'High Five': Superpowers, Comedy, and a Bit of Controversy
Director Kang Hyoung-cheol’s latest film, High Five, brings a quirky twist to the superhero genre. Billed as a comic action movie, it tells the story of five strangers who receive different organ transplants—and in turn, different superpowers. From telekinesis to invisibility, their newfound abilities quickly draw the attention of villains eager to steal these powers for themselves.
An Original Concept with Comic Energy
Creative Plot Meets Strong Cast
Combining comic relief with fantastical powers, High Five delivers a fresh spin on the traditional superhero film. At its core is a clever twist: equating organ donation with supernatural abilities. Each of the five lead characters receives a different organ—heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and cornea—and each transforms in an unexpected way.
The ensemble cast brings depth and diversity to the screen. These five individuals come from distinct walks of life, adding a dynamic and balanced group chemistry that reflects in their interactions. Their differences, both in personality and powers, inject humor, tension, and emotional depth.
Actors Lee Jae-in and Ahn Jae-hong have received particular praise for their performances. Critics at preview screenings noted their chemistry and comedic timing, which lend a lively energy to the narrative. Their scenes avoid slapstick and lean more into witty banter and heartfelt moments—keeping the absurd premise surprisingly grounded.
Criticism: Sensitive Topics and Unlikely Science
Despite its charm, High Five hasn’t escaped controversy. Some viewers have expressed discomfort with the way the film treats organ transplantation, a deeply personal and emotional subject, as a plot device for quirky powers. While the movie never explicitly mocks transplantation, its light-hearted tone might unintentionally downplay the real-life gravity of these medical procedures.
Critics argue that the connection between organ donation and superpowers stretches believability to the breaking point. Even within the logic of superhero films, where radioactive spiders and cosmic rays are acceptable, transplant-induced powers seem hard to digest. For some audiences, especially those personally connected to organ donation, the idea could feel insensitive.
There’s also a sentiment that the movie leans too heavily on flashy marketing instead of offering deep storytelling. Trailers and promotional material focus more on the power spectacle and less on the emotional arcs of the characters, which might set up false expectations for viewers craving something more substantial.
Promise and Pitfalls: A Mixed Bag
High Five walks a fine line between innovation and indulgence. On one hand, it offers a bold new idea with high entertainment value and a talented cast. On the other, it handles a medically sensitive topic in a way that some may find problematic.
What’s undeniable is the film’s ambition—it dares to blend action, comedy, ensemble storytelling, and even social commentary (albeit lightly) into one package. Whether audiences embrace all of that will depend on their own tolerance for unrealistic premises and their expectations for treating serious themes with tact.
For now, early reviews are generally positive, especially among younger viewers and those looking for something offbeat. The film’s international rollout—in the U.S., Vietnam, and 11 other countries—suggests confidence in its cross-cultural appeal. But how it will resonate long-term, especially among more critical moviegoers, remains to be seen.
