The Return of Kang Hyeong-cheol's Magic... Hilarious and Thrilling 'High Five'

[Financial News] "I wanted to make a fun entertainment movie."
The hit director Kang Hyeong-cheol of 'Speed Scandal (2008)' and 'Sunny (2011)' returns after 7 years since 'Swing Kids (2018)'. The 15 billion won blockbuster 'High Five', released on the 30th, is a comic action film that faithfully implements Director Kang's goal on screen.
This movie features ordinary people who become superhumans after receiving organ transplants from an unidentified man. The main characters are Taekwondo girl Wanseo (Lee Jae-in) who becomes a champion after a heart transplant, aspiring writer Jiseong (Ahn Jae-hong) who shoots energy blasts, yogurt lady Seonnyeo (Ra Mi-ran) with secret powers, hipster Gidong (Yoo Ah-in) who controls electromagnetic waves, and office worker Yakseon (Kim Hee-won) who gains healing abilities, all opposing the cult leader Youngchun (Shin Goo·Jin Young) who wants to become a god.
The film transitions between the ordinary and the extraordinary, unfolding a delightful and refreshing comedy with B-grade sensibility and thrilling A-grade action. Unlike Hollywood superheroes, the process of ordinary citizens joining forces is humorously chaotic.
Director Kang, who gathered actors known for comedy like Ahn Jae-hong, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Hee-won, and Oh Jung-se, confidently stated, "The actors' performances alone will be a point of interest."
Additionally, the presence of veteran Shin Goo and the action thrills in the latter part of the film, highlighted by newcomers Lee Jae-in and Jin Young, stand out.
All of Wanseo's movements, the axis of action, are based on Taekwondo. Lee Jae-in underwent about 10 months of action training in Taekwondo, boxing, and gymnastics for wire action, performing most scenes without a stunt double. Wanseo moves at super speed with a stride of 3 meters, filmed at about 2000 times speed on a blue mat and enhanced with VFX to create a digital character, which was then combined with the actor's performance filmed at each location to complete vivid scenes.
Wanseo's abilities are fully revealed in the showdown with 'master of brawling' Youngchun, which resembles a statue clash in the latter part. Their action scenes, which they tirelessly rehearsed, are fast, thrilling, and impactful.
In his previous work 'Sunny', Director Kang used popular songs to evoke nostalgia, and he again places music appropriately to add rhythm to the film. The first moment Wanseo realizes her superpowers while running up a hill is heightened by The Smashing Pumpkins' 'I Am One'. Sister Sledge's 'We Are Family', almost the main theme of 'High Five', symbolizes the strong teamwork of the members who eventually become one.
Ahn Jae-hong said, "We enjoyed filming each scene so much that it's called Kang Hyeong-cheol's magic," conveying the atmosphere on set.
Ra Mi-ran also added, "The yogurt cart chase scene was filmed dozens of times in many locations," and "It's a shame it feels like 'time flew by' when edited, but it reminds me of our hot and intense summer on set."
Oh Jung-se, who played Wanseo's 'daughter's fool' father, described the movie as "a film that delights the eyes, ears, and warms the heart."
The release of this movie was delayed for a while due to the risk associated with Yoo Ah-in, one of the cast members.
Director Kang said, "This movie is not the result of one person but a work created by many actors and staff dedicating a part of their lives," and "I hope the sincerity and effort in the film are conveyed to the audience."
He added, "There is fun to offset Yoo Ah-in's risk," and "I realized anew how precious and honorable it is to see my film on the screen again before the release. I hope all Korean films thrive in the magical space of theaters."



  
jashin@fnnews.com Reporter Shin Jin-a