Title: Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (신과함께-죄와 벌)  

◇ Genre: Fantasy  
◇ Release Date: December 20, 2017  
◇ Audience: 14.41 million  
◇ Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Cha Tae-hyun, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Hyang-gi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Dong-wook  
◇ Director: Kim Yong-hwa

"Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" (신과함께-죄와 벌), a landmark in Korean cinema, captivated both domestic and international audiences with its breathtaking visual effects and touching story.

The film, based on Joo Ho-min's webtoon, drew over 14 million viewers. It follows the journey of firefighter Kim Ja-hong (played by Cha Tae-hyun 차태현), who, after his death, navigates through seven hells over 49 days with the help of three grim reapers. These reapers, Kang Rim (Ha Jung-woo 하정우), Haewonmaek (Ju Ji-hoon 주지훈), and Deok-choon (Kim Hyang-gi 김향기), guide Ja-hong as he faces trials that judge his deeds during his life.

The film reinterprets traditional Korean mythology and Buddhist concepts of the afterlife, presenting a vivid and unique portrayal of the underworld. The grand landscapes and various monsters of the afterlife are brought to life through stunning CGI, providing a visual feast for the audience. The stellar performances of the main cast enhance the film's immersive experience, with each actor bringing depth to their characters' emotions and stories.

Adding to the film's allure is a special cameo by Lee Jung-jae (이정재), famed for his role in "Squid Game (오징어 게임)," who portrays the King of the Underworld, Yeomra (염라대왕).

Furthermore, EXO's D.O. (Do Kyung-soo 도경수) plays a significant role as Private Won Dong-yeon, adding another dimension to the film with his compelling performance.

Following the success of the first film, the sequel "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" (신과함께-인과 연) continues the narrative, delving into the past of grim reaper Kang Rim and exploring the events that led him to become a reaper.

Title: Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (신과함께-인과 연)  

◇ Genre: Fantasy  
◇ Release Date: August 1, 2018  
◇ Audience: 12.27 million

This installment adds a layer of emotional depth by highlighting the friendship between Kang Rim, Haewonmaek, and Deok-choon. Kim Ja-hong’s brother, Kim Su-hong (Kim Dong-wook), appears as a new soul undergoing trials, bringing themes of brotherhood and family to the forefront. Like its predecessor, the sequel was a box office hit, surpassing 12 million viewers.

Interestingly, during the release of "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds," Disney's "Coco," an animated film that portrays the afterlife in a bright and heartwarming light, was also showing. The contrasting depictions of the afterlife—Disney’s cheerful reunion with deceased loved ones versus Korea’s rigorous trials and evaluations—sparked discussions, with some noting, "In Mexico, you enjoy the afterlife, but in Korea, it's still a struggle."

The "Along With the Gods" series showcases the allure of Korean cinema, blending unique world-building, emotional narratives, outstanding visual effects, and compelling performances. These films leave a lasting impression on all who watch them and are easily accessible on Netflix.