome!) judge different aspects of Ja Hong’s humanity, and the mysteries of his life are slowly revealed to us.

I really enjoyed the trio of grim reapers who guided Ja Hong, with Gang Rim (Ha Jung Woo) as the brains, Hae Won Maek (Joo Ji Hoon) as the brawn, and Duk Choon (Kim Hyang Gi) as the heart. The whole cast is so so good! I rarely watch kmovies so it’s a pleasure to discover movie talents like Ha Jung Woo.

Cha Tae Hyun is always solid when he plays the everyman. D.O. never fails to amaze with his performance. Kim Dong Wook (as Su Hong) shone in a multifaceted character. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of adorable Kim Hyang Gi in dramas. But Joo Ji Hoon is the most pleasant revelation to me as he carries the movie’s dark humor with his comedic quips and expressions! Someone please cast him in a romcom soon lol.

As k-stories are, underneath all the flair of the CG which is a feast for the eyes, Along with the Gods tackles serious relevant themes that ends with a pinch through the heart as we unveil the unconditional love of a mom for his sons, and the filial love of the sons for their mother, which will make you hug your family closer. There are so many stories not yet explored in this universe like the past of our grim reaper trio. I’m so excited for the reported sequels and spinoffs to come.