Five People Who Became Superhumans Overnight, 'Comic·Action Loaded' Rushes Forward [Weekend Culture]

"I wanted to make a fun entertainment movie."

'Speed Scandal (2008)' 'Sunny (2011)' hit director Kang Hyeong-cheol 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 a mysterious man. Taekwondo girl Wan-seo (Lee Jae-in), who became a strongman after receiving a heart transplant, aspiring writer Ji-seong (Ahn Jae-hong) who shoots energy blasts, yogurt lady Seon-nyeo (Ra Mi-ran) with secret powers, hipster Gi-dong (Yoo Ah-in) who manipulates electromagnetic waves, and office worker Yak-seon (Kim Hee-won) who gains healing powers, confront the pseudo-religious leader Yeong-chun (Shin Goo·Jin-young) who wants to become a god.

The film, which oscillates between the ordinary and extraordinary, unfolds with B-grade sensibility comedy and thrilling A-grade action in a refreshing and exhilarating manner. Unlike Hollywood superheroes, the process of ordinary citizens joining forces unfolds chaotically, evoking laughter. Director Kang, who gathered actors known for their comedic skills 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." The presence of veteran Shin Goo and the action excitement in the latter half, led by newcomers Lee Jae-in and Jin-young, also stand out.

All of Wan-seo's movements, the axis of action, are based on Taekwondo. Lee Jae-in underwent about 10 months of action training including Taekwondo, boxing, and gymnastics for wire action, performing most scenes without a double.

Wan-seo also moves at super speed with a stride of 3 meters, for which Lee Jae-in's movements were filmed at about 2000 times speed on a blue mat, and VFX effects were added to create a digital character, which was then combined with the actor's performance filmed at each location to complete lively scenes. Wan-seo's ability is fully revealed in the showdown with 'master of brawls' Yeong-chun, which looks like a clash of statues in the latter half. The action scene between the two, who constantly matched their moves as if their bodies would break, is fast, thrilling, and impactful. Director Kang, who used popular domestic and international songs abundantly in 'Sunny' to evoke nostalgia, again places music appropriately to add rhythm to the film. When Wan-seo realizes her superpowers while running up a hill, The Smashing Pumpkins' 'I Am One' doubles the thrill. Sister Sledge's 'We Are Family', almost the main theme of 'High Five', symbolizes the tight teamwork of the members who eventually become one.

Ahn Jae-hong said, "I enjoyed filming each scene so much that it could be called Kang Hyeong-cheol magic," conveying the atmosphere on set. Ra Mi-ran also said, "The yogurt cart chase scene was shot dozens of times across many locations," adding, "It's a shame that it feels like 'time flies' when put together, but it reminds me of our hot and intense summer on set." Oh Jung-se, who played Wan-seo's 'daughter-fool' father, described it as "a movie that is pleasing to the eyes, ears, and warms the heart." The release of this film was delayed for a while due to the risk associated with one of the cast members, Yoo Ah-in. Director Kang said, "This film is not the result of one person but a work made by many actors and staff dedicating a part of their lives," and "I hope the joy contained in this sincere and effort-filled film is delivered to the audience." He added, "There is fun that offsets the Yoo Ah-in risk," and "I feel anew how precious and glorious it is to see my film on screen again before its release. I hope all Korean films thrive in the magical space of theaters."

jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter