JOURNEY IN THE AFTERLIFE
SOUTH Korean fantasy drama
quickly made headlines for achieving blockbuster success in its home country after its release on Dec 20 last year.
As of Jan 3, the film has attracted 10 million viewers in 15 days, so naturally I have high expectations.
Upon watching the first 20 minutes, however, I am slightly aghast because the film has too much CGI effects (not that welldone at that) and outlandish fantasy elements. I wonder why anyone would find this appealing but later in the film, I begin to see its appeal — it lies in its drama involving Jahong and his mother and brother Su-hong.
And I’ve never cried so much before! I know from previous experience that most South Korean films are tearjerkers. So I shouldn’t even be surprised.
But there is something deeper in the message that is trying to tell. Instead of romance, the film touches more on humanity and the interpersonal relationships we have as individuals.
The message will touch viewers’ hearts, amidst the (almost ridiculous) fantasy setting. And the premise on life after death makes it relatable.
After dying unexpectedly, firefighter Ja-hong (Cha Tae-hyun) is led to the afterlife by guardians Gangrim (Ha Jung-woo), Haewonmak (Ju Ji-hoon) and Dukchun (Kim Hyang-gi). He has to pass seven tri- als — murder, indolence, deceit, injustice, betrayal, violence and filial impiety in 49 days. His guardians will defend him in a bid to prove that he is the perfect example of a faultless human being while he was alive. Only then will he be able to reincarnate.
The film starts off without much preamble and heads straight into Ja-hong’s trials. Viewers find out more about the character as the film moves along. You’d think he has no faults, but more of his life is revealed later and it slowly paints a picture of the man he really is.
Ja-hong desperately wants to reincarnate to bid a proper goodbye to his mother. His brother Su-hong is working towards a career in law while enlisting in the military.
The film explores family dynamics, showcases the strong bonds and uncovers the circumstances that befall them.
The filmmakers amp up the emotional scenes with engaging music and dramatic presentation that will leave you sobbing. Seriously, if you don’t feel anything after watching, your heart is made of stone!
Besides Ja-hong, the back stories of
Kim Yong-hwa Starring Ha Jung-woo, Cha Taehyun, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Hyang-gi P13
139 minutes
other characters will be unveiled accordingly, making the story even more engaging. Naturally Ja-hong’s journey in the afterlife is far from smooth as the guardians too are disturbed by unknown forces, forcing Gangrim to travel to Earth and find out its cause, which leads to even more complications.
He and his guardians encounter different characters, so expect to see the film’s all-star cast. And again,turn a blind eye to the fantastical CGI elements and focus on the revelation of Ja-hong’s life instead. It does make you think of what and how your fate will be determined. It will make you reflect on what you have done, good deeds and bad, while alive.
As of Monday, is the sixth highest-grossing film in South Korea. So it’s worth checking out.