overall this film is very enjoyable, and one of the better Korean films I've watched over the past 3 years. I felt I enjoyed at least half of the amount of special effects in the film. I especially enjoyed Ha Jung-woo's performance, and most of the other actors' performances are enjoyable, too.

the film begs for the audience's empathy, emotion, and attention as we, the audience, immerse ourselves with the characters, and the development of the stories.

it took me probably somewhere from the 2nd to the 4th part of the hell journey before I began to appreciate the film. there are weaker moments through the film, and at times they felt dragging or boring, but I can understand that it was not an easy film to make and story to weave. I think there are some nice moral and philosophical values in the film, too. and surprisingly, I would love to re-watch the film again some day. and that is saying a lot, because I re-watch only rarely.

i don't feel the story or theme in this film is original. in part i am slightly reminded by Dante's Inferno, and in part by numerous other older films that dwell on life after death and trials/tribulations. however, the retelling of such themes and the unique presentation in this film is partially what made it kind of unique.