Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)

Overall “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds” is a good movie and it’s easy to imagine why so many love it. Unfortunately the great concept they had going was lost in a so-so story and a main character that you, as a viewer, don’t really get to know.

But even though it has some major flaws, I kind of like it, I would be lying if I told you otherwise. So here’s some reasons why it isn’t an amazing movie, but why it’s still worth the watch.

The first half of the movie feels a bit flat in my opinion. The main character is put through these trials that are somewhat repetitive and don’t really engage you since he feels like a stranger, empty and lacking a clear personality. A problem that persists throughout the whole movie. It’s hard to care about the outcome of the judgments when you can’t really connect with the characters.

Another thing that is off putting with the trials, is the fact that they never get exciting or serious. You never feel nervous for the outcome because of how predictable and silly they are. I still, as I wrote previously, love the concept though.

In the second half of the movie you get to know all the characters a little better, better but not well enough to make them feel like 3-dimensional, full characters. Even though it’s still very predictable, you want to see how the story unfolds and if you are a crier like me, you might even cry a little. I must say though, that the comedy and the tragedy in this movie isn’t that great. They play on your emotions in the most typical ways and often fail.

What I really like about the movie is the CGI. Almost every setting and fight was nicely done, something that is rare for these kinds of movies. The great surroundings truly make the movie come alive.

So all in all, I think that they could’ve made the movie a lot better and way more interesting if they wanted to, but at the same time it is an enjoyable movie and totally worth the watch. At least if you are into things like the afterlife, reincarnation, angels and Gods. I know I am, but are you?

Just because a movie isn’t amazing or flawless, doesn’t mean it’s not worth the ride, so don’t let all the not-so-great stuff prevent you from watching this nice movie.

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I'm not going to lie, the film has some really good CGI effects. I also appreciate the good quality cinematography and direction. South Korea is really bringing it, in terms of production. So if you were one of the lucky ones who went to the theater to watch it, I'm sure you had a good experience.

However, when you're sitting in your room watching on the small screen of your laptop, you need a strong story-line to keep you interested. And frankly there isn't much plot here. A man who dies a heroic death has to face seven trials in order to be re-incarnated. Each of those trials tell stories of his real life. Interesting, right? Except, the trials are quite ridiculous. He's a washed from holy water angel and all of his sins turn out to be not sins but good deeds with good intentions.

The prime example of a trial from this movie would be something like: A mother is seen not giving chocolate to her child when he's starving. This is her crime and she's taken to Heaven's court but later she's forgiven because it turns out that the child was allergic to chocolate all along. So she, in reality, was saving her child's life. I'm not even kidding, all his trials are of the same magnitude and in similar fashion. The last one is different but it takes a piece from the typical K-Drama melo shebang.

There are some sentimental scenes and if you are someone who cries only because you see another person crying, then it might be touching for you. But if you need to actually feel the emotion yourself to find something poignant then you'll find this simply sappy like I did. The film also tries to be funny but mostly settles at mildly amusing with some meme worthy moments. The acting has its perks but most of the time, it's either mediocre or over the top.

The characters are also a little bit annoying as a whole, especially the female character and the main guy who's on trial. The only person who's fun to watch is Joo Ji Hoon playing the self-preserving and often hilariously cynical Hae Won Maek.

There are some good action scenes though and cameo appearances by some big stars so it was nice recognizing them but over-all the film is sort of boring. I took a billion breaks within its 2hr 20 min duration.

So the best way to enjoy the film is not taking it too seriously and not focusing on the plot, rather just appreciating the cool effects and pretty sceneries.

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