It's cute, cheerful, and clever. It perfectly blends B-grade comedy with A-grade action, making it the best for enjoying without thinking. The strengths of being a character movie shine through, showcasing unique and vibrant charms. It's like watching a comic version, or rather a game version of 'Moving', a superhero film 'High Five'.
The film depicts the story of five individuals who accidentally gain superpowers through organ transplants and encounter those who seek their abilities.
The protagonists include 'Wan-seo' (Lee Jae-in), a taekwondo girl who received a heart transplant; 'Ji-seong' (Ahn Jae-hong), a screenwriter who received a lung transplant; 'Seon-nyeo' (Ra Mi-ran), a fresh manager who received a kidney transplant; 'Yak-seon' (Kim Hee-won), an FM work team leader who received a liver transplant; and 'Gi-dong' (Yoo Ah-in), a hipster unemployed person who received a cornea transplant, along with a cult leader (Shin Gu, Jin Young) who received a pancreas transplant.
Directed by Kang Hyoung-cheol, known for films like 'Speed Scandal' (2008) and 'Sunny' (2011).
The concept of gaining superpowers through the organs of superhumans is unique from the start. It's also fun to discover the distinct colors and corresponding abilities of each character. The skillful tone control that brings everyday characters into a comic-like realm and the smart use of various devices, including music, stand out. The warm energy of a human drama is also present, proving the director's veteran status.
What makes the potentially awkward and cringeworthy world captivating is solely the strength of the actors. From the good energy to the anticipated B-grade charm and the unexpected sexy charisma, all characters come to life. Individually, they are full of personality, and when brought together, they shine even brighter, creating an excellent ensemble.
Above all, the action quality exceeds expectations. The refreshing impact and comic-like movements maximize the genre's thrill, with the sequences featuring Lee Jae-in and Jin Young being overwhelming. It faithfully maintains the identity of 'fantasy comedy action' and excellently captures the genre's excitement.
If you initially had a rejection towards this genre, it might feel childish. It's a 100% harmless entertainment movie with no seriousness to be found. If you accept it as a B-grade comedy version of Disney+'s 'Moving', you can enjoy a variety of fun. (It's not as hardcore and absurd as 'Handsome Guys'.)
If you've decided to watch it, I highly recommend seeing it in theaters. The action thrill and killing points unique to 'High Five' are maximized on the screen. At the end of the childishness, you can receive fresh inspiration and unexpected big laughs. Surprisingly, Yoo Ah-in's presence is not overly distracting. Instead, he might provide a twist that leaves you feeling perplexed. P.S. Successful audience training!
Released on May 30. Running time 119 minutes. Rated for ages 15 and up.
