Wellgo USA Blu-ray Synopsis: The fantasy epic that smashed box-office records in Korea reaches its thrilling climax in ALONG WITH THE GODS: THE LAST 49 DAYS. As the deceased soul Su-hong and his three afterlife guardians face the remaining trials to obtain their reincarnation, the guardians come face-to-face with the buried truth of their tragic time on earth a thousand years ago, culminating in a final battle with a rogue god. (142 Mins)

 

Views: Kicking-off from the exact moment that closed the first film, Along With The Gods 2 continues its journey of twists and turns, visual splendour and fantasy action. With a few new faces added to the cast and many nods back to part one, this is best watched straight after as it really ties everything together and is pretty much one whole film split into two chapters. With Ja Hong sent forth for reincarnation in the previous film, the same journey now falls upon the same guardians for his brother Su Hong – now awarded the title of a paragon like his sibling, even after the trouble he caused before. Of course, this hasn't went unseen in the afterlife and is brought to the attention of the king who threatens to strip him of his titular benefit because of his actions. His guardians challenge the king's decision and in turn are offered a deal – something they need to consider as getting Su Hong reincarnated means that they too, will be awarded the chance to live again...

 

That deal is to 'bring in' rebel House God Seong Ju who has been hiding among the living for too long. Ju is played with hilarity by the wonderful Ma Dong Seok, star of Train To Busan, The Outlaws and Marvel's Eternals. Seong is living with an old man, protecting him from the grim reapers so that his grandson won't be left alone in the world. This is the very same old man from part one who kept getting glimpses of the guardians as they gave chase to the vengeful spirit. His super-cute grandson is just brilliant and much like many of the Korean kid stars I've seen, proves to be a scene stealer with his comedic timing, natural performance and incredible range of emotion. Having spent his time in the real world in the first chapter, leading guardian Gang Lim offers to take Su Hong to his trials alone while Hae Won Maeg and I Deog Chun go after the House God – a job they find a little trickier than expected. Refusing to go back with the guardians until the old man and child are safe and well, Ju soon reveals that he himself was once a guardian – and that it was he who ascended the very same guardians who came for him. As they have no memory of their lives before their time in the afterlife, they make a deal with Ju to let him stay providing he tells them stories of their lives before death – a deal that soon reveals a much bigger connection between everyone involved, as well as a dark past that puts some strains on their relationships!

 

Along With The Gods 2: The Last 49 Days gets incredibly twisted on its journey bringing in many characters and moments from its previous chapter, as well as taking us on a host of flashbacks to the lives of the guardians. It may sound and even seem slightly over-stuffed as it moves along, but the fact of the matter is that director Kim Yong Hwa delivers a very clean and tidy story that just requires a bit of focus. While some great moments of comedy, drama and emotion fill what's going on in the real world, the scenes of Su Hong and Gang Lim's journey in the afterlife are packed with stunning CGI visuals – some of which include Hong being dangled off a boat via a huge fishing pole to encourage a giant fish that helps move them faster; and a tense chase by raptors and a T-rex before ending up in the belly of an over-grown prehistoric whale; all of which happen just in the first hour. Much like its predecessor, this packed sequel stuns and amazes once again with great performances from all involved, some heavy emotional moments and plenty of stunning visuals – both through its CGI and gorgeous cinematography. Where part one wowed us with its new ideas and freshness, part two gives us reason and heart focusing on forgiveness instead of redemption this time. It fleshes out some things that we thought we already knew from before, shocking and surprising us as the film gives more time to the backgrounds of the guardians rather than the journey of the afterlife – being careful not to give us a retread of part one as most Hollywood blockbusters would tend to do.

 

Stuffed to the gills, Along With The Gods 2 does not disappoint and is one hell of a ride. As mentioned, this should be watched within a reasonable time after the first which keeps things fresh for the viewer and makes even the smallest details, massive. Both films are two of the best I have ever seen from South Korea, and that's saying something considering how many of them are quite simply, amazing. While it may not carry the same lump in the throat, emotional punch as the first, The Last 49 Days holds its own with a powerful last 30-40 minutes that really hit the mark!

 

*Don't miss the post-credit scenes...

 

Overall: As amazing as its predecessor, Along With The Gods 2: The Last 49 Days is an epic sequel that offers more in its running time than Hollywood has in a decade!