Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds 신과함께: 죄와 벌

Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is a South Korean film based on a web manghwa.

It drew on the Chinese belief that upon death, man is brought to trial in the courts of the underworld based on the sins committed during life and punishments meted out accordingly.  Typically, the grim reapers are portrayed as frightful beings in Chinese movies and TV serials.  South Korea, interestingly, turned the image of grim reapers around, notably in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, with suave grim reapers who work in suits and hats and not dragging heavy metal chains.

In Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, the grim reapers double up as defenders of newly minted souls as they face charges of murder, indolence, filial impiety, amongst others.  Strangely, the grim reapers except for the leader of the trio, were removed of their memories - this obviously called for a sequel to this film as audience would be demanding answers as to why the grim reapers were devoid of memories.

South Korea has a refreshing way of presenting stories.  In Taiwan, the courts of the underworld are depicted in period costume and the atmosphere is inevitably scary.  Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds depicted the underworld as a varse expense of land, with forest, deserts, snow-covered scenary that hint that there is plenty of space for souls yet to arrive.  I wonder if there was a hidden message to that or it was simply a matter of impressive CGI.

Can't wait to watch Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days.