Along with the Gods

In a bustling urban center in Korea, a colossal structure is ablaze, flames licking the sky. Amidst the chaos, a firefighter named Hong bravely leaps from the inferno, determined to rescue a civilian. However, his rope succumbs to the intense heat, sending him plummeting to the ground, devoid of the safety cushion. As Hong's life flashes before his eyes, he miraculously wakes up after saving a young girl from imminent danger.

Staggering to his feet, Hong rushes toward the girl's family, but his attempts to communicate yield no response. Amid the pandemonium, two individuals in suits—Choon and Mak—smile at him, addressing him as a paragon who has passed away. They explain that Hong is now set to face the seven trials of judgments and lead him toward the gates where their leader, Rim, awaits.

Struggling to absorb this surreal information, Hong walks away, witnessing his comrades mourning his apparent demise. Desperate to see his mother, he vociferously protests against his untimely death. Yet, his body levitates toward a colossal portal. In a different dimension, Hong meets Rim, a leader who has facilitated 47 souls' reincarnation over the past century.

Despite being hailed as a paragon, Hong refuses the accolade, questioning the guardians' motives. They disclose a deal with the king of hell, Yeomra, wherein helping 49 souls through trials within the century would allow them to become human again. The first trial unfolds in the Mountain of Murder, a nightmarish realm filled with lava, where Hong is accused of indirectly causing a colleague's death by inaction.

Rim defends Hong, revealing the true circumstances—his futile attempt to save a trapped colleague. Acknowledging Hong's heroism, the judge exonerates him, marking the beginning of a journey through subsequent trials. However, Hong grapples with the guilt of his colleague's demise. The guardians unveil their motivations—personal aspirations tied to helping the deceased souls.

The trial of Indolence ensues, recounting Hong's selfless deeds, but a twist occurs when Hong admits that his driving force was money. The judgment shifts, condemning him to a punishment involving a giant machine chasing and crushing the indolent. The guardians intervene, revealing Hong's true motivation—to support his ailing mother and fund his brother's education.

Embarking on a boat, the team faces monstrous pursuit before a fierce battle. Rim's investigation into Hong's family reveals a vengeful spirit—his deceased brother, Soo. Pursuing Soo, Rim uncovers a military conspiracy involving Soo's death. Simultaneously, Hong undergoes trials related to deceit, violence, and filial impiety, facing accusations that unveil his hidden past.

In a complex web of revelations, Rim confronts Soo's vengeful spirit, striving to guide him toward forgiveness. Hong's trials culminate in the Hell of Filial Impiety, where accusations of violence against his family threaten his fate. A risky plea by Choon intertwines the trials, exposing a painful truth about Hong's desperate act to end his family's suffering.

As the trials unfold, Soo's vengeful spirit wreaks havoc, Rim attempts to save souls, and Hong faces a devastating judgment from King Yeomra. A surprising twist occurs as Rim enables Soo to communicate with his mother in a dream, revealing Hong's 15 years of penance. Moved by this familial forgiveness, King Yeomra pardons Hong, allowing him to be reincarnated.

In the mortal realm, Soo becomes the 49th reincarnation, fulfilling the guardians' deal. The group charges into the Hell of Filial Impiety, battling demons to reach the king of hell. The movie concludes with Rim's quest for redemption and the guardians' pursuit of rebirth.

The narrative intricately weaves trials, revelations, and complex emotions, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the intricate fabric of familial bonds. The characters grapple with their pasts, confront inner demons, and seek forgiveness, culminating in a riveting cinematic experience.